Hazard Signs

FAQs

• What are the 7 safety symbols?

  Safety signs and symbols can be placed in seven categories. 

  This is what they look like:

  1. Warning signs – normally triangular with a black border and yellow background.
  2. Prohibition signs – normally round with a red border and white background.
  3. Mandatory signs – normally round with a blue background and white symbol.
  4. Emergency signs – normally rectangular with a white background and green symbol (or vice versa).
  5. Informational signs – normally rectangular with a white background and a black symbol.
  6. Fire safety signs – normally rectangular with a red background and a white symbol.
  7. Hazardous materials signs – normally diamond-shaped with a white, red, or yellow background and black symbols or text.
• How long do hazard signs last?

  Plastic hazard signs can last around 3-5 years, while aluminium hazard signs can last up to 7 years. Alupanel signs can often last even longer.

  That said, the lifespan of your hazard signs will also depend on factors like whether they’re placed indoors or outdoors, the weather, and ambient temperatures.

• What are the main 5 safety signs?

  Here are the 5 main safety signs to be aware of:

  1. Prohibition signs – these tell you not to do something.
  2. Mandatory signs – these tell you that you must do something.
  3. Warning signs – these make you aware of a danger or hazard.
  4. Fire equipment signs – these point you towards fire equipment.
  5. Safe condition signs – these give you information on how to reach safety.
• What size should hazard signs be?

  There isn’t a specific size for safety hazard signs.

  Rather, it will all depend on the distance from which they need to be read.

  As a general guide:

  • A 200mm x 300mm sign can be read from a distance of up to 12m.
  • A 300mm x 450mm sign can be read from a distance of up to 18m.
  • A 450mm x 600mm sign can be read from a distance of up to 27m.

  The important thing is that your hazard signs are large enough to be easily seen and read from a distance.

• Do hazard signs need to be updated?

  Yes, safety and hazard signs need to be checked regularly to make sure they’re still visible, legible, relevant, and compliant with regulations.

  If they’re not, they should be updated.

• What types of hazard signs are there

  Hazard signs can be used to warn of lots of different types of hazards. 

  Some of the main types include signs that warn against:

  • Physical hazards
  • Electrical hazards
  • Chemical hazards
  • Radiation hazards
  • Biological hazards
  • Explosive hazards
  • Flammable hazards
• Are hazard signs a legal requirement?

  Yes, hazard signs are a legal requirement in the UK.

  The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 state that employers have to provide signage to warn workers and visitors of risks wherever these risks can’t be removed.

  Meanwhile, COSHH (the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) requires symbols to be placed on certain substances to make sure anyone handling, storing, or delivering them is aware of their risks.

  A health and safety risk assessment will help you to work out which hazard signs you need to display at your workplace.

• Where should hazard signs be placed?

  Hazard signs should be placed close to the hazard they’re warning people about, as well as at entrances to hazardous areas, on hazardous substances, or on equipment.

  You should make sure that safety signs and labels are:

  • Well-lit
  • Clearly visible
  • At eye level for most people
  • Not obscured by other objects

  Complete a health and safety risk assessment to work out the best place to position your hazard signs.

• What materials are hazard signs made from?

  Hazard signs can be made from various materials. 

  Common materials include:

  • Plastic
  • Alupanel
  • Aluminium
  • Polycarbonate
  • Self-adhesive vinyl 
• What is the British standard for safety signage?

  The main British standard for safety signage is BS EN ISO 7010.

  This details how safety signs should look and which hazard symbols should be used.

  Meanwhile, BS 5499 lays out how to use safety signage correctly, with the help of the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.