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Safety Signs and Symbols: Types of Safety Sign or Symbol
Safety Signs and Symbols: Types of Safety Sign or Symbol
Safety Signs and Symbols: Types of Safety Sign or Symbol
These signs are those prescribed in the Health and safety (safety signs and signals) regulations 1996, or by the CHIP regulations. They are recognised throughout the European Union and must be used wherever you need to give health and safety information, prohibition, warning, or require a specific safety action using a sign or symbol. Generally the symbols are displayed with a short text (eg, no smoking or fire exit). In addition to these graphical signs, the regulations set out standard: hand signals verbal signals warning tapes to mark hazardous areas and enclosures. Employers may need to ensure employees are aware of and understand the meaning of the safety signs. Although most are self-explanatory, some employees, particularly the newly recruited, may be unfamiliar with the less commonly-used signs. It should be noted that the regulations are not the sole source of safety signs. Other signs and symbols are provided by: the Dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres regulations 2002 (the EX sign) the British Standards Institution to mark and identify (for example) gas cylinders, pipe runs, fire doors (eg, see BS 1710, Specification for identification of pipelines and services). international treaties on transport of hazardous substances assign symbols for a variety of hazardous substances. These are the so-called hazard diamonds, which are displayed on vehicles or transport containers or packages (eg, see the UNs Orange Book, Recommendations on transport of dangerous goods model regulations).
Mandatory signs
These signs instruct you to take action (eg; 'Eye protection must be worn'). Mandatory signs are blue and require specific behaviour, eg: wear personal protective equipment. General warning sign, often used with other safety signs
Emergency telephone
Eyewash station
Stretcher
Environment hazard
Prohibitory signs
These signs are coloured red and forbid behaviour likely to increase or cause danger (eg, 'No smoking'). They indicate dangerous behaviour, stop or shut-down; or can signify a danger alarm or an emergency cut-out device. No smoking
Do not touch
Firefighting signs
These signs provide information about the location and type of firefighting equipment available. Fire hose
Fire extinguisher
Ladder
Warning signs
These signs give warning of a hazard or danger (eg; 'Danger - electricity') . Warning signs are yellow or amber and mean 'be careful', 'take precautions' etc. Danger: electricity
Flammable
Explosive
Toxic
Corrosive
Radioactive
Overhead load
Attention!
Laser
Oxidising material
Non-ionising radiation
Obstacles
Biological hazard
Low temperature
Harmful or irritant
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