Your guide to buying safety signs
Safety Signs
Symbol Guide
Health and Safety signs can be broken down into the following categories, as specified by British and European standards.
Mandatory Signs – A blue circle containing a white image denoting that a specific course of action must be taken.
Prohibition Signs – A red circular band with a diagonal bar on a white background. The black symbol behind indicates the prohibited action.
Safe Condition – A green rectangle or square with a symbol or text in white providing information about first aid, escape or other safe conditions.
Hazard Warning Signs – A yellow triangle with a black border and symbol denoting a hazard in the environment.
Fire Equipment – A red rectangle or square with a symbol or text in white providing information about the location and use of fire fighting equipment.
What is BS EN ISO 7010?
The BS EN ISO 7010 regulation ensures that all graphical safety symbols are consistent and compliant. The symbols used are internationally agreed and globally used to achieve clarity and consistency, regardless of language, culture or setting. It is a design directive and is a list of compliant symbols.
Road Traffic Signage
Road and traffic signs are commonly erected at the side or above roads to give instructions or provide information to road users. These are generally separated into permanent and temporary categories.
All permanent road signs must be manufactured by an audited and registered company by law, and have the appropriate labelling attached to the reverse.
The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a new UK product marking that is used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland). It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking.
All permanent road signs manufactured for installation within Great Britain will be supplied with a UKCA Mark, whereas signs destined for the European market will have the CE Mark.
Class ref 1 – Sometimes referred to as Engineering grade, this has a lower grade of retro-reflectivity and is commonly used on temporary road signage.
Class ref 2 – This is a high intensity prismatic (HIP) retro-reflective sheet, specifically designed for use on permanent road signs. Engineered to give good reflectivity at all angles critical to the driver, it is more durable with a longer lifespan.
Class ref R3B – This is the highest grade retro-reflective sheet available, and is specified for permanent signs where the ultimate visibility and legibility is required such as motorway signs. This material is available on request.
Safety Sign Materials
Polypropylene – PP: This fully recyclable plastic is suitable for both internal and external use. Only available without adhesive.
Foamed PVC Board (FMX) - A versatile, lightweight, rigid PVC foam sheet, durable and with low water absorption making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Rigid PVC RPVC/PVC) - Available with or without adhesive, durable. Strong & weather resistant. A great option for outdoor and indoor use.
Laminated Floor Vinyl (FLR) - Permanent vinyl floor graphics with a hard-wearing laminate face, rated to R9 grade for its anti-slip properties. Suitable for dry, indoor sealed surfaces.
Self-Adhesive Vinyl (SAV) - Thin and flexible, ideal for indoor use and in low traffic areas. Application to clean, smooth surfaces.
Aluminium Composite (ACP) - Strong and lightweight, ideal for long term outdoor use. Resistant to inclement weather conditions, it is commonly used for fabrication and road traffic signs.
Stencil (STN) – Specially modified flexible polyester which is laser cut for accuracy. Can be reused multiple times.
Photoluminescent (PHS/PHO) – This material glows in dark or low light areas in the event of a power failure or fire. Often specified for Fire Exit Signs so that the exit route remains visible.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Please note that legislation and regulation information may not apply to your area and/or may have since been updated. Please check regulations and legislation with your local authority. You should also seek independent advice about any legal matter.
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