1. Safety Signs atSafety Signs at
Places of WorkPlaces of Work
Designed and Presented byDesigned and Presented by
Sandra PascolettiSandra Pascoletti
G4S HR AssistantG4S HR Assistant

2.  The purpose of this presentation is
to provide you with
an understanding of
the meaning of
safety signs used in the workplace

3. Learning Outcomes
 At the end of this presentation you will be able to:
 Describe the characteristics of a signboard
 List the different colours and shapes used to represent
safety signs
 Explain the meaning of safety signs based on the
combination of colours and shapes
 Provide examples from your workplace

4. Characteristics of a signboard
 Signboards use a combination of shape, colour and
a symbol or pictogram.
 Signboards should not contain text as the symbols or
pictograms on a signboard are intended to be
understood independently of the literacy or language
ability of the worker viewing it.
 Text may be included on a supplementary
signboard provided that it does not adversely affect
the effectiveness of the safety signboard.

5. The system for signs and signboards is based on
the familiar “traffic light” colours:
Colour Meaning Instructions/information
RED Prohibition (No...)
Danger or
Emergency
Stop / No smoking/ No parking/
No access/ Fire-fighting
equipment/ Emergency stop
YELLOW
GREEN
BLUE
CautionCaution
Warning of hazardWarning of hazard
or riskor risk
Positive action
No danger
Safe behaviour
Mandatory sign/
Information or
instructions
Be careful / Pay attention to… or
not to... / Take precautions / Risk
of…
Emergency escape/ First Aid /
Safe to touch or remove (labels
on equipment)
Prescribe specific behaviour or
actions such as Wear PPE or
Wash hands / Parking area

6. The shapes of the signboards are
standardised as follows:
 Geometrical shape  Meaning
Prohibition signs
Mandatory signs
Warning signs
Emergency
Instructions or information
Rescue equipment

7. Shapes combined with Colours
red
yellow
green
blue

8. Now it’s your turn!
 Draw at least TWO signs you can find in
your work place
 Describe the meaning of each sign
 Look at the pictures and describe the meaning of each safety sign
based on the colours and shapes learned
 Can you see any signs that differ from the Regulations on Safety
Signs?

9. Safety Signs at Places of WorkSafety Signs at Places of Work
Re-capRe-cap
 Characteristics of a signboard?

10. Safety Signs at Places of WorkSafety Signs at Places of Work
Re-capRe-cap
 Signs prohibiting behaviour likely to
incur or cause danger
 Signs warning of a hazard or risk
 Signs prescribing/requiring a specific
behaviour
 Signs giving information on emergency
exits or first-aid or rescue facilities