BS 5499-10-2006 - Safety Signs Including Fire Safety Signs

BS 5499-10:2006

BRITISH STANDARD

Safety signs, including fire safety signs — Licensed copy:Croner Consulting, 18/12/2006, Uncontrolled Copy, © BSI

Part 10: Code of practice for the use of safety signs, including fire safety signs ICS 01.080.10; 13.200

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BS 5499-10:2006 Publishing and copyright information The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the document was last issued. © BSI 2006 ISBN 0 580 48738 5 The following BSI references relate to the work on this standard: Committee reference PH/8/1 Draft for comment 05/30122879 DC

Publication history First published July 2006

Amendments issued since publication

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Amd. no.

Date

Text affected

BS 5499-10:2006

Contents Foreword iii

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Introduction 1 1 Scope 1 2 Normative references 2 3 Terms and definitions 2 4 System design 4 5 Documentation 25 6 Training and education 25 7 Audit 25 8 Servicing and maintenance 26 9 Monitoring and review 26 Annexes Annex A (informative) Examples of the zones of influence of safety signs 28 Annex B (informative) Examples of the use of safety signs to indicate the location and identification of safety equipment, fire equipment and safe drinking water, and of the hierarchy of safety signs 33 Bibliography 40 List of figures Figure 1 – Decision process 6 Figure 2 – Examples of hazard signs indicating the location and/or nature of specific hazards 12 Figure 3 – Examples of prohibition signs, giving a prohibition instruction in order to reduce the risk from specific hazards 13 Figure 4 – Examples of mandatory signs, giving a mandatory instruction in order to reduce the risk associated with particular hazards 14 Figure 5 – Examples of fire equipment signs, indicating the location and/or identification of fire equipment 14 Figure 6 – Examples of safe condition signs 15 Figure 7 – Zone of influence of a safety sign 17 Figure 8 – Illustration of the concept of the zone of influence of a safety sign 18 Figure 9 – Examples of combination safety signs 19 Figure 10 – Examples of multiple safety signs 20 Figure 11 – Illustration of safety sign heights 22 Figure A.1 – Illustration of the zone of influence of a safety sign indicating the location and nature of a particular hazard 28 Figure A.2 – Illustration of the zone of influence of a safety sign giving a mandatory instruction, also showing the field of vision of a viewer in a seated position 29 Figure A.3 – Illustration of the zone of influence of a safety sign indicating the location of fire fighting equipment, showing a situation in which the safety sign is positioned to indicate the location of equipment which might not be readily seen by the user 29 Figure A.4 – Illustration of the zone of influence of a safety sign giving a prohibition instruction, showing a situation in which not all the people in the assessment area are within the zone of influence 30

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BS 5499-10:2006 Figure A.5 – Illustration of the zone of influence of a safe condition sign indicating the location of specific safety equipment, showing a situation where the zone of influence stops at a physical obstruction 31 Figure A.6 – Illustration of the zone of influence of multiple safety signs indicating the location and nature of a hazard and giving a prohibition instruction in order to reduce the risk associated with the hazard 32 Figure B.1 – Illustration of the use of a safety sign to identify a particular switch as being a first aid call point 33 Figure B.2 – Illustration of the use of a safety sign to identify a particular telephone as being one for emergency use 34 Figure B.3 – Illustration of the use of a safety sign to indicate the position of an emergency shower so that it can be located from a distance 35 Figure B.4 – Illustration of the use of a safety sign to indicate that water from a particular tap is safe for drinking 36 Figure B.5 – Illustration of the use of a safety sign to indicate the location of a first aid station 36 Figure B.6 – Illustration of the use of a safety sign to indicate that a particular locker houses a stretcher 37 Figure B.7 – Illustration of the use of a safety sign to identify the unit as being a fire alarm call point 37 Figure B.8 – Illustration of the use of a safety sign to indicate the position of a fire extinguisher so that it can be located from a distance in a situation where other objects (in this case chairs) might distract the viewer 38 Figure B.9 – Illustration of the use of a hierarchy of safety signs 39 List of tables Table 1 – Minimum safety sign heights recommended for different maximum viewing distances 22

Summary of pages This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv, pages 1 to 40, an inside back cover and a back cover.

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BS 5499-10:2006

Foreword Publishing information This part of BS 5499 was published by BSI and came into effect on 31 July 2006. It was prepared by Subcommittee PH/8/1, Safety signs, including fire safety signs, under the authority of Technical Committee PH/8, Graphical symbols and signs. A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on request to its secretary.

Information about this document

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BS 5499 comprises the following parts: •

Part 1: Specification for geometric shapes, colours and layout;

•

Part 2: Specification for self-luminous fire safety signs;

•

Part 4: Code of practice for escape route signing;

•

Part 5: Signs with specific safety meanings;

•

Part 6: Creation and design of graphical symbols for use in safety signs – Requirements;

•

Part 10: Code of practice for the use of safety signs, including fire safety signs;

•

Part 11: Water safety signs.

The purpose of this part of BS 5499 is to improve public safety by providing guidance on the use of safety signs and fire safety signs. The provisions of this standard are intended to be applied in situations in which a formal risk assessment has established the need for safety signs. The recommendations regarding the size of safety signs and factors related to viewing distances reflect current practice. These parameters remain the subject of research.

