Processing and Manufacturing Chemicals: Tips for Workplace Safety

The Australian flag is a classic symbol that can be put to good use for many a merry occasions. It can contribute a sense of pride and unity to ceremonies and celebrations, and be used for commercial purposes in the business realm too. But the national flag needs to be used with care and treated with respect.

An innocent misuse of the flag could cause offence and even discredit your business or organisation. Here's the low-down on how you can fly your flag correctly and courteously, and make the most out of its popular appeal:

When to fly

National holidays are a great opportunity to join the public in celebration, commemoration or mourning. These occasions include, Businesses and organisations can display their flag publically to show participation in events like Australian National Flag Day (3rd Sep), Australia Day (26th Jan) and ANZAC (25th April), but any day of the year is suitable if you're using it correctly.

You may choose to fly your flag on a pole, distribute mini flags around the office to get into the spirit of things, or even suspend a flag in a shopfront or foyer.

Flag flying

If you've got a traditional flag and flagpole, there are a few things you need to remember before making use of your flag. Firstly, it's considered good practice to raise your flag in the morning and lower it before sundown. Never leave your flag out in the night unless it is specially lit up. There are also a few rules for the height of the flag. Put your flag at the very top of your flagpole for use in ceremonies, celebrations and special events, and put it halfway, or at "half mast" on days like ANZAC day as a sign of mourning.

Reproducing your flag

Businesses and organisations can make use of the flag in products and for advertising purposes. To do so, you'll have to make sure that the flag is reproduced accurately, that means no variations in colour or design as this may be considered offensive.

An easy mistake to make is to have other objects stuck onto the flag, such as images or characters. This too is considered a faux pas and should be avoided for good business practise and courtesy.

Finally, if you're importing products for your business which depict the Australian flag, your imports need to be approved by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, so be sure to get in touch with customs if you're doing so. To learn more, contact a company such as Carroll & Richardson with any questions you have.