Stay Safe & Compliant: Our Most Popular Mandatory Signage Picks

Stay Safe & Compliant: Our Most Popular Mandatory Signage Picks

When it comes to safety in Australian workplaces, Mandatory Signs play a crucial role. From warehouses and construction sites to hospitality venues and farms, Mandatory Signage helps create a safer environment by clearly communicating what actions are required in a specific area. If you’re unsure where to start, this guide will walk you through our Top 10 Mandatory Sign products - the ones most commonly ordered by Australian businesses.

We’ll also cover what Mandatory Signs actually are, how to choose the right ones for your site, and why they matter for legal compliance and safety.

What Are Mandatory Signs?

Mandatory Signs are safety signs that instruct people to carry out a specific action. They fall under Australian Standards AS 1319-1994. These signs typically feature a blue circle with a white pictogram or text indicating the compulsory behaviour.

The key word here is compulsory. These are Compulsory Signs, meaning the action must be followed - it’s not a suggestion. Failure to comply can result in injuries, fines or work stoppages.

For example:

  • Wearing hearing protection in noisy areas

  • Washing hands in designated sinks

  • Keeping gates closed for security or safety reasons

Mandatory PPE Signs are one of the most common types of Mandatory Signage in Australia, particularly in industrial, construction and manufacturing sectors.

But with so many options available, which signs should you start with?

Here’s a look at the most popular Mandatory Signs purchased by Australian businesses like yours:

 

Our Top 10 Mandatory Sign Products

1. This Is A Hand Washing Sink Only Sign

Hand hygiene isn’t just for hospitals — it’s essential on construction sites, in warehouses and in food preparation areas. This Mandatory Sign clearly communicates that the sink is solely for hand washing, helping reduce contamination risks.

This is a prime example of Compulsory Signage that supports health and hygiene protocols. It’s especially relevant in hospitality, food production and any workplace where contamination is a risk.

2. PPE Must Be Worn Sign 1: Hard Hat, Ear Protection, Safety Boots, Safety Vest

One of our best-sellers, this Personal Protection Equipment Sign covers multiple forms of PPE in one display. It removes any guesswork about what’s required on site. Hard hats, hearing protection, safety boots and high-vis vests. This Mandatory PPE Signage ensures workers are properly equipped before entering a hazardous area.

For new projects or visitors on site, PPE Mandatory Signs like this help improve compliance and reduce injury risks. 

3. Hearing And Eye Protection Must Be Worn In This Area Sign

In areas with cutting, grinding, drilling or machinery operation, dual PPE requirements are common. This sign clearly indicates that both hearing and eye protection are non-negotiable.

It’s an essential part of Mandatory PPE Signage in manufacturing plants, engineering workshops and heavy vehicle maintenance areas. Mandatory Safety Signage like this reduces the risk of long-term injuries such as hearing loss or eye trauma.

4. High Visibility Vest And Safety Footwear Must Be Worn Sign

Construction sites, logistics hubs and transport yards often require more than just one form of protection. This Mandatory Sign clearly communicates that PPE isn’t optional - high-vis clothing and appropriate safety footwear are compulsory.

It’s one of the most effective Mandatory Signs for keeping workers safe around moving machinery, vehicles and forklifts. This type of Compulsory Signage ensures your team is easily visible and protected from common on-site hazards.

5. HiVis Vest Area Safety Sign

Sometimes, a simple reminder is all that’s needed. The HiVis Vest Area Safety Sign is ideal for entryways to designated zones where high visibility is required.

It complements other Mandatory Safety Signage perfectly, acting as a constant visual prompt to wear the appropriate PPE. By using clear, direct instructions, this Mandatory Sign helps maintain consistent safety habits on busy worksites.

6. PPE Personal Protective Equipment Stored Here Symbol Sign: Hard Hat, Ear Protection, Safety Boots, Safety Vest

Keeping your PPE organised is as important as wearing it. This sign identifies where essential Personal Protection Equipment is stored, specifically Hard Hats, Ear Protection, Safety Boots and Safety Vests helping workers locate what they need quickly. 

By incorporating this Mandatory Sign into your storage or change room areas, you help streamline workflows and improve safety compliance. It’s an incredibly useful form of Mandatory PPE Signage.

