Safety signs are typically a unique form of signage designed to warn of safety hazards, indicate required use of personal protective equipment, indicate where on the property line is firefighting, mark hazardous conditions, or indicate the location of emergency equipment or firefighting. In the last twenty years, safety signs in Florida have increasingly gotten more attention and also become much more customized and flexible, providing for ever more exacting customer requirements. Some have even gone so far as to include a photo of the sign wearer, usually a person with a background in firefighting that has been specially trained to know where to find important signs. Safety signs in Florida have expanded greatly over the years and there are so many different types of Florida safety signs available it’s pretty hard to describe them all in one article.

 

One of the most popular safety signs in Florida is the “prohibition sign”. The prohibition sign is commonly used to warn of a restricted area. It informs people that there are no longer any open fires, no smoking (including cigars) or other such prohibited activity. The sign must be clearly visible and may be placed where there previously was an open flame or hazard. For example, the prohibition sign may be posted on the front door of a business to inform customers that there is no longer smoking inside. Call Axe Signs & Wayfinding at (941) 265-8774 for your Free Consultation!

 

Other types of safety signs to be aware of are the emergency exit signs and workplace safety signs. The emergency exit signs are meant to notify building occupants and visitors of an emergency exit in case of a fire or other major disaster. This may include a list of the exits and directions to each exit, the names and contacts of emergency personnel, and a detailed diagram of the emergency route. The workplace safety sign is often posted in the waiting area or hallway of a business to caution employees and guests to be cautious and stay alert while in the workplace.

 

There are also a variety of pictograms used to indicate hazards or to provide advice. Fire pictograms are often found on stairwells, emergency exits, door exits, and outside walls. Some of the most popular pictograms or designs include fire, smoke, and dangerous chemicals. These pictograms must be visibly posted at the work site or within an emergency escape route and must be color coded according to what the hazard is. Regulations mandatory signs can sometimes be found in locations where there are no fire safety signs, as the signs are not technically considered safety signs, but may still need to be strongly displayed to ensure compliance with local and state regulations.

 

All these signs should be used to alert a worker or visitor to a dangerous situation and the measures that will be taken should the situation become critical. The use of text and graphics may be limited to two inches per inch of space, and should be prominent enough to be read when looking at the hazard. Shatter resistant tape should be used to protect all flammables from being blown away. Warning labels should be used to indicate what the hazard is, and signs should be installed where needed.

 

Employees and visitors should be aware of the signs that are required by the Health and Safety Regulations 1996. It is essential to keep these types of signs posted in areas where dangerous situations may occur, and the use of signs is therefore mandatory. It is important to consider the construction, nature and size of the working area when placing emergency exits and other safety measures. This will create a safer working environment for all concerned, and creates a better working environment for your business as well.