24 September 2009

Workplace Signage

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As you are aware legislation requires that risk from hazards in the workplace are minimised, but where risk assessments shows that residual risk is still significant, signage is required to indicate the type of hazard and any control measures that are in place. Are you complying with the requirements?

Signage shall not be used as a substitute for other control methods such as guarding, wet environments, engineering controls or safe systems of work.

The presence of any hazard shall be indicated by the use of hazard warning notices. The visibility of these notices shall be such that, adequate warning is given to personnel in close proximity to the hazard and what should be done to reduce and mitigate exposure.

In general, notices indicating Prohibition, Danger, Mandatory or Safe conditions shall be fixed where required throughout your site.

The BPIF would like to remind employers who manufacture their own safety signs that such signs and notices should use internationally recognised symbols and may be supported by text information and that the form of sign, colours and symbols shall comply with the relevant BS 5378 (or BS 5499 in the case of Fire Signs).

Symbols must not be used for purposes other than those defined and symbols must not be 'invented' to meet a condition not previously covered by existing approved signage.

The materials used for safety signs must be capable of withstanding the environmental conditions in which the sign is to be used (for example fading from sunlight).

Supplementary - Any of the above signs may be supported by a written text when any doubt exists regarding the general symbol.

Such safety Signs shall be secured by a means compatible with the environment conditions.

This short article highlights the general statutory requirements, but it is the responsibility of the employer and his managers to ensure the correct signs are identified and displayed as part of their Risk Reduction Programme (RRP). A regular check of the condition and location of all safety signage should be conducted to ensure continued compliance.

Do you know your signs and enforcement by colour?