Safe Signs: A Guide to a Compliant Workplace
The Health & Safety at Work Regulations state that where workplace risks cannot be removed completely, you have a legal responsibility to ensure these risks are clearly identified. You're also legally required to advise of any actions that must be taken to avoid risks in your workplace.
Fire Exit Safety Signs
Designed to clearly identify escape routes and emergency exits. All premises that are required to undertake health and safety risk assessments must comply to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and clearly mark all emergency escape routes and exits.
To assess, start from the centre of the site or building or a point farthest from a fire exit, then work towards the exit noting changes in directions and levels. At these points, a fire exit sign should be placed and at regular points along the route - the rule of thumb is you should always be able to see a fire exit sign clearly indicating the direction you should take.
Fire Door and Assembly Point Signs
You may have noticed whilst wandering a public building or two, fire action signs provide essential, detailed information and should form part of your comprehensive fire exit and evacuation process. Assembly signs conform with current UK and European Legislation including Draft International Standards DIS 3864 part 1, which requires a white border for Safe Condition and Fire Exit Signs.
Check that all Fire Exit Doors have a sign explaining opening methods. They must also have a sign explaining that they should be kept shut. Fire escape doors must be kept clear on the outside as well as the inside, and upon exiting the building, the assembly points should be signed.
Fire Equipment Signs
Is your fire action procedure clear? The location of all fire-fighting equipment should be obviously marked with a sign. This includes extinguishers, fire blankets and call points. Make sure all of your fire extinguishers have the correct sign identifying the type of fire they can be used on. All fire fighting appliances must be clearly identifiable.
HSE Health & Safety Law Poster
Revised in April 2009, the poster outlines the basic Health & Safety responsibilities of both employers and employees, and you are legally responsible to display, to ensure all of your employees are fully aware of their H&S obligations.
Position your poster in a prominent place so it can be easily viewed by all employees. If your workplace is large or has several buildings, it is likely that you will need more than one poster.
No Smoking Signs
You must display a no-smoking sign at each public entrance to your workplace. This sign must also have specific text. If you do not display the appropriate sign, you could be fined up to £1000. If you feel as though it's necessary, supplementary no-smoking signs can be used internally to help ensure your smoke free policy is adhered to.
Machinery Hazards and PPE Signs
If you have any machinery on your premises, you must have signs to warn of hazards and actions to be taken, such as ensuring guards are in place and identifying emergency stop buttons. These must be put up close to the machine or its control panel. Signs regarding protective clothing, equipment and any action to be taken, must be placed on or close to the machine.
The Health & Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 details that Mandatory Signs must have a blue circular background which contains a white pictogram. All symbols, where applicable, conform to ISO 7010.
Slippery Surface Signs
With the responsibility of protecting your staff and visitors, all persons at work need to be aware of the status of any slippery surfaces or areas that they may come into contact with. The Slippery Surface Signs must be displayed to warn people to be careful or to take precautions when slips are a near risk - helping contribute to a more informed, safer workplace.
Specific Prohibition and Hazards Signs
As you walk around your premises, you must consider the movement of employees, visitors and contractors. Signs must indicate where pedestrians can and cannot safely walk and identify potential hazards. Traffic routes for vehicles must also be clearly identified to ensure safety.
As you walk around your premises, you must consider the movement of employees, visitors and contractors. Signs must indicate where pedestrians can and cannot safely walk and identify potential hazards. Traffic routes for vehicles must also be clearly identified to ensure safety.
This is not a complete guide of all the signs you need to make your site compliant and safe, but aims to provide some examples to help you start identifying potential hazards. For comprehensive guidance on all matters relating to Health & Safety guidance, please visit the HSE website.
