Signs
When hazards exist in the workplace that cannot be eliminated or protected against by means of collective protection, these must be signposted so as to call attention sufficiently in advance so as to be able to avoid them.
In general, these signs must be used when necessary:
- To call attention to the existence of certain hazards, prohibitions or obligations: for instance, the prohibition on smoking close to inflammable products employed in varnishing work, mandatory head protection due to the risk of materials falling from a height, etc.
- To warn about emergency situations that require the adoption of urgent protection or evacuation measures.
- To facilitate the location and identification of protective, evacuation, emergency or first-aid measures or facilities: for example, the location of the first-aid cabinet, the place where we can find a portable fire extinguisher, etc.
- To guide workers who perform certain hazardous operations.
Definition
Safety signs comprise all those elements which, with respect to a particular object, activity or situation, provide an indication or obligation regarding health or safety at work.
Appropriate use of signs helps prevent hazards, though only as a complement to adopted safety measures, as, in themselves, these do not eliminate the existing risk.
