Page 81 - IGC BOOK

Safety Signs and Signals

Safety sign provides information or instructions by a combination of shape, colour and a symbol
or pictogram which is rendered visible by lighting of sufficient intensity. In practice, many
signboards may be accompanied by supplementary text, eg ‘Fire exit’, alongside the symbol of a
moving person.

The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
The Regulations require employers to ensure that safety signs are provided (or are in place) and
maintained in circumstances where there is a significant risk to health and safety that has not
been removed or controlled by other methods. This is only appropriate where use of a sign can
further reduce the risk.

Colour Meaning Or purpose Instruction and Intrinsic Features
information
Red Prohibition sign Dangerous behaviour; round shape;
Danger alarm stop;
shutdown; emergency black pictogram on
a sign prohibiting behaviour cut-out white background,
likely to increase or cause devices; evacuate red edging and
danger (eg ‘no access for diagonal line
unauthorised persons’)

Yellow Warning Sign Be careful; take triangular shape;
precautions; black pictogram on
– a sign giving warning of a examine a yellow background
hazard or danger (eg ‘danger: with black edging
electricity)

Blue Mandatory Sign Specific behaviour or round shape;
action, white pictogram on
a sign prescribing specific e.g. wear protective a blue background
behaviour (eg ‘eye protection equipment
must be worn)

Green Emergency escape Doors; exits; escape rectangular or
First aid sign routes; equipment and square shape;
facilities white pictogram on
Safe Access a green background
Return to normal.
a sign giving information on
emergency exits, first aid, or
rescue facilities (eg
‘emergency exit/escape route’

ENSIGN| Unit IG1 – Element 3 – Managing Risks – Understanding People and Processes 36