Caution Men At Work Sign

Displaying construction site hazard signage is a legal requirement under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. These signs warn employees, contractors, and visitors about potential dangers and provide clear instructions to reduce the risk of accidents. They ensure compliance with UK health and safety laws and promote a safer working environment.

Failing to display appropriate signage can result in legal penalties, including fines, and increases the risk of workplace accidents. Non-compliance may also lead to delays in project completion due to safety investigations or shutdowns.

Construction site signs should highlight hazards such as:

• Falling objects: "Caution: Falling Objects" signs.
• Slip and trip risks: "Caution: Slippery Surface" signs.
• Dangerous machinery: "Danger: Moving Machinery" signs.
• Restricted areas: "No Unauthorised Access" signs.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): "Wear Safety Helmets" or "High-Visibility Clothing Must Be Worn" signs.

Hazard signs should be strategically placed:

• At site entrances to warn visitors and unauthorised personnel.
• Near specific hazards, such as areas with dangerous machinery or hazardous materials.
• At access points, stairwells, or scaffolding where there are fall risks.
• Around temporary dangers, like excavation sites or freshly poured concrete.

Warning Signs

Warning signs alert individuals to potential hazards or dangers, such as chemical risks, electrical hazards, or, in agricultural settings, warnings like "Beware of Bull." These signs are easily recognisable by their triangular shape, yellow background, and black border. The text, written in bold black Helvetica font, is designed to be clear and concise for maximum visibility.

Mandatory Signs

Mandatory signs instruct individuals to follow specific actions to maintain safety and comply with the Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and other UK and EU legal standards. Examples include directives like "Drive Slowly," "Keep Gates Closed," or "Safety Helmets Must Be Worn." These signs are characterised by a round blue background with a white pictogram. The text is bold and white, displayed in a Helvetica font for clarity.

Prohibition Signs

Prohibition signs prevent behaviours that could lead to danger or hazards. They clearly indicate actions that are not allowed, such as "No Smoking," "Access Restricted," or "Do Not Use Mobile Phones." These signs feature a black pictogram within a red-edged circle, crossed through with a diagonal red line. Available in materials like self-adhesive vinyl, rigid plastic, or aluminium, these versatile signs are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use in settings such as schools, offices, factories, construction sites, and kitchens.

Safe Condition Signs

Safe condition signs highlight safe exit routes or the locations of safety equipment, ensuring compliance with the Health & Safety Regulations 1996. These signs are easily identified by their green background and bold white Helvetica font. They provide clear and concise information to guide individuals toward safe actions or areas during emergencies.

These sign categories ensure workplaces comply with safety standards while protecting employees and visitors from potential risks.

Choosing the Right Sign Material: A Guide by The Sign Shed

At The Sign Shed, all our signs are proudly manufactured in Yorkshire, adhering to the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Here’s a breakdown of the materials we offer to help you select the best option for your needs:

1. Self-Adhesive Vinyl Stickers

• Best for: Indoor use only.
• Material: Durable, flexible Metamark digital vinyl with adhesive backing.
• Application: Apply to flat, smooth, clean, and non-porous surfaces. Not suitable for wood, brick, or stone.
• Notes: Not recommended for surfaces painted with washable, "wipe-clean" paints like Dulux Easycare. For large stickers (A4+), professional application is advised.

2. Floor Stickers

• Best for: Indoor floors with light texture (e.g., carpet tiles).
• Material: Anti-slip Grafityp Textured Floor Vinyl.
• Lifespan: Several years.
• Notes: Not suitable for outdoor use or carpets.

3. Rigid Plastic Signs

• Best for: Indoor and outdoor general safety signage.
• Material: Lightweight, durable, 1mm thick rigid plastic.
• Features: Waterproof, can be pre-drilled for fixing.

4. Recyclable Plastic Signs (Bubble Board)

• Best for: Indoor and outdoor use requiring environmentally friendly options.
• Material: 100% recyclable polypropylene with a smooth, flute-free surface.
• Features: UV-treated, weather-resistant, scratch-resistant, and fire-retardant.

5. Recycled Plastic Signs (Palboard)

• Best for: Eco-conscious indoor and outdoor signage.
• Material: 50% recycled plastic with a lightweight PVC foam core.
• Features: Waterproof, recyclable, and excellent for printing.

6. Composite Aluminium Signs (Dibond)

• Best for: Long-term outdoor use in high-wind or harsh weather conditions.
• Material: Two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a polyethylene core.
• Features: Rust-proof, weather-resistant, lightweight, and durable. Pre-drilled holes available upon request.
• Environmental Benefits: 80% recycled material, 100% recyclable.

7. Photoluminescent PVC Signs

• Best for: Emergency signage.
• Material: Glow-in-the-dark PVC compliant with British Standard BS5499-2:1986.
• Features: Charges in daylight and provides visibility in power outages or emergencies.

8. Foamed Plastic Signs (Foamex)

• Best for: Temporary outdoor signage (e.g., construction sites).
• Material: Lightweight, weatherproof foam board with a matte finish.
• Thickness: 3mm.

9. Fluted Polypropylene (Correx)

• Best for: Temporary signage for short-term projects.
• Material: Lightweight and cost-effective.
• Features: Ideal for construction site notices.

10. PVC Banners

• Standard 440gsm PVC Banner
• Premium 510gsm PVC Banner
• 260gsm Mesh Banner

All banners are printed with eco-friendly UV ink and come hemmed and eyeleted, with free cable ties for easy installation.

By offering a variety of materials tailored to different uses, The Sign Shed ensures you’ll find the perfect solution for your signage needs—whether it’s temporary banners, durable outdoor signs, or eco-friendly options. For more information or help choosing the right material, contact us on 01977 220000.

Viewing Distances: How to Ensure Your Signs Are Seen

The visibility of a sign depends on several factors, including the viewing distance, angle, height, lighting conditions, and contrast with the background. Choosing the right size is essential to ensure your sign effectively communicates its message.

General Sizing Guideline

A good rule of thumb is that the height of the letters should be approximately 25mm (1 inch) for every 10 feet of viewing distance. For example:

• A sign with 10-inch letters can typically be read from 100 feet away.

However, this is just a guideline, and other factors, such as lighting or background clutter, may require adjustments.

Tips for Maximising Sign Visibility

To improve the visibility and effectiveness of your sign:

• Use Large, Bold Fonts: Opt for clear, easy-to-read lettering.
• Choose High-Contrast Colours: Ensure the text stands out against the background.
• Place in Well-Lit Areas: Adequate lighting makes signs easier to see.
• Avoid Cluttered Backgrounds: A clean, simple backdrop helps the sign stand out.

Get Expert Advice

If you’re unsure about the size or design of your sign, The Sign Shed can help! Our team is ready to guide you in selecting the perfect size, material, and design to meet your specific requirements. Contact us today for tailored advice.