The icons for the UK HSE safety signs were designed by a team of designers at the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) in the 1970s. The team was led by a designer named David Bell, who was also responsible for designing the HSE logo.

The designers were tasked with creating a set of icons that would be clear, concise, and easy to understand. They also wanted the icons to be visually appealing and to have a positive impact on people's attitudes to safety.

The designers drew inspiration from various sources, including road signs, traffic signals, and aircraft symbols. They also researched how people perceive and understand different types of symbols.

The final set of icons was launched in 1979, and they have been used on HSE safety signs ever since. The icons are now widely recognised and understood by people worldwide.

The HSE safety signs play an essential role in promoting safety in the workplace. The clear and concise icons help to communicate important safety messages to employees, and they assist in creating a safer working environment for everyone.

The icons for the UK HSE safety signs were designed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in collaboration with the British Standards Institution (BSI). They were based on many factors, including:

• International standards: The HSE and BSI ensured that the icons were consistent with international standards, such as those set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• Usability: The HSE and BSI conducted usability testing to ensure that the icons were easy for people to understand, even from a distance.
• Cultural sensitivity: The HSE and BSI considered cultural differences when designing the icons, to ensure that people from all backgrounds would understand them.

The icons are used on a variety of HSE safety signs, including:

• Fire safety signs: These signs provide instructions on what to do during a fire.
• First aid signs: These signs indicate the location of first aid equipment and personnel.
• Hazard warning signs: These signs warn people of potential hazards, such as electrical hazards, chemical hazards, and trip hazards.
• Prohibition signs: These signs prohibit certain activities, such as smoking and eating.

The HSE safety signs are used in workplaces throughout the UK, including construction sites, factories, offices, and schools. They are an essential part of the HSE's health and safety strategy, and they help to keep people safe at work.

Shop for UK safety signs at The Sign Shed.