Safety Signage
Employers are required under The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations act to provide specific safety signs conforming to BS5499 wherever there is a risk or hazard. The Regulations state that:
- Employers must use safety signs wherever there is a risk to health and safety which cannot be controlled by other means.
- Safety signs must be of a specified type.
- All signs must contain a pictogram; text only signs are no longer acceptable.
- Signs must be properly maintained and adequately lit.
- Employers must ensure that signs are understood by employees.
Safety Signage Categories
There are many stipulations and regulations surrounding the type, size and positioning of all Safety Signs and JPS can assess your premises, advise and install the correct sign for each location. All signs must conform to BS 5499. See below with examples, how Safety Signage is categorised into the following six main groups:
1. Prohibition Signs
Indicate that a specific action or behaviour is forbidden
2. Mandatory Signs
Indicate that a specific course of action must be taken
3. Warning Signs
Indicate a hazard or danger
4. Emergency Escape Signs
Indicate emergency exits and escape routes
5. Fire Equipment Signs
Indicate the location or identification of fire equipment or how it
should be used
6. Supplementary Signs
Are supportive of a safety sign by providing additional clarifying information