Construction Site Signs

What are Construction Site Signs?

Construction site signs include vital information for the safe performance of construction duties as well as avoiding and minimising risks or hazards on site. They are crucial to the operation of your construction site because some hazards may be unavoidable. While every reasonable action must be taken to minimise the impact and likelihood of all risks, visitors and employees must be informed as to risks and correct/incorrect actions to ensure safety. 

What are the different types of construction signs?

There are several types of construction signs you may need to use on your site. These are:

Warning signs

A construction warning sign is used to inform people as to a hazard. It can be identified by its colour and shape; a yellow triangle with a black border. This type of sign is often accompanied by additional information regarding a mandatory or prohibited action (see below) to effectively reduce the likelihood of an accident. To learn more, read our guide to warning construction site signs.

Mandatory signs

A mandatory construction safety sign is used to display an action which must be taken to ensure safety. They use a blue circle with white images or text depicting the action. Mandatory signs can also include an additional blue panel and white writing to provide more information. For example, the All Visitors And Drivers Must Report To The Site Office sign is a mandatory sign and helps ensure an adequate record of site visitors and workers is kept, which is essential during an emergency. These also include construction personal protective equipment signs, which communicate the need for appropriate equipment to be worn on site to ensure safety. To learn which types of these signs apply to your business, read our guide to the regulations of PPE in construction.

Prohibition signs

A prohibition construction sign is used to display an action which must not be performed to ensure safety. These use a red circle with a line through the centre, and often incorporate an additional red panel with white text for further information. For example, a No Entry sign is a prohibition sign as it informs visitors and workers that entering a certain area may be unsafe for themselves or others.

Where should Construction site signs be located?

The location of construction site signs will often depend on the type of signage and its intended purpose. For example, if you’re using a No Entry sign to prevent members of the public entering the site, this should be placed at the entrance of the site in a place that is clearly visible to passers-by (as near to eye level as possible). If you’re buying a sign to alert people to passing vehicles, this should be located close to access routes and internal pathways. Essentially, all construction safety signs should be easy to spot and read.

Are Construction site signs required by law?

There are several pieces of legislation which pertain to the installation and maintenance of construction site signs, including the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 (HSR) and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO). The former details the correct types and locations of safety signs that must be used in workplaces, while the latter focuses specifically on fire safety measures, including fire safety signage. Complying with these regulations ensures accountability and provides evidence that every reasonable measure has been taken to protect the safety of employees and visitors to your construction site.

Learn more about Construction Signs

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