Compliance with legal standards and guidelines is not optional when it comes to healthcare facilities. That’s why even the smallest details, like wayfinding signage, have regulations that need to be followed. These rules provide a safe, accessible, and universally understandable way for people to arrive in their intended places.
That said, having a clear and compliant signage system is important to avoid costly mistakes such as legal non-conformity or failed accreditation. To help you manage wayfinding strategies, we’ll tackle on signage and its regulations specific to Australian healthcare facilities.
Australian Standards and Regulations for Signages
There are specific guidelines that healthcare facilities should have in their wayfinding signage. Here are the most significant rules to follow:
AS 1428.1
The AS 1428.1, also known as the Design for Access and Mobility, ensures signs placed for hospitals are accessible for people with impairment. The Australian Building Codes Board shared the updated requirements for signages, which are:
Signage should include tactile and braille features for inclusivity.
Signs should be at heights reachable from seating and standing.
Letters should be properly sized so they are readable at expected viewing distances.
With this regulation, it basically helps improve patients’ experience in healthcare facilities.
AS 1319
The AS 1319, or Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment, governs warning, mandatory, and emergency signs. This includes exit signs, fire safety, and hazard warnings. Specific colours are also used to signify urgency, such as:
Green - used in emergency signage and wayfinding.
Red - used in fire and prohibition signs.
Yellow - used for general warnings.
Aside from colour coding, standard pictograms should be used for universal understanding. For example, the National Safety and Quality Health Service conducts safe environment inspections that include clear medical signage.
Illumination and Visibility Standards
Aside from mandated standards, wayfinding signage should be visible and readable in low light and power failures. Signs that are internally illuminated or made of glow-in-the-dark materials are recommended. It’s also important to consider the contrast between the text and background for better readability.
Branding and Identity Considerations
Even though hospital wayfinding signage should prioritise safety and clarity, branding elements can still fit within regulatory limits. In fact, branded signs can be considered with the right custom signage strategy. Too much decorative flourish can reduce readability and fail in accreditation.
Get Compliant Custom Signages at Artcom Fabrication
Poor placement of wayfinding signage can compromise safety and risk accreditation setbacks. That’s why strict regulations, accessibility needs, and design requirements are implemented to address these issues. Well, this is especially true for healthcare facilities, where safety is the utmost priority to consider.
That being said, hospital management works with a professional signage company like ours. We provide end-to-end signage solutions and consultation on signage systems for better compliance. For more information, check out our signage services today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about signage standards in Australia:
What are the 6 categories of safety signage used in Australia?
There are six categories of safety signage implemented in Australia. These include regulatory, hazard, emergency information, fire, danger, and prohibition signs. Each category has specific colours, shapes, and symbols to ensure quick recognition and safety.
What is the Australian standard signage?
The key standards that regulate signage in Australia are AS 1428.1 and AS 1319. These guidelines define colours, symbols, and design to ensure accessibility and inclusivity of signage in places like hospitals.