A Simple Guide to Safety Sign Symbols and their Meanings
Safety signs generally fall into five categories:
Hazard Warning Signs
Symbol: Yellow triangle with a black border and black pictogram.
Purpose: To alert observers to potential hazards such as electricity, heights, or harmful substances.
Prohibition Signs
Symbol: Red circle with a diagonal line and black pictogram.
Purpose: To indicate actions or behaviours that are strictly forbidden, e.g. smoking, littering and trespassing.
Mandatory Signs
Symbol: Blue circle with a white pictogram.
Purpose: To instruct observers to carry out a specific action, e.g. wearing PPE, holding a handrail or washing hands.
Safe Condition Signs
Symbol: Green square with a white pictogram.
Purpose: To identify the location of safety equipment, emergency exits and first-aid facilities.
Fire Signs
Symbol: Red square with a white pictogram.
Purpose: To identify the location of fire-fighting equipment and fire alarm call points.