Five Important Safety Signs That Should Be Showing In Your Warehouse

Warehouses are busy places and can often be dangerous. Displaying the correct signs can ensure the safety of both workers and visitors and will also make sure that the building complies with health and safety regulations.

Fire Exit

All buildings should have their fire and safety exits clearly displayed. This can be done by placing a sign above the exit itself and also for directions to the exit. Make sure that the correct sign is placed in the correct place and that the direction indicated on the sign is correct. If the warehouse is based in Wales it is common for the sign to be written in both languages and this may be a consideration if you have a workforce that is predominantly of another nationality. These signs usually have a green background.

Fire Extinguisher Signs

To complement the Fire Exit signs there should also be a clear indication of the location of the Fire Extinguishers and of course how to use them. As there are different types of fire extinguisher, the correct sign should always be displayed, as the handling of each type of extinguisher varies. These signs normally are red topped with the instruction being written below. These signs should always have an illustration so that they are easily recognized.

First Aid

Again these safety signs have a green background and are placed above the first aid kit for the warehouse. There may need to be several placed around the building depending on the number of staff. The general first aid sign has a green background with a white cross and there are more specialist signs for eye washes and hazardous materials. Another useful sign is the one that tells the workforce who their first raiders are and locations and extension numbers should be regularly updated.

Mandatory Signs

These signs are to inform staff and visitors of procedures they must adhere to and are always on a blue background. They may include notices such as “All visitors must report to reception” or “Passes must be worn.” They are also essential for making sure areas such as gateways and fire escapes are kept clear.

Hazard Signs

These signs warn pedestrians that there is machinery in operation or dangerous chemicals in the area. Yellow with black writing they are essential in any warehouse where there is a high noise level as people may not hear the machinery approaching. A simple hazard triangle may be kept for incidents that are not usual but that need to be highlighted such as spillages.

All warehouse signs are constructed of rigid plastic. They should be safely mounted and clearly visible and large enough so that they cannot be missed. Free standing signs can be used for areas of water spillage or when cleaning is in process so that staff have the choice of taking an alternative route.