Safety signs and signals: The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 Guidance

New guidance has been published to help employers, dutyholders and others with responsibility for the control of workplaces, sites and premises, to comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.

The guidance is also for those operating equipment that requires verbal and/or non-verbal communications.

Safety signs and signals are required where, despite putting in place all other relevant measures, a significant risk to the health and safety of employees and others remains.

Signs must be clear and legible, and should be used to identify actions that are prohibited (e.g. no access), safeguards that must be followed (e.g. ear protection must be worn), warning of a hazard (e.g. corrosive material) and to direct towards fire exits/equipment or first-aid equipment.

Care should be taken to avoid using too many signs which may cause confusion.

The guidance can be found on the HSE website.