The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations implement the 1992 EC Safety Signs Directive on the provision and use of safety signs at work. The legislation ensures a standard approach to safety signs throughout the European Union so that in all member countries’ workplaces, they all have the same meaning.
Employers and those who have responsibility for the control of workplaces, must provide safety signs if, despite putting in place all other relevant measures, a significant risk to the health and safety of employees and others remains. Managers should remember that they should provide safety signs in situations that help to reduce risks, or where risks are significant. Over-signage can be distracting and de-value any signs that do exist.Â
The regulations apply to all places where people are employed and the activities they carry out. However, they exclude signs and labels used in connection with the supply of substances, products and equipment, and the transport of dangerous goods.
