When it comes to workplace safety in Australia, Slippery When Wet signs are some of the most essential pieces of safety equipment. From bustling shopping centres in Sydney to construction sites in Brisbane and hospitality venues in Perth, keeping people safe from wet surface hazards is not just a legal requirement - it’s a smart business decision.
But did you know that the materials of your safety signage can impact its durability, visibility and effectiveness at preventing slips, trips and falls? In this guide, we break down the key materials used for Slippery When Wet signs, helping you choose the right solution for your site while balancing safety, compliance and cost.
Why Material Choice Matters in Australia’s Diverse Environments
Australia’s diverse climate - from humid tropical coasts to blistering inland heat and unpredictable storms - means your signage needs to perform under a variety of conditions. Selecting the right material ensures your Slippery When Wet signage:
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Remains visible and legible under different lighting and weather conditions
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Resists fading, warping, cracking or peeling
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Meets Australian safety standards and compliance requirements
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Reduces replacement costs over time
Additionally, material choice often signals whether a sign is temporary or permanent, which is crucial for compliance and ensuring hazards are appropriately marked.
The Most Common Materials Used for ‘Slippery When Wet’ Signs in Australia
Below, we break down each material commonly used - plus where and why you’d use it.
Anti-Slip Vinyl Stickers
Best for: High-traffic indoor areas, tiled floors, lobbies commercial kitchens
Anti-slip vinyl stickers are specifically designed for floor use, featuring a textured laminate that maintains grip even when wet. They are easy to install, come in various sizes and colours, and provide excellent slip resistance where it’s needed most.
Example:
Perfect for kitchens and warehouses where wet areas regularly appear.
Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP)
Best for: Long-term indoor or outdoor signage
ACP panels feature a polyethylene core sandwiched between aluminium sheets, offering durability, weather resistance and a sleek professional appearance. Ideal for car parks, public pools or building exteriors, these signs withstand UV, storms and daily wear.
Example:
Caution Slippery When Wet Icon Sign
Ideal for car parks, public pool areas, or building exteriors where permanent, highly visible safety warnings are needed.
Vinyl Stickers (Self-Adhesive)
Best for: Indoor use on walls, doors or glass surfaces
These industrial-grade stickers resist moisture, chemicals and general wear. They conform to slightly curved surfaces and are cost-effective for both short- and long-term indoor applications, perfect for gyms, retail outlets and hospitality spaces.
Example:
Caution Slippery When Wet Icon Portrait Sign
Perfect for gyms, hospitality venues, and retail outlets where signs need to be placed on walls, glass or partitions.
Corflute (Corrugated Plastic)
Best for: Temporary outdoor use, construction sites, events
Corflute is lightweight, economical and easy to replace. Ideal for temporary setups, it is weather-resistant for short- to medium-term outdoor use and can be mounted on fences, walls or posts.
Example:
Caution Slippery When Wet Sign
Widely used on Aussie construction sites where conditions change frequently, requiring temporary but clear hazard warnings.
Portable Signage: A-Frames & Bollard Covers
Best for: Highly visible, reusable, mobile warnings
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Yellow A-Frames: Bright, foldable and easy to deploy indoors or outdoors.
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Evarite A-Frames: Heavy-duty, UV-stabilised plastic, perfect for harsh conditions.
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A-Frames with Corflute Inserts: Versatile with interchangeable inserts for multiple hazard warnings.
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Corflute Bollard Covers: Slip over posts for temporary outdoor alerts in car parks or warehouse entries.
Example:
Yellow A-Frame - Slippery When Wet
High Visibility Materials
The above material options can also be printed onto high-visibility finishes, including reflective materials and Glow in the Dark options, ideal for low-light or night-time areas. These finishes enhance safety by making your Slippery When Wet signs more noticeable when it matters most.
Reflective Materials:
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Class 1 Reflective: High-intensity reflectivity with a honeycomb pattern, suitable for critical safety zones like roadworks, transport hubs, or areas with poor lighting.
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Class 2 Reflective: Engineer-grade reflectivity for general warnings where enhanced visibility is helpful but not essential.
Glow in the Dark:
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Charges under natural or artificial light and remains visible in darkness.
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Ideal for emergency exit areas, dimly lit hallways or night-time outdoor spaces.
Using Glow in the Dark or reflective materials ensures your signage remains effective in all lighting conditions, maximising safety for employees, visitors and the public.
How to Choose the Right Material for Your ‘Slippery When Wet’ Sign
Before ordering your signs, consider these factors to ensure you pick the right material:
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use:
Outdoor signs must handle UV exposure, rain and wind. Aluminium Composite Panel and Evarite A-frames shine here.
Temporary vs. Permanent:
Need a sign for one job or an ongoing risk? Corflute is great for temporary setups, while Aluminium Composite Panel suits permanent installations.
Visibility Requirements:
For high-traffic or low-light areas, reflective materials, bold yellow A-frames or Glow in the Dark signs grab attention fast.
Safety Compliance:
Ensure materials meet Australian Standards and align with your industry’s regulations (workplace safety, building codes, etc.).
Budget:
Balance upfront cost with longevity - cheaper Corflute works for short bursts, but Aluminium Composite Panel saves money long-term.
Complementary Safety Signage
For a complete workplace safety strategy, consider pairing your Slippery When Wet signs with other essential safety signage. Cleaning Signs alert staff and visitors to ongoing cleaning tasks, while Caution Signs highlight general hazards and help maintain awareness across your premises. Watch Your Step Signs are perfect for stairs, uneven surfaces, and high-traffic areas, providing extra guidance where trips are more likely.
Using complementary signage alongside your Slippery When Wet signs not only enhances safety but also demonstrates a proactive approach to compliance, helping protect employees, visitors and your business from potential accidents.
The Bottom Line: Invest in the Right Material for Maximum Safety and Value
Slippery When Wet signs are non-negotiable for Australian businesses. Choosing the right material ensures your signage remains highly visible, durable and compliant. It demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety and helps prevent accidents before they happen.
By understanding your environment, traffic flow and hazard risks, you can select the most suitable material the first time - saving costs, enhancing safety and maintaining compliance across your site.
FAQ's
1. What material is best for permanent outdoor Slippery When Wet signs in Australia?
Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) is the best choice for permanent outdoor signs. It resists weather, UV damage, and corrosion, making it ideal for Australia’s climate.
2. Are anti-slip floor stickers safe to walk on when wet?
Yes. Anti-slip vinyl stickers are designed with a textured surface to maintain grip even when wet, making them safe for high-traffic indoor areas.
3. What’s the most portable option for temporary Slippery When Wet signage?
Yellow A-Frame signs or Evarite A-Frames are highly portable, reusable, and designed for quick deployment wherever hazards arise.
4. Do reflective Slippery When Wet signs meet Australian standards?
Reflective signs, especially Class 1 reflective, meet road safety and visibility requirements for Australian workplaces that operate at night or in low-light.
5. Can I use Corflute signs outdoors?
Yes - Corflute signs are lightweight and weather-resistant, but they’re best suited for short to medium length outdoor use like construction sites or events.