Use of this document As a code of practice, this British Standard takes the form of guidance and recommendations. It should not be quoted as if it were a specification and particular care should be taken to ensure that claims of compliance are not misleading. Any user claiming compliance with this British Standard is expected to be able to justify any course of action that deviates from its recommendations. It has been assumed in the preparation of this British Standard that the execution of its provisions will be entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced people, for whose use it has been produced.

Presentational conventions The provisions in this standard are presented in roman (i.e. upright) type. Its recommendations are expressed in sentences in which the principal auxiliary verb is “should”. Commentary, explanation and general informative material is presented in smaller italic type, and does not constitute a normative element. © BSI 2006 •

iii

BS 5499-10:2006 Contractual and legal considerations This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.

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Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from legal obligations.

iv • © BSI 2006

BS 5499-10:2006

Introduction Safety signs can make a major contribution to good communication and the development of good safety culture. Throughout this code of practice the term “safety sign” includes “fire safety sign” where appropriate. This code of practice is intended to assist the facilities manager of the premises and others responsible for selecting and installing safety signs. This code of practice reflects best practice and shows how to use safety signs in a standardized manner to ensure consistent application throughout a particular environment or an entire organization.

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Safety signs using graphical symbols provide important benefits in the field of communication. Properly used they can: •

provide information in a compact form;

•

provide information in a form that is independent of language;

•

have visual impact; and

•

guide the viewer to a desired outcome or appropriate decision.

However, these benefits are not always achieved in practice. If safety signs are used in a consistent manner they will become familiar to the viewers and thus be widely understood and effective. There might, however, be instances when optimum results can only be achieved by the provision of supplementary text. The use of the appropriate combination of safety signs with suitable supplementary text assists the process of education on the meaning of safety signs and the action(s) to be taken to control risk. It is important that safety signs clearly convey the intended message to the viewers. In particular, safety signs should differentiate between information that relates to safety requirements (including those associated with unsafe use or misuse of products and equipment) and those that relate to public information.

1 Scope This part of BS 5499 provides guidance on how to select, install, position and maintain safety signs conforming to BS 5499-1 and BS 5499-5, excluding escape route signs, to present specific safety information. This part of BS 5499 satisfies the requirements of the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 [1] and existing fire safety legislation. This part of BS 5499 is applicable to all premises, with the exception of private domestic premises. However, it is applicable to the common access areas within multi-occupied dwellings. This part of BS 5499 is intended for use by building owners, facility managers of premises, safety managers and others responsible for selecting, installing and/or inspecting safety signs.

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BS 5499-10:2006 This part of BS 5499 is not applicable to: a) road traffic signs; b) public information symbols; c) International Maritime Organization symbols; d) labels provided under the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Regulations 1996; e) labels provided under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. This part of BS 5499 does not give guidance on the use of escape route signs or water safety signs. NOTE 1 A code of practice for the use of escape route signing is given in BS 5499-4. NOTE 2 Water safety signs are given in BS 5499-11.

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NOTE 3 The illustrations in this standard are as accurate as possible within the limitations of the printing process.

2 Normative references The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. BS 5266-1, Emergency lighting – Part 1: Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises BS 5499-1, Graphical symbols and signs – Safety signs, including fire safety signs – Part 1: Specification for geometric shapes, colours and layout BS 5499-5:2002, Graphical symbols and signs – Safety signs, including fire safety signs – Part 5: Signs with specific safety meanings BS 5499-6, Graphical symbols and signs – Safety signs, including fire safety signs – Part 6: Creation and design of graphical symbols for use in safety signs – Requirements BS EN 60598-1, Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests BS ISO 16069, Graphical symbols – Safety signs – Safety way guidance systems (SWGS)

3 Terms and definitions For the purposes of this part of BS 5499, the following terms and definitions apply.

3.1

safety sign sign that gives a general safety message, by means of a combination of a safety colour and a geometric shape and which, by the addition of a graphical symbol, gives a particular safety meaning

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BS 5499-10:2006 3.2

categories of safety sign NOTE These are referred to as “types” in BS 5499-1 and BS 5499-5.

3.2.1

prohibition sign safety sign that indicates that specific behaviour is forbidden

3.2.2

mandatory sign safety sign that indicates that a specific course of action is to be taken

3.2.3

hazard sign safety sign that indicates a specific source of potential harm

3.2.4

safe condition sign safety sign that indicates a safety action, the location of safety equipment or a safety facility NOTE This definition is different from that given in BS 5499-5 in that it does not include escape route signs. The safe condition signs given in BS 5499-5 include escape route signs, while the scope of BS 5499-10 specifically excludes escape route signs.

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3.2.5

fire equipment sign safety sign that indicates the location or identification of fire equipment or how it should be used

3.2.6

supplementary sign sign that is supportive of a safety sign by providing additional clarification NOTE 1 A supplementary sign may comprise text or an arrow. NOTE 2 A supplementary sign when used with a safety sign becomes part of the safety sign.

