Safety Sign Guide

Safety signs are legally required visual tools used to warn of hazards, prohibit dangerous actions and provide emergency guidance in UK workplaces. Under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, employers must provide appropriate signage where risks cannot be controlled by other means.

This guide by Glendining Signs explains:

The 5 main types of safety signs
What safety sign colours mean
UK legal requirements
Where safety signs must be displayed
FAQs about workplace signage compliance

At Glendining Signs, we manufacture and supply fully compliant workplace signage for businesses across the UK. This guide explains everything you need to know about choosing and displaying safety signs correctly.

What is a Safety Sign?

A safety sign provides information or instruction about safety or health at work by means of a combination of shape, colour and a symbol or pictogram which is rendered visible by lighting of sufficient intensity. Signboards may be accompanied by supplementary text, e.g. 'Fire exit', alongside the symbol of a moving person.

The main goal of a safety sign is to:

Prevent accidents
Highlight workplace hazards
Provide emergency instructions
Ensure legal compliance

What are the 5 Main Types of Safety Signs in the UK?

Under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, safety signs must follow standard colour and shape conventions so they are immediately recognisable.

Prohibition Signs (Red Circles) A red circular safety sign means prohibition; something is forbidden because it would create a risk. Why is it a red circle? Red = Stop / Danger Circle = Instruction or rule Red diagonal line = Do not Examples: Prohibition Signs		Mandatory Signs (Blue Circles) A blue circular safety sign means mandatory action. You must follow the instructions shown. Why are mandatory signs blue? Blue = Obligation / Required action Circle = Instruction White pictogram = Required behaviour Examples: Mandatory Signs

Warning Signs A yellow triangular sign indicates that a hazard or danger is present. Why are warning signs triangular? Yellow = Caution Triangle = Hazard warning Black pictogram = Type of risk Examples: Warning Signs		Fire Equipment Signs A red rectangular or square sign identifies the location of fire equipment. What's the difference between a red circle and a red rectangle? Red circle = Prohibited action Red rectangle = Fire equipment location Example: Fire Safety Signs

Safe Condition Signs A green rectangular or square sign identifies a safe condition, emergency route, or first aid location. Green signs are critical during evacuations, as people instinctively look for green signage to find safe routes. Why are safety exit signs green? Green = Safety / Go Rectangle or square = Information or location White symbol = Direction or facility Examples Fire Exit Signs First Aid Signs

Why do shape and colour matter in safety signage?

Safety signs are designed for instant recognition, even at a distance or in low visibility. The combination of

Colour psychology
Standardised shapes
Simple pictograms

ensures they can be understood quickly, even without reading text. This standardisation supports compliance with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 and guidance from the Health and Safety Executive.

Are Safety Signs a Legal Requirement in the UK?

Yes. Under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, employers must:

Provide safety signs where risks remain
Ensure signs are clear and visible
Maintain signs in good condition
Avoid excessive signage that causes confusion
Use recognised symbols and colours

Failure to comply can lead to enforcement action from the Health and Safety Executive.

Where Must Safety Sign’s be Displayed?

Safety signs should be:

Clearly visible
Well-lit
Positioned at eye level where possible
Free from obstruction
Placed near the hazard or safety equipment

Employers must conduct a risk assessment to determine signage needs.

Choosing the Right Safety Signs for your Environment

When ordering from Glendining Signs, consider these factors to ensure durability and effectiveness:

The specific hazard or requirement
Indoor or outdoor use
Required material (self-adhesive, rigid plastic, aluminium, etc.)
Size and viewing distance
Illumination or photoluminescent requirements

Glendining Signs offers a full range of compliant UK safety signs, including custom signage tailored to your workplace.

Need help with Safety Signs?

If you’re unsure which safety signs your business requires, our team can help. At Glendining Signs, we combine decades of manufacturing experience with up-to-date regulatory knowledge to ensure your workplace remains safe, compliant and clearly signposted.

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