Ensuring Safety Signs Are Understood

Training must be provided:

* to all employees so that they understand the information or instructions being conveyed by any safety signs they may see or hear in the course of their work;

* to employees who may be required to give or receive safety signs by way of hand signals at work;

* to employees who may be required to operate safety signs, such as warning alarms, at work;

* to employees responsible for risk assessment and for making decisions as regards the use and selection of safety signs that will be effective, for example, type, siting, maintenance and the like.

Every workplace and activity where people work is covered by the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. However, the regulations do not apply to signs used in connection with transport or the supply of dangerous substances, products and equipment.