Types of Safety Procedure Signage

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Sign Type	Example	Description	Meaning	Application
Fire extinguisher signs		Usually rectangular, fire extinguisher signs feature a description of the type of fire extinguisher present and its uses. They are found in different colours, the most common being red and green.	These signs serve as instructions, detailing what fire extinguishers can and cannot be used for. This increases the safety of extinguisher procedure and aims to reduce inappropriate use.	It is a legal requirement that all fire equipment is easy to access, simple to use and indicated by appropriate signage. These signs can help you meet this legislation if they are installed near the extinguisher.
Fire action signs		Normally square or oblong, fire action signs are often blue, white and red (sometimes also green), and detail the mandatory actions required in the event of a fire or other emergency.	Fire action signs describe what should be done in the event of discovering a fire or upon hearing the alarm. They usually include who you should phone and where the nearest meeting point is. They also often have a section on actions which should not be taken.	According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all occupants of a building must be informed of fire safety instructions and these are a simple and convenient way of achieving this.
Prohibition signs		Prohibition signs are almost always red and white, signalising danger, and feature a ‘do not’ symbol (a red circle with a line through it) with the prohibited action within it and written underneath it.	They inform occupants of the building of behaviours which are inappropriate and may pose a fire risk or hazard. They are a mandatory instruction and should be followed at all times.	Legal requirements state that once a fire risk has been identified, appropriate actions should be taken to inform people within the building and, as such, reduce the risk. Installing prohibition signs is a great solution to this.
Fire exit signs		Usually square or oblong, fire exit signs are green and white. Green is often used to symbolise emergency escape and no danger, and these signs show occupants the most efficient way out of a building in the event of an emergency.	Fire exit signs are used to clearly inform occupants of a building of the nearest emergency exits, safe evacuation route and general evacuation procedures. They can also offer detailed instructions, such as how to open doorways.	Owners and managers of commercial buildings have a legal obligation to make sure everyone understands the simplest, most efficient methods of evacuation, aiming to make one as quick and safe as possible. Fire exit signs are the ideal way to do this.
Fire equipment signs		Fire equipment signs are normally rectangular or square and feature a white symbol and text on a red background. Red is used to denote danger and they indicate the location of fire equipment in an emergency situation.	These signs are installed to instantly show occupants of a commercial or publically accessed building the location of fire equipment, such as fire alarms, fire extinguishers, fire hoses and emergency stop buttons.	In order to comply with fire safety regulations, you must make sure all fire equipment is easy to identify and simple to access, and these signs make locating equipment much easier.
First aid signs		First aid signs are usually oblong and feature a white image and writing on a green background. Green and white are used when there is no danger and they symbolise first aid practices and safety procedures.	Used to mark and distinguish where first aid equipment is located, these signs offer simple instructions. They can also give more detailed information, such as who the relevant first-aider is and emergency instructions for people with disabilities.	If you are in charge of business premises or a public property, you are legally obliged to ensure people are as safe as possible whilst within it. This includes installing signs which detail first aid procedures and these should conform to BS 5499.
Safe condition signs		Similar to first aid signs, safe condition signs are green and white to denote safety procedures and no danger. They feature a white symbol and text of the action or instruction on a green background.	Safe condition signs are installed to indicate acceptable behaviours and if a course of action is safe to take. They usually detail instructions such as safe drinking water, emergency eye wash and designated smoking areas.	These signs are designed to fulfil your legal obligation to inform occupants of the building of safe actions and procedures. In order to fully comply with your requirements, they should conform to BS 5499.
Mandatory signs		Mandatory signs are normally circular or oblong and are blue and white. These colours symbolise a specific, mandatory action or behaviour which must be undertaken by the reader.	These signs have been created to reduce the risk of danger by detailing safety instructions such as ‘fire door keep shut’, ‘wash hands’ and ‘wear gloves’. They aim to eradicate hazards by commanding certain behaviours.	Mandatory signs are required by law in order to reduce the risks or hazards present within your environment. They should be placed in obvious locations and, when placed on doors, should be on both sides.