Security Safety Signages -Safety signs often go unnoticed as they communicate messages that we all consider to be obvious. But when disaster strikes, their presence can mean the difference between life and death. The presence and accurate messages on the signs should be checked regularly to avoid a symbolic safety sign that will sign the death warrant for the workplace.
If people are overcome by panic or fear, they will rely on basic life-skills or knowledge to survive. Correctly and strategically placed safety signs can help save time when the workplace has to be evacuated or action needs to be taken. When health and safety officials inspect the workplace and assess risks, they should see to it that signs are placed in the correct manner and the correct place.
Safety signs are divided into three categories; regulatory, information and warning.
Order or regulation sign communicate using circles that provide instruction on action to be taken in a particular situation. For example, a red circle prohibits an action, while a green circle allows an action.
Important information is provided in a square, while a triangle is the symbol used for warnings when there is a need to be cautious or when there is danger in an area.
Employers should make a point of raising awareness regularly, as reminders to employees about the importance of these signs. It would be dangerous for employees not to understand the signs if they would walk into a danger zone and they could be risking their lives.
Safety signs serve many purposes, for both obvious and unforeseen reasons. The signs can draw attention to health and safety hazards or point out hazards that may not be immediately visible.
Signs can also serve the purpose of giving direction and information to avoid congestion and disorder. If signs are not available or placed correctly, employees could be injured or disorder could result during an evacuation, causing a stampede and resulting in further damage and injuries.
Most signs serve as a reminder to employees about the location of safety equipment. Well-informed employees could save valuable time in an emergency if they know where to go for help, or obtain important equipment- hence the importance of placing signs correctly and strategically. For this reason alone, regular inspections should be conducted to assess risks when signs are not available or not placed correctly.
It is important that safety signs are placed in an area of high visibility, where they are not obscured by doors or moving objects. It is pointless to mount a sign that employees can't read or understand. The print should, therefore, be bold. Employers have a duty to ensure old and eroded signs are replaced immediately.
An assessment at premises should specifically check if the signs meet SANS requirements and are standardized. If signs are not of the required standard, they may cause incidents, as employees and visitors could misinterpret these signs end endanger their lives by not taking the correct action at the correct time.
The risk assessment should also assess if lighting is correct in places where signs are placed. If people are injured, as they didn't see the sign in the first place, employers could be held liable for injuries or death that may have been caused.
Don't leave people in the workplace puzzled. Use safety signs to quickly communicate your message.
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