Safety & Warning Signs

About Safety & Warning Signs

Safety and warning signs are essential components of workplace health and safety management, providing clear visual communication of hazards, mandatory actions, and emergency information. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of professional safety signage from trusted brands including Draper, Scan, and Faithfull, covering everything from fire safety and first aid markers to electrical hazard warnings and vehicle exclusion zones. These signs help businesses comply with UK health and safety legislation while protecting workers, visitors, and the general public from potential dangers.

Our selection includes regulatory signs for mandatory safety equipment, prohibition notices, warning signs for specific hazards, and emergency information signage. Available in various materials and sizes, these signs are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications across construction sites, warehouses, factories, offices, and public spaces.

Applications

Safety and warning signs from MyToolShed.co.uk are used across numerous industries and settings:

• Construction sites: barrier systems, forklift truck warnings, fragile roof alerts, and PPE requirement signs
• Electrical contractors: danger electric shock risk signs and high voltage warnings for distribution boards and equipment
• Facilities management: fire exit signs, fire door notices, and first aid box markers
• Warehousing and logistics: forklift operation zones, vehicle exclusion areas, and pedestrian walkway markers
• Manufacturing facilities: eye protection requirements, machinery hazard warnings, and emergency stop locations
• Commercial premises: fire safety signage, cleaning in progress notices, and general health and safety information
• Property maintenance: temporary barriers and directional safety signage

Choosing The Right Safety & Warning Signs

When selecting safety signage, consider these important factors:

• Regulatory compliance: Ensure signs meet UK Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 and BS EN ISO 7010 standards
• Sign type: Choose between prohibition (red circle), warning (yellow triangle), mandatory (blue circle), emergency (green), and fire equipment (red square) signs according to your specific requirements
• Material and durability: Select rigid plastic, self-adhesive vinyl, or metal signs based on environmental conditions and expected lifespan
• Visibility and size: Consider viewing distances and lighting conditions to ensure signs are clearly visible at appropriate ranges
• Location suitability: Verify weather resistance for outdoor use and chemical resistance for industrial environments
• Mounting method: Check whether self-adhesive, screw-fix, or freestanding barrier systems are most appropriate for your application

Frequently Asked Questions

Are safety signs a legal requirement in the UK?

Yes, under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, employers must provide safety signs where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. This includes warnings of hazards, mandatory safety equipment requirements, and emergency escape information.

What's the difference between prohibition, warning, and mandatory signs?

Prohibition signs (red circle with diagonal line) forbid certain actions, warning signs (yellow triangle) alert to specific hazards, and mandatory signs (blue circle) indicate required actions such as wearing PPE. Each type follows standardised colours and symbols for universal recognition.

How long do safety signs typically last?

The lifespan depends on material and environment. Indoor self-adhesive vinyl signs typically last 3-5 years, while rigid plastic and metal signs can last 7-10 years or more. Regular inspection and replacement of faded or damaged signage is essential for maintaining compliance and effectiveness.