There are 7 main types of safety signs and they are easily identifiable by their colour and shape.

• Hazard warning signs are yellow with a black triangle with a symbol in it. The text will be black as well. It warns of danger or risk to health.

• A prohibition sign has a red circle with a white background with a line though a symbol.

• A mandatory sign has a blue circle around it with a white symbol. These signs tell you that you must wear some type of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Fire signs are red with white symbols and text. They indicate where fire-fighting equipment and fire alarms are located.

• Emergency information signs are green rectangles with white symbols and text. They show where emergency safety equipment and emergency exits are located.

• A restricted sign has a red circle with a white background, but this time with no line through it. This sign limits what can be done in the area, who can come in etc.

• Danger hazard signs are black red and white. The word 'danger' is white on a red background. The actual hazard will be written on the sign in black text with a white background.

ACTIVITY

Discuss the colours and shapes used for each of these signs and decide what the colour and shape means.