Do you work in a factory, warehouse or manage workplaces? If yes, then you need to know about workplace safety signs meaning and their importance. These signs are commonly used to warn you about possible danger at your workplace. So in today’s guide, we will tell you about workplace safety signs, their types and what each one means.
Safety Signs in the Workplace: Types & Examples
Electric Shock Sign/High Voltage Sign Meaning
A high voltage sign board is a yellow triangle with black electric waves on it. Basically, these waves represent that there are heavy electric machines or wires that can cause electric shock. So do not enter these areas if your clothes are wet.
Beware of Opening Door Sign
This sign board warns you that the nearby door can open without any warning, you can fall down and may hurt yourself. This type of accident can cause small injuries but still you have to be careful.
Overhead Crane Sign
This overhead crane sign informs you that there is a lifting machine working on the upper floor. In this case, you should be very careful and make a safe distance from open spaces where the heavy objects can fall down.
ForkLift in Operation Sign
An operational or moving forklift can be dangerous for everyone, because it can hit and crush your bones in just a few seconds. So, be alert and make a safe distance if you see a yellow caution sign board.
General Warning Sign
This is a general warning that tells workers that there is smoothing that can harm you. Basically, it doesn’t clearly specify anything that is dangerous for you but it tells you to be more conscious.
Laser Radiation Sign
This is a solid yellow triangle that has a black sign of a beam on it. Basically, it informs you that there is a laser in operation. Actually, laser radiation is dangerous for human skin, eyes and other sensitive organs. So, use safety measures to avoid laser hazards.
Biohazard Sign
A biohazard sign informs workers about the presence of germs and other biological materials. Actually these germs can damage mental as well as physical health. Always, try to follow safety steps and wear protective clothes.
Oxidizing Sign Meaning
Actually, this type of sign board is present in labs where different types of chemicals are present. Literally, the oxidizing sign mainly says that this chemical is flammable or can catch fire if you mix it with another chemical. So, always check the nature of the chemical before using it.
Hot Surface Warning Sign
A warning sign that says “Caution Hot Surface” specifically informs you that this surface may be hot and can burn your skin or tissues too. When you find these signs be alert, don’t touch the surface with bare hands and always use protective gloves too.
Irritant Hazard Symbol
This type of symbols are used near areas where hazard chemicals are present like Ammonia, bleaches and other highly reactive chemicals. These substances simply cause irritation which result in redness and skin allergy.
Slippery Surface Signage
This sign board warns you about wet surfaces, so be aware you might slip and fall down. This is not too dangerous but still you have to wear non-slippery shoes and follow other safety steps. Basically, this is placed near wet and oil spilled floors that are more slippery.
Caution Watch Your Step
This type of caution board is placed near stairs, uneven places and ramps where there is high risk of falling down. This sign informs you to look down and walk safely.
Cut Hazard Symbol
This is the symbol of hand cutting by a sharp edge. Basically, it tells you that there is heavy machinery working which can cut your hands very badly. So, when you see a yellow sign board, be alert and don’t work in a careless manner.
High Temperature Sign Meaning
This sign board warns you that this equipment may become very hot when it is working. Basically, you will see this warning on heating machines, ovens and pipes that carry hot liquid. So, when you see this sign, use safety gloves or a thick cloth for protection.
Broken Glass Hazard Symbol
“Broken Glass Hazard” sign is placed in labs or places where sensitive glassware is present. In such places there may be broken pieces of glass present on the floor. In fact, if you are cleaning such an environment use gloves to avoid deep cuts.
Suffocation Sign
At workplaces there are many rooms or areas that have harmful gases or lack of oxygen in them. So, it alerts the workers that you are entering an area full of harmful gases. You just have to put safety masks and respirators near these areas.
Falling Objects Signage
This type of boards are installed in areas where the construction work happens on the height. Actually, near these areas some machinery parts, cement blocks and other heavy tools can fall down and cause severe head injuries. So, you should wear safety helmets and safety suits to assure safety.
Battery Hazard
The battery hazard sign basically looks like a sign with a yellow background with black text and triangle shape symbol. It warns you about risks such as acid explosions from batteries. It tells workers to hold batteries responsibly and use protective products like dresses and gloves. It helps avoid serious accidents and safe workers.
