Asbestos Signs and Stickers: What They Are, Where They're Used, and Why They Matter

Asbestos remains one of Australia's most serious workplace health hazards. Despite being banned from use in new buildings since 2003, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still present in millions of homes, commercial buildings, and industrial sites across the country. That's why asbestos signs and asbestos stickers play a critical role — clearly identifying where ACMs exist, warning workers and the public of potential exposure risks, and ensuring compliance with Australian safety regulations.

At New Signs, we manufacture a full range of asbestos warning labels, asbestos removal signs, and asbestos stickers built to Australian standards,  durable, legible, and ready for the toughest environments.

What Are Asbestos Signs?

Asbestos signs are safety signs used to identify the presence of asbestos or asbestos-containing materials in a building, structure, or site. They serve as a legal and practical warning to anyone who may come into contact with the area, from tradespeople and contractors to building occupants and emergency services personnel.

In Australia, the display of asbestos warning labels is governed by Safe Work Australia guidelines and state-based WHS regulations. Failure to correctly identify and label asbestos-containing areas can result in significant fines, legal liability, and most critically, preventable health risks.

Who Needs Asbestos Signs?

Asbestos signage isn't just for large construction companies, it's a legal and practical requirement for a broad range of industries and property types. Licensed asbestos removalists must clearly mark exclusion zones and disposal areas on every job site. Builders, electricians, plumbers, and other tradespeople working in pre-1990 buildings need to identify and label any ACMs before work begins.

Property managers and landlords are required to maintain an asbestos register and ensure all identified materials are clearly labelled. Demolition contractors must display asbestos removal signs throughout the duration of any affected project. Even schools, councils, and government facilities have ongoing obligations to label and monitor asbestos-containing materials within their buildings. If your work or property involves any risk of asbestos exposure, compliant signage is not optional, it's the law.

How to Identify If You Need Asbestos Signage

The first step is knowing whether asbestos-containing materials are present on your property or site. In Australia, any building constructed before 1990 should be treated as potentially containing asbestos until proven otherwise. The most reliable way to confirm this is through a professional asbestos inspection and audit, carried out by a licensed asbestos assessor.

The results are documented in an asbestos register, a legal requirement for all workplaces where ACMs are identified or suspected. Once ACMs are confirmed, signage becomes mandatory. As a general rule: if your asbestos register lists any materials, those areas must be labelled with appropriate asbestos warning labels or asbestos stickers at every access point. If you're unsure whether your current signage meets WHS requirements, our team at New Signs can help with ordering the correct sign types, sizes, and placement for your specific situation.

Where Are Asbestos Signs and Stickers Used?

Asbestos signs and asbestos stickers are required across a wide range of settings, including:

• Residential properties — older homes built before 1990 that contain fibro sheeting, roof tiles, or insulation with ACMs
• Commercial buildings — offices, warehouses, and retail spaces undergoing renovation or demolition
• Construction and demolition sites — where asbestos removal sign requirements are strictly enforced under WHS legislation
• Industrial facilities — factories, power stations, and processing plants where legacy asbestos insulation may still be present
• Schools and public buildings — particularly those built between the 1950s and 1980s
• Vehicles and equipment — where asbestos-containing gaskets or brake linings have been identified

Wherever ACMs are present or suspected, clear and compliant asbestos warning labels must be displayed.

Types of Asbestos Signs We Offer

At New Signs, our range covers every application:

• Asbestos Warning Labels — compact, adhesive-backed stickers for labelling pipes, panels, equipment, and materials containing asbestos
• Asbestos Stickers — self-adhesive warning asbestos stickers suitable for indoor and outdoor surfaces, resistant to moisture and UV exposure
• Asbestos Removal Signs — larger format signs for construction and demolition sites, clearly marking exclusion zones and removal areas
• Custom Asbestos Signs — tailored to your site layout, regulatory requirements, or corporate safety standards

All products are available in a range of sizes and materials to suit permanent installations or temporary site use.

Why Choose Australian-Made Asbestos Signs?

When it comes to safety signage, quality and compliance are non-negotiable. Our asbestos signs are:

• Manufactured in-house in Australia for fast turnaround and consistent quality
• Printed on durable substrates including weatherproof vinyl and rigid aluminium composite panels
• Designed to Australian safety standards with correct colour coding, pictograms, and wording
• Available in bulk for contractors, safety managers, and facilities teams managing multiple sites

Cutting corners on asbestos warning labels is never worth the risk. Our signs are built to last and designed to be seen.

Ready to Order?

Don't leave asbestos identification to chance. Browse our full range of asbestos signs, asbestos stickers, and custom signs at New Signs, Australian-made, built to last, and compliant with workplace safety standards. Contact us for bulk pricing or custom orders.

 

 

 

FAQ's

Q. Are asbestos signs a legal requirement in Australia?

Yes. Under the Work Health and Safety Regulations, any identified asbestos or ACM in a workplace must be labelled with appropriate asbestos warning labels. Requirements vary slightly by state, consult your local WHS authority for specific obligations.

Q. What should an asbestos sign say?

At minimum, an asbestos sign should include the word "ASBESTOS" or "CAUTION: ASBESTOS" along with a warning not to disturb the material. Many signs also include the relevant Australian Standard reference and a contact number for the responsible party.

Q. Can I use asbestos stickers outdoors?

Yes. Our warning asbestos stickers are available on weatherproof, UV-resistant materials suitable for outdoor use on fences, hoardings, equipment, and building exteriors.

Q. How quickly can you produce asbestos removal signs?

Standard orders are typically ready within 2–3 business days. We offer Express Shipping Australia Wide with Australia Post or pick up from our Melbourne Warehouse. 

Q. Do you offer custom asbestos warning labels?

Yes. We can produce custom asbestos warning labels to your specifications, including custom sizes, additional text, site-specific information, or your company branding.

 

 

 

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