A Guide to Compliance Signage: What Your Business Legally Needs

 When running a business, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and accessibility laws is essential. One of the most critical aspects of compliance is having the correct signage in place. These signs help protect employees, visitors, and customers by providing clear instructions, warnings, and guidance. Failure to display the necessary compliance signage can lead to fines, legal issues, and safety risks.

In this guide, we’ll break down the essential compliance signs your business needs and why they’re important.

Health & Safety Signs

In the UK, businesses must follow the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, which require employers to provide clear safety signage where necessary.

Mandatory Signs (Blue Signs)

These signs instruct people to take a specific action to reduce risks.

Examples include:

• Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – Required in construction, factories, and hazardous areas.

• Wash Hands – Essential for food service and healthcare environments.

• Fire Door Keep Shut – Ensures fire safety regulations are followed.

Warning Signs (Yellow Triangles)

These caution people about potential hazards, helping prevent accidents.

Examples include:

• Caution: Slippery Floor – Common in workplaces and public areas.

• Danger: High Voltage – Found near electrical equipment.

• Caution: Forklift Operating Area – Used in warehouses and factories.

Prohibition Signs (Red Circles with a Line Through) These signs forbid actions that could pose a danger.

Examples include:

• No Smoking – Required in enclosed workplaces and public spaces.

• No Entry – Used for restricted areas.

• Do Not Touch – Found near dangerous machinery or substances.

Emergency Exit & Fire Safety Signs (Green Signs)

Fire safety signage is legally required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Essential fire safety signs include:

• Fire exit signs – Show the safest evacuation routes.

• Fire extinguisher locations – Indicate where fire-fighting equipment is stored.

• Assembly point signs – Direct staff and visitors to a safe meeting area.

Accessibility & Disability Signage

Businesses must comply with the Equality Act 2010, ensuring accessibility for all individuals, including those with disabilities.

Essential Accessibility Signs:

• Accessible Entrance – Directs customers and employees to wheelchair-friendly access points.

• Braille and Tactile Signs – Required for visually impaired individuals (e.g., lift buttons, restroom signs).

• Hearing Loop Signage – Indicates the presence of hearing loop systems for the hard of hearing.

• Disabled Parking Signs – Ensures designated spaces are clearly marked and reserved.

First Aid & Hygiene Signs

Employers are legally required to provide first aid signage under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.

Must-Have First Aid Signs:

- First Aid Kit Location – Clearly marks where first aid supplies are stored.

- First Aider on Duty – Displays the names and contact details of trained first aiders.

- Emergency Eye Wash Station – Essential in workplaces handling chemicals.

4. Workplace and Facility Signs

Some signs are not legally required but are highly recommended to ensure a safe and organized work environment.

 Common Workplace Signage:

• CCTV Signs – Required under GDPR when surveillance cameras are in use.

• Visitor Sign-In Instructions – Helps monitor who enters the premises.

• Recycling & Waste Management Labels – Supports sustainability efforts and compliance with waste disposal regulations.

Why Compliance Signage Matters

• Avoids Fines and Legal Issues, non-compliance can result in heavy fines and even business closures.

• Reduces Accidents and Liability Risks Proper signage prevents workplace injuries and legal claims.

• Enhances Employee and Customer Safety Clear signage ensures a safer, more accessible environment for everyone.

Get Compliant with Cora Graphics!

At Cora Graphics, we specialize in high-quality custom compliance signage tailored to your business needs. Whether you need fire exit signs, safety labels, or accessibility signage, we ensure your workplace meets all legal requirements.

Stay compliant, stay safe, and let us help you with expertly crafted compliance signage!