Safety signs are basically a form of graphic sign designed for marking or warn of potential hazards, indicate necessary use of personal protective equipment or marked locations of firefighting, mark exit routes, or indicate the place of work safety meeting. It is the responsibility of the property owner or business operator to install and maintain safety signs within the premises of the business as needed. There are many different types of safety signs such as those that indicate hazardous materials or those that warn of wet and slippery surfaces. The sign language is often limited to a standard font size and black ink colour.
Safety signs are not regulated by federal law but there are some common principles that have been adopted as a universal set of rules. Most states have also developed their own list of symbols to be used on their safety signs. The International Labor Organization has published the International Standard Uniform Signs for Construction. The symbols and signs provided by this international standard may be modified to meet the requirements of individual countries or to provide for changes in local culture. Some of these symbols include emergency exits, warning signs, ceiling warning signs, and lighting systems.
In Bradenton FL, most businesses and commercial establishments make use of a combination of non-symmetrical and symmetrical hazard signs. symmetrical hazard signs indicate a pending hazard that is a threat or likely hazard to employees, customers or other visitors while symmetrical hazard signs indicate an ongoing or potential threat to the public from a known or probable source of harm. A well-known example is the wet floor signs at intersections. As long as the floor remains wet, employees and patrons should be aware of the hazard.
Another important component of the signage system is warning signage. For instance, the red “No Entry” signs at train stations and airports are important components of the system to ensure that people know that trespassers have no access through the emergency entryway. These types of signs may also be used as warning or precautionary mechanisms when food services are closed or when a restaurant is out of service.
The final component is the use of signage to warn about hazards, injuries or dangers. This could be done through the use of hazard signs or other signage including but not limited to the use of ‘No Entry’ signs and ‘Wet Floor Signs’. The intent of these ‘no entry’ and ‘wet floor signs’ is to alert the public to a potentially dangerous situation, such as slipping on wet floors, that could result in bodily harm if one is not cautious. This signage is often seen in restaurants, hotels, motels, night clubs, industrial work sites, schools and churches.
These safety signs are essential pieces of equipment in any business or commercial establishment. They provide effective communication about many issues that concern human health. Some of these signs, such as the ‘No Entry’ and ‘Wet Floor Signs’ are mandated by law while others are voluntary. In either case, they serve a significant purpose in making people aware of dangers and issues related to their health and safety.