Safety Signs and Signals

An important aspect of health and safety is the appropriate display of signs and signals in complementing and supplementing control measures and safe systems of workings that are in put place. It may be that avoidance or adequate reduction in risk is not possible, therefore warning and information signs are required. 

Equally important, they should not be used instead of, or as a replacement for, a safe system of working. They are to be considered as a last resort in the hierarchy of control measures. 

The Health & Safety (Safety Signs & Signals) Regulations provide a common library and set of specifications that signs must conform to. 

They are: 

Prohibitory Signs, circular with a red border and diagonal line.

Warning Signs, triangular, with black border and symbol on a yellow background.

Mandatory Signs, circular on a blue background, with white symbols. 

Emergency Signs, square or rectangular, with green background with white symbols. 

Fire Fighting Signs, rectangular or square with white pictogram on a red background.

If there are any risks in connection with the movement of traffic, the signs are generally as per the Road Traffic Regulations Act. 

Caution: This statement gives basic information on health and safety. Please contact the Advice Line for specific advice. Contact Us.