Construction Signs

What are the Construction Site Signage Requirements in the UK ?

A construction site safety sign is vital to public safety on construction sites where hazards are numerous and dangers need to be identified and the risk of injuries and accidents need reducing.

The UK Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM regs) require employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent risks to health and safety on construction sites. This includes the use of safety signs to warn of hazards and to direct people to safety.

The specific signs that you need will depend on the specific hazards on your construction site. However, you should at least display the following signs:

• Warning signs: These signs should be displayed to warn of hazards, such as falling objects, electrical hazards, and hazardous materials. The signs should be yellow with a black border and a pictogram or text that describes the hazard.
• Mandatory signs: These signs should be displayed to indicate that an action must be taken, such as wearing a hard hat or using safety glasses. The signs should be blue with a white border and a pictogram or text that describes the action that must be taken.
• Prohibition signs: These signs should be displayed to indicate that an action is prohibited, such as smoking or eating in a hazardous area. The signs should be red with a white border and a pictogram or text that describes the prohibited action.
• Emergency signs: These signs should be displayed to indicate the location of emergency equipment and exits. The signs should be green with a white border and a pictogram or text that describes the emergency equipment or exit.
• Directional signs: These signs should be displayed to direct people to safety equipment, exits, and other important locations. The signs should be white with a black border and a pictogram or text that describes the direction.

You should also display signs that indicate the location of any specific hazards on your construction site, such as trenches, scaffolding, or machinery.

The signs should be clear and easy to read, and they should be made from durable materials that will withstand the elements. You should also display them in a prominent location where they are easy to see.

By displaying construction site safety signs, you can help to ensure that workers and visitors are aware of the hazards on the site and know how to stay safe. This can help to prevent accidents and injuries.

Here are some additional tips for displaying construction site safety signs:

• Use the international pictograms for safety signs. These pictograms are universally recognized and can be understood by people of all languages.
• Use large, clear fonts. The signs should be easy to read from a distance.
• Use bright colors. The signs should be easy to see against the background.
• Display the signs in a prominent location. The signs should be placed where they are easy to see and access.
• Keep the signs clean and free of obstructions. The signs should be easy to read and understand.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your construction site safety signs are effective and help to keep your workers and visitors safe.

You can protect workers and visitors to your site with building site construction safety signs that highlight hazards, warn of dangers, instruct on safety measures, such as wearing appropriate PPE, and identify the location of safe areas such as first aid facilities and assembly points. 

The latest edition of our Construction Site Signs Catalogue is available to download for free. Click here to view and download the PDF.