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Hazard warning signs are a legal requirement under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 and the Dangerous Substances (Notification and Marking of Work Areas) Regulations 1990. Safe Condition signs indicate safe escape routes or the location of safety equipment, as mandated by the Health and Safety Regulations 1996. On construction sites, signs play a crucial role in providing instructions, health and safety guidance, and directional notices to employees and visitors. Businesses can also use safety signs to highlight potential hazards or restrict access in specific areas.

Safety symbol signs are present in a wide range of environments, including nurseries, libraries, hospitals, and offices. These signs offer clear visual guidance to help prevent accidents, protecting both employees and the general public. They are especially important in communicating straightforward, universally understood messages, even for individuals whose first language is not English.

Workplaces should use safety signs to convey non-verbal commands, such as prohibiting smoking. These signs fall into four main categories:

1. Prohibition Signs: Indicate actions that are not allowed.
2. Warning Signs: Alert to potential dangers, such as hazardous substances.
3. Mandatory Signs: Specify safety measures, like wearing PPE or high-visibility clothing.
4. Emergency Signs: Highlight safe conditions, such as fire escape routes or the location of first-aid kits.

Additionally, some signs may incorporate oral or acoustic signals and manual gestures to enhance communication. The use of colours is vital for visibility and recognition; for instance, red on a safety sign typically indicates prohibition or a warning about hazardous conditions, such as flammable materials or explosives.

By clearly communicating critical safety information, these signs help foster a safer working environment for everyone.

BS EN ISO 7010 Explained

To address the growing need for universal health and safety signage in culturally diverse workplaces, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) introduced a European standard for safety symbols. This standard aims to enhance worker safety by ensuring that signs are easily recognisable, even for individuals with disabilities.

EN ISO 7010:2019 establishes clear guidelines for the shape and colour of each symbol, reducing the risk of confusion that previously led to workplace accidents. The standard ensures a consistent safety message across Europe, supporting safe working practices and accident prevention methods.

Who Needs to Comply with Safety Sign Regulations?

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers are required to perform risk assessments to identify and manage workplace hazards. Additionally, the Health & Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), mandate the use of safety signs where they can effectively warn, instruct, or help minimise risks to health and safety.

However, where "no significant risk to health and safety" exists, the HSE advises that businesses may not need to display a safety sign, except for specific fire safety signage, which remains a legal requirement.

Warning Signs

Warning signs alert individuals to potential hazards or dangers, such as chemical risks, electrical hazards, or, in agricultural settings, warnings like "Beware of Bull." These signs are easily recognisable by their triangular shape, yellow background, and black border. The text, written in bold black Helvetica font, is designed to be clear and concise for maximum visibility.

Mandatory Signs

Mandatory signs instruct individuals to follow specific actions to maintain safety and comply with the Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and other UK and EU legal standards. Examples include directives like "Drive Slowly," "Keep Gates Closed," or "Safety Helmets Must Be Worn." These signs are characterised by a round blue background with a white pictogram. The text is bold and white, displayed in a Helvetica font for clarity.

Prohibition Signs

Prohibition signs prevent behaviours that could lead to danger or hazards. They clearly indicate actions that are not allowed, such as "No Smoking," "Access Restricted," or "Do Not Use Mobile Phones." These signs feature a black pictogram within a red-edged circle, crossed through with a diagonal red line. Available in materials like self-adhesive vinyl, rigid plastic, or aluminium, these versatile signs are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use in settings such as schools, offices, factories, construction sites, and kitchens.

Safe Condition Signs

Safe condition signs highlight safe exit routes or the locations of safety equipment, ensuring compliance with the Health & Safety Regulations 1996. These signs are easily identified by their green background and bold white Helvetica font. They provide clear and concise information to guide individuals toward safe actions or areas during emergencies.

These sign categories ensure workplaces comply with safety standards while protecting employees and visitors from potential risks.

