Safety signs: Essential workplace ‘tools’
Any employer in the UK must put safety signs in a place where risks are still prevalent despite the implementation of other occupational health and safety measures. The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 stipulate that such signs must:
- Be clear and legible.
- Identify prohibited actions – for example, no access.
- Indicate safeguards that must be followed – for example, the wearing of ear protection.
- Warn of hazards – for example, corrosive materials.
- Direct people to emergency routes and equipment – for example, fire exits and first-aid equipment.
Using approved signs with the correct graphics and colours
Safety signs lose their efficacy if people do not know what they mean or interpret them incorrectly. The BS EN ISO 7010 standard relates to the standardisation of safety signs and signals so that they carry the same meaning across the EU. BS EN ISO 7010:2020+A3:2022 is the latest amendment to the standard that is regularly updated to incorporate new signs.
Seton’s health and safety experts ensure that all safety signs and signals comply with this standard.
The correct shape, graphics and colours are of the utmost importance to convey the desired information and required actions. The HSE highlighted this importance by issuing a guide on safety signs, which explained that:
- Yellow means ‘be careful’ or ‘take precautions’.
- Blue means ‘take mandatory action’ such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Red signifies danger or prohibits actions.
- Green indicates things such as evacuation routes and emergency equipment.
Make sure that signs are correctly sized and in the right place
Placing signs in the correct place and level is important. If they cannot be seen, they cannot effectively inform or warn people. When placing your safety signs in the workplace, ensure that they are:
- Highly visible and placed at eye level where they will immediately catch the attention of people.
- Large and readable. Sign sizes and shapes must comply with the BS EN ISO 7010 standard. When they are too small or vague, people will not be able to see them.
- Properly affixed to a surface so that they will securely remain in place.
- Regularly cleaned and maintained. Replace worn signs to avoid workplace accidents and legal consequences.
- Not cluttered. Bunching safety signs together lessens their visual impact.
- Properly illuminated if necessary for visibility in darker areas.
Matching safety sign materials and constructions to the environment
Safety signs must withstand the elements of their settings and that is why it is important to match material signs and constructions to the conditions they are used in.
Harsh environments, such as construction sites, warrant safety signs made from robust and durable correx and other hardy materials that resist wear and tear. You should also consider the impact of corrosives such as dust on these signs.
Some signs are exposed to direct sunlight or chemical splashes – for instance, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) will not perish when exposed to ultraviolet rays.
Temperature ratings on materials are also important as these will indicate whether safety signs are suitable for hot and cold conditions in indoor and outdoor environments. Humidity, which often features in industrial kitchens, is another essential environmental consideration.
Office settings differ significantly from warehouse settings, which have lots of foot and vehicle traffic. A warehouse may require hardy signs that can be washed down from time to time to maintain visibility. These signs must also withstand abrasions, bumps and skids from things such as forklifts.
Maintaining safety signs
Workplaces are usually dynamic environments that change over time. Maintaining your signage and regularly evaluating their relevance is important and form part of keeping your health and safety measures up to date.
- Determine if signs are worn. Damaged signs are not fully visible and will not be effective. New and clean signs are clear and visible and efficiently warn and inform people. Use durable signs that are suitable for your work environment.
- Avoid confusing, redundant or cluttered safety signs. Too many signs in one area can confuse rather than inform people. Identify key areas where the signs will be most effective.
- Ensure that all safety hazards are pointed out. Here, proper assessments should be done to evaluate areas and associated hazards. Machinery and even pipes in areas should be evaluated for possible dangers. Also, look at possible mishaps that can be prevented by erecting safety signs.
- Remember to remove temporary signs when they are no longer valid.
Complying with the regulations on safety signs and staying up to date with legislative changes are essential for the safety of employees and visitors to a workplace. It prevents injuries, fatalities and legal proceedings. Take a look at our huge range of fully compliant safety signs. Can’t find what you need? We can customise it for you!