Workplace Health and Safety Signage

Submitted by sylvia.wong@up… on Fri, 04/17/2020 - 14:02

Safety signs play a very important role in the workplace. They are used to communicate important safety information to all employees and workplace visitors, such as, restricting access to a particular area, alerting employees to potential hazards and providing safety direction.

Sub Topics

There are many signs you will need to familiarise yourself with as you build on your experience. The signs have been divided into the following categories to determine the level of relevancy.

A pair of safety signs on the wall of a construction site

Mandatory signs

Mandatory signs specify an instruction that must be carried out. Symbols or pictures are depicted in white on a blue circular shape and the sign wording will be black on a white background. Mandatory signs are usually used at warehouses, construction, building and mine sites.

A no smoking sign in a busy pedestrian area

Prohibition signs

Prohibition signs specify behaviour or actions which are not permitted. They have a universally recognised red circle with a diagonal line through it and the symbol or picture behind it, depicting the prohibited item, will usually be in black. If the wording is required, it is in black lettering on a white background.

A close view of a sign warning of asbestos

Warning signs

Warning signs warn of hazards or a hazardous condition that is not likely to be life-threatening. The hazard depiction should be black on a yellow/orange background and a black triangle will be depicted around the depiction. If the wording is required, it will be in black lettering.

A close view of a danger sign on a wall

Danger signs

Danger signs are used as a warning when a hazard or hazardous condition is likely to be life-threatening. The word Danger is featured inside a red oval with a white border which is inside a black rectangle.

A sign warning of the danger of a wet floor

Safety signs

In a similar manner to warning signs, safety signs may also be used as a reminder of potentially dangerous situations throughout the workplace. The dangerous situation does not have as high a risk factor as situations depicted in warning signs, however, do have the potential to cause injury or incident.

An illuminated emergency exit

Emergency information signs

Emergency Information Signs help people to find the location of, or directions to, emergency facilities, equipment or exits. They have a green background with white writing and a white icon or image.

A close view of a fire extinguisher sign

Fire signs

Fire signs indicate the location of fire fighting equipment such as extinguishers, fire hoses or fire blankets. They have a red background with a white icon or image and white writing.

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A close view of a 'no standing' sign on a footpath
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