Health and safety signs and their meanings

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.

What’s the Law on Safety Signs in the UK?

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:

• Clearly visible
• Relevant to the risks present
• Maintained and not damaged or faded

Health and Safety Signs: Types & Meanings

Safety signs are grouped into recognised categories. Each category uses a specific colour and shape to communicate its message quickly.

WARNING SIGNS

Warning signs indicate any hazards present.

They are yellow with a black border and a black symbol.

Warning signs include:

• Hazard signs
• Machinery signs
• Hazardous substance signs

These signs are typically used where risks such as moving equipment, chemicals, or uneven surfaces are present.

PROHIBITION SIGNS

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:

• No smoking
• No unauthorised access

MANDATORY SIGNS

Mandatory signs indicate actions that must be followed.

They are blue with a white symbol.

Mandatory signs are often used to show:

• PPE requirements
• Safety rules that apply at all times

These signs are essential in areas where protective measures are required to reduce risk.

EMERGENCY EXIT SIGNS

Emergency exit signs fall under the safe condition category.

They are green with white symbols and text.

These signs are used to show:

• Escape routes
• Emergency exits
• Evacuation directions

Arrows may be included to guide people to the nearest safe exit or assembly point.

FIRST AID SIGNS

First aid signs are also green. They feature a white cross symbol.

They help people quickly locate:

• First aid kits
• First aid points
• Information about trained first aiders

Clear first aid signage supports quicker response during injuries or medical incidents.

FIRE SAFETY SIGNS

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:

• Fire extinguishers
• Fire alarms
• Fire hose reels

Colour meanings help decode fire safety signage:

• Red shows fire-fighting equipment
• Green shows emergency escape or safe conditions
• Blue shows mandatory actions
• Yellow shows warnings

Together, these colours help people understand what action to take during a fire emergency.

PLACEMENT AND VISIBILITY OF SAFETY SIGNS

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.

Make Health and Safety Information Clear with SMI

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.

FAQs

What do safety signs mean?

Safety signs communicate risks, instructions, or emergency information using recognised symbols and colours to keep people safe.

What are the 7 safety symbols?

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:

• Fire risk
• First aid
• Emergency exit
• Warning/hazard
• Prohibited action
• Mandatory notice

What are the 9 hazard sign symbols?

The 9 hazard sign symbols are:

• Toxic
• Corrosive
• Explosive
• Electrical
• Oxidising
• Flammable
• Health hazard
• Marine pollutant
• Pressurised gas

What are the 5 categories of safety signs?

Safety signs commonly fall into these 5 categories:

• First aid
• Warning
• Prohibition
• Mandatory
• Safe condition