What types of safety signs are there?

Prohibition signs are unmistakable symbols that prohibit certain actions or behaviors. They are designed to prevent potential hazards and enforce safety-related rules. Typically, crossed-out symbols or pictograms in a red circle are used to make the prohibited action clear.

A common example is the "No smoking" sign, which indicates that smoking is prohibited in this area.

Warning signs are designed to alert people to potential hazards or risks so that they can take appropriate precautions. They are triangular and use the safety color yellow as well as symbols that illustrate the hazard.

A typical warning sign is the slippery surface variant, which indicates that the floor may be slippery and therefore caution is advised.

Mandatory signs give clear instructions on what actions are expected to ensure safety or prevent accidents. They are blue, round and often use symbols in combination with an instruction.

Examples include signs with the pictogram of a helmet or hearing protection, which indicate that wearing this protective equipment is mandatory.

Escape signs are used to clearly mark escape routes and emergency exits to enable rapid evacuation in the event of an emergency. They use symbols such as arrows or stylized people pointing in the direction of an exit.

One example is the green sign with the pictogram of a person walking through a door to indicate an emergency exit.

Fire safety signs provide information about fire safety equipment and show, for example, the location of fire extinguishers, fire alarms or wall hydrants. They are crucial for being able to access the relevant resources quickly in the event of a fire. They are red, square and use flames and relevant symbols of fire protection equipment.

The most frequently encountered variant is the fire safety sign F001 "Fire extinguisher".