Safety Signs & Symbols
Construction sites use standardised safety signs to communicate hazards, instructions, and emergency information. This topic covers the four categories of safety signs in Australia β prohibition (red circle), mandatory (blue circle), warning (yellow triangle), and emergency/information (green rectangle) β along with barricading and exclusion zone requirements.
Study Guide: Safety Signs & Symbols
Review these sample questions before starting the practice test.
Q1: Under AS 1319, what colour is a prohibition sign?
- A. Blue circle
- B. Green rectangle
- C. Yellow triangle
- D. Red circle with diagonal line β
Prohibition signs under AS 1319 feature a red circle with a red diagonal line on a white background. They indicate actions that must NOT be taken.
Q2: What does a blue circular sign indicate on a construction site?
- A. Prohibition β do not do this
- B. Warning β hazard ahead
- C. Emergency information
- D. Mandatory β you must do this β
Blue circular signs are mandatory signs under AS 1319. They tell you what you MUST do, such as wear PPE or follow a specific procedure.
Q3: A yellow triangle with a black symbol indicates what type of sign?
- A. Warning or caution β
- B. Prohibition
- C. Mandatory
- D. Emergency information
Warning or caution signs under AS 1319 feature a yellow triangle with a black border and symbol, alerting workers to a hazard in the area.
Q4: What colour and shape are emergency information signs?
- A. Green rectangle with white symbol β
- B. Blue circle
- C. Yellow triangle
- D. Red circle
Emergency information signs are green rectangles with white symbols or text. They indicate safety equipment, exits, and first aid locations.
Q5: A sign showing a crossed-out cigarette in a red circle means what?
- A. No smoking β
- B. Smoking area ahead
- C. Fire extinguisher location
- D. Flammable materials stored here
A red prohibition circle with a crossed-out cigarette means no smoking is permitted in that area.
Q6: Which type of sign would show the location of a first aid kit?
- A. Emergency information sign (green) β
- B. Warning sign
- C. Mandatory sign
- D. Prohibition sign
First aid locations are indicated by green emergency information signs with a white cross symbol, making them easy to find in an emergency.
Q7: What does a sign with a white hard hat on a blue circle mean?
- A. Hard hats are available for purchase
- B. Hard hats are optional
- C. Hard hat storage area
- D. Hard hats must be worn in this area β
A blue mandatory sign with a white hard hat symbol means hard hats must be worn in that area. It is not optional.
Q8: What should you do if you cannot understand a safety sign on site?
- A. Ask your supervisor or site safety officer for clarification β
- B. Ignore it
- C. Remove the sign
- D. Assume it does not apply to you
If you cannot understand a safety sign, always ask your supervisor or site safety officer. Never ignore safety signage.
Ready to practice all 43 questions? Start the interactive quiz below.