Council Health & Safety Policy Code of Practice Safety Signs and Signals

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1 Council Health & Safety Policy Code of Practice 3.17 Safety Signs and Signals Distribution: * To be brought to the attention of all Heads of Service, Managers, Supervisors, Employees and Trade Union Representatives Introduction This Code of Practice provides advice and guidance to enable Managers, Supervisors and employees meet their responsibilities regarding the provision and use of standardised safety signs and signals. The intention of using standardised safety signs and signals is to ensure that employees who move from site to site, such as service engineers, will not be faced with different signs at different workplaces, and that wherever a particular safety sign is seen it provides the same message. This Code of Practice sets standards which are to be applied across the Council in accordance with duties imposed on employers by The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations The regulations require the use of safety signs where there is a significant risk to health and safety that has not been avoided or controlled by methods required under other relevant law. A safety sign can help reduce risks, however safety signs are not a substitute for those other methods of controlling risks such as engineering controls and safe systems of work. Contents Use and selection of Safety Signs Page 2 What is a safety sign? Page 2 Specific Requirements: Page 3 Signboards Hand Signals Verbal Communication Acoustic Signals Illuminated Signs Fire Safety Signs Using signs to mark obstacles, dangerous locations and traffic routes Page 6 Location Page 7 Maintenance Page 8 Information Instruction and Training Page 8 1

2 Use and Selection of Safety Signs In determining where to use safety signs, managers need to take into account the Council s Risk Assessment Procedures to identify hazards, associated risks with those hazards and the control measures to be taken. When the control measures identified in the assessment have been implemented there may be a residual risk which employees may need to be warned of, and informed of any further measures necessary. Safety signs are needed if they will help to reduce this residual risk. If the risk is not significant there is no need to provide a sign. For example: there may be a risk of foot injury despite taking measures to control the risk, therefore it may be appropriate to remind staff with a sign indicating that wearing foot protection is mandatory. If the hearing or sight of any employee is impaired for any reason, for example by a disability or by the wearing of personal protective equipment, additional measures may need to be taken to ensure that employees can see or hear the warning sign or signal (eg by increasing the volume or brilliance). What is a Safety Sign? The regulations cover a variety of methods of communicating health and safety information in addition to the traditional safety sign or signboard. The terms used in the regulations mean the following: Safety and/or health sign: a sign providing information or instruction about safety or health at work by means of a signboard, a colour, an illuminated sign or acoustic signal, a verbal communication or hand signal; Signboard: a sign which provides information or instructions by a combination of shape, colour and a symbol or pictogram which is rendered visible by lighting of sufficient intensity. Many signboards may be accompanied by supplementary text (eg First Aid alongside the symbol of a white cross). Symbol or pictogram: a figure which describes a situation or prescribes behaviour and which is used on a signboard or illuminated surface. (e.g. the running man on a fire exit sign). The regulations allow some variation in detail provided the meaning is the same; Hand Signal: a movement or position of the arms or hands giving a recognised signal and guiding people who are carrying out manoeuvres which are a hazard or danger to people (such as crane or vehicle manoeuvres). Illuminated sign: a sign made of transparent or translucent materials which is illuminated from the inside or the rear to give the appearance of a luminous surface (eg emergency exit signs); 2

3 Fire Safety Signs: a sign (including an illuminated sign or an acoustic signal) which provides: information on escape routes and emergency exits in case of fire; information on the identification or location of fire-fighting equipment; or gives warning in case of fire. Verbal communication: a predetermined spoken message communicated by a human or artificial voice. Acoustic signal: a sound signal which is transmitted without the use of a human or artificial voice (eg fire alarm). In some cases more than one type of safety sign may be necessary (eg hand signals combined with verbal instructions). Specific Requirements - Signboards For managers selecting signboards the minimum requirements for the intrinsic features of signboards contained in the following table must be followed: Type Shape Colour Prohibitory Round Black pictogram on white background, red edging and diagonal line (the red part to take up at least 35% of the area of the sign. Warning Triangular Black pictogram on yellow background with black edging (the yellow part to take up at least 50% of the area of the sign). Mandatory Round White pictogram on blue background (the blue part to take up at least 50% of the area of the sign). Emergency escape or firstaid sign Fire-fighting Rectangular or square Rectangular or square White pictogram on a green background (the green part to take up at least 50% of the area of the sign. White pictogram on a red background (the red part to take up at least 50% of the area of the sign). Safety Colour: The Regulations dictate signs incorporating certain colours have specific meanings identified in the following table: Safety Colour Meaning or Purpose Instruction and information Red Prohibition sign Danger alarm Dangerous behaviour; stop; shut-down; emergency cutout devices; evacuate. Fire-fighting equipment Identification and location. 3

