Safety Signs
Safety signs are used to warn or advice others about hazards or risks. If we don’t understand the signs and notices on display, we could be in danger.
Importance.
Safety signs give a visual aid and indication of the hazards in the workplace, helping the workforce to quickly identify the course of action they are required to follow. It is therefore important to understand what each type of sign means, so we can follow the instructions.
Regulations.
All safety signs have to conform to the Safety Signs Regulations. If we are familiar with the principles of the regulations we will be able to spot instantly: Prohibition Signs, Mandatory Signs, Warning Signs, Safe Condition Signs, Fire Fighting Equipment Signs.
Guidance.
Prohibition Signs Examples: Stop, No Entry, No Smoking
These have a red circle with a cross bar on white background. Any lettering is black.
Meaning: DO NOT. YOU MUST NOT. STOP IT IF YOU ARE.
Mandatory Signs Examples: Hard Hats must be worn, Keep locked shut
These have a solid blue circle with a white symbol and/or lettering.
Meaning: YOU MUST DO. OBEY.
Warning Signs Examples: Danger, High Voltage, Guard Dogs Loose
These have a solid yellow triangle (point up) with a black border. Any symbol or lettering is also black on yellow.
Meaning: YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED, THEREFORE TAKE CARE.
Safe Condition Signs Examples: Fire Exit, First Aid
These have a solid green square with white symbols and/or lettering.
Meaning: FOLLOW THIS SIGN TO REACH SAFETY.
Fire Equipment Signs Examples: Fire Alarm, Hydrant, and Extinguisher.
These have a solid red rectangle with white symbols and/or lettering.
Meaning: HERE IS THE FIRE EQUIPMENT.
Questions.
- What type of sign has a yellow triangle with black border and lettering?
- What is the meaning of prohibition signs?
- What colours are used on mandatory signs?
Summary.
Prohibition – Red Circle – DO NOT
Mandatory – Blue Circle – YOU MUST
Warning – Yellow Triangle – TAKE CARE
Safe Condition – Green Square – FOLLOW TO REACH SAFETY
Fire Equipment – Red Rectangle – HERE IS FIRE EQUIPMENT