3.3

graphical symbol visually perceptible figure with a particular meaning used to transmit information independently of language [BS ISO 17724:2003, Definition 31]

3.4

letter height nominal height of the lower case letter “x”

3.5

hazard source of potential harm [BS ISO 17724:2003, Definition 36]

3.6

risk combination of the probability of occurrence of harm and the severity of that harm [BS ISO 17724:2003, Definition 65]

3.7

risk assessment process of identifying hazards and evaluating the risks to health and safety arising from these hazards taking account of the existing risk controls (or, in the case of new activity, the proposed risk controls)

3.8

risk control selection and application of suitable measures to reduce risk

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BS 5499-10:2006 3.9

assessment area premises, or a specific part of the premises, under consideration for safety signing

3.10

zone of influence space in which the safety message intended to be conveyed by a safety sign is effective

3.11

viewing distance distance at which a safety sign can be seen and understood

3.12

premises building, including any ancillary accommodation and any area under the control of the building occupier, construction site or other area

3.13

manager

person in overall control of the premises, exercising this responsibility either in his/her own right or by delegation

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NOTE There may be more than one person in charge of the premises.

3.14

audit systematic and independent process for obtaining evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which specified criteria are fulfilled NOTE Independent does not necessarily mean external to the organization.

3.15

safety culture product of individual and group values, attitudes, competencies and patterns of behaviour that determine the commitment to, and the style and proficiency of, an organization’s approach to health and safety

4 System design 4.1

General The objective of the safety signing system is to ensure that all personnel within the premises (or the part of the premises under review) are reliably informed, instructed and aware of the location and nature of hazard(s) and the measure(s) required to control risk to an acceptable level as necessary to meet the requirements of health and safety legislation and the health and safety management requirements of the organization. It is recommended that all safety signing systems conform to this code of practice to minimize confusion. Therefore the designer of the safety signing system or the specifier of the safety signs should follow the principles set out within this code of practice. This will ensure a uniformity of application of safety signs which will lead to increased familiarity, consistent correct interpretation, maximum influence and good understanding of the safety message.

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BS 5499-10:2006 4.2

Decision on the need for a safety signing system It is assumed that the organization has established and maintained procedures for the ongoing identification of hazards, the assessment of risk and the implementation of the necessary risk control measures, which taken together have established the need for safety signs as part of the risk control process.

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It is also assumed that the organization has developed an emergency plan in case any risk control measure fails. This should form the basis for the provision of suitable emergency and fire equipment and, where necessary, any associated signing. Before a decision is taken to use a safety signing system in a particular situation, a risk assessment should have been carried out to identify the hazards and the risks associated with each hazard. For each hazard the best means of minimizing the risks associated with it should then be selected. The method of first choice should be to remove the hazard, the second choice should be to prevent people coming into contact with the hazard. If neither of these options is practical, then a safety sign should be used. For example, if the hazard were an uneven floor surface that puts people at risk of a fall, the choices would be as follows. •

First choice: Remove the hazard by levelling the floor.

•

Second choice: Prevent people coming into contact with the hazard by putting up a permanent and effective barrier.

•

Third choice: If neither the first nor the second choice is a practical option, put up a safety sign to warn people of the hazard.

However, reliance should not be placed on the use of safety signs where the hazard could and should be eliminated. For example the warning of a trip hazard should be a purely temporary safety sign until the hazard has been eliminated. Figure 1 illustrates this process.

4.3

Assessment area It is strongly recommended for the purpose of determining the safety signs required that, in all but the smallest premises, the premises be divided into manageable assessment areas. This is particularly important where the premises are large or complex or where multiple functions are carried out in the premises. The establishment of assessment areas will enable the focused scrutiny of the need, if any, for safety signs and will assist in avoiding the provision of unnecessary or inappropriate safety signs. Each assessment area should be an area for which there is a clearly defined and nominated safety management responsibility and for which a manager or supervisor is deemed to be in control. The assessment area should have clearly defined boundaries in respect of purpose, process and/or facility. The assessment area should generally also have clearly defined physical boundaries, such as divisions, walls, barriers or fencing.

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BS 5499-10:2006

Figure 1

Decision process

Stage 1

Carry out risk assessment of assessment area

Stage 2 Has risk assessment identified a particular hazard?

No

Yes

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Is the hazard removable?

Yes Remove hazard

No Can people be prevented from coming into contact with the hazard?

Yes Install prevention

No

Are you certain everyone is fully aware of and understands the hazard?

Yes

No Appropriate hazard sign is required Decide whether supplementary text sign is also needed

Go to stage 3

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BS 5499-10:2006

Figure 1

Decision process (continued)

Stage 3 Has risk assessment identified the need to prohibit an action?

No

Yes

Are you certain everyone is fully aware of the instruction?

Yes

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No Appropriate prohibition sign is required Decide whether supplementary text sign is also needed

Go to stage 4

Stage 4 Has risk assessment identified the need to require an action?

No

Yes

Are you certain everyone is fully aware of the instruction?

Yes

No Appropriate mandatory sign is required Decide whether supplementary text sign is also needed

Go to stage 5

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BS 5499-10:2006

Figure 1

Decision process (continued)

Stage 5 Is there fire equipment in the assessment area?

No

Yes Is location obvious? Is use obvious? Is equipment unlikely to be obscured?

Yes

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No Appropriate fire equipment sign is required Decide whether supplementary text sign is also needed

Go to stage 6

Stage 6 Is there safety equipment or a safety facility in the assessment area?

