Safety in the workplace is not just the responsibility of business owners but also a shared responsibility among the workers. Safety signs are often used as visual communicators of important messages, directions or information. The information provided by these signs ensures the well-being of individuals and prevents accidents.
Among these signs, Mandatory Signs are some of the most critical. They are the type of mandatory signs that contain unavoidable information. If you are not familiar with them, then don’t worry. In this guide, we will explore the world of safety signs, with a particular focus on Mandatory Signs. So, stick to the end to understand the purpose, significance, and role of RS safety signs in safeguarding lives and ensuring compliance.
What Are Safety Signs?
Safety signs are the primary means of use to convey important information, directions and instructions to the people. Safety signs are visual tools used in various environments, from workplaces and public areas to construction sites and roads.
The primary focus of these signs is compliance and safety of the public. These signs use a combination of symbols, colours, and text to communicate essential messages quickly and clearly. There are various types of safety signs, each serving different purposes, such as:
- Mandatory Signs: These signs convey actions that are mandatory to follow in order to prevent accidents or hazards.
- Prohibition Signs: As the title suggests, these signs instruct the people about the prohibited actions within a specific area.
- Warning Signs: Warning signs alert individuals to potential dangers or hazards in a particular area that they might encounter. These signs are common in construction areas.
- Informational Signs: Informational signs provide general information or guidance about a particular location or facility. These signs could be in the form of boards displaying the distance or directions for a location.
Understanding Mandatory Signs
One of the best things to do about the safety of the workers is to install safety signs to remind them about the potential dangers. Since mandatory signs give information about the mandatory action to be taken, they are designed to grasp immediate attention of people. Some of their distinctive features are:
- Colour: Blue is the primary colour used for mandatory signs. Blue is a background against which the white symbols and text stand out prominently.
- Symbols: Mandatory signs typically feature white symbols or pictograms. These symbols are universally recognised and transcend language barriers.
- Text: Besides symbols, mandatory signs may include text in white or black to provide specific instructions or details.
Examples of Mandatory Signs
Mandatory signs cover a wide range of safety-related instructions and actions. Here are some common examples:
“Eye Protection Must Be Worn”
In areas with a risk of eye injury, this sign mandates eye protection, such as safety goggles.
“No Entry without a Permit”
This sign restricts access to authorised personnel only and is commonly used in high-security areas.
“Wear Hearing Protection”
This sign indicates that individuals must wear hearing protection in locations with high noise levels, such as earplugs or earmuffs.
“Keep Out”
This sign signifies that a specific area is off-limits and that individuals must not enter.
“Emergency Exit Only”
Placed near emergency exits, this sign ensures that these exits are used exclusively during emergencies.
“No Smoking”
This sign conveys the message that smoking is not allowed in areas where smoking is prohibited.
