Guide to the different types of construction site signs

Safety signs are a legal requirement on construction sites, as they help to ensure that both the workplace and the surrounding area are safe to be in. This kind of construction site signs are used for several types of projects, ranging from temporary speedsigns for road works and warningsigns for industrial sites and more.

There is a wide range of different
construction site signs
for different purposes and sectors. Each construction site sign has a specific meaning based on the symbol on the sign, the shape of the sign and its color. It is extremely important to be up to date with the different types of construction site signsand what they symbolize, as they are obviously placed on the site for a specific reason. If you are not fully aware of them, you can not only lose your job, but also get involved in dangerous and deadly situations.

Therefore, in this article, we will present and explain what different types of construction site signs exist and what their shapes and colors represent. This article is based on information and guidelines applicable to Health and safety signs.

Instruction signs

Instruction signs have a round shape with a white symbol in the center on a blue background. They are used to clarify different requirements and instructions on a construction site.

Example: Protective helmets must be worn. Eye protection must be used. Hearing protection must be used.

Meaning: YOU MUST FOLLOW/COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS.

Prohibition signs

Prohibition signs have a round shape with a red border and a diagonal red line on a white background. Symbols or text are always placed in the center (behind the diagonal red line) and are always black. They are used to inform you what NOT to do.

Example: No smoking. No access for pedestrians. No access for unauthorized persons.

Meaning: DO NOT. YOU MUST NOT. STOP, DO NOT CONTINUE.

Warning signs

Warning signs for industries and construction sites are available in two different types.

Triangular warning signs

The ‘regular’ type are triangular signs with a black symbol on a yellow background with a black border. At least 50% of the sign surface must be yellow. They warn of various hazards and areas where you need to be extra careful.

Example: Freight traffic. Dangerous electrical voltage. Radioactive substances.

Meaning: YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. BE CAREFUL. MONITORING.

Rhombus-shaped warning signs

Warning signs addressing chemical risks must consist of hazard symbols according to CLP. You can read more about it here. These warning signs are diamond-shaped with a black symbol on a white background with a red border.

Example: Flammable substances/goods. Explosive substances/goods. Toxic substances.

Meaning: YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. BE CAREFUL.

Emergency signs

Emergency signs are either a green square or rectangle with a white symbol and/or text. The most common type of emergency signs that most people are familiar with are those pointing to an emergency exit.

Example: Emergency exit signs. First aid. Eyewash.

Meaning: FOLLOW THIS SIGN TO REACH SAFETY. HERE YOU WILL FIND SAFETY EQUIPMENT.

Fire-fighting tools

Fire equipment signs have either a square or rectangular shape with a white symbol on a red background. At least 50% of the sign surface must be red. They are used to show where different types of fire equipment are located.

Example: Fire hose/tap. Fire extinguishers. Emergency telephone.

Meaning: ‘HERE IS FIRE EQUIPMENT’.

Do you need construction site signs?

BGFIX offers a wide standard range of road signs and warningsigns for industrybased on the Danish Working Environment Authority signs, as well as customized signs based on your needs and requirements.

Get in touch with us

right away, or take a look at our range of construction site signs
here
to order your construction site signs today.