No

Yes

Is location obvious? Is use obvious? Is equipment/facility unlikely to be obscured?

Yes

No Appropriate safe condition sign is required Decide whether supplementary text sign is also needed

Go to stage 7

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BS 5499-10:2006

Figure 1

Decision process (continued)

Stage 7 Is means of access/egress obvious and unlikely to be obscured?

Yes

No Appropriate safe condition sign is required Decide whether supplementary text sign is also needed

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Go to stage 8

Stage 8 Update risk assessment regularly

Return to stage 2

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BS 5499-10:2006 4.4

Analysis of the need Safety signs assist in ensuring that the occupants of premises are aware and informed of hazards and risk control measures. Safety signs may address any of the following needs: •

hazard identification: to identify and locate physical, chemical, biological or psychological hazards;

•

risk control:

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•

4.5

•

to prohibit hazardous actions or behaviour;

•

to prohibit specific personnel, procedures or practices;

•

to mandate specific actions, procedures or practices;

implementation of the emergency plan: •

by locating and identifying safety equipment;

•

by locating and identifying fire equipment;

•

the requirements of health and safety legislation;

•

the requirements of enforcing authorities;

•

the operational needs of the health and safety manager, building manager and nominated person(s) responsible for safety.

Planning The following should be considered in respect of each assessment area: a) the use of the specific assessment area; b) the legislation applicable to the premises and to the specific assessment area; c) the specific requirements, if any, of the enforcing authorities, including any guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive; d) the nature of all hazards within the specific assessment area; e) the risks associated with the hazards identified within the specific assessment area; f)

the safety control measures associated with the hazards identified within the specific assessment area;

g) the safety management system controlling the process(es) within the assessment area; h) the safety management system controlling the induction, training and continuing education of personnel within the assessment area. However, only significant risks should be considered when planning a system of safety signs. A practical cut-off should be applied; it is neither sensible nor practicable to expend effort identifying hazards and assessing risks that are obviously minimal or unlikely to occur or with insignificant harm potential. Safety signs should emulate the documented process of the key steps in the process of risk assessment and risk control.

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BS 5499-10:2006 4.6

Categories and functions of safety signs A system of safety signs may be used to indicate one or more of the following: a) the location and nature of a particular hazard, using a hazard sign (see Figure 2 and BS 5499-5:2002, Clause 8); b) a prohibition instruction to reduce the risk associated with a particular hazard, using a prohibition sign (see Figure 3 and BS 5499-5:2002, Clause 6); c)

a mandatory instruction to reduce the risk associated with a particular hazard, using a mandatory sign (see Figure 4 and BS 5499-5:2002, Clause 7);

d) the location and identification of fire equipment, using a fire equipment sign (see Figure 5 and BS 5499-5:2002, Clause 10);

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e)

the location and identification of safety equipment and safety facilities and indication of means of access or egress, using a safe condition sign (see Figure 6 and BS 5499-5:2002, Clause 9).

The planning process should establish: 1) the categories of safety signs required (referred to as “types” of sign in BS 5499-5); 2) the message to be conveyed by the safety signs required in each category. It is recommended that a comprehensive statement of requirements be prepared. This should be agreed by all persons responsible for safety within the assessment area and, where deemed necessary or appropriate, by any enforcing authority, before the safety signs and their locations are determined.

4.7

Selection of safety signs Safety signs should be selected to address the requirements established by the planning process. The selection of safety signs should take note of: •

routine and non-routine activities;

•

activities of all personnel likely to be present within the assessment area (including visitors and subcontractors);

•

any facility within the assessment area whether provided by the organization or others.

Safety signs should be selected from the illustrations in BS 5499-5. Figures 2 to 6 show some of the safety signs illustrated in BS 5499-5. When a safety sign with the required meaning cannot be found in BS 5499-5 a new safety sign may be designed; this should be done in accordance with BS 5499-6. In order to establish the location, size and position of each safety sign, the required zone of influence of each safety sign or safety signing system should be established (see 4.8).

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BS 5499-10:2006

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Figure 2

Examples of hazard signs indicating the location and/or nature of specific hazards

Beware electricity

Beware toxic material/Beware poison

Beware flammable material

Beware biological hazard

Beware ionizing radiation

Beware slippery surface

Beware trip hazard/ Beware uneven surface

Beware of industrial vehicles/Beware of fork lift trucks

Beware of guard dog/Beware of dog

Beware of bull

Danger of death by electrocution from power lines

Beware of laser beam

Beware oxidizing material

Beware explosive material

Beware non-ionizing radiation

Beware strong magnetic field

Beware low temperature

Beware corrosive

Beware of sudden loud noises

Beware of falling/ Beware unguarded drop

Beware of falling objects

Beware scaffold incomplete

Beware compressed gas

Beware of heavy goods lorries

Beware of overhead loads/Beware crane operating overhead

Beware of barbed wire

Beware RF radiation transmitter

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BS 5499-10:2006

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Figure 3

Examples of prohibition signs, giving a prohibition instruction in order to reduce the risk from specific hazards

