Different Types of Warning Signs

Author: John Dever
Warning signs are generally used for indicating potential hazards, obstacles or dangers which might require urgent public attention. The Health and Safety Regulation Act of England requires the use of warning signs wherever there is an obstacle or safety threat that cannot be removed by any other immediate human process.
The signs have to follow certain specifications and should compulsorily use visual symbols. If a specific condition is not covered under a fixed category a general warning sign with a standard triangle (generally red and white) containing an exclamation mark. Scientific Research proves that the use of graphic signs is 85% more effective in accident prevention and disaster aversion than written instructions and text signs

Different kinds of Warning Signs for Public Safety

Different Types of Warning Signs

Warning signs for public safety are based on UNECE (Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals). UNECE was designed to increase safety on roads and prevent accidents by standardizing warning sign signage. Warning signs are grouped into some major types like Danger warning signs, prohibitive signs and mandatory signs.
Road Danger warning signs are of various types like Slippery if wet, bridge is frozen, sharp turns ahead, 30% down grade signs. These signs act as warnings to drivers who are driving at high speeds.
If equipment like snow trucks, tractors and forklifts are prone to cross certain roads, general drivers are cautioned against their arrival by signs like "tractor crossing". Other kinds of signs include "sharp curves", "fork bend ahead", "two way road" , "unguarded level crossing" and "level crossing with barrier"
Prohibitive signs include signs like "Work in Progress – do not cross" or "high voltage – do not touch". These signs stop people from accessing an area which might cause potential physical harm. Signs like "no left", "no right" or "no parking" also warn drivers or the general public about restrictive areas.
Mandatory signs include signs meant for protecting the environment like "wild fowl passing". These signs are deemed compulsory by the World Environmental Cell to atop passing drivers from hurting passing animals who might wander in from the nearby woods.
Different kinds of Internal Warning signs
Internal warning signs refer to signs put up by employers like "slippery floors", "old stairs".  Fire equipment safety signs are square or oblong signs with red and white color schemes. Danger safety signs in office include signs like yellow oblong triangles with graphic designs of lighting striking the ground (these signs are placed near high voltage boards).
Employers who believe in equal opportunities also provide warning signs in Braille and touch sensitive verbal warnings signs for the hearing impaired. If you are an independent professional/ artist you can employ the same kinds of signs to warn clients/visitors about danger zones in your studio/work house.
As a responsible employer you can go for a safety sign audit, where a team from the health and safety group will evaluate the potential hazardous points in your work premises. They will present a comprehensive report to you about the location and the number of warning signs you should put up in your office and also brief you about delivering safety instructions to your employees.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/regulatory-compliance-articles/different-types-of-warning-signs-6219245.html
About the Author
John Denver is a local author who works to promote small businesses, including Warning Signs.

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