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What is BS EN ISO 7010?
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 7010 prescribes the shape, color and graphic symbol required on safety signs. Common symbols (or pictograms) were introduced and tested in all European countries to ensure that the symbols were easily understood and recognised. We also keep abreast of any changes to this standard so that you are always up to date with the latest legislation on safety signage.
Why was BS EN ISO 7010 introduced?
Due to the growing number of non-native workers in all European countries, text-based safety instructions were no longer considered sufficient. This highlighted the same problems faced by people with visual impairments, reading difficulties and other impairments; the danger to workers' safety became much more evident.
The solution was to create an international safety signage standard with pictograms that were easy for everyone to understand. This meant that, for example, a helmet safety sign in the UK looked exactly the same in another European country.
What must you do to fulfill
BS EN ISO 7010 applies to all workplaces, sectors and locations, with the exception of some very specialized signs used in the river and sea, rail, road and air traffic industries. Any installations that require the display of safety signs to convey safety information must use symbols that comply with BS EN ISO 7010.
Who needs to display safety signs?
The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signs) Regulations 1996 require employers to ensure that safety signs are provided and maintained in circumstances where there is a significant risk to health and safety which cannot be controlled or removed by other ways.
However, these norms make it clear that safety signs do not replace other forms of risk control for employees. Signs are intended to warn of remaining dangers or instruct employees on actions to be taken, such as the use of foot protection.
You can be confident that your posters meet
We only make signs in compliance with BS EN ISO 7010, so you can be sure that any sign you buy from us will comply with the latest legislation, including ours.custom safety signs.
Colors of safety signs and their meaning
Safety signs have a very specific color-coding convention, and each has its own meaning.
Green - safe condition.These includefirst aid signs and drinking wateras well asfire exit signs.Red: prohibition signs and fire equipment. prohibition signsshould be used to show that certain actions are to be avoided, such as restricted or prohibited access, no smoking, no dogs.fire equipment signsshall be used to show both the location of fire extinguishing equipment and alarm activation points.Yellow: danger warning signs.It is usually accompanied by the wordsdanger, caution or warning,these signs should be used to provide a clear warning message.Blue - mandatory signs.That's itinstruction signsgive clear guidance on the actions to be taken. For example, use of PPE (personal protective equipment), attendance at reception and door closed or locked.
see ourguideto the ISO symbols and their meanings for details.
Asmarket leadersin Safety Signaling we have theexpertiseymanufacturing capabilitiesto create the labels you need to be compliant and always onof the highest quality. Security made easy with Seton.
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common questions
What size poster do I need?
The size of a safety sign depends on its location, the size of the font used and, to some extent, its position.
Your sign should always be displayed where it can be easily seen from multiple locations. Use the following guide to help you decide on the correct sign size.
If you have visually impaired employees or visitors, consider using the pattern andBraille safety signs.
What happens if there is a power outage, will my signal be seen in the dark?
Unless there is emergency lighting or a source of natural light, the honest answer is probably no. However, a quick and easy solution would be to install photoluminescent signs designed to be seen in the dark. They don't require any special maintenance or specialized equipment and they glow in the dark.
There are many signage materials to choose from; Which is best for me?
There are some questions you should ask yourself:
Will the sign be displayed indoors or outdoors?
Do I want a standard sign that conveys my safety message, or do I want a more prestigious look?
Most materials are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, including the most popular: self-adhesive vinyl, hard plastic, and adhesive hard plastic.
Self-adhesive vinyl is quick and easy to apply with minimal effort. Simply peel off the protective strip and stick where needed. Vinyl is flexible and therefore ideal for adhering to curved or slightly uneven surfaces.
The sticky hard plastic is solid but again with a self-adhesive backing for hassle free application. These signs are ideal for use on smooth surfaces.
Rigid plastic signs require drilling or the use of apermanent adhesive.Perforations can be added at the time of manufacture for minimal cost; call one of our salespeople for more information.
Our practical signsmaterials guideprovides more information on each material available, including aluminum and acrylic for when a more prestigious look is required.
What if you don't have the signal I need?
