Every workplace in the UK has a legal duty to keep employees, visitors, and contractors safe. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to achieve this is by using health and safety signs. But what signs are legally required, and how do you know which ones apply to your business? In this guide, we’ll explain the key regulations, the types of safety signs you must display, and how to stay compliant with UK law.

The Law on Health and Safety Signs

The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 set out the legal requirements for safety signage in the workplace. These regulations, aligned with the European Directive 92/58/EEC, state that:

• Safety signs must be used where there is a risk that cannot be avoided or controlled by other means.

• All signs must conform to BS EN ISO 7010 standards, ensuring clear symbols and consistent design.

• Employers are responsible for ensuring signs are visible, maintained, and understood by staff.

In short: you don’t just need signs — you need the right signs, in the right places, meeting current standards.

The Four Types of Safety Signs You Need to Know

Workplaces typically require a mix of the following:

1. Mandatory Signs

• Blue circles with white pictograms.

• Show actions that must be carried out, such as wearing PPE.

• Example: “Safety Helmets Must Be Worn” or “Eye Protection Must Be Worn”.

• 👉 Browse our Mandatory Signs Collection.

2. Warning Signs

• Yellow triangles with black borders.

• Warn about potential hazards such as chemicals, electricity, or machinery.

• Example: “High Voltage” or “Danger: Forklift Trucks Operating”.

• 👉 Explore our Warning Signs Range.

3. Prohibition Signs

• Red circles with a diagonal line.

• Indicate actions that are not allowed.

• Example: “No Smoking” or “No Entry”.

• 👉 See our Prohibition Signs Collection.

4. Safe Condition Signs

• Green rectangles or squares.

• Provide guidance on safe routes, first aid, or emergency equipment.

• Example: “Fire Exit” or “First Aid Station”.

• 👉 View our Fire Exit & Safe Condition Signs.

Which Signs Are Mandatory for Workplaces?

While requirements vary depending on your sector, most UK workplaces will need to display:

• Fire Exit Signs – Clearly mark emergency escape routes.

• Fire Safety Signs – Show fire extinguisher locations and alarm points.

• First Aid Signs – Indicate first aid kits and trained staff.

• No Smoking Signs – A legal requirement in enclosed public areas and workplaces.

• PPE Signs – For sites where protective equipment such as hard hats, hi-vis clothing, or safety footwear is required.

👉 Construction sites, warehouses, schools, offices, retail spaces, and hospitality venues each have their own specific requirements. For example, construction sites must display “Site Safety” boards and PPE notices at entrances.

Placement and Visibility

The law also requires that safety signs are:

• Positioned where the risk exists (e.g., above a fire door, next to chemicals, at site entrances).

• Large enough to be easily read from a safe distance.

• Maintained in good condition — faded, damaged, or outdated signs must be replaced.

Staying Compliant: Best Practices

• Regularly review your workplace risks. New hazards may mean new signs are needed.

• Train staff to understand the meaning of each safety sign.

• Use ISO 7010-compliant designs to avoid confusion.

• Choose durable materials (PVC, aluminium, or recycled plastic) depending on indoor/outdoor use.

Conclusion

Health and safety signs aren’t just a tick-box exercise — they’re a legal requirement and a vital way to protect people in your workplace. By ensuring your signage complies with UK regulations and covers all key risks, you’ll create a safer environment while avoiding potential fines.

👉 Browse The Sign Shed’s full range of Health and Safety Signs — from fire exits and PPE to site safety boards — and keep your business compliant today.

Frequently Asked Questions about Safety Signs

Q1. What safety signs are required by law in the UK?
Under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, UK workplaces must display signs where risks cannot be controlled by other means. Common examples include fire exit signs, first aid signs, PPE (mandatory) signs, and prohibition signs such as no smoking.

Q2. What are the four types of safety signs?
The four categories are:

• Mandatory signs (blue circles) – actions that must be taken.

• Warning signs (yellow triangles) – hazard alerts.

• Prohibition signs (red circles) – actions not allowed.

• Safe condition signs (green rectangles) – emergency and first aid.

Q3. Do all fire exit signs need to be illuminated?
Yes, if the building is occupied when lighting could fail (e.g., at night or in low-light areas), then fire exit signs must be illuminated or photoluminescent to comply with UK fire safety regulations.

Q4. Where should safety signs be placed in the workplace?
Signs must be positioned close to the hazard or point of action — for example, above fire exits, at site entrances, next to hazardous machinery, or near first aid kits. They should be clearly visible and maintained in good condition.

Q5. How often should safety signs be replaced?
Safety signs should be replaced if they become faded, damaged, out of date, or fail to meet current ISO 7010 standards. Regular workplace risk assessments will highlight when new signage is required.

Q6. Can I use custom safety signs for my business?
Yes. Custom signage is allowed and often recommended for specific hazards unique to your workplace, provided the design follows UK safety standards and is easy to understand.