The Legal Framework for Safety Signs
Under The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, employers must ensure safety signs are provided and maintained wherever there is a significant residual risk to health and safety that cannot be eliminated or controlled by other means.
Before installing safety signs, employers must first carry out a risk assessment to identify hazards, evaluate associated risks, and implement appropriate control measures. Safety signs should only be used when there is a genuine need to warn employees—not as a substitute for eliminating or reducing risks through safer working methods.
Safety signs in the UK must comply with BS EN ISO 7010, an internationally recognised standard ensuring consistency and easy recognition across workplaces. Additionally, safety signage falls under the broader responsibilities outlined in the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which requires employers to:
- Provide a safe place of work
- Provide safe equipment
- Ensure staff are properly trained
- Carry out risk assessments
- Provide proper welfare facilities
- Appoint a competent person to oversee health and safety
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in enforcement action, fines, or even prosecution.
The Different Types of Safety Signs
Prohibition Safety Signs (Red)
- Purpose: Indicate actions that are not permitted in a specific area.
- Appearance: Red circular signs with a diagonal strike-through line, featuring a black pictogram on a white background.
- Examples: No smoking, No entry, Do not use mobile phones
Warning Safety Signs (Yellow)
- Purpose: Warn individuals about potential hazards or dangers.
- Appearance: Triangular with a black pictogram on a yellow background and black edging.
- Examples: Caution: Wet floor Danger: High voltage Warning: Forklift trucks operating
Mandatory Safety Signs (Blue)
- Purpose: Specify actions that must be taken to remain safe in a workplace.
- Appearance: Blue circular signs with a white pictogram.
- Examples: Wear safety goggles, Hearing protection must be worn, Keep this door closed
Emergency Escape / Fire Exit Signs (Green)
- Purpose: Indicate safe escape routes and exit points in an emergency.
- Appearance: Rectangular or square green signs with white symbols and text.
- Examples: Fire exit this way, Push bar to open, Assembly point location
First Aid Signs (Green)
- Purpose: Indicate the location of first aid stations, equipment, or trained personnel.
- Appearance: Green rectangular signs with a white pictogram.
- Examples: First aid kit location, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) station, Emergency eyewash station
Fire Safety Signs (Red)
- Purpose: Indicate the location of fire-fighting equipment or fire alarms.
- Appearance: Square or rectangular red signs with white text and symbols.
- Examples: Fire extinguisher location, Fire alarm call point, Hose reel storage
Multi-Message / Combined Safety Signs
- Purpose: Provide multiple safety instructions in one location, improving clarity.
- Appearance: A combination of the sign types above, often featuring two or more safety messages in different colours.
- Examples: Wear PPE + No unauthorised access Danger: High voltage + Mandatory PPE requirements + Fire exit + Keep clear at all times
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Safety Signs
Yes, under The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, safety signs must be used whenever there is a significant risk to health and safety that cannot be eliminated by other means. Employers must assess risks and install appropriate signage to comply with BS EN ISO 7010 and the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
The following safety signs are required in most UK workplaces:
- Fire safety signs (e.g., fire extinguisher locations, fire exit routes)
- Emergency escape signs (e.g., fire exits, assembly points)
- Prohibition signs (e.g., no smoking, no entry)
- Hazard warning signs (e.g., electrical hazards, slippery floors)
- Mandatory PPE signs (e.g., safety helmets must be worn)
Employers must carry out a risk assessment to identify hazards in the workplace. If a risk cannot be completely removed, a safety sign should be used to warn employees or enforce protective measures (e.g., wearing PPE).
Yes, safety signs must comply with:
- BS EN ISO 7010 – the international standard for graphical safety symbols
- The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
- British Standard BS 5499 – guidance on the correct use of safety signs
Safety signs should be inspected regularly to ensure they are:
- Visible and legible (not faded or obstructed)
- Correctly positioned (near the hazard or required action)
- Undamaged (replaced if worn or broken)
A formal review should be conducted at least annually or when workplace conditions change.
Yes, overloading an area with too many safety signs can cause confusion and reduce their effectiveness. Signs should only be used where necessary and placed strategically to provide clear guidance without overwhelming employees.
Failing to install required safety signs can lead to:
- Fines and legal action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Increased workplace accidents due to lack of clear safety instructions
- Failure to meet insurance requirements, potentially invalidating coverage
Yes, digital or illuminated safety signs are permitted as long as they comply with BS EN ISO 7010 and remain clearly visible, understandable, and reliable during power failures.
No, safety signs should complement but not replace staff training and supervision. Employers must provide regular training to ensure employees understand the meaning of safety signs and follow safety procedures correctly.
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