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HOW TO GUIDE: YOUR SAFETY SIGN TICK LIST FOR YOUR WORKPLACE!
5 minute read
Clear signage does more than help businesses meet safety standards - it protects people and helps create a safer workplace.
The right safety signs help you:
- Educate workers with visual reminders of risks and safety procedures.
- Prevent accidents by reducing slips, trips, and other workplace accidents.
- Improve safety by giving clear cues of what everyone should and shouldn’t do.
But, it only works if the signs are:
- Up to date
- Clear and visible
- Legally compliant
- Easy to understand
Without regular checks, all safety signage can become a risk. Carry out annual signage audits to make sure signs are up to date with all health and safety rules.
Our simple safety checklist helps you spot the gaps.
FIRST STEPS TO SAFETY SIGN SAFETY
Start with the basics.
For example, check that your signs are clean, clear and in good condition.
Dirty, damaged or blocked signs can be impossible to see and understand.
| WHAT YOU NEED TO CHECK |
| Do you have the right fire signs? |
| Are all signs mounted securely and easy to see? |
| Are any of your signs bent, cracked, faded, or damaged? |
| Do your warning signs clearly say ‘Warning’, ‘Danger’, or ‘Caution’? |
| Do your signs use the right safety sign symbols and colours for EN ISO 7010 or EN ISO 3864? |
Explore our full range of EN ISO 7010 approved safety signs and labels.
OUTSIDE AND POINT OF ENTRY CHECKLIST
| WHAT YOU NEED TO CHECK |
| Do parking signs show any restrictions? |
| Can outdoor signs still be read in bad weather? |
| Do entrances clearly show which PPE is needed? |
| Does signage separate vehicle and pedestrian routes? |
| Are your ‘No Smoking’ and smoking areas clear inside and outside? |
| Do routes from all exits clearly point to the emergency assembly point? |
ENTRY AND RECEPTION SIGN CHECKLIST
| WHAT YOU NEED TO CHECK |
| Is it clear if visitors need to sign in? |
| Is it easy for visitors to find the reception? |
| Are health and safety notices visible and up to date? |
| Are fire exit directions and facilities signs easy to follow? |
| Are emergency contact numbers easy to read and understand? |
| Is it obvious who’s running the CCTV system, and how to contact them? |
Keep visitors safe with clear, easy-to-read door signs.
TOILET AND WASHROOM SIGN CHECKLIST
| WHAT YOU NEED TO CHECK |
| Is there accessible toilet signage? |
| Are hand washing signs present and clear? |
| Are hot taps clearly marked to prevent burns? |
| Are toilet signs marked (male, female, unisex)? |
| Can visitors easily find the toilets or washrooms? |
Discover our clear and inclusive cleaning and washroom signs.
FIRE SIGN SAFETY CHECKLIST
| WHAT YOU NEED TO CHECK |
| Are fire doors labelled ‘Fire door keep shut?’ |
| Is it clear when the next fire drill will happen? |
| Do signs show the types of fire equipment in place? |
| Are directional arrows guiding people to the nearest exit? |
| Does every fire alarm call point have a fire action notice above it? |
| Are fire extinguisher and fire blanket locations clearly labelled? |
| Are emergency lighting and illuminated exit signs in place and working? |
| Are fire doors clearly labelled, easily visible, and kept clear at all times? |
| Are push bars or pads on emergency doors signed with the correct symbol? |
| Are all fire doors open to fresh air labelled with a ‘Fire door keep clear’ sign? |
| Can all fire alarm call points, fire extinguishers, and hose reels be seen from a distance? |
There’s no fire safety without clear and easy-to-understand site signage.
Get it right with SMI’s full range of fire signs.
SIGNPOSTING HAZARDS SIGN CHECKLIST
CHEMICAL RISKS
| WHAT YOU NEED TO CHECK |
| Are hazardous substances clearly labelled? |
| Are eye wash stations and spill kits clearly signed? |
| Are PPE signs visible near chemical handling areas? |
Need more protection? Our range of spill control products helps to keep your teams safe.
OVERHEAD RISKS
| WHAT YOU NEED TO CHECK |
| Do signs warn of low ceilings, cranes, or falling objects? |
| Are there clear temporary hazard signs (like scaffolding)? |
| Is overhead hazard signage being used to enter hazard zones? |
MACHINERY RISKS
| WHAT YOU NEED TO CHECK |
| Are ‘Authorised personnel only’ signs posted? |
| Are emergency stop and isolator signs easy to spot? |
| Are there warning signs for moving parts and blades? |
NOISE RISKS
| WHAT YOU NEED TO CHECK |
| Are noise control zones signed? |
| Can you easily tell where loud and quiet areas meet? |
| Are there ‘Hearing protection must be worn’ signs in high-noise zones? |
VEHICLE MOVEMENT RISKS
| WHAT YOU NEED TO CHECK |
| Are speed limit and one-way system signs clear? |
| Are forklift and HGV movements clearly marked? |
| Are there clear signs for blind spots and loading areas? |
| Does signage separate pedestrian walkways and crossings? |
FAQs
WHAT ARE THE 5 MAIN SAFETY SIGNS?
The five main safety signs are:
- Prohibition (red)
- Hazard (yellow)
- Mandatory (blue)
- Fire safety signs (red)
- Safe condition or first aid (green)
WHAT IS THE EN ISO 7010 STANDARD FOR SAFETY SIGNS?
EN ISO 7010 is the international safety standard for safety signs.
It outlines the shapes, colours, and symbols that every business should use, so everyone understands how to manage workplace risks.
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