What must legally appear on a safety label depends on the product, the industry and the standard that applies to the equipment — there is no single Australian rule that covers every label. But across industries, the practical requirements are consistent.
The common threads across Australian sites
- Hazard identification. Signs and labels follow the design conventions set out in AS 1319 for safety signs — signal words, symbols and colour use follow recognised patterns.
- Equipment-specific standards. Plant, lifting gear, electrical equipment and chemical containers each carry requirements under their own standards; the manufacturer or certifier specifies what must be marked.
- Site and insurer rules. Principal contractors and insurers frequently impose marking requirements beyond the minimum.
Who tells you what the label must say
For purchased equipment, the manufacturer's manual lists the required markings. For modified or site-fabricated equipment, your engineer or safety advisor specifies them. Where you're unsure, your regulator's guidance material is the reference — not the label printer.
What your label supplier must get right
Once you know WHAT goes on the label, the supplier's job is to make it survive: correct material for the environment, durable inks, and dimensions that keep the label legible.
Prime Tags manufactures industrial labels and compliance plates in Australia from your specification — we print what your certifier requires, in materials that last. Request a quote or ask for free samples.