No smoking

No access for pedestrians/No pedestrians allowed

Do not run

No children allowed

No dogs

Not drinking water

No eating or drinking

No radios/No playing of radios

No use of cameras/ No photography

Switch off mobile phones/Do not use mobile phones

No industrial vehicles/No fork lift trucks

No naked flames

Do not use ladder

Do not wear metal studded footwear

No admittance for people with pacemakers

Do not use lift

Do not use hoist to transport people

Do not use scaffold

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BS 5499-10:2006

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Figure 4

Examples of mandatory signs, giving a mandatory instruction in order to reduce the risk associated with particular hazards

Keep locked

Wash your hands

Wear head protection

Wear eye protection

Wear hand protection

Wear hearing protection

Wear respiratory protection

Wear mask

Wear face shield

Wear foot protection

Use litter bin

Pedestrians must use this route

Wear safety harness

Wear protective clothing

Wear laboratory coat

Wear high visibility clothing

Sound horn

Use adjustable guard

Use welding mask

Figure 5

Examples of fire equipment signs, indicating the location and/or identification of fire equipment

Location of fire extinguisher

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Location of fire alarm call point

Location of fire telephone

Location of fire hose reel

BS 5499-10:2006

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Figure 6

Examples of safe condition signs

First aid

Emergency call point

Location of emergency telephone

Location of evacuation assembly point

Break to obtain access

Stretcher

Location of first aid shower/Location of emergency shower

Location of first aid eyewash/Location of emergency eyewash

First aid call point

Location of first aid telephone

Drinking water

Location of hand washing facility

Turn clockwise to open

Turn anticlockwise to open

Push to open/Push bar to open

Pull to open

Slide to right to open

Slide to left to open

Location of emergency stop button

4.8

Zones of influence NOTE Examples of the zones of influence of safety signs are illustrated in Annex A.

The risk assessment should determine the required zone of influence of any safety sign or safety signing system. A safety sign can only be effective within its zone of influence. The zone of influence of a safety sign is shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8. The zone of influence of any particular safety sign will be determined by its location, size and position. When a safety sign is not conspicuous and comprehensible the viewer is outside the zone of influence of that particular safety sign. It should not be assumed that the zone of influence of a safety sign extends beyond a door or other physical barrier which inhibits vision. Where the safety message has to be reinforced a second safety sign will be needed beyond the door or physical barrier. © BSI 2006 •

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BS 5499-10:2006 The effective zone of influence of any one safety sign will be diminished where many safety signs are present with overlapping zones of influence. Therefore it is important that the intended zone of influence of each safety sign is carefully selected so as to be appropriate to the safety message to be conveyed. Where safety signs conveying different messages are required within the same assessment area a hierarchy of risk should be established and the safety signs should be prioritized to mirror that hierarchy. For example, fire equipment signs should not overwhelm escape route signs; likewise an emergency eyewash station would take priority over a hand washing facility. This concept is illustrated in Figure B.9.

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The following examples are given. a) If a first aid facility needs to be identified from any point within the assessment area, and if the assessment area is relatively small, a single safety sign should be selected and positioned so that its location is conspicuous and comprehensible to all those present within the assessment area; however, if the assessment area is relatively large, several safety signs should be used with directional arrows pointing to the location of the first aid facility. b) Within industrial environments a water management system could require that one tap sited with others needs to be distinguished as the drinking water tap. This safety sign needs a zone of influence only within the vicinity of the tap. Therefore a small safety sign should be selected and positioned adjacent to the tap. c) A safety sign on a door indicating slide to open need only be comprehensible to the user of the door. The required zone of influence is therefore quite small. Therefore a single relatively small safety sign is appropriate. d) Where the evacuation assembly point is outside the assessment area, the location of the evacuation assembly point does not have to be indicated until the final exit on the escape route has been passed. Therefore there is no need for a safety sign indicating the way to the evacuation assembly point, but signs indicating the escape route might be necessary (see BS 5499-4). (Prominent directional sign(s) should be provided to indicate the location of the assembly point if the position of the assembly point is not clear on leaving the final exit.)

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BS 5499-10:2006

Figure 7

Zone of influence of a safety sign

a) 3-D Perspective top view

D

30

X

2 30

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D

X

1

1 b) Plan view Key 1 Zone of influence 2 Safety sign X Distance at which the viewer is too close to comprehend the safety sign and is therefore outside the zone of influence D Maximum viewing distance NOTE These drawings are not to scale.

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Figure 8

Illustration of the concept of the zone of influence of a safety sign

D X

3

4

1 2

Key X Distance at which the viewer is too close to comprehend the safety sign and is therefore outside the zone of influence D Maximum viewing distance Person 1 is outside the zone of influence as his view of the sign is too oblique. Person 2 is beneath the zone of influence. Person 3 is within the zone of influence. Person 4 is outside the zone of influence as he is too far away from the sign. NOTE This drawing is not to scale.

BS 5499-10:2006 4.9

Supplementary text signs BS 5499-5 requires some safety signs to be used with a supplementary text sign. For other safety signs, when a risk assessment has determined that people within the assessment area might be unfamiliar with the safety sign or the specific action that is intended, safety signs should include a supplementary text sign to convey the meaning of the safety sign. A supplementary text sign may be used to: a) give the meaning of the safety sign; or b) provide more information to expand or particularize the meaning of the safety sign. NOTE Care should be taken that the supplementary text does not conflict in any way with the meanings given in BS 5499-5.

