Safety sign colors and symbols
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Safety signs are used to save people in the event of dangerous events, such as a fire, or to prevent accidents. Anyone who is responsible for a building in which so-called third parties are present must use safety signs to protect them from danger. In the event of damage in particular, a lack of signage can lead to consequences.
Self-made signs are problematic because they have to comply with ISO 7010 with regard to safety colors and safety symbols . The workplace rule ASR A1.3 also regulates the design of health and safety signs.
Some of the escape signs must be supplemented by additional signs ( direction arrows ). The old characters and text signs are no longer permitted. But there's nothing wrong with printing a neutral sign yourself, for example, that asks you not to block an emergency exit. This can be mounted in a frame next to the door.
Most signs are only relevant to day-to-day operations and are therefore rarely found in areas open to the public.
A total of 29 signs warn of very different dangers, such as obstacles on the ground or at head height, a guard dog or caustic substances. It is not specified which actions are to follow from this.
The old warning signs have a different background color and sometimes have different symbols than the new signs, which are labeled W001 to W029.
The 34 prohibition signs mentioned in the ISO show that something is forbidden without giving a reason. Some prohibitions are based on known hazards, such as " No open flames ", others may refer to properties of a material or machine, such as "Not permitted for wet grinding". Some prohibition signs are often based on individual decisions, for example " No photography ". Creativity is also allowed here, as evidenced by signs that are not covered by the ordinance, such as " do not defecate ".
Fire protection signs are 6 signs that refer to extinguishing devices or fire alarms. They should enable everyone to react correctly in the event of a fire. Fire brigade signs, on the other hand, are an aid for the fire brigade, they usually contain text and no pictogram.
A so-called risk assessment is necessary if old signs are to remain in operation. In principle, it is not necessary to replace the signs in existing workplaces if the use of the old signs ensures at least the same level of safety and health protection as when using the new safety signs. However, those who adhere to the new standards for safety signage and replace the old signs as quickly as possible are on the safe side.
Self-made signs are problematic because they have to comply with ISO 7010 with regard to safety colors and safety symbols . The workplace rule ASR A1.3 also regulates the design of health and safety signs.
Escape signs are always green
The following applies to emergency exit signs : Rectangular signs in signal green RAL6032 with a white pictogram in signal white RAL 9003 are required. They must not contain any writing, because even people who do not speak German must understand the signs. According to the current regulation, 19 pictograms are permitted. These indicate where there is an escape route , rescue equipment or a doctor. The symbols also indicate how an escape door can be opened or where there are collection points.Some of the escape signs must be supplemented by additional signs ( direction arrows ). The old characters and text signs are no longer permitted. But there's nothing wrong with printing a neutral sign yourself, for example, that asks you not to block an emergency exit. This can be mounted in a frame next to the door.
Blue safety signs are mandatory
The following applies to mandatory signs : the color signal blue RAL 5005 is permitted as the background, the symbol on the round sign must appear in signal white RAL 9003 . Mandatory signs call for an action such as "wear a protective helmet". The ISO 7010 currently contains exactly 26 pictograms, some of which differ slightly from the old symbols that were previously used.Most signs are only relevant to day-to-day operations and are therefore rarely found in areas open to the public.
Yellow triangles warn of danger
Unlike mandatory signs, warning signs do not require specific action. They indicate a possible danger and ask for appropriate caution. The signs in signal yellow RAL 1003 show pictograms in signal black RAL 9004 .A total of 29 signs warn of very different dangers, such as obstacles on the ground or at head height, a guard dog or caustic substances. It is not specified which actions are to follow from this.
The old warning signs have a different background color and sometimes have different symbols than the new signs, which are labeled W001 to W029.
Red has different meanings
Signal red RAL 3001 is prescribed for prohibition signs, fire protection signs and fire brigade signs. The prohibition sign is round and has a border and a characteristic diagonal line in this colour. This crosses out the black icon. Fire protection signs are rectangular signs with a red background and fire brigade signs are rectangular with a red border.The 34 prohibition signs mentioned in the ISO show that something is forbidden without giving a reason. Some prohibitions are based on known hazards, such as " No open flames ", others may refer to properties of a material or machine, such as "Not permitted for wet grinding". Some prohibition signs are often based on individual decisions, for example " No photography ". Creativity is also allowed here, as evidenced by signs that are not covered by the ordinance, such as " do not defecate ".
Fire protection signs are 6 signs that refer to extinguishing devices or fire alarms. They should enable everyone to react correctly in the event of a fire. Fire brigade signs, on the other hand, are an aid for the fire brigade, they usually contain text and no pictogram.
Old ASR A1.3 (2007) against new ASR A1.3 (2013)
The ASR A1.3 workplace rule has existed since 2007. It specifies the requirements for escape routes and rescue routes and describes the labeling requirements for workplaces. In 2013 , the ASR A1.3 was completely revised by the new DIN EN ISO 7010 with changed labels/symbols that are now internationally applicable.A so-called risk assessment is necessary if old signs are to remain in operation. In principle, it is not necessary to replace the signs in existing workplaces if the use of the old signs ensures at least the same level of safety and health protection as when using the new safety signs. However, those who adhere to the new standards for safety signage and replace the old signs as quickly as possible are on the safe side.
