Safety Sign Regulations

Under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, UK employers have a responsibility to make sure their workplace is safely signposted. This involves making sure safety signs are in place and maintained.

Signs must be clear and legible. Site signage should be used to identify actions that are prohibited, safeguards that must be followed, warning of a hazard and to direct towards fire exits/equipment or first-aid equipment.

While signage is important the Health and Safety Executive advise against ‘too many signs which may cause confusion.’

 

Sign Safety colours

 

According to the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 there are certain sign colours that have specific meanings. This is to help distinguish the action that needs to be taken and the level of hazard present.

What are the 4 types of safety signs?

 

Red – Prohibition sign

The red circle with a diagonal line on a white background.

 The symbol within the circle to be black and indicates certain behaviour is prohibited. You must not, do not do or stop.

Yellow – Hazard sign

Yellow triangle with black border and symbol with the yellow area.

 Indicates a potential hazard within a designated area.

Blue – Mandatory sign

Blue circle with white symbol.

Indicates that a specific action must be taken. You must do/carry out the action displayed on the sign.

Fire Equipment – Prohibition sign

Red rectangle or square with symbol in white.

Indicated the location of fire equipment and personnel.

Green – Safe Condition sign

Green rectangle or square with white symbol or text.

Provides information about safe conditions, the safe way/where to go in an emergency.

 

Sign Size and Viewing Distances

 

The size of the sign required is defined by the maximum viewing distance from which the sign is comprehensible. The viewing distance factor considers the angle, illumination and amount of detail included on the sign. When combined with the size of the sign it is possible to work out the viewing distance of a sign.

 

Safety condition signs - such as emergency escape signs must meet BS 5499-4:201, whereas other signs are required to meet BS ISO 3864-1:2011.

 

This means that emergency exit signs have a maximum viewing distance is 100 x the height of the panel. In this case for a 20cm tall exit sign the maximum viewing distance is 20 metres.

 

At Bryson you’ll find a range of safety signs that meet Health and Safety Standard. Our in-house signage printing range lets you add your company logo and or personal message to any standard site signage. Bespoke safety signage is a perfect opportunity to advertise your company whilst remaining compliant with signage on site. Contact us for a quote.