Workplace safety signs communicate specific safety or health information through signboards, colours, illuminated signs, acoustic signals, verbal communication or hand signals. They support risk controls; they do not replace the need to remove or reduce hazards where that can be done.

When workplace safety signs are required

The Health and Safety Authority explains that safety signs must be used where a hazard or danger cannot be avoided or adequately reduced by collective precautions or safer ways of working. The relevant Irish requirements are set out in Chapter 1 of Part 7 and Schedule 9 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, as amended.

Employers remain responsible for assessing workplace risks, deciding what safety communication is required and giving employees suitable information and instruction. A sign supplier should not be asked to make that legal or risk-assessment decision on the employer’s behalf.

Main signboard categories

Prohibition signs

These indicate behaviour that is not permitted. Schedule 9 describes a round sign with a black pictogram on a white background, red edging and a red diagonal line.

Warning signs

These alert people to a hazard. They are generally triangular, with a black pictogram on a yellow or amber background and black edging.

Mandatory signs

These communicate a required action, such as using specified personal protective equipment. They are generally round, with a white pictogram on a blue background.

Emergency escape and first-aid signs

These identify emergency routes, exits, first-aid equipment or facilities. They are generally rectangular or square, with a white pictogram on a green background.

Fire-fighting signs

Fire-fighting equipment is identified using the colour and sign requirements described in Schedule 9. The exact sign, location and any supplementary information should be confirmed as part of the workplace’s safety arrangements.

Placement and maintenance matter

Signs need to remain visible, understandable and in suitable condition. Schedule 9 notes that effectiveness can be reduced by poor design, too many signs close together, incorrect positioning, poor repair or incorrect functioning. Signs and signalling devices should be cleaned, maintained, checked, repaired and replaced where necessary.

What to confirm before ordering

  • the requirement identified by the employer or competent safety adviser;
  • the exact signboard or approved pictogram required;
  • the intended location and viewing distance;
  • size, quantity, material and fixing requirements;
  • whether a separate supplementary signboard is required;
  • indoor or outdoor use and the required date.

Authoritative guidance

Refer to the Health and Safety Authority’s safety-sign guidance and S.I. No. 299/2007 on the Irish Statute Book. HSA guidance is explanatory and should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice or the legislation itself.

Once the required sign has been confirmed, Time for Designs can discuss production details for suitable construction and site safety signs. Materials, dimensions, fixings and suitability must be confirmed for the specific job before production.