Warehouse Warning Signs: AS 1319 Hazard Signs for Distribution Centres

A working warehouse is full of moving hazards — forklifts, suspended loads, wet floors and heavy lifting. Warning signs are the yellow, black-and-triangle signs that flag those hazards before someone gets hurt. This guide is about one sign family done well: the AS 1319 yellow WARNING signs that belong in a warehouse or distribution centre, what each one is for, and where to mount it. For forklift-versus-pedestrian traffic management see our warehouse & forklift safety signs guide, and for racking load limits see pallet racking safety signs. Browse the full warning signs range to see the options.

What are warehouse warning signs?

Warehouse warning signs are AS 1319 WARNING-format signs — a yellow background, a black triangle with a hazard pictogram, and black text — used to flag a hazard that could cause injury if someone isn't alert to it. They warn; they don't prohibit or instruct. That makes them different from blue mandatory signs (which tell you to do something, like wear a hi-vis vest) and red prohibition signs (which tell you not to do something).

In a distribution centre they cover the everyday hazards that come with moving stock at height and speed: forklifts, overhead loads, slippery floors, manual handling and charging bays. A handful of the right signs, in the right spots, keeps staff and visitors switched on to what's around them.

What is AS 1319?

AS 1319 is the Australian Standard for Safety signs for the occupational environment. It sets the colours, shapes and layout that make safety signs instantly readable. For WARNING signs it specifies the yellow background, the black triangular border with an exclamation mark or hazard pictogram, and a black text panel beneath. Using AS 1319-format signs means a forklift driver or a new starter recognises the hazard at a glance, anywhere in the country.

Warning signs are one part of a compliant site. For the full picture of the yellow warning family across all industries, see our broad guide to warning signs. Under the model WHS Regulations, the duty is to identify hazards and control them — signage is the “inform and warn” layer that supports the physical controls.

Types of warehouse warning signs

These are the AS 1319 warning signs most distribution centres need. Plan by hazard so nothing is missed:

• Forklifts operating — a Watch Out — Forklift Operating in This Area sign at the entry to any zone where forklifts run.
• Overhead & suspended loads — warns staff not to walk or stand under loads being lifted or moved at height.
• Low clearance / height limit — flags doorways, mezzanines and racking aisles where headroom or vehicle height is restricted.
• Slippery / wet floor — a Slippery When Wet warning at wash-down areas, cool rooms and entry points in wet weather.
• Manual handling — reminds staff of heavy or awkward loads at pick faces and despatch.
• Battery / forklift charging area — warns of charging hazards (hydrogen, acid) at the charge bay.
• Automatic machinery — warns that conveyors or plant can start without notice.

Where to place warehouse warning signs

A warning only works if it's seen before the hazard. Placement principles for the warehouse:

• Before the hazard, not at it — mount forklift and machinery warnings at the entry to the zone so people read them in time to react.
• On structural columns and doorways — fix signs at head height on columns, racking ends and roller-door surrounds where eyes naturally travel.
• Durable for the environment — use rigid metal or poly that withstands dust, forklift wash-down and the odd knock; reflective faces help in dim aisles.
• Portable for temporary hazards — keep free-standing A-frame “Wet Floor” signs on hand for spills and wash-downs.
• Review after any layout change — new racking, a new charge bay or a re-routed forklift lane all change where warnings need to be.

Warehouse warning sign checklist