Australian Statutory Signage Compliance Guide (2025) | StatutorySigns.au

1) What counts as “statutory signage”?

Statutory signage is legally required building signage that directs safe egress, identifies emergency equipment/rooms, and provides accessible wayfinding (e.g., EXIT, Fire Door, Hydrant, Pump Room, Accessible Toilet, Braille & tactile room IDs, etc.). In Australia, the overarching rules live in the National Construction Code (NCC), with details referenced to Australian Standards such as AS/NZS 2293 (exit signs/emergency lighting), AS 1428.1/NCC Specification 15 (braille & tactile), and AS 3745 (evacuation diagrams).

2) Where do the rules come from?

NCC Part E4 — visibility in an emergency & exit signage

NCC Part E4 requires adequate visibility on evacuation routes, clear identification of exits, and systems that still work during a power failure (emergency lighting + exit/direction signs). It sets performance and Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions and points to AS/NZS 2293.1 for exit-sign design/operation (with a path for photoluminescent exit signs via Specification 25). See NCC Part E4.

Example metrics in the NCC: Deemed-to-Satisfy verification includes minimum illuminance levels on paths and stairs and a 90-minute minimum operating duration for emergency lighting (see E4V1).

NCC Specification 15 (formerly Spec D3.6) — braille & tactile signs

NCC Specification 15 sets exact requirements for braille/tactile signs: mounting height range, placement relative to the door, luminance contrast (≥30%), matte/low-sheen finishes, left-justified text, Grade 1 (uncontracted) braille, and more (2019 Spec D3.6 → 2022 Spec 15). See NCC Spec 15.

Evacuation diagrams — AS 3745

AS 3745:2010 governs evacuation diagrams used in facilities. Industry guidance summarises minimum sizes (A4 when only required elements; A3 when optional elements included) and what content must appear (You Are Here, exits, fire equipment, assembly areas, legend, etc.). View official summary.

Workplace safety signage — AS 1319 (note the scope)

AS 1319-1994 covers general workplace safety signs (Danger/Warning/Prohibition/First Aid etc.) but does not cover EXIT signs inside buildings—those sit under NCC E4 + AS/NZS 2293. AS 1319 scope note.

5) Materials & finishes (choosing the right spec)

We supply statutory signs in braille PVC, brushed aluminium, Traffolyte, and durable UV-printed substrates. For accessibility signs, matte/low-sheen surfaces and high luminance contrast aren’t just best practice— they’re required in NCC Spec 15. Match substrate to environment (indoor vs. semi-exposed), cleaning regime, and vandal-resistance needs.

8) Mounting & Installation Compliance Checklist

🟦 Braille & Tactile Signs (NCC Specification 15)

• Mount tactile and braille components 1200–1600 mm above finished floor.
• Single-line tactile text should sit 1250–1350 mm high.
• Place on the latch-side wall, with the leading edge 50–300 mm from the architrave.
• Only mount directly on the door if wall placement is not possible.
• Use a matte or low-sheen finish and ensure ≥30% luminance contrast between characters and background.
• Tactile text must be Arial, left-justified with correct stroke width and spacing.
• Include Grade 1 (uncontracted) braille, raised/domed, positioned 8 mm below text.
• Use solid arrows when arrows are required for direction.

🟧 Door & Wall Placement Rules

• Check that every required door has the correct sign type (Accessible Toilet, Exit Door, Plant Room, etc.).
• Maintain uniform height and alignment across corridors and levels.
• Keep clear of door swings, handles, or obstructions.
• When applied on glass, use a backing plate to maintain contrast and durability.

🟩 Exit & Directional Signage (NCC Part E4 + AS/NZS 2293.1)

• Install EXIT or directional exit signs above or beside every required exit door.
• Add directional arrows where exits are not visible or obvious.
• Ensure all exit signs remain visible during a power failure (electric or photoluminescent type).
• Emergency lighting and exit signs combined must provide ≥0.2 lux along egress paths for a minimum 90 minutes.

🟨 Evacuation Diagrams (AS 3745:2010)

• Mount in clear, visible areas—lobbies, near lifts, and exit corridors.
• A4 minimum when showing required elements only (map window ≥200 × 150 mm).
• A3 minimum when including optional elements (map window ≥300 × 200 mm).
• Each plan must include “You Are Here”, exits, equipment, assembly area, legend, and site info.
• Install bottom edge typically ≥1200 mm above floor and orient the plan to the viewer’s direction.

🟥 Final Quality & Safety Check

• All signs secure, level, and legible under installed lighting.
• Surfaces clean, non-reflective, and damage-free.
• No peeling edges, faded print, or missing fixings.
• Confirm installation matches the approved signage schedule or evacuation plan revision.
• Record installation completion for compliance documentation.

9) FAQs

Do all exit signs have to be illuminated?

Yes. Exit signs must remain visible during a power failure. NCC Part E4 ties design/operation to AS/NZS 2293.1, or to Spec 25 for approved photoluminescent signs.

Where exactly should a braille toilet sign go?

On the latch-side wall of the door; leading edge 50–300 mm from the architrave, 1200–1600 mm high to the braille/tactile zone. If wall placement isn’t possible, install directly on the door.

What’s the minimum size for evacuation diagrams?

A4 if showing only required elements; A3 if optional elements are included, with minimum map window sizes as per AS 3745.

Does AS 1319 cover EXIT signs?

No. AS 1319 is for workplace safety categories (Danger/Warning/Prohibition). EXIT signs fall under NCC E4/AS 2293.

Important notes & disclaimer

• The NCC is updated on a 3-year cycle (with interim amendments). Clause numbers from NCC 2019 (D3.6) were moved to NCC 2022 (Spec 15 & Part D4).
• Standards (AS/NZS 2293, AS 3745, AS 1319, AS 1428.1) are copyrighted. We’ve linked to government/industry summaries where possible; confirm details with your certifier for project-specific verification.

Sources & further reading

• NCC 2022 Part E4 – Visibility in an emergency, exit signs and warning systems
• NCC 2022 Specification 15 – Braille and tactile signs
• FPA Australia IB 11 – Evacuation Diagrams (AS 3745 summary)
• AS 1319 – Workplace safety signs (EXIT signs excluded)