4 Yellow or Amber Warning sign Be careful; take precautions; examine. Blue Mandatory sign Specific behaviour or action (eg wear personal protective equipment). Green Emergency escape First-aid sign Doors; exits; escape routes; equipment and facilities. No danger Return to normal. Examples of signboards are shown at Appendix A Specific Requirements - Hand Signals Hand signals can be used to assist mechanical handling and vehicle manoeuvring. Signals must be precise, simple, easy to make and understand. The signaller (person giving the signs) must be competent to make hand signals and both the signaller and the operator (person receiving the signs) must be trained in their correct use. Particular care is needed with new employees who may have previously used different codes of hand signals and retraining may be necessary. Where hand signals are used they must be consistent with those illustrated in Appendix B or meet either BS6736 (Hand Signals for Agricultural Operations) or BS7121 (Code of Practice for Safe Use of Cranes). There may be situations where these codes of hand signals are insufficient to meet communication needs. In these cases, additional signals can be used based on existing signalling practice. For example, Environmental Services Streetscene has developed specific signalling practice and training for Refuse Collection Crews. Managers and supervisors must plan operations to ensure that pedestrians and vehicles are physically separated wherever possible. For guidance see Council Health & Safety Code of Practice Workplace Transport. The signaller must be able to see all the manoeuvres being made by the operators without being endangered by them. Therefore in some cases extra signallers may be needed to help co-ordinate the action, however in such cases, ensure the operator follows signals from one signaller only unless specific arrangements have been made. During manoeuvres ensure the duties of the signaller are restricted to directing manoeuvres and other specific measures aimed at the safety of other workers in the vicinity (e.g. keeping people back a safe distance). At all times signallers must wear as a minimum, high visibility clothing to EN471 (Class 3). The operator must be able to recognise the signaller without difficulty therefore the signaller will need to be identifiable from other employees by the wearing other items (e.g. a jacket, helmet, sleeves or armbands) or carry signalling bats. When an operator is unable to continue the manoeuvre safely, the operation must be discontinued until furthers instructions are received from the signaller. 4

5 After considering the above, any procedure must be incorporated into the risk assessment to which it applies. The Council's Code of Practice on Risk Assessment can be found on the Health & Safety Pages of Council Net. Specific Requirements Verbal Communication Verbal signals can also be used to direct hazardous operations. Such signals can be spoken messages given either by human or artificial voice, and either directly or recorded. Spoken messages must be clear and simple, concise, precise and understood by the listener. People involved need a good knowledge of the language used so that they are able to pronounce and understand the spoken message correctly and react accordingly. If verbal communication is used instead of hand signals, use the code words in the following table: Code word Start Stop End Raise Lower Forwards Backwards Right Left Danger Quickly Meaning Start an operation Interrupt or end an operation Stop an operation Raise a load Lower a load Move forwards Move backwards Move to signallers right Move to signallers left Emergency stop Speed up a movement Whatever system of code words is being used it is important that it can be properly understood. Where English is not the first language of most employees the codes do not necessarily have to be in English. Where verbal communication and hand signals are being used together ensure they are co-ordinated. Specific Requirements Acoustic Signals So they can be heard, acoustic signals need to be set at a level considerably higher in terms of frequency than the ambient noise (e.g. 10dB above the level of ambient noise at that frequency) but should not be excessive or painful. Acoustic signals must be easily recognisable particularly in terms of pulse length and pulse intervals. No more than one acoustic signal must used at a time. When acoustic signals need to be activated it is important they remain so for as long as the danger exists or until receipt of any planned acknowledgement. 5

6 For advice on acoustic signals and fire alarms you should refer to the Fire Safety Advisers or Health & Safety Advisers, within the Corporate Health and Safety Team Specific Requirements Illuminated Signs The sign must be bright enough to be seen without causing glare. The area of the sign may be of a single safety colour or contain a pictogram on a specified background (in line with the specific requirements for signboards). Various illuminated signs should not be used together or close to any other similar light source if this could give rise to confusion. If an illuminated sign can be either on continuously or operate intermittently (flash on and off), the flashing sign must be used when indicating a higher level of danger or a more urgent need for intervention or action. The duration and frequency of flashes for an intermittent sign need to be such as to ensure the message is properly understood, and avoid any confusion with other illuminated signs (including continuous illuminated signs). When illuminated signs need to be activated it is important they remain so for as long as the danger exists or until receipt of any planned acknowledgement. If a flashing sign is used instead of, or together with, an acoustic signal the two must be synchronised. This means the duration and frequency of flashes need to be in line with the pulse length and interval for an acoustic signal. The choice of equipment and its operation will need to take account of other risks (eg with fast flicker rates epilepsy could be triggered in some people, or in some cases some types of electronic pulse could be a danger in respect of stores containing certain explosives). Specific Requirements Fire Safety Signs Duties on employers to provide fire safety signs arise from specific fire legislation, namely the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and must conform to BS For the required type and positioning of fire safety signs managers should seek advice from the Fire Safety Officers based in the Corporate Health & Safety team. Using signs to mark obstacles, dangerous locations and traffic routes Places where there is a risk of colliding with obstacles, of people falling, or of objects falling should be marked with alternating yellow and black, or red and white stripes (the stripes must be at an angle of approximately 45 o and of more or less equal size). In most cases secure fencing is needed to prevent falls, however marking may be required where the risk is low or where it is impracticable to safeguard by other means (eg highlighting the edge of a raised platform). Signs for marking obstacles and dangerous locations 6

