Wet floor signs — required safety equipment
Wet floor signs are required workplace safety equipment under Australian WHS regulations. Any time a floor is being mopped, polished, has had a spill, or is otherwise slip-hazardous, a wet floor sign needs to be in place — and visible from both directions of pedestrian flow. Failure to deploy signage is a documented contributing factor in slip-and-fall claims, with significant insurance and liability consequences.
A-frame format and visibility
The standard format is the yellow A-frame folding sign — typically 635x305mm — visible from both directions, lightweight enough to deploy in seconds, and stable enough to stay upright in foot traffic. Yellow with black or red text is the universal high-visibility colour standard.
- A-frame folding design: Two-sided message visible from front and back; folds flat for storage.
- Yellow plastic body: High-visibility colour — the international standard for caution signage.
- "Caution Wet Floor" or symbol-only: Text-and-symbol versions cover both English-speaking and multilingual environments.
- Stable base: Wide-stance base prevents tipping in pedestrian traffic.
Where to deploy
- After every mop: From the moment mopping starts until the floor is fully dry.
- After spills: Place immediately on identifying a spill — before cleaning, not after.
- Around buffet stations: Where condensation or spilled drinks are likely.
- At fridge and freezer doors: Frozen food drips and condensation create slip hazards.
- Bathrooms and entrances: High-water-load areas, especially in wet weather.
Buy a few
One sign per high-risk floor area. Most cafés and restaurants need 3–5; pubs, clubs, and hotels need 8–15. Cheap individual signs are a poor false economy — buy enough so a sign is always within arm's reach when needed. Replace cracked or faded signs immediately — a sign that's not visible doesn't deliver the warning.
Pair with
