The Importance of Safety Sign

The Importance of Safety Signs 

It might be possible that In your life, you have probably encountered one safety sign or two in your workplace or other business establishments. These signs serve as a reminder for people to always lookout for their safety especially in areas which can be very dangerous for them. As there may be some people who are likely t to be irresponsible and negligent of their safety, these signs can give attention to them that they always need to be on top of every situation and it can also help them figure out what they need to do exactly when the situation calls for it.

Safety signs are one of the easiest and most effective ways of reducing accidents in the workplace. They let you instantly warn visitors and staff about the identified hazards and can also, give advice on how to reduce the risk of injury or avoid any potential incidents

All workplaces and public buildings are required to display safety signs for many reasons. Signs which can be very significant that should always be present in buildings and offices are the fire safety signs. However, this can also be very beneficial to prevent people from getting confused or overwhelmed when the time comes that these signs are needed. Using a combination of signs that can mean the same purpose or rather send-off mixed signals can often lead to reluctance, panic, and mistakes. Therefore, a general guideline should be used.

One of the most common types of safety signs is fire extinguisher signs. This signage is very helpful in pinpointing the location and the type of fire extinguisher that is available on the premises. They give people concerned valuable information on what class of fire the fire extinguisher is used against thus avoiding further errors. These signs should be positioned in areas where they are visible enough to be seen. In the case of directional safety signs, it will usually reveal a white man heading towards a fire exit with a green background. Green arrows will direct people to the accurate direction leading to the escape route that will most often be utilized.

It is essential to understand what a particular safety sign means the same way it is significant that these signs be large and clear enough to be noticed during an emergency. It should also be strategically placed in areas where it is most likely to be noticed. To enhance its visibility furthermore in the event of a black-out, a fluorescent or luminescent sign is recommended. Fluorescent signage will glow in the dark long after any power failure while illuminated signage which has battery pack back up will provide a way for people to go out even in the most unfamiliar building. Aside from these signs, there are also those which can be conveniently hanged from the ceiling which can definitely catch the attention of people traveling in a hallway in both directions.

Fire safety signs are very important aspects of providing safety and security in workplaces, hospitals, institutions and other public buildings. As a fire emergency can always be an unforeseen event, these signs can prove to be essential and may even be the only way in saving your life and the lives of those people around you.

What Kind of Hazards Can Safety Signs Warn About

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Different types of hazards require different types of safety signs but certain types of workplace hazards are more likely than others to be prevented by a simple warning sign. This isn’t quite as clear cut as you might think. Whilst many psycho-social issues such as stress, bullying or ‘burn out’ are hardly going to be stopped by a simple sign, signs which warn people to be prepared for the harassment from outside the organization, or even just remind employees to take breaks, can help reduce injury in the workplace.

However generally speaking, warning signs are more suited for physical hazards. A brief list of these includes:

Mechanical Hazards

Mechanical Hazard

Danger of noise or vibration damage (e.g. heavy machinery such as roadwork, Compressor, Pneumatic conveying system)

Danger of Decompression sickness (e.g. the danger of pressure changes such as during scuba diving, airplane fighting)

Danger from lighting (e.g. bright lights that may obscure vision, flashing lights that may cause seizures)
The danger of physical injury (e.g. operating heavy machinery)




Radiation Hazards

         

Radiation Hazard

 Danger of radiation (e.g. x-ray machines or industrial materials)

  

Electrical Hazards

Electrical Hazard

The danger of electrocution (e.g High voltage)

The danger of fatal incident (e.g Very high voltage)

Biological Hazards

Danger of bacterial infection (e.g. cuts in dirty environments)

Danger of viral infection (e.g. working in close quarters, hygiene awareness signs)

Danger of fungal infection (e.g. inhaling mold in renovation work)

                                                                                    Danger of blood-borne pathogens (e.g. waste                                                                                             disposal or medical work)

Chemical hazards

Danger of acids (e.g. irritation, corrosive or toxic harm)

Danger of base materials (e.g. irritation, corrosion or explosive reactions with other industrial materials)

Danger of lead poisoning (e.g. ingestion, inhalation or prolonged exposure to lead)

Danger of particulates (e.g. inhaling silicate or asbestos particles)

Danger of fire/explosion (e.g. flammable materials)

Danger of splashing chemical (e.g chemical spillage)

Danger of Asphyxiation ( e.g Nitrogen purging )

Danger of toxic chemicals ( e.g Highly toxic chemical operation)

Environmental hazards

Environment Pollution

Danger of workplace traffic (e.g. vehicles crossing)

Danger of exposure (e.g. dehydration due to heat or aridity, or tissue damage/hypothermia due to cold)

The danger of slipping or tripping (e.g. wet floor signs)                                                          

Danger of Confined spaces (e.g. Asphyxiation due to low oxygen)

Danger of falling objects (e.g. Helmet)

Danger of falling (e.g. Edge of railing signs on scaffolding or roof work)

Danger of suspended load (Standing below crane operation)