Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Questions Asked on Safety Signs

What signs do I need on a building or construction site?

Depending on the size of the site and the nature of the construction taking place, you will need a range of signs, such as No Unauthorised Entry, Hard hats to be Worn, Hi-Vis to be Worn, Safety Footwear to be Worn, Danger Keep Out, Danger Excavations, plus Speed Limits, signs to separate vehicles from pedestrians and any other site specific hazard warnings, such as overhead electricity cables. There is no substitute for a competent person auditing the site and assessing all the requirements.

What signs do I need to comply with No Smoking legislation & do I need them in vehicles?

For England, the Smoke-free (signs) Regulations 2007 require premises covered by the legislation require a sign that is at least A5 size, displays the no-smoking symbol; and contains, in characters that can be easily read by persons using the entrance, the words— “No smoking. It is against the law to smoke in these premises” (“these premises” may be replaced by a more specific phrase, such as “this hotel”). A vehicle which is covered by the regulations must display a ‘No Smoking symbol’ sign in each compartment of the vehicle that may carry persons.

What safety signs does a small business legally have to have?

It very much depends on the size and nature of the business and the risks that are present. A correct health and safety audit of the premises will find out what is required. If a risk assessment made under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 indicates that the employer, having adopted all appropriate measures, cannot avoid or adequately reduce risks to employees except by the provision of appropriate safety signs to warn or instruct, or both, then signs are required.

What signs are recommended from a fire safety point of view?

The basics are those that indicate where fire safety equipment and alarm call points are located, if they are not immediately obvious, sufficient signs to show the escape route(s) and if more than a handful of staff, Fire Action Notices, to remind people what to do in an emergency.

What size & which materials do I need to consider when buying safety signs?

Consider where they are to be located and what they will be subjected to, in terms of environmental conditions, vandalism etc. There are a few signs that have a legal minimum requirement, but generally they must be readable at the distance they are mounted; so no placing a 20cm sign 30mtrs high and expecting people to read it. You can expect a reputable sign supplier to know which signs have legal specifications.

How can I get safety signs that look good?

Unfortunately, designer signs in the latest colour schemes is not what it is all about. Safety signs are covered by specific legislation regarding colours, font proportions etc. making them recognisable across Europe. The colours are for specific reasons, such as Blue for mandatory. Use a quality manufacturer and at least the signs will be as ‘attractive’ as they can be.

As a small B&B / Hotel – what safety signs do I need?

You may need signs to keep guests from areas that are off limits, such as the kitchen, but the key thing is to ensure that a Fire Risk Assessment is completed, which will identify what signs you need, amongst other measures, to ensure the safety of your guests.

What risks do I need to warn people about by using Safety Signs?

Different laws require different signs, but generally when there is a risk that someone could receive any form of injury or ill health from whatever the activity, substance or hazard is, then a sign is required. When it comes to the workplace, an employer’s duties cannot be met by a sign alone; safety signs support and reinforce safe working practices, not replace them.

When do I need to use Photo-luminescent / glow in the dark signs?

Photo-luminescent signs should be used whenever there is a lack of general lighting or illuminated emergency signs. A Risk Assessment for the premises should identify where they are needed.

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