How to design warning signs

Warning signs are super important for keeping people safe in all sorts of places, from busy cities to remote job sites. They inform individuals on what to do to be safe and assist in transmitting important messages regarding probable hazards.

Warning signs prevent disasters, save lives, and inspire public and occupational safety-first thinking.

This blog will go through how to design warning signs, discuss what they do, the critical design aspects, how to construct them, mistakes to avoid, and why professional signage matters. Whether you work in graphic design, are a safety professional, or are simply interested in making public areas safer, this blog is for you.

Situations Where Warning Signs Matter

1. Construction Sites: In places where heavy machinery is at work, signs like “Hard Hat Area” and “Beware of Falling Objects” are super important. They remind both workers and visitors to stay safe and wear the right gear.
2. Roadways: Signs like “Stop,” “Yield,” and “Danger: School Zone” are key for keeping drivers and pedestrians safe. They share essential rules that help everyone avoid accidents.
3. Chemical Storage: In places handling risky materials, signs saying “Toxic” and “Flammable” are essential. They give important info about potential dangers to employees and emergency staff.
4. Recreational Areas: Signs like “Swim at Your Own Risk” or “Caution: Slippery When Wet” help keep the public safe while enjoying leisure activities. They make people aware of possible hazards in fun places.

By knowing where warning signs are used, designers can whip up messages that hit home regarding the dangers people might face.

Key Design Elements for Effective Warning Signs

Colour Schemes

Colour is a major player in how warning signs look and work. Different colours have specific meanings:

• Red: Usually means danger or something you shouldn’t do. This colour gets used for emergency signals and prohibition signs, making it hard to miss.
• Yellow: Stands for caution. It warns people about potential dangers or unsafe situations that need attention.
• Green: Signifies safety. It’s often seen on signs giving emergency exit info or showing safe areas.
• Blue: Typically tells people what they must do to stay safe.

Using these colours makes your warning signs recognizable and impactful.

Symbols and Icons

Using visuals like symbols and icons is key in warning sign design. They help get messages across quickly and can even break down language barriers. Visual cues let people from different backgrounds understand safety warnings.

For example, a skull and crossbones picture signals poison, and a triangle with an exclamation mark signals caution. Pick symbols that everyone knows and that clearly relate to what the warning is about. Make sure the images are clear even from far away.

Text Clarity

The text on your warning signs should be short, clear, and easy to read. Here’s how to craft effective warnings:

• Keep It Simple: Use straightforward language. Reject any fancy terms that might confuse people who aren’t familiar with them.
• Be Direct: Use action phrases like “Wear Protective Gear” or “Keep Clear.” The text should tell readers exactly what to do in response to the warning.
• Font Size: Make sure the font is big enough to read from a distance. For example, if someone should see the sign from 10 meters away, the letters should be at least 50mm tall.

Placement and Size

For warning signs to work well, they need to be placed and sized for maximum visibility. Check these important factors:

• Visibility: Place signs where they can be easily seen and read, avoiding anything that might block them. A sign saying “Caution: Hard Hat Area” should be eye level for those entering the area.
• Contrast: High-contrast colours help people see and understand signs better. The background should be different enough from the text and symbols so they really stand out, especially in dim light.
• Size: The size of the signs matters a lot. They should be big enough to be noticed from a distance. Following guidelines like those in AS1319-1994 can help with this.

Australian Standards for Designing Warning Signs

In Australia, the AS 1319-1994 standard lays down the rules for safety signs. This standard makes sure signs work for their intended purpose, helping keep risks low across different settings. Some key types of signs include:

1. Prohibition Signs: Indicate actions that aren’t allowed. A red circle with a diagonal slash means no.
2. Mandatory Signs: Tell people what they must do. These are shown with a blue circle and a white symbol for the action required.
3. Restriction Signs: These set limits on activities and have a red circle without a slash and a relevant symbol.
4. Danger Signs: Warn about serious hazards that could endanger lives; they have “DANGER” in white on a red oval, framed in black.
5. Warning Signs: Used for hazards that aren’t life-threatening, typically using a black triangle on a yellow backdrop.
6. Emergency Information Signs: Guide people to emergency equipment or exits, with a green background and white symbols.
7. Fire Signs: Show where fire alarms and firefighting tools are located, with a red background and white visuals.

The AS1319-1994 standard says signs must fit their use and that people need to know what they mean. Regular checks for clarity and condition are necessary to keep the signage effective.

Steps to Design Warning Signs

Designing warning signs can be easily tackled with these steps:

Step 1: Identify the Hazard or Message

Start by figuring out what hazard or message your sign needs to communicate. This is a crucial step that can shape the entire design process.

Step 2: Pick a Design Template or Start Fresh

Choose a design template that fits the hazard, or make your own layout. Tools like graphic design software can help you visualize and polish your ideas.

Step 3: Choose the Right Materials

Pick materials based on where you plan to use the sign. Whether it’s for indoor or outdoor use matters since different settings need durability. Outdoor signs should be made of weatherproof stuff like aluminium or vinyl.

Step 4: Create a Prototype and Test It

Once your design is set, whip up a prototype and get feedback from users to check its clarity and effectiveness. Testing your sign helps spot areas needing improvement.

Step 5: Adjust the Design Based on Feedback

After you collect feedback, tweak the design as needed. This might mean simplifying the wording, changing colours for better visibility, or altering the layout for easier understanding.

Step 6: Finalize and Produce the Sign

When you’re happy with the design, finalize it and produce it. Make sure the sign is made with quality materials that can hold up over time and stay visible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making great warning signs takes attention to detail. Here are some common blunders to watch for:

Mistake 1: Overloading the Sign with Info

One big mistake is cramming too much info onto a sign. This can confuse the viewer and obscure the main message. Keep it focused on what’s essential for conveying the warning.

Mistake 2: Using Non-Standard Colours or Symbols

Picking unusual colours or symbols can weaken the sign’s power. Stick to standard colours and symbols for instant recognition. Being consistent makes it easier for people to understand quickly during emergencies.

Mistake 3: Bad Placement or Size

Signs that aren’t prominently placed or are too small won’t do their job. Ensure they are easy to see and follow size guidelines based on how far away someone should read them from.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Maintenance and Upkeep

Even well-made signs need regular care to stay effective. Keep an eye on them for clarity and condition, and clean or replace them when they show wear.

To wrap it up, designing warning signs is key to enhancing safety in various places. By knowing their purpose, sticking to important design elements, and following guidelines like the Australian Standard AS1319-1994, designers can make effective signs that keep people safe. Clear communication through well-designed signage is vital for fostering a safety culture. As you move ahead on making warning signs, remember to keep things simple and clear while sticking to the rules. If you follow the steps in this guide and sidestep common pitfalls, you’ll help make a safer world for everyone. Good warning sign design is more than just a visual task; it’s a vital piece of public safety that needs thoughtful care and execution. With the right approach, your warning signs can truly help protect and inform people in any setting.

FAQs About Designing Warning Signs

Q: What are the standard colours for warning signs?
A: Warning signs typically use colours like red, yellow, or orange to indicate the level of hazard, ensuring clear visibility and prompt attention.

Q: How can I ensure my warning sign is compliant with regulations?
A: To ensure compliance, consult local safety standards, such as AS1319-1994, which provide guidelines for design, placement, and content of warning signs.

Q: What materials should I use for outdoor warning signs?
A: For outdoor use, select weather-resistant materials like aluminium or UV-coated plastics, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance against harsh environmental conditions.

Q: Where can I get professionally designed warning signs?
A: Trusted providers like Create Signs offer customizable, professionally designed safety signs tailored to meet regulatory requirements and specific needs.