Safety Signs FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Safety Signs

• What does the shape of a safety sign mean?
  
• What do each of the colors mean?

  Red – Prohibition Signs (Danger or Emergency, Do not do this); Fire Signs (Fire Equipment)

  Blue – Mandatory Signs (Must do this, instructions)

  Yellow – Warning Signs (Caution, warning of hazard or risk)

  Green – Safe Condition (Positive action, no danger, safe)

  Black – Information Signs (General information)

• What are pictograms?

  A pictogram is a symbol representing a word or an idea that is explained through a pictorial resemblance to a physical object. Pictograms represent concepts by illustration and are commonly found in signs in public places or roads.

  Pictograms are used to communicate as clearly as possible by removing details and focusing on the universally understood symbols. Often used in corporate branding as flat icons and in warning signage for alerts of chemical hazards, pictograms offer an easy to read way to illustrate everything from danger and no smoking to escape route and health hazard.  

• How big should safety signs be?

  Safety signs should be large enough to read from the optimal viewing distance. The copy on safety signs should be legible since the information is used to alert people.

  To determine the size of safety signs, consider how far away one will be when they need to know about a hazard. If a hazard takes up a big area in a doorway, hallway, parking lot warehouse or other large space, a safety sign should be large enough to read from a safe distance before someone enters this area.

  The size of safety signs depends on viewing distance and your specific needs. FASTSIGNS can create custom safety signs in a variety of sizes and shapes.

• What types of safety signage products does FASTSIGNS offer?

  FASTSIGNS provides outdoor and indoor safety signage including compliance signs, workplace safety signs, OSHA signage and more. The most common examples of safety signage include exit, fire exit, emergency exit, no smoking, smoke-free workplace, fire extinguisher and safety directional signs.

• Does FASTSIGNS conform to international standards?

  Many companies provide just signs. We provide so much more. Our consultants can create signs to conform to International Organizational Standardization (ISO) standards. To learn more, find a center near you.

• What materials are safety signs made of?

  Safety sign materials vary by location and may include acrylic, aluminum, corrugated plastic, fabric, vinyl and wood. The materials available for safety signs depend on the environment and whether the signage will be placed indoor or outdoor. Safety messages can be placed on custom digital signage and added as floor graphics or wall décor. Contact us to learn more about common sign materials.  

• How durable will my safety signs be?

  The durability of safety signs depends on the material and whether you place the sign indoor or outdoor. We use sign materials for short-term applications and also provide durable materials for long-term applications. Whether you need an aluminum safety signs that is weather resistant or a safety sign that is located indoor, our consultants work with you to determine the best solution for your safety signage needs.

• Does FASTSIGNS provide mounting fixtures?

  Our consultants provide mounting fixtures and installation for safety signs. Whether you need mounting hardware, sign posts, brackets, stands, frames or stakes for your safety signage, we can help. Whatever your visual communications needs, FASTSIGNS can help. To learn more about our installation services for safety signs, contact your local FASTSIGNS center.