7. Keep Gate Closed At All Times Sign

Not every Mandatory Sign is about PPE. This Keep Gate Closed At All Times Sign is a must-have for secure areas, livestock properties or sites with restricted access.

Whether it’s protecting workers from machinery or preventing unauthorised entry, Compulsory Signs like this help prevent accidents and security breaches. Gates left open could be all it takes for an accident to happen - this sign ensures that’s not an option.

8. Safety Footwear Site Sign

Another staple of Mandatory PPE Signage, this Safety Footwear Site Sign reminds workers and visitors that sturdy, appropriate footwear is required before entry. It’s particularly useful in construction, warehousing and landscaping industries.

By using Compulsory Signage to enforce this rule, you help prevent injuries from heavy objects, sharp debris or slippery surfaces.

9. PPE Personal Protective Equipment Stored Here Sign

Similar to the earlier specific equipment storage versions, this is a general PPE equipment storage sign.  It helps clearly communicate where to find essential safety gear. It’s especially helpful in multilingual workplaces or for reinforcing other visual Mandatory PPE Signage.

Having the right Personal Protection Equipment Sign for storage areas ensures quick access to safety gear and avoids delays in high-risk situations.

10. Please Keep Toilets Clean And Tidy Sign

It may seem basic, but hygiene signage matters. This sign is a gentle but firm reminder that all employees and visitors are expected to maintain cleanliness in shared facilities.

While not directly related to PPE, it forms part of broader Mandatory Safety Signage efforts to ensure workplaces remain clean, safe and hygienic for everyone.

How to Choose the Right Mandatory Signs for Your Site

Selecting the right Mandatory Signage starts with understanding your risks and legal obligations:

  1. Conduct a Risk Assessment – Identify hazards and determine what behaviours or PPE are necessary to prevent injuries.

  2. Match Signs to Hazards – If your site involves noise, you’ll need hearing protection signage. If there’s potential for flying debris, eye protection signs are essential.

  3. Prioritise Visibility – Ensure signs are installed at eye level, at key entry points and in well-lit areas.

  4. Consult Australian Standards – Your signage should comply with AS 1319-1994, which governs the use of Mandatory Safety Signage in Australia.

Why Mandatory Signs Matter

Using the correct Mandatory Signs isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes -it’s about protecting people. Whether you’re working with machinery, hazardous materials or simply managing hygiene, clear Compulsory Signs ensure that everyone knows exactly what’s expected of them.

Good PPE Signs prevents accidents. Strong Mandatory PPE Signage fosters a safety-first culture. And understanding the PPE Sign meanings gives your workers the confidence to follow the rules properly.

If you’re starting from scratch or just topping up your Mandatory Signage, these Top 10 products are a smart, practical place to begin.

Need help choosing the right signs for your site? Get in touch with our team - we’re here to help you meet Australian standards with reliable, compliant Mandatory Signs.

 

FAQ's

1. What are Mandatory Signs used for?
Mandatory Signs are used to instruct people to carry out specific actions for safety - such as wearing PPE, washing hands or closing gates.

2. Are Mandatory Signs required by law in Australia?
Yes. Under Australian Standard AS 1319-1994, Mandatory Signage is required wherever specific behaviours or PPE are legally compulsory for safety.

3. What does a PPE Sign Mean?
A PPE Sign tells workers and visitors what specific Personal Protection Equipment must be worn in a designated area, such as helmets, boots or high-vis vests.

4. Can I customise Mandatory Signs for my workplace?
Absolutely. We offer custom Mandatory PPE Signage to suit site-specific requirements while remaining compliant with Australian standards.

5. Where should Mandatory Signs be placed?
Install Mandatory Signs at entrances, change rooms, near hazards and in storage areas - anywhere people need to be reminded of compulsory actions.

 

Related Blogs 

Know Your PPE Signs: Decoding PPE Sign Meanings

The Importance of PPE Signage: Ensuring Safety in the Workplace

Know the Difference: Mandatory Signs and Prohibition Signs Unpacked

Safety First: What are the Colours of Mandatory Signs and why they Matter

The Most Common types of PPE Signs in Aussie Workplaces

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