Buyer's Guide: Best First Aid Signs

Your Essential Guide to First Aid Signage

A sign for first aid is a critical visual guide that directs people to life-saving equipment and assistance during an emergency. When every second counts, these signs help staff and visitors quickly locate first aid kits, eyewash stations, and AEDs.

Key First Aid Sign Types:

• First Aid Kit Signs: Features the universal green cross symbol to mark the location of medical supplies.
• AED Signs: Uses a heart with a lightning bolt symbol to show where a defibrillator is placed.
• Eyewash Station Signs: An eye symbol that marks emergency rinsing equipment.
• First Aid Room Signs: Text-based signs for dedicated medical treatment areas.
• Directional Signs: Arrows that point the way toward first aid facilities.

The universal first aid symbol—a white cross on a green background—is globally recognised. Green is the designated colour for emergency and safety, which is why it's also used for emergency exit signs.

In Australian workplaces, first aid signs are essential for meeting Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) compliance requirements. More importantly, they support the three main objectives of first aid: to preserve life, prevent deterioration, and promote recovery. Proper signage makes the difference between confusion and quick, effective action during an emergency, creating a safer environment for everyone.

Understanding the Different Types of First Aid Signs

When emergencies unfold in your workplace, a well-placed sign for first aid guides people to life-saving equipment and assistance. Understanding the different types available helps ensure you're choosing the right signage to protect your team and visitors.

Common Symbols and Their Meanings

First aid signage uses universal symbols that are understood instantly, which is vital in an emergency. These internationally recognised symbols overcome language barriers, making them essential for diverse Australian workplaces.

• The Green Cross: The white cross on a green background is the universal symbol for first aid. Green is the designated colour for safety, instantly communicating that help or equipment is nearby.
• The AED Heart Symbol: A white heart with a lightning bolt on a green background clearly marks the location of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a critical device for cardiac emergencies.
• The Emergency Eyewash Symbol: A white eye on a green background directs people to rinsing stations, crucial in labs, workshops, or any site where chemicals are handled.

The Red Cross symbol should not be used for general workplace first aid signage. It is a protected emblem of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. For workplace compliance, always use the green and white cross.

When you're ready to explore your options, our comprehensive guide An Essential Guide to Choosing the Right First Aid Signage walks you through the selection process.

Choosing the Right Material and Format for a sign for first aid

A sign for first aid must be durable enough for its environment. Choosing the right material ensures your sign remains visible and effective, from an air-conditioned office to a rugged industrial site.

• Self-Adhesive Vinyl: An economical choice for indoor use. These signs stick easily to smooth, clean surfaces in offices, retail spaces, and sheltered areas.
• Polypropylene: A versatile and durable plastic suitable for both indoor and outdoor conditions. It resists general wear and tear, making it a popular choice for many Australian industries.
• Metal (Aluminium): The most durable option, ideal for harsh environments. Aluminium signs withstand extreme temperatures, UV exposure, and physical impact, making them perfect for construction sites, mines, and industrial facilities.
• Photoluminescent: These "glow-in-the-dark" signs absorb light and remain visible during power outages or in low-light conditions, adding a critical layer of safety.

The format also matters. While standard wall-mounted signs are common, projecting signs that stick out from the wall offer visibility from multiple directions, which is ideal for long corridors, warehouses, and large open spaces.

Browse our complete selection to find the perfect match for your needs: Explore our full range of First Aid Signage.

Compliance and Australian Standards

Using the correct sign for first aid is a legal requirement in Australia that protects your business and your people.

• AS 1319: This is the Australian Standard for safety signs in occupational environments. It dictates the design, colour, and layout for first aid signs, requiring a green background with white symbols and text for clear, consistent communication.
• Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations: These regulations mandate that all Australian workplaces provide adequate first aid facilities. A key part of this is ensuring these resources are clearly identified with appropriate signage so they can be accessed easily.
• Safe Work Australia: This national body provides the framework for WHS laws, and it highlights that proper signage is a fundamental part of demonstrating due diligence in managing workplace safety.

While our signs are manufactured to comply with Australian standards, every workplace is different. It is best practice to conduct a risk assessment to ensure your signage plan meets the specific needs and legal obligations of your site.

For detailed official guidance, refer to Safe Work Australia's resources: More information on workplace first aid requirements.

