Effective safety signs are a vital aspect of any workplace. They provide critical information and potential hazards to employees and the general public. Our extensive range of signs, from health and safety warnings labels to construction signs, play an important role in preventing workplace accidents.
Safety signage is required by UK law, informing people of hazards, making them a staple part of all electrical installations and maintenance today.
When and Where are Safety Signs used?
Safety signs play a crucial role in promoting safety, preventing accidents, and staying compliant with regulations. Safety signs are especially important when a hazard or danger cannot be sufficiently avoided or mitigated. Here are some examples of common scenarios where safety signs are used: Construction Sites, Roads, Warehouses, Schools, Factories, Retail and Commercial Sites, Public Spaces, Sports Facilities, Airports, and Industrial Areas.
How Vital are Safety Signs?
Safety signs and labels help businesses meet the strict guidelines for safeguarding occupational and consumer health and safety. Businesses can be forced to stop trading if compliance is questionable, so it is absolutely to get this right in your business.
Safety signs help to minimise injuries and let employees work without worry and let customers enjoy their experience, helping to make a good impression for your brand. Protecting your client’s safety is just as important as your employee’s safety and it helps turn customers into brand advocates.
What if someone slipped on your businesses wet floor and hit their head because they did not see any “wet floor” signs. Or what if someone got trapped inside your building during a fire, because of a lack of fire exit signs?
This would not only pose a huge risk to life, but it could also cause big legal problems. Safety labels and signs help you do your part in preventing these situations from occurring.
The Importance of Symbols.
The symbols contained within safety signs are a universal language which communicates information effectively. Whether it’s a simple red stop sign or a complex chemical hazard warning sign, the message is conveyed without the need for words. This is incredibly important to protect everyone no matter what language they speak. Another advantage of symbols, colours, and shapes on safety signs is that it portrays the information quickly in hazardous or dangerous environments.
The Different Types of Safety Signs:
Prohibition Signs: These signs are often red with a diagonal line through a symbol or text, indicating actions or activities that are not allowed. Examples include “No Entry,” or “Do Not Switch.”
An example of a useful prohibition sign is the Industrial Signs IS0810SA Self Adhesive Do Not Switch Off Fire Alarm Vinyl Label, which helps you ensure you comply with the latest Health and Safety legislations.
Warning Signs: These are typically yellow with black text or symbols. They alert us to potential hazards or dangers ahead. They include “Caution: Wet Floor,” “High Voltage,” and “Danger: Flammable Material.”
An example of a useful warning sign is the Industrial Signs IS1910SA Self Adhesive Danger 230 Volts Vinyl Label, which has a self-adhesive backing, making applying them easy.
Mandatory Signs: These signs are blue with white symbols or text, directing individuals to take specific actions or follow specific procedures. Examples include “Wear Hard Hat,” “Wash Hands,” or “Use Safety Goggles.”
Emergency Signs: Red and white or green and white, these signs indicate the location of fire exits, firefighting equipment, fire alarm pull stations, or first aid stations. They are critical for fast evacuation in case of fires.
This sign indicates the location of the nearest fire exit, allowing for fast and effective evacuation. Ansell AG8 L AD Watchman Legend Emergency Exit Sign Arrow Down.
Informational Signs: These signs provide essential information, such as inspection dates, first aid measures, or directions. They contribute to overall user convenience and safety.
Like this sign which advises the course of action in case of electric shock, Industrial Signs IS2401RP Self Adhesive Rigid Electric Shook Notice Label.
What Makes an Effective Safety Sign?
A good safety sign or label has a prominent and clear message that enhances the readers safety. A good safety sign is also made out of robust materials which will stand the test of time. You must also take care when positioning your safety signs, they should be somewhere before the hazard and in a clear area at eye level.
Conclusion
Safety signs help in preventing injuries, keeping you compliant, providing awareness, keeping you liable and accountable, and reducing risks. Safety signs may seem unassuming, but their role in our lives is massive. They protect us, guide us, and ensure our well-being in a variety of situations. These visual communicators go beyond language and culture to keep us out of danger, making our daily lives safer and more secure.
If you wish to make your workplace safer and more secure for your employees, make sure to check out our range of safety labels below.