Fire Door Keep Locked Sign

Health and Safety Regulations 1996

The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 implement European Council Directive 92/58/EEC, outlining the minimum legal requirements for safety signs in workplaces. These regulations ensure that employers take the necessary steps to provide clear safety instructions through signage wherever significant risks are present.

Overview

At Keys Homecare, all our safety signs comply with the latest safety colour regulations, ensuring that colours are consistently used to communicate important safety messages effectively.

Employers are required to install safety signage in any area where a substantial risk to health and safety exists and where the hazard cannot be eliminated or adequately reduced by other means. However, it is essential to remember that safety signs should enhance existing safety measures, not replace them. Proper engineering controls, risk management strategies, and safe working procedures must always be the primary methods for maintaining workplace safety.

These regulations apply to all work environments and employment activities, with the exception of signs related to transport regulations or the supply and marketing of hazardous goods, substances, or equipment.

Additionally, in workplace settings where vehicles are in operation, the regulations mandate the use of road traffic signs to manage traffic flow safely.

Fire Safety Signage

The Safety Signs and Signals Regulations also extend to fire safety signage. Businesses can seek expert guidance from their local fire enforcement authority to ensure full compliance. In most cases, workplaces using fire safety signs that adhere to BS 5499 will not need to make any changes, as these signs remain legally valid. Any new fire safety signage should also follow BS 5499 standards to maintain consistency and clarity.

EN ISO 7010:2020 Compliance

The EN ISO 7010 standard was introduced in 2003, revised in 2012, and later integrated into EU law. This regulation establishes a universal standard for safety symbols, making them easily understandable across different languages and regions.

Why EN ISO 7010 is Important

The primary aim of EN ISO 7010 is to introduce a set of globally recognised safety symbols that ensure consistent hazard communication. While many of these pictograms may already be familiar, some new symbols have been introduced to improve clarity and understanding.

Where is EN ISO 7010 Used?

This standard applies to all workplaces and public areas where safety signs are necessary. Typical examples include:

• Emergency exit signage
• Warning signs for hazardous zones
• Mandatory safety instructions

What Keys Homecare Provides

At Keys Homecare, we are committed to offering fully compliant, high-quality safety signage that meets the EN ISO 7010:2020 standard. Our signs are designed to clearly communicate essential safety information, ensuring compliance and enhancing workplace safety.

We provide safety signs in various materials to suit different environments:
✅ Self-Adhesive Flexible Vinyl – Quick and easy to apply, perfect for smooth surfaces
✅ Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) – A popular material for use in signage due to its versatility, cost-effectiveness and durability. Aluminum composite is corrosion and weather resistant and therefore extremely suitable for long-term outdoor applications

Furthermore, we offer customisation options, allowing businesses to include company logos upon request, while ensuring full compliance with safety regulations.

For expert guidance on workplace safety signage and to explore our range of products, get in touch with Keys Homecare today!