Use them to mark first aid points, emergency equipment, exits and routes to safety, in line with AS 1319 and AS/NZS 2293.
If something goes wrong, people need to find help and safe paths without hesitation. That is the job of emergency and first aid signs — they locate essential equipment, first aid points and safe egress routes so staff, visitors and contractors can act quickly.
In Australian workplaces this applies across factories, construction sites, retail, healthcare, education, hospitality and public buildings. The specifics can differ by site risk profile and layout, but the goal is the same: make critical information easy to see and easy to follow.
- A Brisbane warehouse adds projecting blade signs at every second aisle intersection so the exit arrow is always visible from within the racking.
- A regional clinic uses acrylic plaques for first aid rooms and photoluminescent arrows down a long hallway in case of after-hours power cuts.
- A construction site standardises temporary first aid station boards with kit, AED and site map, then reuses them project-to-project.
- An education campus rolls out a kit-by-building pack with consistent ISO-style symbols and AS 1319 colours, reducing install time by eliminating on-site sorting.
Maintenance and periodic checks
Set a simple inspection cycle. Check that signs are present, legible, not obstructed and still direct to the closest equipment or exit. When rooms move or layouts change, update directional arrows and remove superseded signs immediately.
- Clean with non-abrasive agents compatible with the substrate and laminate.
- Inspect adhesives and fixings; replace if panels loosen or edges lift.
- Confirm night/low-light performance if you rely on photoluminescent markers.
Repair, replacements and updates
Most issues can be corrected without replacing whole systems:
- Refacing: apply new face films to sound acrylic/ACP substrates to refresh worn legends or change arrow directions.
- Replacement blades: swap cracked or scuffed projecting signs using existing brackets.
- Adhesive upgrades: where surfaces were repainted, re-mount with fresh VHB tape and a suitable surface primer or convert to mechanical fixings.
- Standards updates: if your evacuation routes or symbols change, we can reprint to the latest AS 1319 colour conventions and ISO-style pictograms while keeping sizes consistent.
Sign Portal retains job history and artwork, so matching previous fonts, colours and materials is straightforward. Quote requests are quickest with a photo of the existing sign and rough size.
Repair tips from our production team:
- Removing old adhesive: gently warm with a heat gun (low setting) and peel; remove residue with a citrus-based remover, then IPA before re-mounting.
- Hole pattern reuse: if swapping panels on existing fixings, we can drill to a supplied hole-centre template to avoid new wall penetrations.
- Blade swap at height: pre-label the replacement with its orientation and arrow direction to reduce time on the ladder.
Why teams choose Sign Portal
- Specialist equipment: Mimaki JFX EX UV flatbeds for durable greens/whites, Roland VG-640 for precision decals, Trotec laser for crisp acrylic blades, MultiCam CNC for accurate profiles.
- Process discipline: digital preflight, location-coded kitting, and QC sign-off stickers on every carton.
- Consistency at scale: colour-managed production to keep greens consistent across batches and buildings.
- Trade-friendly: repeat ordering via the Trade Portal and project-specific catalogues to minimise variation.
Planning a rollout? Start with our core ranges — Emergency Signs and First Aid Signs — then ask us to tailor a kit to your evacuation diagram and first aid register.
Related Sign Portal resources: Emergency If You Come In Contact Sign - First Aid & Emergency · First Aid And Emergency - First Aid Room Sign · First Aid And Emergency Equipment - Eye Wash Sign
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an emergency sign versus a first aid sign?
Emergency signs guide safe egress and assembly (exits, routes, muster points). First aid signs identify treatment points and medical equipment (first aid kits, AEDs, eyewash, showers).
Do I need glow-in-the-dark (photoluminescent) signs?
Use them where lighting may fail or be insufficient, such as stairwells, long corridors, or during after-hours operations. They help maintain visibility until lighting is restored.
Where should I place a first aid sign for a kit in a cupboard?
Place one on the cupboard door and a second directional sign at the nearest decision point (e.g., corridor junction) so people can locate it quickly.
How big should my exit signs be?
Size to viewing distance and sightlines. Larger panels are better for long corridors or high ceilings so people can confirm direction from further away.
What material should I choose for outdoor assembly area signs?
Aluminium composite panel (ACP) is a robust outdoor choice. Use corrosion-resistant fixings and consider a protective laminate for colour retention.
Can I use decals instead of rigid panels?
Yes for equipment labels, cupboards, and smooth indoor walls. Use rigid panels for long viewing distances, impact-prone areas, or rough substrates.
How often should I review my emergency and first aid signage?
Review during regular WHS inspections and after any layout or room changes. Replace damaged, obstructed or outdated signs immediately.
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