How to Choose Internal Signage for Your Workplace

External signage is important. But internal signage plays a critical role in keeping people safe, informed, and moving efficiently around your workplace.

Choosing the right internal signage supports compliance with UK workplace signage requirements, strengthens your brand, and improves day-to-day operations.

Here’s what you need to think about when choosing signs for your workplace.

What Internal Signage Does for a Business

BRANDING

Internal signage reinforces your identity across your premises.

Reception signage, branded wall graphics, and consistent design themes create a professional environment.

Not only that, but clear and compliant safety signage also demonstrates that your business takes health and safety seriously.

HIGHLIGHTS RISKS

Health and safety signage makes workplace risks clear and visible to all.

Under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, signage is required where a significant risk remains after other control measures have been applied.

Safety signs must comply with BS EN ISO 7010, ensuring consistent colours, symbols, and formats across UK workplaces.

KEEP IN MIND: Signage supports your wider safety systems. It must never replace risk control measures.

PROVIDES INFORMATION

Signs can provide information in a quick, easy, and accessible way. 

This includes:

• Welfare facilities
• Restricted access zones
• Required PPE in specific areas
• Fire exits and evacuation routes
• Meeting rooms and site navigation

Clear signage reduces confusion and improves operational efficiency.

Why Internal Signage Matters

PEOPLE CAN GET LOST

Even in familiar environments, clear wayfinding signage helps people move safely between zones.

This is especially important in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, healthcare settings, and multi-floor offices.

IT'S EASY TO FORGET WORKPLACE SAFETY POLICIES

Visible signage reinforces key rules every day.

Mandatory signs, prohibition signs, and warning signs provide constant reminders of safe working practices.

EMERGENCIES REQUIRE QUICK ACTION

In an emergency, personnel must be able to quickly locate:

• First aid stations
• Emergency exits
• Assembly points
• Fire safety equipment

BS EN ISO 7010 signage ensures symbols are universally recognisable, improving response times and reducing risk.

How to Identify Workplace Signs You Might Need

Mainly, it comes down to considering three key categories:

INFORMATIONAL

What do people need to know when they’re on site? 

You may need signs explaining:

• How to check in to site
• Any access restrictions
• What PPE they need to wear
• Whether an area needs to be kept clear

Common examples are:

• Mandatory signs
• General information signs

HEALTH AND SAFETY

These communicate residual risks.

You may require:

• Fire safety signs
• Prohibition signs
• Safe condition signs
• Machinery hazard signs
• Warning signs for hazardous substances

All safety signage should comply with BS EN ISO 7010 and follow UK workplace signage requirements.

Ensure signs are:

• Well lit
• Clearly visible
• Free from obstruction
• Positioned at appropriate heights

WAYFINDING AND DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

Directional signage supports safe and efficient movement across your site.

This includes:

• Zone identification
• Room and door signs
• Warehouse aisle signage
• Emergency route indicators

Clear navigation reduces disruption and supports visitor safety.

UK WORKPLACE SIGNAGE REQUIREMENTS AT A GLANCE

Under UK law:

• Pictograms must be easily understood
• Signs must comply with BS EN ISO 7010
• Signage must be clear, visible, and properly maintained
• Safety signs are required where significant risks remain after other controls

IMPORTANT: Signage should form part of a wider health and safety management system, not act as a standalone control.

Get the Workplace Signage You Need at SMI

At SMI, we supply compliant internal signage alongside PPE, workplace safety equipment, and facility essentials.

Working with a single source supplier simplifies procurement and ensures consistency across multiple sites.

We can help you select signage that meets UK regulations and supports your wider safety strategy.

Need something bespoke? Speak to the team!

FAQs

What types of safety signs are there?

There are many types of safety signs, including:

• Hazard signs
• First aid signs
• Machinery signs
• Fire safety signs
• Prohibition signs
• Safe condition signs

Why does a workplace need signage?

For many reasons! 

Workplace signage serves quite a few purposes, including:

• What PPE is required for work
• Highlighting health and safety risks
• Helping people get around without getting lost

Are there legal requirements for workplace signage in the UK?

There are a couple of legal requirements for workplace signage in the UK:

1. Health and safety signs are only required if the risks are controlled yet significant.
2. Health and safety signs should be compliant with the EN ISO 7010 design standard.