PERFORMING BASIC SAFETY PRACTICES
Safety Signs and Symbols
Safety symbols are pictures sometimes called safety pictographs, pictograms, or pictorials. These symbols provide
warnings or alerts about a possible hazard. Because pictures may convey information better than words, graphic
symbols are added to precautionary labels to show major workplace.
1. Symbols may show and help to explain the hazards quickly.
2. Symbols can be understood by both readers and non-readers.
3. Symbols may be multilingual and usually translate directly into all languages. Welding and cutting industry have
adopted standardized symbols and uniform methods of use to avoid user confusion and to supplement and
reinforce the written messages.
Words
The large word at the top of the label is called the signal word.
It is used in combination with a specific colored background and combined with the safety alert symbol to indicate
the degree of seriousness of a potential hazard. Because of its colored background, the signal word is usually the
first element that you notice when looking at safety label.
According to International Standard Organization (ISO), there are three (3) choices for a signal word:
DANGER- Used to indicate an imminently hazardous situation which, if avoided, will result in death or
serious injury. The use of these signal word should be limited to the most extreme situations.
WARNING- This indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION- Used to indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury. CAUTION may also be used without the safety color symbol (the triangle with exclamation
mark) to indicat property-damage-only.
CLASSIFICATION OF SAFETY SIGNS
Regulatory Signs- signs contain instructions. Failure to comply with them constitutes an offense under law, standing
orders, company policy, etc.
1. Mandatory signs
are regulatory signs which indicate that an instruction must be carried out. When symbols are used, they are white on
a blue disc. Text-only mandatory signs are black or white in a portrait format.
1. Prohibition signs
are regulatory signs which indicate that an action or activity is not allowed. The symbolic shape used on prohibition
signs is the red circle and slash over a black symbol. Prohibition signs may contain only the red circle and text with
no symbol.
1. Warning Signs
signs which warn of a hazard or hazardous condition that is not likely to be life-threatening. The symbolic shape
used on warning signs is black triangle with yellow interior and black symbol.
1. Danger Signs
signs which warn of a hazard or hazardous condition is likely life threatening. It is recommended that symbols not
be used on danger signs.
1. Fire Signs
advice the location of fire alarms and firefighting equipment. Fire signs contain a white symbol and/or text on a red
background.
1. Emergency Information Sign
indicate the location or direction to, emergency- related facilities (exits, first aid, safety equipment, etc.). These signs
feature a white symbol and/or text on a green background.
1. General Information Sign
communicate information of a general nature in order to avoid misunderstanding or confusion. These signs often
refer to housekeeping, company practices and logistics.
