Every non domestic premise in the UK is governed by safety legislation and as such will have a need for safety signs. Safety signage is a cost effective and efficient way to warn and educate people to the particular risks associated with a building. While there are some signs, such as fire signs, which will be common to all buildings, there are many others which will only be relevant in certain situations. The way to determine the signs needed should be by way of a full risk assessment and perhaps a sign site survey.

Below we have put together our top 10 list of the typical signs likely to be found in businesses and public buildings, but please bear in mind that every building has different requirements and signage should be judged on individual risk assessments.

1. UK Health and Safety Law Poster

For anyone employed, the UK Health and Safety Law Poster must be provided to each worker as a copy of the approved leaflet or equivalent pocket card. The poster must be displayed in a location where it’s visible to workers. On the design of the poster, British health and safety laws are outlined with a list telling workers what employers must do, what employee’s must do and instructions on what to do if there’s a problem.

Health and safety law poster

2. Fire Action Notices 

The Fire Action Notice is to make sure that anyone who is situated in a building has enough information to know what to do if a fire emerges or if they need to evacuate the building. Information that’s typically on these signs include: 

  • The fire services phone number
  • The exit use to leave the building
  • Assembly point locations
  • Further instructions specific to the building 

There are several Fire Action Signs, so it’s necessary to choose the one that is relevant to your premises. If you are responsible for a commercial premises, you must display a Fire Action Notice. It’s best practice to display one next to each Fire Alarm call-point and every final exit door.

Fire action notice

3. Fire Exit and Emergency Escape Signs 

Fire Exit Signs, also known as Fire Escape Signs or an Emergency Exit Sign, direct people in the right direction to exit a building as quickly and safely as possible. These play a key role if a fire was to break out and are a requirement under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 (HSR) and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005 (RFSO).

Fire exit sign with arrow pointing up

4. Fire Equipment Signs 

Fire Equipment Signs contain a description for the type of fire extinguisher that’s available and it’s uses. These can be found in different colours, with the most common being red and green. The sign also details what the fire extinguisher can/cannot be used for. This is provide better safety and reduce inappropriate usage. It’s a legal requirement to make sure all fire equipment is easy to access, easy to use with the right instructions in place.

Foam fire extinguisher sign

5. First Aid Signs 

First Aid Signs are necessary to locate and instruct people where first aid equipment is in a building. They sometimes offer further instructions, such as who the first-aider is and instructions for people with disabilities. It’s a legal requirement that anyone responsible for a premises has enough first aid in place to ensure that people are as safe as possible. These signs and procedures should conform to BS 5499.

Your first aiders are here sign

6. No Smoking Signs 

No Smoking Signs are there to inform people that smoking is not permitted because it may pose a fire risk or potential hazard. These signs are a mandatory instruction, meaning that they should be followed at all times. No smoking signs are located in areas where fire risks are identified, so it’s necessary to install prohibition signs to ensure that safety measures are in place. July 2007 saw a total smoking ban in all enclosed public places, work places and certain vehicles in the UK. The smoke free legislation means it is an offence not to display the appropriate No Smoking Signs, resulting in fines up to £1000.

This is a no smoking area sign

7. Slip, trip & fall signs 

Slip, Trip & Fall signs are a legal requirement anywhere a slippery area is not cordoned off. These signs are to help workers and visitors stay safe and reduce the chances of accidents.  Most premises will have routine cleaning operations which may leave areas vulnerable, which is why these signs are essential to have in place. Lightweight stands holding double-sided signs are readily available.

Danger slippery surface sign

8. Obstacle or Dangerous Location Signs 

Most buildings will have localized hazards, the most common of which are trip hazards and low-hanging obstacles. These signs need to be put in place to advise people to be more cautious when in these areas. Trips are the most common cause of injury, which could be avoIded with a ’Mind The Step’ sign.

Mind the step sign

9. Hazardous Substance Signs 

Many workplaces involve some form of contact with hazardous substances, such as painting, hair and beauty salons and medical professions. The types of risks for each industry varies, but it’s important to understand every hazard symbol and the dangerous related to the substances. There are nine hazard symbols commonly used, which are explosiveflammableoxidisingcorrosiveacute toxicity, hazardous to the environmenthealth hazard, serious health hazard and gas under pressure. So if you’re responsible for a workplace that deals with substances, it’s a legal requirement that you complete regular risk assessments and ensure that the correct signage is in place.

Corrosive substance sign

10. Catering Signs 

Most premises have kitchen or catering facilities. So it’s important to have the appropriate signage in place to minimise risks for burns and also hygiene and food safety. If your workplace prepares and serves food, you need to ensure compliance with The Food Standards Agency (FSA) by having the appropriate signage in place. So whether you have a small kitchen for your staff, or a large, well equipped kitchen for your restaurant, we have your signage covered.

First aid for burns poster