Safety signs are vital to ensure that proper procedure, caution and awareness are shown within your business. This is not only important for protecting staff but is also a legal requirement. Below is the Health and Safety Supermarkets guide to the different types of safety sign available. In general safety signs can be split up into four broad categories: Hazard A hazard sign is used to indicate that there is a danger present that requires awareness or caution. These signs are normally yellow and black and generally incorporate a triangle. Signs vary in their warning intensity from a simple exclamation mark that represents an unspecified danger to something more specific such as fire or high voltage. Where there is a specific danger a pictogram is usually displayed, in the case of toxins this is a skull and cross bones. Fire Equipment These signs show the location of fire prevention or fighting equipment such as fire hoses, sprinkler systems or fire extinguishers. These signs are normally red and white but can also have an extra colour to denote the type of fire extinguisher present. An example of this could be a red sign with a picture of a fire extinguisher with a black section to denote this is a CO2 fire extinguisher. Mandatory These signs show that a certain course of action or requirement is necessary. Where this sign is displayed you should follow the instruction. In most cases the course of action is for your protection or safety or the safety of others. These signs are normally blue and white and can contain a pictographic representation of the action to be performed. An example of these signs could be an instruction to wear eye protection or hearing protectors. Safe Condition These signs are to show escape routes and the location of safety or escape equipment. These signs are normally green and white and show that a safe condition or area exists. Typically these signs denote an exit point or assembly point. Signs will often have the word exit written on them or show a running man. Prohibited Indicate that an action or behavior is unsafe, restricted or forbidden. These signs are generally red and white. A common example is the no smoking sign. Safety signs are there for your protection and their warning or advice taken seriously. It is a statutory requirement for businesses to display the appropriate signs within their building and on their premises. When an incorrect sign is displayed or signs are missing or hidden from view it can result in serious injury or even death. If you are unsure of the types of signs you need to be displaying you should contact the Health and Safety Executive.
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