By Roger Munn 04/07/2017

Under: Site Set Up

A Buyer's Guide to Safety Signs

KEY TAKEWAYS:

• Safety signs communicate vital safety messages on-site.
• Signage reduces risks when all other hazard reduction measures have been taken.
• When purchasing, use a safety sign audit to evaluate the type of sign you need as well as sign size and material. 

SHOP: SAFETY SIGNS  Ë‘  SHOP: FIXTURES AND FITTINGS

With so many safety signs on the market, it’s important you choose carefully when buying your signage. In this guide, we’ll take you through the key points you need to consider. 

The regulations

Under The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, UK law requires employers to provide safety signs in situations where there is a significant risk that cannot be eliminated or controlled by other means. Safety signage is only appropriate where it will further reduce a risk.

Safety sign audit

To identify where safety signs are needed, conduct a safety sign audit using thorough risk assessment procedures. This will determine where hazards still exist that can be reduced with suitable signage. Every site is unique: only a detailed onsite inspection will pinpoint what you require in your workplace.

Remember:

• Safety signage is always a secondary measure following hazard elimination and reduction.
• Safety signs are only appropriate if they further reduce a risk.
• Safety signs need to be seen at the right place and the right time – a PPE reminder is no good if the worker doesn’t see it before they enter a hazardous zone.
• More is not always better: too much signage can be overwhelming and confusing.

Types of signs

Within the European Union, the BS ISO 7010: 2011 standardisation system exists to regulate signage across member states. This makes it easier for workers moving between sites to quickly identify signs and their meaning.  

 

	CATEGORY	FEATURES	USAGE
	Mandatory Signs	Circular. White symbol on blue background. Can include additional text.	Prescribes specific behaviour (e.g. PPE requirements).
	Prohibition Signs	Circular. Black symbol on white background with red circle and cross bar.	Prohibits unsafe behaviour likely to increase or cause danger (e.g. access restrictions or smoking ban).
	Warning Signs	Triangular Safety Signs. Black symbol or symbol and text on a yellow background surrounded by a black triangular band.	Warns of a hazard or danger (e.g. electrical hazard or overhead working).
	Emergency Exit Signs	Square or oblong. White symbol on green background. Can include additional text.	Provides information on emergency escape routes to show the way to an area of safety.
	Fire Equipment Signs	Square or oblong. White symbol on a red background. Can include additional text.	Indicates the location and type of fire equipment.
	Traffic Signs	Various designs in accordance with national road traffic signage conventions.	Instructions site vehicles of traffic control measures and alerts drivers of hazards
	Hazardous Substances Signs	Square. Using corresponding COSHH symbols.	Alerts team members of hazardous substances by type.

 

Sign size

As part of your safety sign audit, assess the potential viewing distance of a sign to determine what sizing will ensure the message can be read easily. Signs come in a variety of sizes, with larger signs available for messaging which may be viewed from further away.

Signage material

Consider where your sign will be mounted and the conditions it will be exposed to when deciding what type of sign material is required.

Material Type	Usage
Self-Adhesive Vinyl	Economical material. Easily attaches to curved or flat smooth surfaces without extra screws.
Correx	Corrugated polypropylene sheet, ultra-lightweight and exceptional value. Appropriate for indoor use or shorter duration signage projects.
Rigid Plastic	Good durability. Attaches to flat surfaces using fixtures.
Rigid Plastic with Self-Adhesive Backing	Good durability. No need for extra fittings – attaches to flat, smooth surfaces.
Aluminium/Dibond	High durability, anti-rust meta composite. Light but strong.  Can be attached to flat surfaces or support its own weight.
Anodised Aluminium	Strong and ultra-durable with increased resistance to wear and corrosion.
Brass	Premium look material. Strong and durable.

 

Maintenance and training

Once you’ve purchased your safety signs, make sure you keep them clean and well maintained so they can always be seen clearly.  

Safety signs are designed to be easily understood, however it’s important to ensure your team is fully trained so they understand the meaning of safety signs and the actions they prompt. Your training should also inform employees of the consequences of not following safety sign instructions.

Why Choose Enfield Safety?

• On-site safety sign audits
• 1000s designs in stock + fixtures and fittings
• Competitive prices
• Super-fast delivery and installation options
• Fast turnaround time
• 100% secure online shopping

We also took the most commonly used construction signage and created our site starter packs, an easy and economical way of providing all the signs you initially need for site setup, with significant savings on individual prices. Talk to our team today about how we can help on: 0333 003 5710

Enfield Safety – no one works harder to bring you health, safety and welfare products at the right price, on time, every time.