How to Effectively Use a Sign for First Aid in Your Workplace

Getting the right sign for first aid is just the beginning. Strategic placement is what turns a simple sign into a lifeline that guides people to help when they need it most.

Strategic Placement for Maximum Visibility

A sign for first aid is only effective if it can be seen easily, especially during a stressful emergency. Strategic placement is key to ensuring maximum visibility.

• High-Traffic Areas: Place signs in main corridors, break rooms, and near entrances where they will be seen by the most people.
• Unobstructed Views: Ensure signs are not hidden by equipment, furniture, or other objects. They should be clearly visible from a distance.
• Eye-Level Mounting: Mount signs between 1.5 and 1.8 metres from the floor to place them in a natural line of sight.
• Directly Above Equipment: A sign should be placed directly above every first aid kit, AED, or eyewash station to eliminate confusion.
• Directional Signs: Use signs with arrows at hallway junctions and intersections to guide people toward first aid facilities that are not immediately visible.
• Near Hazard Zones: Position signs near areas with a higher risk of injury, such as workshops or kitchens.

For more detailed guidance on optimal placement strategies, check out our comprehensive guide: Emergency Ready: The Best First Aid Kit Signage for Your Workplace.

What Information to Include on a sign for first aid

While the green cross symbol is universally understood, adding text can provide crucial detail. The key is to keep the information clear and concise.

A helpful sign for first aid may include:

• Standard Symbols: The green cross, AED symbol, or eyewash symbol should be prominent.
• Clear Text: Simple, large-font text like "First Aid Kit" or "AED" removes any ambiguity.
• Directional Arrows: Essential for guiding people to facilities that are not in the immediate line of sight.
• Location Details: In large or multi-level buildings, adding information like "Level 3" or "Main Reception" is helpful.
• First Aider Information: In some workplaces, listing the names and contact details of trained first aiders can be beneficial.

The goal is to provide enough information to be useful without cluttering the sign. In an emergency, clarity is paramount.

For a deeper dive into different types of first aid signage and their specific uses, explore our detailed article: First Aid Post Sign Types: Everything You Need to Know.

Custom Signage and Finding Your Solution

Off-the-shelf signs may not always meet the unique needs of your workplace. Custom signage is an essential solution for sites with specific hazards, layouts, or internal procedures.

Customisation allows you to add:

• Specific Text: Include unique instructions, department names, or emergency protocols.
• Site-Specific Hazard Information: Address particular risks related to chemicals, machinery, or other environmental factors.
• Company Branding: Integrate your logo for a professional, cohesive look while maintaining full compliance and clarity.

At Pinnacle Signage, we manufacture all our custom signs in Australia using the same premium, durable materials as our standard range. With fast, Australia-wide delivery, you can get a compliant sign for first aid that is perfectly custom to your workplace.

Ready to create first aid signage that's matched to your needs? Our team can guide you through the process. Contact us for custom first aid signage solutions.

Shipping & Pick Up

We offer fast, reliable delivery of your sign for first aid across Australia. For most deliveries, we use courier services like FEDEX. Please provide a valid daytime delivery address, as couriers cannot deliver to PO Boxes. A signature is required upon receipt to ensure safe delivery. If you are not present to accept the delivery, re-delivery charges will apply. We recommend including a daytime phone number with your shipping details in case we need to contact you.

For items over 50kg delivered to a residential address, a tailgate delivery service is typically required and is included at no extra cost. Alternatively, you can arrange to pick up the item from a nearby depot.

Free Shipping

We offer free shipping Australia-wide for orders over $100. This applies to most items. For some bulky items delivered to WA, North QLD, NT, TAS, and island areas, additional shipping costs may apply. Our staff will contact you after you place your order if any extra charges are necessary.

Shipping & Production Time

Most items are manufactured in Australia and ready for dispatch or pickup within 2-4 business days.

Estimated delivery times are:

• 1-2 days: Sydney, ACT, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast
• 2-4 days: Rest of NSW, Rest of VIC
• 3-6 days: SA, North QLD, Perth
• 5-9 days: TAS, NT, WA

Pickup

You can collect your order from our warehouse at Unit 4/28 Nagle Street, East Wagga Wagga NSW. Pickup is available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. We are closed on weekends and public holidays.