The standard and the law
SANS 1186 is the South African standard for safety signs. It sets out the symbols, colours and shapes used so that signs mean the same thing everywhere. The Occupational Health and Safety Act places general duties on employers to provide and maintain a safe working environment, and appropriate signage forms part of that. Which signs a particular workplace needs depends on its hazards, so a health and safety officer or consultant should confirm requirements for your premises.
Colours and shapes
- Prohibition – red circle with a diagonal bar. Something you must not do: no smoking, no entry, no naked flames.
- Mandatory – blue circle. Something you must do: wear eye protection, hard hats, safety boots, hearing protection.
- Warning – yellow triangle. A hazard to be aware of: electricity, forklifts, slippery floors, overhead loads.
- Emergency and safe condition – green. Emergency exits, escape routes, first aid and assembly points.
- Fire equipment – red. The location of extinguishers, hose reels, hydrants and alarm points.
Danger and information signs are also used for specific hazards and site rules.
Materials
- ABS – light, tough plastic for indoor walls and doors.
- Chromadek – rigid steel for outdoor and industrial areas.
- Aluminium – rigid and weather resistant.
- Photoluminescent – glows after the lights go out, which helps during power failures and in smoke; offered on many exit and fire equipment signs where available.
Placement tips
- Place signs where people will see them before they meet the hazard, not after.
- Mount at a visible height and keep them clear of stock, doors and equipment.
- Mark fire equipment so it can be found quickly, even from a distance.
- Mark escape routes along the whole route, including at changes of direction.
- Do not overload walls with signs; too many reduce attention to each.
- Replace faded, damaged or outdated signs.
Ordering safety signs
Our large online safety sign catalogue lists ready-made signs that you can order at the listed price, in sizes and materials shown on each product, with Economy, Standard, Express or Same-day options where eligible. Custom wording and site-specific signs are quoted. See safety signs and safety and compliance signs.
