Mandatory safety signs must use the correct symbols and colours, printed clearly and durably. Boldmedia Print Zimbabwe prints mandatory signs on rigid boards, self-adhesive vinyl or photoluminescent film. Matching safety posters and induction booklets can be printed too.
Mandatory safety signs tell people what they must do to stay safe: wear hearing protection, eye protection, hard hats, safety boots, gloves or high-visibility clothing, or follow procedures such as washing hands or using handrails. They are recognised by a white pictogram on a blue circle, often with a supporting text panel, and are placed at the entrance to the area where the requirement applies.
A good mandatory sign uses the standard symbol so it is understood regardless of language, is positioned at eye level where people enter the zone, and is made of a material suited to the environment, from rigid plastic indoors to aluminium in harsh outdoor or wash-down areas. These differ from prohibition signs, which forbid an action, and hazard signs, which warn of a danger; mandatory signs give a positive instruction.
Where it works well
- PPE requirements at factory and plant entrances
- Hearing protection zones near machinery
- Eye protection at workshops and grinding areas
- Hard hat zones on construction and mine sites
- Hand-washing points in food production
- High-visibility clothing in warehouses and yards
Materials and finishes
- Rigid PVC or ABS for indoor use
- Aluminium or aluminium composite for outdoor and harsh areas
- Self-adhesive vinyl for smooth surfaces and machinery
- Photoluminescent material where visibility in low light is needed
- Correx for temporary sites
- Multi-message PPE boards
What affects the price
- Number and size of signs
- Material for the environment
- Standard signs versus custom multi-message boards
- Photoluminescent or reflective materials
- Fixing method
- Supply only or supply and install
- Site size and number of zones
Supplying measurements
List the zones and the PPE or actions required in each, and where the signs will be fixed (wall, door, gate, machine, post). Note the viewing distance so we can suggest suitable sizes.
Artwork requirements
Standard pictograms are used, so you only need to give us the requirement and any text. Combination PPE boards with your logo and site name can be laid out for approval; send the logo as vector artwork if it is to appear.
Survey and installation
Signs can be supplied with adhesive backing, drill holes or brackets for your maintenance team to fit, or installation can be arranged. Signs should be placed at the point of entry to the zone, at eye level and clear of obstructions.
Maintenance
Wipe signs clean regularly, especially in dusty or oily environments. Replace signs that have faded, cracked or been painted over so the instruction remains clear.
Frequently asked questions
Do safety signs need to follow a standard?
Safety signs are best made with the standard recognised symbols and colours, such as those set out in SANS 1186; we can produce signs to these symbol conventions.
Can we combine several PPE requirements on one sign?
Yes, multi-message PPE boards are common at site and building entrances.
Can you advise which signs we need?
We can produce what your safety officer or risk assessment specifies; deciding which signs a site legally needs is the responsibility of your safety representative.