Safety signs are a vital part of workplace health and safety, providing clear, visually impactful communication that helps prevent accidents and ensure compliance with regulations. Whether guiding emergency procedures, warning of hazards, or reinforcing mandatory actions, these signs play a critical role in keeping workplaces safe.
In the UK, safety signage must comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, which align with BS EN ISO 7010 – the standard ensuring symbols are universally recognisable. This means employees, contractors, and visitors can understand safety messages at-a-glance, without needing additional explanation.
At SafetyBuyer, we provide a comprehensive range of standard and custom safety signs, ensuring workplaces across all industries can meet legal requirements while reinforcing site-specific safety protocols.
What Are the Main Types of Safety Signs?
There are five primary types of health and safety signs, each using a specific shape and colour to indicate its meaning. Each type of sign is designed for instant recognition, ensuring fast decision-making in high-risk environments.
| Type | Shape | Colour | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prohibition | Circular | Red | Stops unsafe actions |
| Warning | Triangular | Yellow | Highlights hazards |
| Mandatory | Circular | Blue | Indicates actions that must be taken |
| Safe Condition | Rectangle/Square | Green | Shows safety locations/routes |
| Fire Safety | Rectangle/Square | Red | Identifies fire safety equipment |
Prohibition Signs (Red – Circular)
Prohibition safety signs indicate actions that must not be performed due to safety risks. These signs feature a red circular border with a black pictogram inside, crossed by a red diagonal line.
Common Prohibition Signs:
- No Smoking
- No Entry
- No Mobile Phones
- Do Not Operate Machinery Without Guards
Customisation Available: Prohibition signs can be tailored to specific workplace hazards, including site branding for a professional and compliant appearance.
Warning Signs (Yellow – Triangular)
Warning safety signs highlight potential hazards that require extra caution. These signs are triangular with a yellow background, a black pictogram, and a black border.
Common Warning Signs:
- Danger: High Voltage
- Caution: Slippery Surface
- Warning: Forklift Operating Area
- Caution: Hot Surface
SafetyBuyer can customise warning signs with specific site hazards or company branding to ensure clarity and consistency.
Mandatory Signs (Blue – Circular)
Mandatory safety signs specify actions that must be taken to maintain safety. These blue circular signs feature white pictograms or text.
Common Mandatory Signs:
- Wear Eye Protection
- Keep Fire Doors Shut
- Use Hand Sanitiser
- Protective Footwear Must Be Worn
Customise mandatory signs to include specific PPE requirements, site access rules, or workplace policies.
Safe Condition Signs (Green – Rectangular/Square)
Safe condition signs show emergency exits, first aid stations, and safe routes. These signs are green, with white pictograms and often directional arrows.
Common Safe Condition Signs:
- First Aid Station
- Emergency Exit
- Assembly Point Signs
- Push Bar to Open
Need a Custom Exit Route Map? We can help you create custom evacuation route signs with site-specific layouts to guide personnel and emergency services effectively in an emergency.
Fire Safety Signs (Red – Rectangular/Square)
Fire safety signs provide information on fire exits, alarms, and firefighting equipment. They are red, with white pictograms and text.
Common Fire Safety Signs:
- Fire Exit
- Fire Alarm Call Point
- Fire Extinguisher Location
- Do Not Use Lift in Case of Fire
BS 5839-1 outlines fire safety sign requirements, including illuminated exit signs for low-light environments.
The Importance of Proper Maintenance
- Signs must be clearly visible, not obscured by furniture, stock, or machinery.
- Regularly check for damage or fading – worn signs reduce their effectiveness.
- Use photoluminescent signs in areas with poor lighting or power loss risks.
Train Employees on Safety Signage
- All staff should be trained to recognise and respond to safety signs.
- Consider periodic refresher training to maintain compliance and awareness.
- Display site-specific safety posters to reinforce signage meanings.
Custom Safety Signs – Designed for Real-World Impact
At SafetyBuyer, we do more than supply safety signs—we help businesses create clear, effective visual management solutions that improve safety, communication, and compliance across all industries.
Customised to Your Workplace – Add your company logo, site-specific messaging, or industry-specific hazards to reinforce safety culture.
Built for Tough Environments – Choose from durable materials designed for indoor, outdoor, and high-traffic areas.
More Than Just Signs – We provide Health & Safety Information Boards, visual management solutions, and site safety boards that help teams engage with safety, not just follow rules.