Low Temperature Sign
This sign means that something is very cold and may affect your skin if you touch it. Mostly we see this near the cold storage and freezers. It tells people to use gloves and warm clothes to protect themselves. The main aim of this sign is to stop cold relevant accidents like hypothermia and chilblains.
Magnetic Field Warning Sign
This sign warns you to stay away from hidden magnatice dangers. Basically, it means that there are very strong magnets near the area that may pull the metal things and electric devices. It is mostly found near the x-ray machines, MRI machines and labs also.
Optical Radiation Symbol
Mostly, you will see this sign in hospitals, labs and places where people use strong and big lights. Basically, this sign tells that looking at the lights directly without proper dress and glasses can hurt your eyes. Proper safety measures avoid serious injuries like burn and damage to the eyes.
Non Ionizing Radiation Sign
Actually, this sign board informs you there is radiation in that area but it also tells you that these radiation are not too dangerous for humans. You should maintain a safe distance from this place and wear protection to avoid heartburn.
Environmental Hazard Symbol
Safe environment is the basic need of each entity in the world. There are many chemicals that are harmful for humans as well as plants, animals and fishes. So, if you see this type of warning sign on any product then dispose of it properly.
Crushing Hazard Sign
The crushing hazard sign tells that there is a danger. Your body parts may be grabbed or crushed in movement of machines and other tools. Mostly, you will find this near the pressed rollers and closing doors.
First Aid Signs and Symbols
If you face any type of accident, a first aid sign shows the place where you can get medical help in an emergency situation. Mostly, these signs are found in factories, working areas, schools and public places for immediate aid during any accident.
Emergency Eye Wash
This is a special place where people can clean their eyes if they get something painful in their eyes like small dust pieces and chemicals. You will see it in labs and workplaces where people work with harmful material. Basically, It provides neat and clean water to wash your eyes.
Designated Smoking Area Signage
This is a sign with a smoking cigarette on a board with a green background. Actually, it shows an area where you are allowed to smoke. Therefore, people who are non-smokers can stay away from dangerous pollutants present in smoke.
Drinking Water Sign
In parks, hospitals and airports everyone is not aware of all the paths so this sign board helps you to find pure and clean water. So, you can drink clean water by searching for this sign.
Breathing Apparatus Sign
This is a warning sign that tells you that you should wear a mask or use any other cloth in the specific area to stay safe. If you see a board with a blue background and an image of a person wearing a mask, understand that it’s a breathing apparatus sign.
Emergency Shower Sign
This is a sign that shows a place where people clean their body and get a shower after working in different chemicals. Basically, you can see this in labs, factories and chemical work areas. Moreover, this is a good way to find a shower area fastly during any accident to avoid serious skin problems.
Personal Protective Equipment Symbols in the Workplace
Wear Respirator Sign
In factories, there are dust particles, dangerous smoke and harmful chemicals present in the air that can affect your respiratory system. So, human safety organizations place this type of sign in factories and on construction sites.
Please Wear a Mask Symbol
This sign also protects you from harmful air pollutants but it is used in areas that are not too dangerous. You can wear a safety mask as a preventive measure.
Hard Hat Area Sign
As it says, hard hat area, so you must wear a protective helmet on your head. Actually, this is installed on construction sites where the carne is working on the upper floor. So, this helmet will protect you from a serious head injury if something falls down.
Life Jacket Signage
Many workplaces are located near rivers or on the shore of rivers and the workers use a water path for transportation of raw materials. At that time, a life jacket is necessary for you. This sign board simply reminds you that you should wear a life jacket to save your life.
Lab Coat Must Be Worn Sign
This sign board identifies the areas where safety precautions are needed. It is the type of PPE which is designed to protect your skin as well as clothes from chemicals. This small step can protect you and reduce the spread of bacterias and viruses.
High Visibility Clothing Must be Worn Sign
This is a mandatory sign board which informs workers to wear bright colored cloth like a jacket with orange or yellow reflective strips. Actually, this type of PPE is used in a workplace with low visibility. If you wear this jacket, machine drivers can see you clearly. This is how accidents can be reduced at construction sites.
Safety Footwear Sign (Wear Protective Shoes)
This sign board simply tells you to put on your shoes. Actually, it is used at construction sites, factories and in warehouses where the floor is not safe for you. Basically, these floors are covered with sharp objects like broken bricks, nails, broken pieces of glasses and matel road that can harm your feet badly.
