Common Safety Signs and Signals 101 | Meanings and Legal Requirements
Upon implementation of control measures for workplace hazards, signs and signals serve as the last line of defence to warn employees of any remaining significant risks or instruct them on measures that must be taken in relation to these risks.
Employers must have adequate signage in place under these circumstances and should seek to provide employees with training to understand them. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it will keep your employees alert and aware.
Colours and Types of Safety Signs
Safety signs must contain a pictogram to convey the message instead of relying solely on text. We have collated the features that will allow you to effectively identify what a sign is notifying you of.
Signage Colours
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Warning (Yellow) Giving warning of a hazard or danger, e.g. danger: electricity. |  |
Mandatory (Blue) Must be done, prescribing specific behaviour, (e.g. eye protection must be worn) |  |
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Fire Fighting Equipment (Red) Information on the identification or location of fire-fighting equipment. |  |
Do you want to spread this information around your organisation? We’ve collated this table into a helpful infographic so workers can begin to interpret safety signage more consistently.
Types of Safety Signage and Signals
As well as the traditional signboards the regulations also apply to, other types of safety signs and signals. These are other visual aids to help warn employees of a specific risk contextual to where they are.
Warning Tape
Warning tape, typically featuring yellow and black or red and white stripes at a 45-degree angle, is used to mark obstacles and hazardous areas. Traffic route markings are represented by continuous lines, usually in yellow or white, depending on the surface colour of the ground.
Illuminated Signs
Illuminated signs such as emergency exit signs must be bright enough to be seen, without causing glare. Flashing beacons may be used to indicate a higher level of danger or a more urgent need for intervention or action.
Acoustic Signals
Acoustic signals, like fire alarms, should be loud enough to be clearly heard, typically at least 10 dB(A) above the ambient noise level at any given frequency. A two-tone siren may be used to indicate an increased level of danger or a more pressing need for action.
Spoken Communication
A pre-recorded spoken message, delivered either by a person or an artificial voice, can be used for warnings—for example, to alert individuals to reversing vehicles. Such messages must be clear, concise, and easily understood.
Hand Signals
Hand signals are used to guide hazardous operations, such as crane movements or vehicle manoeuvres. These signals must align with the code of signals outlined in Schedule 1 of the Regulations or adhere to a relevant British Standard.
In addition to supplying and maintaining appropriate safety signs and signals, employers must ensure that all employees receive clear and relevant information, training, and instruction on:
- The meaning of safety signs.
- The actions required in relation to safety signs.
8 Most Common Safety Signs and Signals in Workplaces
UK Health and Safety Law Poster
The Health and Safety Law Poster is a poster that informs employees about health and safety legislation. It's required to be displayed in all workplaces in Britain.
The Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations 1989, mandates that, if you employ anyone, you must either:
- Display the health and safety law poster in a location where workers can easily read it.
- Provide each worker with a copy of the equivalent health and safety law leaflet.
The poster explains British health and safety laws and lists what employees and employers responsibilities are. You can add details of any employee safety representatives or health and safety contacts.
Download the poster on the official Health and Safety Executive website.
Fire Notices
Fire action notices should clearly show the action that needs to be taken in the event of a fire. They give information to both the person discovering the fire and the occupants of the premises who hear the fire alarm. The instruction should be clear and succinct and include information such as who should raise the alarm, tackling the fire and evacuation procedures.
There are standard formats for such notices that can be obtained from sign suppliers. They should be located on noticeboards in communal areas or in the case of premises such as hotels, also on the back of bedroom doors.
Fire Exit and Emergency Escapes Signs
These signs indicate emergency routes and exits in case of a fire or other incidents. They should feature white markings on a green background, with fire exit signs positioned above exit doors. If the fire exit sign is not visible from all work areas, additional directional signs should be used to guide people toward the nearest exit.
It is essential to note that a directional arrow sign cannot be used alone – it must be accompanied by either the words “Fire Exit” or a fire exit symbol. If natural light levels are low or visibility may be compromised during an emergency, the sign must be additionally illuminated.
First Aid Signs
A first aid sign features a white cross on a green background. It should be placed near first aid kit locations to ensure quick access during an emergency. It’s also helpful to include a list of the company’s first aiders and, if relevant, their contact details alongside the sign.
No Smoking Signs
In July 2007, a complete smoking ban was introduced across all enclosed public spaces, workplaces, and certain vehicles in the UK. The smoke-free legislation makes it an offence not to display the correct No Smoking Signs, with fines of up to £1000 if requirements are not met. The ban has since been extended to include electronic cigarettes. Signs must be displayed at every entrance to smoke-free premises and adhere to the following minimum requirements:
- Be at least A5 in size (210mm x 148mm).
- Display the international no-smoking symbol with a diameter of at least 70mm.
- Include the following text in clear, legible characters: “No smoking. It is against the law to smoke in these premises.”
Slippery Surface Signs
Slippery surface signs are legally required in areas where slippery surfaces are not cordoned off. These signs help ensure the safety of workers and visitors, reducing the risk of accidents. Many premises conduct regular cleaning, which may leave some areas temporarily hazardous, making these signs crucial. Lightweight stands with double-sided signs are easily accessible and widely available.
Obstacle Signs
Most buildings contain localised hazards, with trip hazards and low-hanging obstacles being among the most common. It’s important to place signs in these areas to remind people to exercise caution. Trips are a leading cause of injury, and a simple "Mind the Step" sign can help prevent such accidents.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
These signs indicate the type of personal protective equipment (PPE) required in a specific work area. They feature white symbols on a blue background, signalling that wearing the PPE is mandatory. The signs should specify the type of PPE to be worn and the areas where it is required. They should be large, clear, and ideally placed at entrances to the area and within the work area itself. Standard symbols should be used whenever possible, although the law allows for minor adjustments based on specific circumstances.
Do Signs Need to Be Reflective?
If signs have to be visible in darkness, they will needs to be reflective and, ideally, illuminated. Sign lighting needs to be kept clean and working. Consider the premises, and the possibility of reduced lighting conditions.
What Is the Regulation in Place for Safety Signs in the Workplace?
The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 is the primary piece of legislation that covers safety signs and signals in the UK.
It requires employers to provide safety signs if there is a significant risk that cannot be avoided or controlled through other measures, such as safe work systems or engineering controls.
Safety signs are not necessary if they do not help mitigate the risk or if the risk is not deemed significant. This applies to all workplaces and activities where people are employed.
Employers must, when required:
- Use road traffic signs within workplaces to manage road traffic.
- Maintain the safety signs they provide.
- Ensure employees understand unfamiliar signs and are informed about the actions to take when they encounter safety signs.
Inadequate training for employees also stands as a major barrier to the effectiveness of safety signs. If employees do not understand the necessary risks to be aware of in the first place, then signs will not work as effectively.
To help employees understand health and safety in their workplace, and improve their knowledge of the relevant safety signs, organisations use the IOSH Managing Safely training course, below, to educate those in leadership positions.
This helps them build a better culture of safety in their respective teams, whilst also developing their skills to effectively identify, evaluate and control workplace risks. The course is available in a variety of learning methods such as Classroom, Virtual and Online, so employees can learn in the way that best suits them and their organisation.
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