Safety signs are crucial for preventing accidents and injuries in workplaces, public spaces, and industrial settings. Whether you’re in a construction site, hospital, school, warehouse, or office, these signs communicate vital messages that help keep people safe.
In this post, we’ll explore:
The 5 main categories of safety signs
Their colors and shapes
Common examples used in Kenya
Why understanding these signs is essential for compliance and safety
🔹 What Are Safety Signs?
Safety signs are standardized visual graphics used to warn, inform, or instruct individuals about specific safety hazards or procedures. They rely on color, symbols, and shapes to ensure quick recognition—even by people who may not speak the local language.
In Kenya, safety signage follows international standards such as the ISO 7010 and is enforced under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 2007.
✅ The 5 Main Types of Safety Signs
1. Prohibition Signs
Purpose: To tell you what not to do.
Color: Red circle with a diagonal line across a black icon
Shape: Circular
Examples:
Where You’ll Find Them: Fuel stations, chemical storage areas, restricted zones, hospitals, schools.
2. Mandatory Signs
Purpose: To instruct you on what must be done.
Color: White symbols on a blue background
Shape: Circular
Examples:
🪖 Wear Helmet
🥽 Wear Eye Protection
🧤 Wear Gloves
👢 Safety Footwear Must Be Worn
Where You’ll Find Them: Construction sites, factories, chemical labs, workshops.
3. Warning Signs
Purpose: To alert you about potential hazards or dangers.
Color: Black symbols on a yellow background
Shape: Triangular
Examples:
⚠️ Caution: Wet Floor
⚠️ Danger: High Voltage
⚠️ Beware of Forklifts
⚠️ Toxic Substances
Where You’ll Find Them: Industrial plants, warehouses, hospitals, malls, cleaning zones.
4. Emergency Information Signs
Purpose: To show emergency routes and safety equipment.
Color: White symbols on a green background
Shape: Rectangular or square
Examples:
🏃♂️ Emergency Exit
🧯 Fire Assembly Point
🚑 First Aid Station
🚪 Emergency Door
Where You’ll Find Them: Every workplace is required to have these signs as part of fire and emergency preparedness.
5. Fire Safety Signs
Purpose: To indicate the location of fire safety equipment.
Color: White symbols on a red background
Shape: Rectangular or square
Examples:
🔥 Fire Extinguisher
🔥 Fire Alarm
🔥 Fire Hose Reel
🚒 Fire Blanket
Where You’ll Find Them: Offices, shopping centers, hotels, schools, and warehouses.
🔍 Summary Table of the 5 Main Safety Signs
| Type of Sign | Purpose | Color Scheme | Shape | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prohibition Sign | What not to do | Red circle, black symbol | Circular | No Smoking, No Entry |
| Mandatory Sign | What must be done | Blue background, white | Circular | Wear Helmet, Use Gloves |
| Warning Sign | Alert of potential danger | Yellow triangle, black | Triangular | Wet Floor, High Voltage |
| Emergency Info Sign | Show safety/emergency aid | Green background, white | Rectangular | Emergency Exit, First Aid |
| Fire Safety Sign | Locate fire equipment | Red background, white | Rectangular | Fire Extinguisher, Fire Alarm |
🏗️ Why Are Safety Signs Important?
Prevents Accidents and Injuries: Quick visual reminders about risks or procedures
Legal Compliance: Required under Kenya’s OSHA regulations
Increases Awareness: Even temporary workers or visitors can understand signs
Guides in Emergencies: Especially crucial during fires or chemical spills
Supports Safety Training: Reinforces workplace safety culture
Safety Signs in the Kenyan Context
In Kenya, regulatory authorities such as:
DOSH (Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health)
NEMA (National Environment Management Authority)
…require all businesses to maintain proper signage.
Whether you’re running a hotel in Nairobi, a factory in Mombasa, or a cleaning company in Kisumu, clear safety signage is a must.
🛒 Where to Buy Safety Signs in Kenya
Looking for durable, weatherproof, and regulation-compliant safety signs?
Check out Kejani Cleaning & Safety Supplies:
PPE and safety equipment
you can buy safety signage and Signs in Kenya from Kejani Cleaning Services Limited
Final Thoughts
Understanding the 5 main types of safety signs is essential for every business owner, manager, and worker. Proper signage can save lives, prevent injuries, and protect businesses from legal trouble. Make sure your workplace is fully compliant, well-marked, and safe for everyone.
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