Clear PPE signs tell employees, contractors and visitors when personal protective equipment must be worn before entering an area or carrying out a particular task.

Our range of mandatory PPE safety signs covers head, eye, face, hearing, hand, foot, respiratory and high-visibility protection for construction sites, warehouses, factories, workshops and other workplaces.

The PPE required for an individual activity or area should be determined by the hazards present and the control measures identified through the relevant risk assessment.

Mandatory PPE Signs

PPE signs are generally a type of mandatory safety sign. They communicate an action that people must take, rather than simply warning them that a hazard exists.

Mandatory safety signs typically use a blue circular background with a white pictogram. Common PPE instructions include:

• Safety helmets must be worn
• Eye protection must be worn
• Hearing protection must be worn
• Protective gloves must be worn
• Safety footwear must be worn
• High-visibility clothing must be worn
• Face protection must be worn
• Respiratory protection must be worn

The sign should match the PPE requirement that actually applies in that area.

Head Protection & Hard Hat Signs

Hard hat and head protection signs identify areas where suitable safety helmets must be worn.

They are commonly used at construction sites, industrial premises and work areas where there is a risk of head injury.

Position the sign before someone enters the area where head protection is required.

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Eye Protection Signs

Eye protection signs tell people where safety glasses, goggles or other appropriate eye protection must be worn.

They may be needed around machinery, grinding and cutting operations, chemical handling areas, laboratories, workshops and other activities where the eyes could be exposed to harmful substances or flying particles.

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Ear & Hearing Protection Signs

Hearing protection signs identify areas where appropriate hearing protection such as ear defenders or ear plugs must be worn.

Position signs at entrances to designated hearing-protection areas and other locations where the requirement begins, so people can put on the appropriate protection before exposure.

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Hand Protection Signs

Hand protection signs communicate requirements to wear suitable protective gloves.

The type of gloves required will depend on the task and hazard, so signage should support the PPE arrangements established for that particular work activity.

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Safety Footwear Signs

Safety footwear signs tell workers, contractors and visitors where protective footwear must be worn.

They are commonly used on construction sites and in warehouses, factories, workshops and industrial areas where foot protection forms part of the required PPE.

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Face & Respiratory Protection Signs

Some work activities require additional protection for the face or respiratory system.

Face protection and respiratory PPE signs can be used where the relevant risk assessment requires equipment such as face shields, masks or respiratory protective equipment.

The sign should accurately reflect the protective equipment required for the particular task or area.

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High-Visibility Clothing Signs

High-visibility clothing signs help communicate where hi-vis clothing must be worn.

These are particularly useful around construction sites, yards, loading areas and workplaces where vehicles, mobile plant or other activities make worker visibility important.

Where several items of PPE are required, a combined PPE sign may provide a clearer instruction than several separate signs.

Construction PPE Signs

Construction sites often have defined PPE requirements for workers, contractors and visitors.

Depending on the site and activities taking place, this may include hard hats, high-visibility clothing, protective footwear, eye protection, hearing protection and other task-specific PPE.

Construction PPE signs can be positioned at site entrances, access gates and individual work areas to communicate these requirements before someone enters the relevant zone.

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Where Should PPE Signs Be Positioned?

Position PPE signs where people can see the instruction before entering the area or beginning the activity where the protective equipment is required.

Suitable locations can include:

• Site entrances and gates
• Workshop doors
• Factory and warehouse entrances
• Machinery and workstations
• Plant rooms
• Chemical handling areas
• Loading and service areas
• Controlled work zones
• Temporary work areas

A PPE sign positioned after someone has already entered the hazard area is unlikely to communicate the requirement at the right time.

PPE Signs & UK Workplace Requirements

Employers should assess workplace risks and take appropriate measures to eliminate or control them.

Where personal protective equipment forms part of those control measures, the requirement should be clearly communicated to the people who need to follow it. Safety signage can help reinforce PPE requirements at entrances, work areas and other appropriate locations.

PPE signs support risk assessments, training, supervision and safe systems of work. They do not replace these measures or the requirement to provide suitable PPE where it is needed.

PPE Signs & BS EN ISO 7010

BS EN ISO 7010 provides standardised graphical symbols used for safety signage, including many mandatory PPE symbols.

Recognised symbols can help workers, contractors and visitors understand PPE instructions quickly and consistently.

Where applicable, choose signs using recognised symbols appropriate to the PPE requirement being communicated.

Choosing the Right PPE Sign

Start with the actual PPE requirement rather than the sign catalogue.

Consider:

• What hazard or activity requires PPE?
• What protective equipment must be worn?
• Who needs to follow the instruction?
• Where does the PPE requirement begin?
• How far away must the sign be visible?
• Is the location indoors or outdoors?
• Is one item of PPE required or several?
• Is a standard or combined PPE sign clearer?

Avoid displaying PPE instructions that no longer reflect the actual site rules. Outdated or unnecessary signage can make important safety messages less effective.

Choosing Your PPE Sign Material

Choose a material appropriate to the location, mounting surface and expected conditions.

Self-adhesive vinyl is suitable for clean, smooth surfaces and many indoor applications.

Rigid plastic provides a durable option for walls, doors and general workplace use.

Aluminium composite provides a strong, weather-resistant option for exposed outdoor and longer-term installations.

For temporary work areas, consider whether the sign needs to be moved or repositioned as the work progresses.

Made in Britain PPE Signs

The Sign Shed manufactures PPE signs in Yorkshire and is a registered member of Made in Britain.

Choose from individual PPE signs and combined mandatory notices covering head, eye, hearing, hand, foot, face, respiratory and high-visibility protection in a range of sizes and materials.

Bulk discounts are available for construction sites, warehouses, factories and businesses requiring multiple signs.