4.10

Combining safety signs

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A combination safety sign comprises a safety sign and one or more supplementary safety signs on a single rectangular carrier. In the case of combination safety signs used to convey directional messages, each combination safety sign should convey only one directional message. NOTE Internal borders may be omitted in a combination sign.

Figure 9 shows examples of combination safety signs. Figure 9

4.11

Examples of combination safety signs

Multiple safety signs Multiple safety signs are used as a means of communicating complex safety messages. A multiple safety sign comprises two or more safety signs and any associated supplementary text signs on the same rectangular carrier. Multiple safety signs should be laid out so that each safety sign is clearly associated with the relevant supplementary text sign, if any. Figure 10 shows examples of multiple safety signs.

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BS 5499-10:2006

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Figure 10

Examples of multiple safety signs

NOTE The order of the safety signs is optional.

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BS 5499-10:2006 4.12

Size of safety signs In order to determine the minimum size of a safety sign needed, the maximum viewing distance at which a safety sign is required to be conspicuous and comprehensible has to be decided. The maximum viewing distance at which a safety sign of a particular size is conspicuous and comprehensible depends on the illumination of the safety sign. The maximum viewing distance, D, in millimetres (mm), can be calculated from the following equation: D = hZ

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where h

is the safety sign height in millimetres (mm);

Z

is a distance factor to take account of the illumination of the safety sign and the amount of detail it contains.

Table 1 gives safety sign heights calculated for various maximum viewing distances in adequate (50 lx) vertical illumination at the safety sign. These are based on a value of Z = 120 which takes account of the level of illumination and the need to comprehend a graphical symbol where the size of the critical detail (see Note 1) is not less that 1/19th of the safety sign height. For text only signs, a value of Z = 225 is used. The values of Z given here are based on current practice. In critical conditions, in particular with audiences that have a broad spread of visual acuity or who might be presented with a critical risk at certain observation distances, consideration should be given to using larger signs or signs at more frequent intervals. Alternatively, a more detailed evaluation of the assessment area should be carried out. NOTE 1 Critical detail is any part of the graphical symbol that if not perceived would mean that the safety sign would not be understood.

If a safety sign is brightly lit or is rear illuminated at all material times, a smaller safety sign than that given in Table 1 would be acceptable. NOTE 2 BS 5499-4 refers to rear illuminated signs as internally illuminated signs.

Conversely, if the safety sign is poorly lit or has complicated detail, a larger safety sign is needed. Safety sign heights are illustrated in Figure 11. It is recommended that safety signs conveying the same safety message within the assessment area be of a similar size, suitable to the zone of influence where the specific safety message is required (see 4.8). Safety signs should not be so large as to convey the message beyond the required zone of influence nor so small so that they cannot be understood within the zone of influence. If large safety signs cannot be accommodated or if small safety signs are preferred, additional safety signs of a similar size should be displayed at regular intervals throughout the assessment area.

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BS 5499-10:2006

Table 1

Maximum viewing distance A)

Minimum safety sign height B)

Recommended letter height C) in supplementary text sign

m

mm

mm

7

60

5

9

80

7

14

120

10

21

180

15

28

240

20

C)

Calculated using Z = 120 and rounded down to the nearest whole metre. For intermediate viewing distances the next largest available safety sign height should be used. See 3.4.

Illustration of safety sign heights

Sign height

Sign height

Figure 11

Border

Border

Sign height

Border

Sign height

B)

Border

Sign height

A)

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Minimum safety sign heights recommended for different maximum viewing distances

Border

4.13

Position of safety signs Safety signs should be positioned: a) conspicuously within the required zone of influence; NOTE 1 Care should be taken to ensure that safety signs are not conspicuous outside the assessment area where this could cause confusion.

b) so as to be conspicuous to those who are intended to be informed of the safety message; c) in close proximity to any hazard or equipment to be identified; NOTE 2 Examples of the use of safety signs to indicate the location and identification of safety equipment, fire equipment and safe drinking water are illustrated in Annex B.

d) where they are not obscured by architectural features, décor, barriers, plant or other equipment, or other signs;

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BS 5499-10:2006 e)

so as not to be adjacent to any other sign that could divert attention from the safety sign;

f)

within the normal field of vision of the intended viewer; NOTE 3 The normal field of vision may be taken to be between 15° above and 40° below the horizontal eye line. The horizontal eye line may be taken to be 1 600 mm from ground or floor level unless particular circumstances dictate a different figure; for instance the horizontal eye line of a seated person may be taken to be 1 065 mm from floor level.

g) so that the line of sight of the intended viewer is at an angle of at least 30° to the face of the sign, measured at the centre (see Figure 7); h) so that they contrast with the background on which they are mounted or against which they are viewed;

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NOTE 4 Borders on safety signs are recommended to ensure good contrast with the background against which they are viewed. A minimum border width of 0.025 × the safety sign height is recommended.

i)

where the space in front of the sign can be kept clear so that people with uncorrected visual impairments are able get close enough to comprehend the sign.

Safety signs conveying the same message should be sited consistently at the same height and juxtaposition to the specific hazard and/or type of safety or fire equipment.

