Employers must provide safety signs if there are significant risks that cannot be controlled or avoided. The signage required will depend on the nature of your business.
What signs are required?
You should carry out regular risk assessments of your business premises, which will tell you what signs you need and where they should be displayed.
Many of the signs needed will be generic and easily available, but there may be some that convey safety information unique to your business that you will need to have custom-made. To find a good sign maker, do an internet search for your area; for example, in Devon, you could search for signage Exeter to find a local business such as Nettl of Exeter. Any unfamiliar signs should be fully explained to your employees.
Fire safety
Signs should be displayed stating what to do if you discover a fire and what to do if you hear a fire alarm. Although fire drills should be regularly conducted, fire exits and the way to the fire exits need to be clearly signed.
Traffic
If any part of your business premises involves traffic, such as a car park or a delivery depot, you must display the appropriate road traffic signs. These may include signs to highlight the speed limit, one-way systems, and directional signs.
Health and safety
No matter how safe your business, you will need to have first aid equipment clearly signed so that it can be easily located in an emergency. If your business involves hazardous equipment or substances, you must include the appropriate signs. Examples include identifying restricted areas for authorised staff only; identifying flammable, toxic, or corrosive chemicals; and confirming that personal protective equipment is needed, such as hard hats or face masks.
Obstacles
While you should keep your property as hazard-free as possible, there are some hazards that it may be impossible to avoid; for example, there may be steep steps or low doorways. There may also be temporary hazards such as wet floors. These should all be clearly signed.