We have a wide range of signs in stock, created by our team of in-house experts. You can also design and create your own.custom safety signsquickly and easily and get guaranteed fast delivery times.
Why are workplace safety signs necessary?
Wherever potential hazards exist, workplace safety signage is essential to alert personnel to hazards and raise overall safety awareness.
Health and safety signs and symbols play an important role in communicating vital information in a visible and easy to understand way.
Safety symbols and pictograms are a universally understood format, making workplace safety signs extremely effective in minimizing accidents and injuries to employees and visitors.
What are the different types of safety signs?
Prohibition (red circle with a red diagonal line through it)
Prohibition signage is used tolimit the risk of accidentsindicating, for example, the areas whereNo smokingand where flames are prohibited. Prohibition signs can also indicate areas whereaccess is prohibitedto unauthorized persons. Seton has a wide selection of prohibition signs.
> See ourprohibition signs
Required (blue circle with white symbol)
information andmandatory signsare used to minimize risks to the health and safety of employees. This sign is useful forannouncementinformation and impositionsecurity rulesfor example: remember to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
> See ourSafety clothing (PPE) signs
Danger (yellow triangle with black symbol)
Some activities involve exposure tosignificant dangerssuch aselectricity, high temperatures, machinery, falls or evenexploded. Warning signs are essential forwarn and protectemployees, visitors and the general public.
> See ourdanger signs
Fire (red rectangle/square with white symbol)
Fire safety signs are vital tofacilitate the answerof firefighters and emergency teams infire event. Fire safety signs indicate where to findfire fighting equipmentsuch asextinguishersas well as the locationfire alarms.
> See ourfire safety signs
Evacuation (green rectangle/square with white pictogram/text)
Fire exit signage is essential to maintaining safety.safetypeople present at your facilities, including employees and visitors.Refuge point signs, evacuation signs / fire exit signs andfire assembly point signsare crucial tofacilitate emergency servicesis forpersonal guidein case of aemergencyevacuation.
> See ourfire exit signs
First Aid (green rectangle/square with white symbol/text)
First aid signs are essential to inform andguide employees and visitorsin case of emergency situation. First aid signage lets you quickly locateFirst aid kitand otherFirst aid kit, includeddefibrillatorsyemergency facilities.
> See ourfirst aid signs
Harmful substances (red diamond with black pictogram/symbol)
Signs of harmful substances are for anyone who comes into contact withChemicalsEUharmful substances. Its purpose is to alert any personnel and specify the nature of the hazard so that appropriate precautions can be taken to reduce any potential risk. Seton offers a range of signs dedicated to hazardous products and substances to warn of the proximity offlammable materials,annoyingthe substances that areDangerous for the environment. See also our selection of signs of damage,corrosiveoradioactivematerials
> See oursigns of harmful substances
Information (lowercase blue 'i')
Installed inside or outside your facility, informational signs help staff and visitors with directions on a variety of things. Information signs can be used to indicate reservedParking lots, the location ofbathroomsor the presence ofsurveillance cameras.
> See ourinformation signs
Recycling signs (Mobius loop recycling symbol)
Recycling signs encourage employees to take responsibility and pay attention to recyclingpaper,the plasticand otherrecyclable materials. The signs indicate the contents of each package and the best practices in terms of separating materials in theappropriate containers. Seton offers a wide selection of recycling signs andhang tags.
> See ourrecycling signs
Accessibility (blue rectangle/square with stylized white pictogram of a person in a wheelchair)
Workplaces that provide accessibility for people with disabilities often require special planning. Accessibility signs may indicateParking lots, restrooms, elevators or wheelchair ramps.brailleand tactile safety signs for people with visual impairments andauditory circuitSymbols for the hearing impaired are among the special signs available from Seton.
> See ouraccessibility signs
What poster size to choose?
Make sure your signs are big enough to be read and understood even from a distance. Place your signs in a strategic location so employees and visitors can see the sign before entering the area. For example, a sign indicating the mandatory use of safety clothing must be placed before the corresponding zone, not inside the zone.
Recommended size formats for good visibility of signs.
Seton offers several sizes for greater visibility. Choose the size of your safety signs based on location and distance.