Help Me Choose Safety Signs

Choosing safety sign sizes is more than just choosing the size that fits the space available. To comply with AS 1319:1994, you must consider the environment, lighting and viewing distance.

PWS offers a wide range of Brady Health & Safety signs. Our guide to helping you choose the correct safety sign outlines all the essential elements required for compliance.

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According to AS 1319:1994, the recommended minimum sizes are as follows;

Symbolic (picto) and letter signs in a factory or yard environment, where lighting is good and signs are mounted in reasonably prominent positions:

Symbolic sign size:
- 15mm per metre of viewing distance

Letter sizes;
Upper case: 5mm per metre of viewing distance
Lower case: 4mm per metre of viewing distance

Note. Signs in poor lighting conditions, not likely to fall readily into the observer's line of sight - increase legend sizes as per above by 50%.
 

What is the viewing distance?

The viewing distance is the distance between where the sign will be mounted and where the sign should be sighted upon entry to the room/site.

Therefore, if a Warehouse Manager had a viewing distance of 10 metres, the size of the picto needs to be a minimum of 150mm (in diameter), and the uppercase needs to be at least 50mm in height - given that the sign is mounted in a good lighting position.