4 minute read
Workplace health and safety information needs to be visually clear at all times.
You cannot rely on employees or visitors knowing the rules instinctively. Hazard warnings and safety reminders play a vital role in preventing accidents and reducing risk.
But what health and safety signs do you actually need to display in your workplace?
Below, we cover the most common health and safety signs used in UK workplaces and explain what they mean.
The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 require UK employers to use safety signs and labels where risks cannot be completely removed through other control measures.
Even when hazards are controlled through training, procedures, or equipment, clear visual safety information must still be displayed where needed.
To remain compliant, signs must follow BS EN ISO 7010.
This international standard ensures that safety signs use consistent colours, shapes, and symbols so they can be easily recognised, regardless of language or location.
Employers are also responsible for making sure signs are:
Safety signs are grouped into recognised categories. Each category uses a specific colour and shape to communicate its message quickly.
Warning signs indicate any hazards present.
They are yellow with a black border and a black symbol.
Warning signs include:
These signs are typically used where risks such as moving equipment, chemicals, or uneven surfaces are present.
Prohibition signs show actions that must not be carried out.
They are white with a red circular border and a diagonal line.
Types of prohibition signs include:
Mandatory signs indicate actions that must be followed.
They are blue with a white symbol.
Mandatory signs are often used to show:
These signs are essential in areas where protective measures are required to reduce risk.
Emergency exit signs fall under the safe condition category.
They are green with white symbols and text.
These signs are used to show:
Arrows may be included to guide people to the nearest safe exit or assembly point.
First aid signs are also green. They feature a white cross symbol.
They help people quickly locate:
Clear first aid signage supports quicker response during injuries or medical incidents.
Fire safety signs are a key category often overlooked.
They are usually red with white symbols, but may also appear alongside other colours depending on the information being provided.
Fire safety signs are used to identify:
Colour meanings help decode fire safety signage:
Together, these colours help people understand what action to take during a fire emergency.
Displaying the right sign is only part of compliance.
Signs should be positioned where they can be clearly seen before someone encounters the hazard. They should not be obstructed, damaged, or faded.
Employers should regularly review signage as part of workplace risk assessments, especially when layouts, processes, or equipment change.
Health and safety should never be difficult to follow.
Clear, consistent signage helps keep hazards visible, reinforces safety rules, and supports legal compliance.
At SMI, we supply a wide range of health and safety signs and labels designed to meet UK regulations and ISO standards.
If you are unsure which signs you need or where they should be placed, our team is on hand to help with practical advice.
Safety signs communicate risks, instructions, or emergency information using recognised symbols and colours to keep people safe.
There is no fixed limit, but commonly recognised symbols include fire risk, first aid, PPE required, emergency exit, warning, prohibition, and mandatory notices.
The most common safety sign symbols are:
The 9 hazard sign symbols are:
Safety signs commonly fall into these 5 categories:
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