Sign categories explained

Customers remain responsible for assessing the risks and signage requirements at their own premises or site.

  • A circular blue and white safety sign featuring a hard hat icon, mounted on a metal fence.

    Mandatory Signs

    Mandatory signs show actions that must be carried out. They are commonly blue and white.

    Examples: wear safety helmets, wear hearing protection, report to reception.

  • Warning Signs

    Warning signs draw attention to hazards or potential dangers. They are commonly yellow and black.

    Examples: high voltage, moving vehicles, slippery surface, fragile roof.

  • Prohibition Signs

    Prohibition signs show activities that are not allowed. They are commonly red, white and black.

    Examples: no smoking, no entry, no parking, no unauthorised access.

  • A green rectangular sign with white arrows and the words 'Assembly point' attached to a metal fence, with a blurred construction site in the background.

    Safe-condition signs

    These identify emergency exits, first-aid facilities and safe routes. They are commonly green and white.

    Examples: fire exit, first aid, assembly point.

  • A red square fire safety sign with a white border, showing a white fire extinguisher icon on the left and a white flame icon on the right.

    Fire-equipment signs

    Fire-equipment signs identify the position of firefighting equipment and alarms. They are commonly red and white.

    Examples: fire extinguisher, hose reel, fire alarm, fire point.

  • A man and a woman in an office setting look at a sheet of construction safety signs and manuals spread on a desk. The man wears a high-visibility yellow vest over a dark jacket, and the woman wears a black jacket.

    Important note

    Safety signs support suitable risk controls. They should not be treated as a replacement for safe working procedures, training, supervision or physical safety measures.