Safety signs and symbols

These signs are those prescribed in the Health and safety (safety signs and signals) regulations 1996, or by the CHIP regulations. They are recognised throughout the European Union and must be used wherever you need to give health and safety information, prohibition, warning, or require a specific safety action using a sign or symbol. Generally the symbols are displayed with a short text (eg, no smoking or fire exit). In addition to these graphical signs, the regulations set out standard: hand signals verbal signals warning tapes to mark hazardous areas and enclosures. Employers may need to ensure employees are aware of and understand the meaning of the safety signs. Although most are self-explanatory, some employees, particularly the newly recruited, may be unfamiliar with the less commonly-used signs. It should be noted that the regulations are not the sole source of safety signs. Other signs and symbols are provided by: the Dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres regulations 2002 (the EX sign) the British Standards Institution to mark and identify (for example) gas cylinders, pipe runs, fire doors (eg, see BS 1710, Specification for identification of pipelines and services). international treaties on transport of hazardous substances assign symbols for a variety of hazardous substances. These are the so-called hazard diamonds, which are displayed on vehicles or transport containers or packages (eg, see the UNs Orange Book, Recommendations on transport of dangerous goods model regulations).

Types of safety sign or symbol

These are organised into mandatory, prohibitory, warning, and fire etc safety signs.

Mandatory signs
These signs instruct you to take action (eg; 'Eye protection must be worn'). Mandatory signs are blue and require specific behaviour, eg: wear personal protective equipment. General warning sign, often used with other safety signs

Wear eye protection

Wear a safety helmet

Wear hearing protection

Wear respiratory protection

Wear safety boots

Wear safety gloves

Wear safety overalls

Wear face protection

Wear safety harness

Pedestrians must use this route

Emergency exit or escape route signs

These signs give information on escape routes, emergency exits, first-aid, or rescue facilities (eg, 'Emergency exit/escape route'). Green signs are for emergency escapes such as doors, exits or escape routes, or they are for first-aid signs to indicate equipment and facilities. Fire escape exit

Fire escape exit or route

Fire escape exit or route

Fire exit or route

Fire escape exit or route

Fire escape route direction

First aid station

Emergency telephone

Eyewash station

Stretcher

Emergency drench shower

Environment hazard

Prohibitory signs
These signs are coloured red and forbid behaviour likely to increase or cause danger (eg, 'No smoking'). They indicate dangerous behaviour, stop or shut-down; or can signify a danger alarm or an emergency cut-out device. No smoking

No smoking or naked flames

No access for pedestrians

Do not extinguish with water

Not drinking water

No access for unauthorised persons

No access for industrial vehicles

Do not touch

Firefighting signs
These signs provide information about the location and type of firefighting equipment available. Fire hose

Fire extinguisher

Ladder

Emergency fire telephone

This way to firefighting equipment

Warning signs
These signs give warning of a hazard or danger (eg; 'Danger - electricity') . Warning signs are yellow or amber and mean 'be careful', 'take precautions' etc. Danger: electricity

Flammable

Explosive

Toxic

Corrosive

Radioactive

Overhead load

Attention!

Laser

Oxidising material

Non-ionising radiation

Strong magnetic field

Obstacles

Danger of fall from a height (dangerous drop or change of level)

Biological hazard

Low temperature

Harmful or irritant

v2.1