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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