7 It is important to mark those areas, rooms or enclosures used for the storage of significant quantities of dangerous substances or preparations by a suitable warning sign unless the warning labels on individual containers are clearly visible from outside or nearby. Stores containing a number of different substances may be indicated by the general danger warning sign. The signs or labels need to be positioned as appropriate near storage areas or on doors leading into storage rooms. Where other legislation requires internal traffic routes to be marked, markings are to take the form of continuous lines, preferably yellow or white, taking into account the colour of the ground. For guidance on road traffic signage please refer to the Council s Workplace Transport Code of Practice. Location The number and positioning of signs or signalling devices installed will depend on the extent of the hazards or dangers or the area to be covered. If the hearing or the sight of employees is impaired, including impairment by the wearing of personal protective equipment, measures must be taken to supplement or replace any signs concerned. Where signboards are used they must be sufficiently large and clear so they can be easily seen and understood. In conditions of poor natural light it may be necessary to provide adequate illumination (which includes emergency lighting) or signboards made of reflective or photoluminescent material (or both). Permanent signboards are necessary except in cases where the workplace or hazard is temporary such as during construction or maintenance work. In these cases safety signs still need to be consistent with the requirements of the Regulations. For example, use of a portable warning sign by cleaners may be necessary if a hazard such as a slippery floor exists for a short period. If circumstances change, making a particular signboard or signalling device unnecessary (ie if the hazard no longer exists), it must be removed so that misleading information is not displayed. Signboards and signalling devices are only effective if they can be seen and understood. If too many signs (including information signs) are placed together there is a danger of confusion or of important information being overlooked. Maintenance Signboards need to be durable (shock and weather resistant suitable for the surrounding environment), securely fastened and properly maintained (eg washed or re-surfaced) to ensure they remain visible. Managers should therefore ensure that inspections are conducted on a regular basis and deficiencies rectified. 7

8 Acoustic signals and illuminated signs need to be checked at regular intervals to ensure they are functioning correctly. The more hostile the environment, the more frequently they will need to be checked. Where flashing signs are used to warn of imminent danger, measures must be in place to either detect failure of the sign quickly or to prevent its failure (eg by fitting duplicate bulbs etc). Signs requiring some form of power must be provided with a guaranteed emergency supply in the event of a power cut, unless the hazard has thereby been eliminated. Information Instruction and Training Managers must ensure that comprehensible and relevant information on the measures to be taken in connection with safety signs is provided to each of their employees. Although most safety signs are self explanatory, employees (particularly new ones) may be unfamiliar with the meaning of some of the less commonly used signs. Consideration must be given to ensure the same level of information instruction and training is given to pertinent service users. For example, ensuring school pupils understand safety signage in school workshops. Therefore managers must ensure each employee receives suitable and sufficient instruction and training in the meaning of safety signs and the measures to be taken in connection with those signs, including the consequences of not following the warning or instruction given by the sign. Further Information and Advice Guidance on the Conduct of Risk Assessment Code of Practice Management of Premises Code of Practice Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Code of Practice Fire Safety - Code of Practice Workplace Transport Code of Practice Information and advice on safety signs and signals is available from the Corporate Health and Safety Team, Corporate Personnel Services, Telephone (0191)

9 Appendix A Examples of signboards: (i) Prohibition Sign a sign prohibiting behaviour likely to increase or cause danger (eg No Smoking). (ii) Warning Sign a sign giving warning of a hazard or danger (eg danger electricity) (iii) Mandatory Sign a sign prescribing specific behaviour (eg eye protection must be worn) (iv) Emergency Escape or First Aid Sign a sign giving information on emergency exits, first aid or rescue facilities (eg emergency exit/escape route (v) Fire Fighting Equipment a sign identifying the location of fire fighting equipment (eg fire extinguisher) 9

10 Appendix B 10

11 The illustrated coded signals are without prejudice to other codes applicable at community level used for the same manoeuvres in certain sectors. 11