Poison Signs: Everything You Need to Know

Poison signs are safety signs used to warn people of the presence of toxic, poisonous, or hazardous substances. They fall under a broader category of hazard signage that includes Danger, Warning, and Caution classifications, each with a specific meaning and level of risk.

• Danger Signs – Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
• Warning Signs – A potentially hazardous situation that could result in death or serious injury.
• Caution Signs – A potentially hazardous situation that may result in minor or moderate injury.

Understanding which classification applies to your situation is the first step in choosing the right poison signage.

The Poison Symbol, What Does It Mean?

The poison symbol (☠) commonly known as the skull and crossbones is one of the most universally recognised hazard symbols in the world. It signals that a substance is toxic and potentially fatal if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.

In Australia, poison signage must comply with relevant workplace health and safety (WHS) regulations and Australian Standards. The symbol is used across a wide range of industries including:

• Chemical manufacturing
• Agriculture and pest control
• Healthcare and laboratories
• Mining and resources
• Food processing and storage

Types of Poison Signage

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to poison signage. Depending on your environment and the substances involved, you may need a combination of the following:

1. Standard Poison Signs
Wall-mounted or post-mounted signs displaying the poison symbol, often with text such as "Poison - Keep Out" or "Toxic Substances Stored Here."

2. Hazchem Signs
Hazchem signage (Hazardous Chemicals) is required by law for the transport and storage of dangerous goods in Australia. They communicate the type of hazard, emergency response codes, and UN numbers to emergency services.

3. Warning and Caution Signs
Warning & Caution Signs are used in areas where toxic substances are present but the risk level may be lower, such as cleaning chemical storage rooms or areas where pesticides are applied.

4. Barrier Tapes
Barrier Tapes are used to cordon off areas where hazardous substances have been spilled or are being handled. They provide a quick, visible barrier to keep unauthorised personnel at a safe distance.

5. Poisonous Symbol Stickers and Labels
Used directly on containers, shelving, and equipment to identify toxic contents at a glance.

Poison Signs vs. Other Hazard Signs

Not all hazard signs are created equal. While poison signs specifically identify toxic substances, they form part of a broader hazard signage system. Here's how they compare:

Sign Type	Symbol	What It Indicates
Poison	Skull & Crossbones	Toxic or fatal substances if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed
Corrosive	Corrosive symbol	Substances that burn or destroy living tissue and materials
Flammable	Flame symbol	Substances that ignite easily and pose a fire risk
Biohazard	Biohazard symbol	Biological substances that pose a threat to living organisms
Oxidiser	Flame over circle	Substances that intensify fire or cause combustion in other materials
Explosive	Exploding bomb	Substances or articles that can explode under certain conditions

Understanding the differences ensures you're using the right sign for the right hazard and staying compliant with Australian dangerous goods regulations.

First Aid & Emergency Response Signage

Poison signs don't work in isolation. In any workplace where toxic substances are present, they should be paired with a complete emergency information signage system, including:

First Aid Signs
First Aid Signs clearly mark the location of first aid kits, eyewash stations, and emergency showers, all critical in the event of toxic substance exposure. In Australia, first aid signs use a white cross on a green background in line with AS 4600 standards.

Emergency Contact Information
Signage displaying the Poisons Information Centre number (13 11 26) and site emergency contacts should be posted in any area where toxic substances are stored or handled.

Spill Response Signs
Identify the location of spill kits and outline the correct response procedure for chemical spills involving toxic substances.

Evacuation & Assembly Point Signs
In the event of a serious toxic exposure or spill, clear evacuation signage ensures everyone on site knows where to go and how to get there safely.

SDS (Safety Data Sheet) Station Markers
Signs indicating where Safety Data Sheets are stored are essential, SDS documents contain critical information about hazardous substances and must be accessible to all workers.

A well-signed workplace doesn't just meet compliance requirements, it gives your team the information they need to act fast in an emergency.

Where Should Poison Signs Be Displayed?

Placement is just as important as the sign itself. Poison signage should be:

• Clearly visible at entry points to any area where toxic substances are stored or used
• At eye level where possible, or at a height appropriate to the environment
• Weatherproof if used outdoors — UV-resistant and waterproof materials are essential
• Compliant with Australian WHS regulations and any relevant industry standards

If you're unsure about placement requirements, consult your WHS officer or refer to Safe Work Australia guidelines.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Poison Signage

Not all signs are created equal. For poison and hazard signage, durability matters. At New Signs, we produce poison signage in a range of materials to suit your environment:

• Corflute — lightweight and cost-effective for temporary or indoor use
• Aluminium Composite Panel — rigid and long-lasting for permanent outdoor installations
• Self-adhesive vinyl stickers — ideal for labelling containers, shelving, and equipment

Stay Compliant. Stay Safe. 

Poison signs aren't just about ticking a compliance box, they're about protecting your people, your visitors, and your business. Whether you need a single poison sign for a storage cupboard or a full suite of Hazchem, danger, warning, and caution signage for a large facility, getting it right from the start saves time, money, and risk down the line.

Need poison signage for your workplace? Browse our range of hazard and safety signs at newsigns.com.au or contact us for a custom quote.

 

 

 

FAQ's

Q: Are poison signs required by law in Australia?
Yes. Under Australian WHS legislation and the Model Work Health and Safety Regulations, employers are required to clearly identify and label hazardous chemicals in the workplace. This includes the use of appropriate poison and hazard signage.

Q: What is the difference between a Danger, Warning, and Caution sign?
These three classifications indicate different levels of risk. Danger signs indicate the highest level of risk (likely death or serious injury), Warning signs indicate a serious but less immediate risk, and Caution signs are used for lower-level hazards that may cause minor injury.

Q: What is a Hazchem sign and when do I need one?
Hazchem (Hazardous Chemicals) signs are mandatory for the storage and transport of dangerous goods above certain quantities in Australia. They display emergency response codes, substance identification numbers, and handling instructions for emergency services.

Q: Can I get custom poison signage printed?
Absolutely. New Signs produces custom hazard and poison signage to your specifications and text. Contact our team for a quote.

Q: How long do outdoor poison signs last?
This depends on the material. Our aluminium signs are built for long-term outdoor use, while corflute is better suited to temporary applications. All outdoor signs benefit from UV-resistant inks and laminate finishes for maximum longevity.

Q: What size should a poison sign be?
Size requirements depend on the viewing distance and the environment. As a general rule, signs should be large enough to be clearly read from the furthest point a person might approach the hazard.

 

 

 

Related Blogs

Navigating through Hazards: The Importance of Warning Signs in Safety Communication

The Essential Guide to Hazchem Signs: Classes, Codes and Compliance

Danger Signage: Enhancing Workplace Safety and Compliance

The Importance of Warning Signs in Enhancing Workplace Safety

Caution Sign vs Warning Sign: Why Knowing the Difference Could Save a Life