An easy way to remember the shape of prohibition signs is that is a circle, like a full stop. And the sign literally means, stop.

Emergency equipmentSigns

Now you know what a health and safety sign means when you see one! Download the free safety signs toolbox talk as a reminder.

20 safety signs and symbols

Once you know what you are looking for, you can quickly understand the exact meaning of the sign (even without reading the words).

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Instead of being round for full stop (like prohibition signs), you can remember that mandatory signs are round for 'Obey'. Because that is what you must do, obey them.

There are 5 types of health and safety signs, and they all mean different things. How do you know which type of sign is which? Health and safety signs send their message through shape and colour. Once you know what you are looking for, you can quickly understand the exact meaning of the sign.

10 safety signs and their meanings

Look around you, can you spot any health and safety signs? If you can't spot one, think about a no-entry sign or a warning sign, can you remember the shape and the colour?

Safety signs and symbols for students

Every type of health and safety looks different. Through shape and colour combinations, they can send their message through just a picture or icon.

You might think as a self-employed person you don't need to worry about health and safety. After all, you're just looking after yourself. But since you're the only person doing the work, it's extra important to stay safe and healthy. If you employ or put others at risk, the law applies.

Emergencysigns and symbols

Safety signs and symbols with names

A young worker is anyone under the age of 18 in the workplace. Young workers may be involved in your business as an employee, for work experience or as an apprentice. And there's no reason why young workers can't be employed, but there are extra things to think about to keep them safe.

Fire equipment/fighting signs are square or rectangular. The pictogram is white on a red background, and will often have a white border.

What colour do we think of for fire? Red. But we already used red, with the prohibition sign. Well, fire equipment signs are also red - but in a different shape.

This article was written by Emma at HASpod. Emma has over 10 years experience in health and safety and BSc (Hons) Construction Management. She is NEBOSH qualified and Tech IOSH.

These signs are rectangular or square. The pictogram is white on a green background, and will often have a white border.

Unlike the two previous signs, they don't tell you not to do something, or to do something. They simply aim to make you aware of a danger, so you can protect yourself.

There are 5 types of health and safety signs, and they all mean different things. How do you know which type of sign is which? Health and safety signs send their message through shape and colour. Once you know what you are looking for, you can quickly understand the exact meaning of the sign.

Don't worry if you don't know what each type of health and safety sign looks like, or means, just yet. By the end of this post, you will be able to understand each type of health and safety sign when you see one!