Safety Signs and Signals The Health & Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 The regulations were introduced to develop a ‘European’ system of health and safety signs, hence the increased usage of pictograms as opposed to wording, so that safety signs, wherever they are seen have the same meaning. Safety signs and signals serve as important methods of communication. What safety signs and signals have you seen before attending this session?

What types of signs and signals are used in the workplace? There are two main types: Visual: Signs Notices Hand signals Audible: Voice Sirens Bells and alarms. All are extremely useful in the workplace as they will help to keep you safe, so long as you understand and comply with them. VISUAL “Signs” provides information or instructions by a combination of geometric shape, colour and a symbol or pictogram “Notices” give written information to take in an emergency "hand signal" means a movement or position of the arms or hands or a combination thereof, in coded form, for guiding persons who are carrying out manoeuvres which create a risk to the health or safety of persons at work Signs must be prominent and located at eye level. AUDIBLE “voice” - over a loudspeaker system “sirens” – “bells & alarms” – e.g. fire alarms

What are the main types of safety sign? Prohibition? Warning? Mandatory? Safe condition? "prohibition sign" means prohibiting behaviour likely to cause a risk to health or safety "warning sign" requiring the need to be careful or take precautions "mandatory sign" requires specific behaviour or action “Safe Condition” used to show emergency escape and first aid

Prohibition Signs These are used to stop you doing something that might put you in danger Prohibition signs – must be round, with a black pictogram on a white background with red edging and a red diagonal line (top left, bottom right). The red part must take up at least 35% of the area of the sign Examples shown are ’no naked flames’ and ‘no smoking’

Warning Signs These warn you of a hazard or a danger Warning signs – must be triangular, with a black pictogram on a yellow (or amber) background with black edging. The yellow part must take up at least 50% of the area of the sign Examples show slip hazard and toxic substance

Safety Information Signs These signs give you information on emergency exits, first aid and rescue facilities Safe condition sign – escape/first aid signs must be rectangular or square, with a white pictogram on a green background. The green part must take up at least 50% of the area of the sign. It is sometimes permitted to use a green pictogram on a white background (still at least 50% green) Examples show first aid and means of escape

Mandatory Signs These signs tell you that you must do something Mandatory sign – must be round, with a white pictogram on a blue background. The blue part must take up at least 50% of the area of the sign. Examples show ear protection must be worn and safety boots must be worn

Audible methods Fire alarms Walkie talkies for large work areas

When you return to the workplace Familiarise yourself with all the safety signage where you work: Make sure you know what they all mean Ensure they all in places where they can be easily seen Ensure that all warning signs are in place. Ask delegates whether there are any safety signs or signals they have seen but do not understand Signs must be prominent and located at eye level If you answer “No” to any of the questions speak to your supervisor.

Other visual methods How asbestos is identified Banksman giving hand signals where verbal communication is not effective