Safety Signs
Our range of health and safety signs provides essential solutions for maintaining a safe, compliant, and well-organised environment in workplaces across the UK. From access control to hazard warnings, each sign is designed to communicate clear, precise messages that prevent accidents and protect both employees and visitors. Whether it’s directing personnel to the correct access points, restricting entry to authorised areas, or highlighting potential dangers, our signs help you manage site safety effectively. With options suitable for construction sites, offices, warehouses, and retail spaces, our collection ensures you can easily meet UK safety regulations while reducing the risk of access issues and ensuring everyone on-site knows their boundaries.
What Health and Safety Signs should you display in the UK?
The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 require employers in the UK to provide safety signs if there is a significant risk to health and safety that cannot be avoided or controlled by other methods. This only applies when a sign can be shown to reduce the risk further.
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Some common examples of safety signs, including emergency signs that you may need to display in the UK, include:
- Mandatory PPE signs instruct workers and visitors to wear specific types of personal protective equipment (PPE). For example, you may need to display signs requiring workers to wear hard hats, eye protection, or ear protection.
- Prohibition signs: These signs prohibit certain activities or behaviours. For example, you may need to display signs prohibiting smoking, eating, or drinking in certain areas.
- Warning signs: These signs warn people of potential hazards. For example, you may need to display signs warning of wet floors, overhead, or electrical hazards.
- Emergency exit signs direct people to the nearest emergency exit.
- Fire safety signs provide information about fire safety procedures and equipment. For example, you may need to display signs showing the location of fire extinguishers and fire alarms.
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What is the British standard for UK safety signs?
The European Council Directive 92/58/EEC states regulations and minimum requirements for the provision of safety signs in the workplace in Britain. It standardises safety sign symbols and messages.
The regulations apply to workplaces covered by the Health and Safety At Work Act 1974.
Under UK law, employers are required to carry out risk assessments to identify hazards, the risks associated and appropriate control measures that should include further advice should a residual risk still exist.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 states that safety signs should be used to reduce risks to employees and visitors in the workplace.
All safety signs from The Sign Shed comply with BS EN ISO 7010.
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Where should general safety signs be displayed?
General safety signs should be displayed in any location where there is a need to inform or warn employees, visitors, and the public about potential hazards, mandatory actions, or safe practices. Common locations include:
- Workplaces – Offices, factories, and warehouses must display relevant safety signage as part of their Health and Safety policies.
- Construction Sites – Clear signage is required to highlight dangers such as falling debris, restricted access, or PPE requirements.
- Public Spaces – Places like parks, shopping centres, and car parks benefit from safety signs to guide people safely.
- Schools & Educational Institutions – Schools use safety signs for fire exits, hazardous areas, and first aid points.
How do general safety signs help prevent accidents?
Safety signs play a crucial role in accident prevention by:
- Raising Awareness – They alert people to potential dangers before they encounter them.
- Providing Instructions – Signs such as "Keep Clear" or "Wear Eye Protection" ensure that safety procedures are followed.
- Reinforcing Regulations – They remind employees and visitors of mandatory safety measures, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
- Guiding Emergency Responses – Fire exit and first aid signs help people navigate quickly in emergencies, reducing panic and confusion.
What are the legal requirements for displaying safety signs in the UK?
Employers and business owners must comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, which require:
- The use of safety signs where there is a significant risk that cannot be controlled by other means.
- Clear and easily understood signage with standardised symbols and colours, following BS EN ISO 7010 guidelines.
- Proper maintenance of signs to ensure visibility and legibility.
- Training and information for employees on the meaning and importance of safety signage.
What types of safety signs are required under HSE guidelines?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) categorises safety signs into four main types:
- Prohibition Signs (Red & White) – Indicate actions that must not be taken, e.g., "No Smoking."
- Warning Signs (Yellow & Black) – Highlight potential hazards, e.g., "Caution: Slippery Floor."
- Mandatory Signs (Blue & White) – Show actions that must be taken, e.g., "Wear Safety Goggles."
- Emergency & Safe Condition Signs (Green & White) – Direct people to safe areas, e.g., "Fire Exit."
Are employers responsible for maintaining safety signs?
Yes, under UK law, employers have a duty to ensure that safety signs remain visible, legible, and in good condition. This includes:
- Regular Inspections – Checking for damage, fading, or obstructions.
- Prompt Replacements – Updating signage when necessary, such as after layout changes or new risk assessments.
- Adequate Lighting – Ensuring that signs are well-lit and visible, even in low-light conditions.
How do safety signs support workplace risk assessments?
Safety signs are an essential part of a workplace risk assessment under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. They help by:
- Identifying hazards and ensuring appropriate warnings are in place.
- Providing clear instructions to employees, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
- Demonstrating compliance with legal health and safety obligations.
By displaying the correct general safety signs, businesses can protect employees, visitors, and the public while meeting their legal responsibilities. Explore our collection of General Safety Signs to enhance workplace safety today.