4.14 4.14.1

Safety sign illumination General Adequate illumination is necessary to ensure safety signs are conspicuous and comprehensible. Safety signs generally need to continue to be effective upon removal of the usual light source. It is not normally considered satisfactory to rely on daylight alone for illumination unless the safety signs are only required to be effective during daylight hours, for example in an external environment. Effective artificial illumination is usually necessary in both normal and in mains-failure conditions unless the hazard has been eliminated by the failure of the normal supply, for example if machinery stops on mains failure. Some types of lighting, e.g. low pressure sodium, do not enable effective colour recognition and are therefore unlikely to be suitable for the illumination of safety signs. Where emergency lighting is the source of illumination of the safety sign in the mains-failure condition, the response time of the emergency lighting should conform to BS 5266-1, which also provides a minimum duration requirement for the emergency lighting. There are various ways of ensuring the satisfactory illumination of safety signs, including those detailed in 4.14.2 to 4.14.4.

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BS 5499-10:2006 4.14.2

Externally illuminated safety signs Where a safety sign is illuminated by an external source, the vertical illumination should be a minimum of 100 lx under normal lighting conditions and provide a minimum of 5 lx with a uniformity of 0.7 under mains-failure conditions.

4.14.3

Photoluminescent safety signs Where a photoluminescent safety sign is used, the vertical illumination should be a minimum of 100 lx under normal lighting conditions and the in-situ luminance should meet the minimum performance requirement specified in BS ISO 16069.

4.14.4

Rear illuminated safety signs

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The light source of a rear illuminated safety sign should provide a luminous contrast appropriate to its environment without producing glare. The minimum luminance of any area of the safety sign should be not less than 2 cd/m2. NOTE Non-maintained rear illuminated safety signs will require external illumination under normal, non-mains-failure conditions.

4.15

Construction, durability and suitability Safety signs should be selected to be suitable for their operating environment. The following should be considered. a) Durability: 1) of the base material, with respect to its suitability for internal and/or external applications and environments and the intended service life of the safety sign. The thickness and density of the base material are factors that contribute to its durability; 2) of the colour, with respect to light fastness and resistance to fading. NOTE 1 Safety signs rely on colour as well as shape to convey the safety message so it is important that the colour does not change during the intended service life of the safety sign.

b) Safety: 1) combustibility and resistance to flame. It is good practice to ensure that all permanent safety signs are made from material that is not readily combustible; NOTE 2 Purely temporary safety signs may be made of paper where this is appropriate to the operating environment.

2) electrical safety. Electrically powered safety signs should conform to BS EN 60598-1. Installed safety signs should have a degree of protection suitable for the expected environmental conditions. NOTE 3 Refer to BS EN 60529 for additional information on protection.

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BS 5499-10:2006 It is also recommended that assurance from the supplier of the safety signs is sought in these respects. NOTE 4 Refer to BS ISO 17398:2004 for additional information on durability.

4.16

Fixing Fixing(s) should be selected to ensure that the safety sign(s) remain in-situ for the intended duration or life expectancy of the safety message. Fixings to be considered include: a) mechanical; b) adhesive;

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c)

suspension.

The surface to which the safety sign is to be fixed should be suitable for the method chosen. For example, mechanical or suspension fixing requires a stable surface. Adhesives require clean, dry, dirt and dust free surfaces prior to fixing. It is recommended that advice be sought from the supplier of the safety signs as to the most suitable fixing method to be used.

5 Documentation Safety signs should not contradict any formal safety management documentation or safety management systems. Safety signs used in conjunction with any operating manual or formal safety management procedure and practice should be recorded as part of the formal safety management documentation system. The date of installation of each safety sign should be noted in a log.

6 Training and education The organization should identify and implement any training and ongoing education needed as a result of the installation of a safety signing system. Employees and contractors within any specific assessment area should be provided with instruction and training in respect of the meaning of safety signs and actions required in conjunction with safety signs.

7 Audit Once the installation of the safety signing system is complete the organization should carry out a formal audit to ensure the effectiveness and relevance of the safety signing system and of each individual safety sign.

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BS 5499-10:2006

8 Servicing and maintenance Safety signs should be visually inspected and cleaned at regular intervals. Any defects should be remedied. The following defects would require immediate action or replacement of the safety sign: a) surface dirt, dust or grease; b) fading of the colour; c) other changes in the colour; d) evidence of deformation, cracking, peeling or flaking of the material; e) evidence of fixing failure; f)

obstruction;

g) insufficient illumination;

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h) defacement. If a defective safety sign requires replacement, the safety sign should be replaced with one conveying the same meaning and of the same or similar type so as to remain consistent with the safety signing system in place. Cleaning intervals should be scheduled to ensure that safety signs remain effective. These intervals should be individually determined according to the assessment area and the activities undertaken within that assessment area. For example, in order to maintain the integrity and comprehensibility of safety signs, an assessment area producing dust would require a more regular maintenance and inspection programme compared to that in an office environment. A general, non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth are suitable for use in most cases. However, it is recommended that advice from the supplier of the safety signs be sought to clarify the most effective cleaning method to be used.

