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UK Health & Safety Sign Laws

As a UK employer or site manager, you’re legally responsible for protecting your staff, contractors, and visitors through effective safety signage. That includes installing the correct signs, in the right locations, and ensuring they are maintained, clear, and up to standard.

Which Laws Apply?

Safety sign requirements in the UK are governed by the following legislation and standards:

  • The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996: Requires employers to use signs where there are significant risks that can’t be avoided or controlled in other ways.
  • BS EN ISO 7010: Standardises graphical symbols (e.g. for fire safety, PPE, hazard warnings) across the UK and Europe.
  • Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: Outlines the general duty of care for employers to provide safe working environments.
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH): Requires proper labelling of hazardous substances using symbols and signage.

Common Compliance Failures

  • Using non-standard or outdated symbols
  • Poorly placed or obscured signs
  • Missing signage in key risk areas (e.g. fire exits, first aid points)
  • Faded, damaged, or unreadable signage

Which Safety Signs Are Mandatory?

You are required to display signs for:

  • Fire safety – including fire exit signage and extinguisher location signs
  • Hazard warnings – such as trip, chemical, electrical or flammable risks
  • Mandatory actions – such as PPE requirements
  • Safe conditions – including first aid, emergency stop, and assembly points
  • Prohibitions – such as no smoking, no entry, or restricted access areas

Who Enforces These Regulations?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the UK government body responsible for enforcing workplace safety standards. Non-compliance may result in warnings, fines, or prosecution.

All of our signs comply with BS EN ISO 7010 and HSE standards, giving you peace of mind and full legal compliance. Still unsure what your business needs? Get in touch and we’ll help you meet every requirement.