Choosing the Right Sign Material: A Guide by The Sign Shed

At The Sign Shed, all our signs are proudly manufactured in Yorkshire, adhering to the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Here’s a breakdown of the materials we offer to help you select the best option for your needs:

1. Self-Adhesive Vinyl Stickers

• Best for: Indoor use only.
• Material: Durable, flexible Metamark digital vinyl with adhesive backing.
• Application: Apply to flat, smooth, clean, and non-porous surfaces. Not suitable for wood, brick, or stone.
• Notes: Not recommended for surfaces painted with washable, "wipe-clean" paints like Dulux Easycare. For large stickers (A4+), professional application is advised.

2. Floor Stickers

• Best for: Indoor floors with light texture (e.g., carpet tiles).
• Material: Anti-slip Grafityp Textured Floor Vinyl.
• Lifespan: Several years.
• Notes: Not suitable for outdoor use or carpets.

3. Rigid Plastic Signs

• Best for: Indoor and outdoor general safety signage.
• Material: Lightweight, durable, 1mm thick rigid plastic.
• Features: Waterproof, can be pre-drilled for fixing.

4. Recyclable Plastic Signs (Bubble Board)

• Best for: Indoor and outdoor use requiring environmentally friendly options.
• Material: 100% recyclable polypropylene with a smooth, flute-free surface.
• Features: UV-treated, weather-resistant, scratch-resistant, and fire-retardant.

5. Recycled Plastic Signs (Palboard)

• Best for: Eco-conscious indoor and outdoor signage.
• Material: 50% recycled plastic with a lightweight PVC foam core.
• Features: Waterproof, recyclable, and excellent for printing.

6. Composite Aluminium Signs (Dibond)

• Best for: Long-term outdoor use in high-wind or harsh weather conditions.
• Material: Two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a polyethylene core.
• Features: Rust-proof, weather-resistant, lightweight, and durable. Pre-drilled holes available upon request.
• Environmental Benefits: 80% recycled material, 100% recyclable.

7. Photoluminescent PVC Signs

• Best for: Emergency signage.
• Material: Glow-in-the-dark PVC compliant with British Standard BS5499-2:1986.
• Features: Charges in daylight and provides visibility in power outages or emergencies.

8. Foamed Plastic Signs (Foamex)

• Best for: Temporary outdoor signage (e.g., construction sites).
• Material: Lightweight, weatherproof foam board with a matte finish.
• Thickness: 3mm.

9. Fluted Polypropylene (Correx)

• Best for: Temporary signage for short-term projects.
• Material: Lightweight and cost-effective.
• Features: Ideal for construction site notices.

10. PVC Banners

• Standard 440gsm PVC Banner
• Premium 510gsm PVC Banner
• 260gsm Mesh Banner

All banners are printed with eco-friendly UV ink and come hemmed and eyeleted, with free cable ties for easy installation.

By offering a variety of materials tailored to different uses, The Sign Shed ensures you’ll find the perfect solution for your signage needs—whether it’s temporary banners, durable outdoor signs, or eco-friendly options. For more information or help choosing the right material, contact us on 01977 220000.

Viewing Distances: How to Ensure Your Signs Are Seen

The visibility of a sign depends on several factors, including the viewing distance, angle, height, lighting conditions, and contrast with the background. Choosing the right size is essential to ensure your sign effectively communicates its message.

General Sizing Guideline

A good rule of thumb is that the height of the letters should be approximately 25mm (1 inch) for every 10 feet of viewing distance. For example:

• A sign with 10-inch letters can typically be read from 100 feet away.

However, this is just a guideline, and other factors, such as lighting or background clutter, may require adjustments.

Tips for Maximising Sign Visibility

To improve the visibility and effectiveness of your sign:

• Use Large, Bold Fonts: Opt for clear, easy-to-read lettering.
• Choose High-Contrast Colours: Ensure the text stands out against the background.
• Place in Well-Lit Areas: Adequate lighting makes signs easier to see.
• Avoid Cluttered Backgrounds: A clean, simple backdrop helps the sign stand out.

Get Expert Advice

If you’re unsure about the size or design of your sign, The Sign Shed can help! Our team is ready to guide you in selecting the perfect size, material, and design to meet your specific requirements. Contact us today for tailored advice.