9 Monitoring and review The organization should:

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•

provide for the continuing monitoring of the effectiveness and continued relevance of the safety signing system and of each individual safety sign;

•

ensure that safety signs are properly maintained;

•

ensure that safety signs are removed immediately the specific hazard has been eliminated or any risk control measure is no longer deemed appropriate.

BS 5499-10:2006 It is recommended that a formal review of the safety signing system be carried out annually. This may form part of the formal status review of the safety management system. The following factors should be considered: a) the use of the assessment area; b) the legislation applicable to the premises and the assessment area and the requirements, if any, of the enforcing authorities including any guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive; c)

the safety management system controlling processes within the assessment area;

d) the safety management system controlling the training, induction and continuing education of personnel within specific assessment areas.

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If the premises are modified or the use of the premises changes, or if any of the design considerations detailed as part of the status review change significantly, the safety signing system should be reviewed and modified as necessary.

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BS 5499-10:2006 Annex A (informative)

Examples of the zones of influence of safety signs Examples of the zones of influence of safety signs are illustrated in Figures A.1 to A.6. The solid black lines outline the zone of influence which is tinted grey. The dotted lines outline the field of vision of the viewer when looking at the safety sign.

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Figure A.1 Illustration of the zone of influence of a safety sign indicating the location and nature of a particular hazard

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BS 5499-10:2006

Figure A.2

Illustration of the zone of influence of a safety sign giving a mandatory instruction, also showing the field of vision of a viewer in a seated position

Figure A.3

Illustration of the zone of influence of a safety sign indicating the location of fire fighting equipment, showing a situation in which the safety sign is positioned to indicate the location of equipment which might not be readily seen by the user

NOTE In this illustration, a poorly sited pot plant partially obscures the fire fighting equipment.

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BS 5499-10:2006

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Figure A.4

Illustration of the zone of influence of a safety sign giving a prohibition instruction, showing a situation in which not all the people in the assessment area are within the zone of influence

NOTE The person in the doorway is outside the zone of influence of the safety sign and so cannot be expected to comprehend it.

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BS 5499-10:2006

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Figure A.5

Illustration of the zone of influence of a safe condition sign indicating the location of specific safety equipment, showing a situation where the zone of influence stops at a physical obstruction

NOTE In this example the zone of influence of the safety sign stops at the pillar. The person on the far side of the pillar is outside the zone of influence and cannot be expected to see the safety sign.

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BS 5499-10:2006

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Figure A.6

Illustration of the zone of influence of multiple safety signs indicating the location and nature of a hazard and giving a prohibition instruction in order to reduce the risk associated with the hazard

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BS 5499-10:2006 Annex B (informative)

Examples of the use of safety signs to indicate the location and identification of safety equipment, fire equipment and safe drinking water, and of the hierarchy of safety signs B.1 Examples of the use of safety signs to indicate the location and identification of safety equipment, fire equipment and safe drinking water are illustrated in Figures B.1 to B.8.

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Figure B.1

Illustration of the use of a safety sign to identify a particular switch as being a first aid call point

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BS 5499-10:2006

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Figure B.2

Illustration of the use of a safety sign to identify a particular telephone as being one for emergency use

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BS 5499-10:2006

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Figure B.3

Illustration of the use of a safety sign to indicate the position of an emergency shower so that it can be located from a distance

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BS 5499-10:2006

Figure B.4

Illustration of the use of a safety sign to indicate that water from a particular tap is safe for drinking

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Drinking water

Figure B.5

Illustration of the use of a safety sign to indicate the location of a first aid station

NOTE The sign is not positioned on the door as the door might be left open.

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BS 5499-10:2006

Figure B.6

Illustration of the use of a safety sign to indicate that a particular locker houses a stretcher

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Stretcher

Figure B.7

Illustration of the use of a safety sign to identify the unit as being a fire alarm call point

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BS 5499-10:2006

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Figure B.8

Illustration of the use of a safety sign to indicate the position of a fire extinguisher so that it can be located from a distance in a situation where other objects (in this case chairs) might distract the viewer

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BS 5499-10:2006 B.2 The concept of hierarchy of signs (see 4.8) is illustrated in Figure B.9. If the facility shown in Figure B.9 were to be provided in a kitchen, for example, where food is regularly handled, the hand washing facility needs to be clearly identified. When the viewer reaches the hand washing facility the smaller prohibition sign gives extra safety information by indicating that the water is not for drinking.

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Figure B.9

Illustration of the use of a hierarchy of safety signs

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BS 5499-10:2006

Bibliography Standards publications For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. BS 5499-4, Graphical symbols and signs – Safety signs, including fire safety signs – Part 4: Code of practice for escape route signing BS 5499-11, Graphical symbols and signs – Safety signs, including fire safety signs – Part 11: Water safety signs BS EN 60529, Specification for degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code) BS ISO 17398:2004, Safety colours and safety signs – Classification, performance and durability of safety signs

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BS ISO 17724:2003, Graphical symbols – Vocabulary

Other publications [1] GREAT BRITAIN. Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, (SI 1996 No. 341). London: The Stationery Office.

Further reading BS 8800, Occupational health and safety management systems – Guide BS ISO 9186:2001, Graphical symbols – Test methods for judged comprehensibility and for comprehension

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BS 5499-10:2006

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