UK construction sites must display safety signs in accordance with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. Signs are categorised by shape, colour, and meaning. Being able to identify each type is essential for CPCS assessments and day-to-day site safety.
Safety Signs
Construction site safety signs following ISO 7010 and the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.
Prohibition Signs
Red circle with diagonal bar — tells you what you must NOT do
General Prohibition
General prohibition — action not permitted
No Smoking
Smoking and vaping prohibited
No Pedestrians
Pedestrian access prohibited
Not Drinking Water
Water is not safe to drink
No Forklift Trucks
Forklift trucks prohibited in this area
Do Not Touch
Do not touch equipment or surfaces
Do Not Extinguish with Water
Do not use water to fight fire
No Mobile Phones
Mobile phone use prohibited
Mandatory Signs
Blue circle — tells you what you MUST do
Ear Protection
Hearing protection must be worn
Eye Protection
Safety goggles or glasses must be worn
Safety Boots
Protective footwear must be worn
Gloves
Protective gloves must be worn
Hard Hat
Safety helmet must be worn
Hi-Vis Vest
High-visibility clothing must be worn
Face Mask
Respiratory protection must be worn
Safety Harness
Fall protection harness must be worn
Warning Signs
Yellow triangle — warns you of a hazard or danger
General Danger
Caution — risk of injury
Radioactive
Radioactive material or area
Laser Beam
Danger from laser equipment
Slippery Surface
Risk of slipping
Electricity
Risk of electric shock
Moving Vehicles
Risk from site traffic and plant
Overhead Loads
Danger of falling objects from above
Flammable
Flammable materials present
Corrosive
Corrosive substances present
Safe Condition Signs
Green rectangle — shows escape routes, first aid, and safety equipment
Emergency Exit (Left)
Direction to nearest exit — left
Emergency Exit (Right)
Direction to nearest exit — right
First Aid
First aid station or kit location
Assembly Point
Fire assembly point location
Eye Wash
Emergency eye wash equipment
Emergency Shower
Emergency shower location
Drinking Water
Safe drinking water available
Fire Equipment Signs
Red square — indicates fire-fighting equipment location
Fire Extinguisher
Location of fire extinguisher
Fire Hose Reel
Location of fire hose reel
Fire Ladder
Location of fire ladder
Fire Alarm
Location of manual fire alarm
GHS Hazard Symbols
Red diamond border — identifies chemical hazards (COSHH)
Flammable
Flammable gas, liquid, or solid
Oxidising
Oxidising substance
Explosive
Explosive material
Toxic
Acutely toxic substance
Harmful
Harmful or irritant
Health Hazard
Serious long-term health hazard
Corrosive
Corrosive to skin or metals
Compressed Gas
Gas under pressure
Environmental
Hazardous to aquatic environment
Fire Extinguisher Types
Identified by colour band — know which type for each fire class
Water (Red band)
Use for: Wood, paper, textiles (Class A)
Not for: Electrical, flammable liquids, metal fires
Foam (Cream band)
Use for: Flammable liquids (Class B) and some Class A
Not for: Electrical (unless dielectric), metal fires
Dry Powder (Blue band)
Use for: Multi-purpose: Class A, B, C and electrical
Not for: Enclosed spaces (obscures vision), cooking oils
CO₂ (Black band)
Use for: Electrical fires and flammable liquids
Not for: Class A (wood/paper), metal fires, cooking oils
Remember: All fire extinguishers in the UK are now red (BS EN 3) with a colour band identifying the type. The colour band covers at least 5% of the body area. If you are unsure which extinguisher to use, do not attempt to fight the fire — raise the alarm and evacuate.
Test Your Safety Sign Knowledge
Download CPCS CPD Mastery to practise safety sign identification questions for your CPCS renewal test.
