Mandatory Signs — Buyer's Guide (Blue Circle Pictogram)
Mandatory signs are AS 1319's 'you MUST do this' category — white pictogram inside a solid blue circle. They mandate positive action: wear PPE, wash hands, use handrail, follow procedure. Distinct from warning (yellow triangle) and prohibition (red circle + slash).
This guide covers how to buy mandatory signs correctly for Australian workplaces — colour specification, correct pictogram selection, sizing against viewing distance, and the common mistakes that trigger SafeWork improvement notices.
What counts as a mandatory sign
- Wear PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, hi-vis, boots, hearing, gloves, harness, respirator)
- Wash hands (food-prep, healthcare, post-toilet)
- Keep closed / keep shut (fire door, chemical store)
- Use handrail / hold handrail
- Follow defined procedure (lockout, permit-to-work)
- Specific PPE before entering zone
Browse category
Browse mandatory signs
PPE-mandatory, wash-hands, keep-closed, procedural signs — full AS 1319 pictogram library.
Sizing by viewing distance
| Viewing distance | Pictogram height | Typical sign size |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2m | 75mm | 225×300mm |
| 2-4m | 150mm | 300×450mm |
| 4-8m | 200mm | 450×600mm |
| 8-15m | 300mm | 600×900mm |
| Over 15m | Custom | Custom |
Material choice
- Indoor short-term (under 12 months): 5mm PVC or corflute
- Indoor long-term: 3mm ACM or rigid acrylic (wipeable)
- Outdoor: 3mm ACM or marine-grade aluminium
- Heavy-vandalism zones: 6mm polycarbonate (unbreakable)
- Wash-down zones (kitchens, food): rigid acrylic with direct UV print
Written by
Platinum Signs
Sydney-based commercial signage manufacturer
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