Wear Hand Protection Sign
At construction sites you have to work with chemicals, sharp tools and glasswares. Plus, you have to do all this work with your hands. That’s why you have to wear protection gloves for the safety of hands to avoid deep cuts, burns, irritation and redness.
Flammable Liquids Symbol
This type of signs are placed on containers, vehicles, warehouses and in labs where flammable liquids are present. Actually, these liquids can catch fire quickly, for example petrol, alcohol, paint thinner, nail polish remover, etc. Use fire protective suits if you are handling this type of material.
Corrosive Hazard Sign
This is the sign that simply tells you that there is a corrosive liquid, a liquid that can damage living tissue like skin and eyes plus it can damage your skin permanently. So, be alert while working with flammable liquids.
Reactive Sign
This is a hazard warning that tells you that this substance can react easily when exposed with water, air and other chemicals. Actually, these reactions result in explosions and fires. You will often see this type of sign in lab and chemical storage areas.
Self Reactive Explosive Signage
Self reactive explosive symbols tell you that a chemical can blow up without heat. These chemicals are very unsafe if you do not use them in the right way. Hence, you should wear a face shield, gloves and safety goggles as well.
Smoking Prohibited Sign
These signs are places in those areas where you are not allowed to smoke. With its help, you can maintain air quality and prevent workpaces from fire risk. Therefore, if you notice this sign around you, you should avoid smoking because there may be storage of flammable materials.
No Pedestrian Access Signage
Well, no pedestrian access sign indicates that you can’t walk in a certain zone. It means the area is unsafe due to heavy machines & vehicles. So if you see this sign, you need to choose a different path plus you can follow marked walkways.
Non Potable Water Signs
Local health authorities install these signs where water is not safe for your health. You will generally see them near industrial sink, chemical wash stations and construction sites. The water may be dirty & treated with toxic chemicals. Hence, you should avoid its use in any situation.
Security Signs in Workplaces
Authorized Personnel Only Sign
Authorized personnel only sign tells you that only trained workers can enter. It helps you to prevent accidents, protect sensitive areas and also keep unauthorized people away from danger zones.
CCTV in Operation Sign
CCTV in Operation sign informs you that tracking cameras are monitoring you in that area where they were installed. You can improve workplace security, prevent theft and remind employees that their actions are recorded by CCTV camera.
Restricted Area Sign
This sign clearly marked the limit zones where your entry is not allowed without permission. It maintains control access, protects your sensitive information & only allows trained workers.
Hazard Signs in Workplace
Hand Hazard / Rotating Cutter Signage
It is a safety warning sign that identifies those areas where the workers might get harm like cuts and grab in machines which result in death or major disabilities. Basically, it shows a hand symbol with blades and it’s placed near the heavy machines.
Basically, this sign warns you to stay safe and use protective products to avoid big accidents. Moreover, do not use rotating machines without proper training.
Explosion Risk Sign
This type of sign board is placed near explosive substances like flammable liquids, gas cylinders and pressurized containers. Basically, these materials can explode badly if not handled in the right way. That is why a sign with the symbol of “Explosion Bomb” is placed to warn workers or visitors about this danger.
Acute Toxicity Sign
The substance with the label of acute toxicity warns you that this is a very dangerous chemical. Actually this type of chemicals can cause health issues and even death in just one exposure.
Those chemicals affect you in many different ways like they can break your central nervous system, cause heart related issues, vomiting, diarrhea and can damage your lungs too. Always follow other safety steps for your safety.
Gas Cylinder Storage Signage
Gas cylinder storage sign basically tells you that this is the main area where gas cylinders are stored. Actually, these cylinders can catch fire from a small spark which can lead to the death of hundreds and more workers in only a few seconds. Stay alert when you are working in such an environment plus avoid smoking.
Health Hazard Symbol
The health hazard symbol is a type of PPE symbol which warns you about things that can harm your health. These materials can damage your body. That’s why such symbols remind you to wear safety equipment when you are handling dangerous materials.
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Conclusion
We hope now you have good knowledge about widely used workplace safety signs and their meanings. If you manage your own business related to safety signs, you should always follow OSHA and ANSI standards. In this way, the right safety signs can prevent you from accidents and also create a safer work environment for everyone.
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