Signs of the Times
Apr 11 2018 1:45PM
What is a safety sign?
A safety sign is defined as “information or instruction about health and safety at work on a signboard, a colour, an illuminated sign or acoustic signal, a verbal communication or hand signal.” [1]
A signboard is an effective way to communicate using a clear and easily identifiable icon of danger, hazard or to simply inform members of staff or visitors what to look out for in the area they are in.
You can have one sign, multiple signs, text or no text on the board. The aim is that people understand at a glance what the sign is about so they can comply if required.
It is essential that that signs are accompanied with training for the people they are aimed at. Where some symbols have ingrained meaning like the blue steel toecap boots, some might be specific to your industry or they may even be custom made to suit your specific requirements.
Signboards will only be efficient if they are visible to all users. Think carefully where you are putting up signs and make sure they are relevant to the risks in that area. Use the minimum amount of messages to avoid confusing readers.
Keep your signboards up-to-date and watch for changes in regulations and circumstances (have risks been eliminated/added?). A culture of continuous improvement will probably impact your signboards.
Signboards need to be durable and specifically made for the location they will be displayed. For example, if a sign is displayed outside, it needs to be weatherproof. Signboards are available in many different materials such as aluminium, PVC, polycarbonate, vinyl and more, so there is always a suitable sign for any location.
What colour for what sign?
| Colour | Meaning or purpose | Instructions and information |
| Red | Prohibition sign
Danger alarm Fire-fighting equipment |
Dangerous behaviour
Stop, shutdown, emergency cut out devices, Evacuate Identification and location |
| Yellow or Amber | Warning sign
|
Be careful, take precautions
Examine |
| Blue | Mandatory sign
|
Specific behaviour or action
Wear personal protective equipment |
| Green | Emergency escape, first aid sign
No danger |
Doors, exits routes, equipment, facilities
Return to normal |
These colours do not apply exclusively to signboards. As indicated above, these are mandatory for fire-fighting equipment and can also be used in traffic management, speed ramps or floor marking.
Are some signs mandatory?
The answer is yes:
- The HSE Health and Safety Law Poster must be displayed to all employees
- No smoking signs are required by law to be displayed at the entrance of a building
- Fire escape signs, fire extinguishers, first aid box location, fire door etc. are also required to be compliant.
The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 “require employers to provide safety signs where other methods, properly considered, cannot deal satisfactorily with certain risks and where the use of a sign can further reduce that risk.”[1]
Though not mandatory, it is seen as good practice to place helpful signboards around your workplace and can reduce risks too. For example: Information signs, safety posters, GHS labelling (Classification and labelling of Chemicals), first aid signs, pedestrian walkways and traffic control…
There’s a sign for every situation - even if you need a bespoke one!
A safety signage supplier can offer you a wide range of signs, safety equipment and bespoke signage. At Knights we’re always signing up for safety; are you? Click here to view our wide range of safety signs.
Knights Corporate Workwear supplies uniforms, workwear, PPE and safety signage throughout the UK.
[1] extract from: “Safety signs and signals. The Health and Safety Regulations 1996. Guidance on Regulations” 3rd edition 2015. http://www.hse.gov.uk/ . Accessed 27 Mar. 2018
