The Types of Workshop Safety Signs

Negligence inside a workshop can lead to fires.

A workshop is a place where objects and activities can mix to pose danger to life and property. Dangerous tools and materials are used and stored inside a workshop. Electricity, fuels and gas can be present inside a workshop. Accidents can happen anytime, which is why presence of mind and awareness of all the hazards is very important to avoid any injury. Various work safety signs must be generously installed inside your workshop to remind you that safety must always be your priority.

Electrical Hazard Warning Signs

Electricity is always present inside a workshop because it is the primary source of power used by power tools. High-voltage electricity, multiple wire outlets, extension cords, damaged insulation, exposed conductors, and water spillage are some of the most common electrical hazards inside a workshop. Warning signs such as "DANGER, High Voltage," "WARNING, Electrical Hazard," "DANGER, 240 Volts," "CAUTION, Electrical Shock Hazard" are the most common warning signs that remind you to exert extreme care to avoid injury, or even death.

Signs on Protective Gear and Safety Clothing

Safety clothing and protective gear refers to items worn while working inside a workshop to protect workers from the many potential hazards faced by the worker. The U.S. government Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) require employers and employees to observe regulations on occupational safety clothing. Warning signs such as "Eye protection must be worn," "Safety helmets required," "Ear protection required," and "Safety Gloves must be worn" are often seen inside a workshop to protect against bodily injuries.

Signs That Indicate Location of Safety, First Aid and Fire Protection Equipment

Accidents often occur inside a workshop, which is why it is important that the location of emergency response equipment be known to each and every worker inside the workshop. A sign that indicates the location of first aid supplies, fire fighting equipment, and other safety devices should always be posted conspicuously inside the workshop. Signs such as "First Aid Kit," "Fire Extinguisher," "Fire Exit," "Fire Alarm," "Respiratory Protection," and "Emergency Telephone" are all examples of these type of signs.

Signs That Warn of Hazardous Substances

Hazardous substances can harm a worker once ingested, inhaled, or even when mere body contact occurs. Hazardous substances also include those substances that can lead to fires, explosions, and dangerous chemical reactions. These materials can be in the form of solids, liquids, or gas that are toxic and reactive, and possess high potential for human injury once released. "Explosives," "Flammable Gas," Hazardous Material," "Poison Gas," and "Combustible" are a few of the many safety signs that must be posted inside a workshop. Hazardous material warning signs are often printed in color-coded diamond-shaped signage: red for flammable, and orange for explosives.

References

• Mysafetysign.com: High Voltage Warning Signs
• Tech.tce.rmit.edu.au: Safety Precautions
• Seton: Warning Signs