Workplace safety is a top priority across all industries in South Africa, and safety signs play a crucial role in preventing accidents, guiding employees and visitors, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Whether in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, or retail, correctly displayed them to reduce risks and improve awareness of potential hazards.
Understanding the different types of safety signs, their meaning, and where they should be placed is essential for maintaining a safe and legally compliant work environment. This guide explores the importance of safety signs in South Africa, legal requirements, and best practices for workplace safety.
Why Are Safety Signs Important?
Ensuring Workplace Safety
- Alerts workers to hazards, emergency exits, and safety procedures.
- Reduces accidents, injuries, and property damage.
- Provides clear instructions for emergencies.
Legal Compliance
- Safety signs must adhere to South African labour laws and health regulations.
- Compliance with SANS 1186 and the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act is required.
- Helps businesses avoid fines, legal action, and liability claims.
Enhancing Productivity
- Employees work more confidently and efficiently in a safe environment.
- Reduces time lost due to workplace injuries.
- Improves workflow by providing clear instructions.
Protecting Visitors and Customers
- Warns customers, contractors, and visitors about restricted areas.
- Ensures public safety in commercial buildings, malls, and parking lots.
Types of Safety Signs in South Africa
Prohibition Signs (Red and White) – “Do Not” Instructions
Prohibition signs indicate actions that are not allowed to prevent potential dangers.
Examples:
- No Smoking
- No Entry
- No Cell Phones
- No Open Flames
Mandatory Signs (Blue and White) – “Must Do” Instructions
These signs instruct workers on compulsory safety actions that must be followed.
Examples:
- Wear Safety Goggles
- Hard Hats Must Be Worn
- Use Hearing Protection
- Wash Hands Before Returning to Work
Warning Signs (Yellow and Black) – Hazard Alerts
Warning signs highlight potential dangers and risks in a workplace.
Examples:
- High Voltage Area
- Slippery Floor
- Forklift Operating Zone
- Flammable Material
Emergency and First Aid Signs (Green and White) – Safety Guidance
These signs provide information about emergency exits, first aid, and medical assistance.
Examples:
- Emergency Exit
- First Aid Kit
- Fire Escape Route
- Emergency Assembly Point
Fire Safety Signs (Red and White) – Fire Protection Equipment
Fire signs direct employees and visitors to fire protection resources.
Examples:
- Fire Extinguisher
- Fire Hose Reel
- Fire Alarm Call Point
- Fire Escape Ladder
South African Safety Sign Regulations and Compliance
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act
- Requires businesses to display signs in hazardous areas.
- Ensures that employees and visitors are aware of workplace risks.
- Mandates clear, visible, and standardised safety signage.
SANS 1186 Standard Compliance
- Safety signs in South Africa must comply with SANS 1186 (South African National Standards).
- The standard defines sign colours, symbols, and sizes.
- Ensures uniformity across industries and public areas.
Placement and Visibility
- Signs must be clearly visible and well-lit.
- Must be positioned at eye level in relevant areas.
- Use of reflective or illuminated signs in low-light conditions.
Multilingual and Pictogram Signs
- Signs should include icons and universally recognised symbols in workplaces with multilingual employees.
- Ensures clarity for all workers regardless of language proficiency.
Best Practices for Effective Safety Sign Usage
- Conduct a Safety Audit – Identify areas that require signs based on potential hazards.
- Use Standardised Symbols – Follow SANS 1186-compliant symbols for consistency.
- Ensure Proper Placement – Place signs in high-traffic and hazardous areas.
- Keep Signs Clean and Maintained – Regularly inspect for damage, fading, or obstruction.
- Use Durable Materials – Weatherproof, chemical-resistant signs for outdoor and industrial environments.
- Train Employees on Signage Meaning – Educate workers on the importance and interpretation of signs.
FAQs About Safety Signs in South Africa
What are the legal requirements for safety signs in South Africa?
Businesses must comply with the OHS Act and SANS 1186 standards, ensuring that all required safety signs are correctly displayed.
Where should safety signs be placed?
They should be placed in hazardous areas, emergency exits, near fire safety equipment, and throughout workplaces where risks exist.
Are multilingual safety signs necessary in South Africa?
In workplaces with diverse language speakers, pictograms and multilingual signs improve clarity and communication.
What materials are best for outdoor safety signs?
Durable aluminium, PVC, or corrosion-resistant materials work best for outdoor and industrial settings.
How often should safety signs be inspected?
Safety signs should be regularly checked for damage, fading, or obstruction and replaced when necessary.
Can safety signs be customised for specific industries?
Yes! Custom safety signs can be designed for industry-specific hazards and company policies.
Do small businesses need to install safety signs?
Yes, even small businesses must comply with workplace safety regulations, ensuring proper signage is in place.
What are the most common safety signs in factories?
Factories commonly use machinery hazard signs, PPE mandatory signs, fire safety signs, and emergency exit signs.
Contact Sure Signs for Details
Safety signs in South Africa are essential to workplace safety and legal compliance. They prevent accidents, guide workers and visitors, and ensure businesses adhere to health and safety laws.
By implementing the right signs, businesses can create a safer work environment, avoid legal risks, and improve operational efficiency. Safety signs are a simple yet highly effective safety solution for manufacturing plants, construction sites, warehouses, and office buildings.
Invest in high-quality signs today and make your workplace safer and legally compliant!
We can custom-make safety signage to suit your specific requirements. All photoluminescent signs are available in 150 mm, 190 mm, 290 mm, or 440 mm.
Contact us today or browse our site to find the signage solution that fits your needs.