Safety sign colours and shapes explained (UK)
By Jason Misters. Published 22 October 2026.
UK workplace safety signs follow a colour and shape code. Red circles prohibit, yellow triangles warn, blue circles require an action, and green rectangles show safe conditions such as exits and first aid. Red squares or rectangles mark fire equipment.
The five sign types
| Type | Shape and colour | Means | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prohibition | Red circle with a diagonal bar, black symbol on white | Do not do this | No smoking |
| Warning | Yellow triangle with a black border and symbol | Be careful, there is a hazard | Warning fork lift trucks operating |
| Mandatory | Blue circle with a white symbol | You must do this | Eye protection must be worn |
| Safe condition | Green rectangle or square with a white symbol | Safe route, exit or first aid | Fire exit, first aid |
| Fire equipment | Red rectangle or square with a white symbol | Where fire equipment is | Fire extinguisher |
The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 set this code for Great Britain, and the symbols used on most modern signs come from the international standard ISO 7010.
When a sign is the right control
The Regulations require a safety sign where a significant risk to health and safety has not been avoided or controlled by other means. A sign is therefore usually the last layer, not the first. If you can remove the hazard, guard it or separate people from it, do that and then add signs to support it.
Signs support workplace controls. They do not replace a suitable and sufficient risk assessment.
Keeping signs useful
- Place each sign where it is seen before the hazard, not after it.
- Use as few signs as your risk assessment needs. Too many signs make each one easier to ignore.
- Keep wording and symbols consistent across the building.
- Replace signs that are faded, damaged, painted over or hidden behind doors and equipment.
Frequently asked questions
What colour is a fire exit sign?
Green. Fire exit and escape route signs are safe-condition signs, a green rectangle or square with a white symbol. Fire extinguisher signs are different: they are red.
What does a blue safety sign mean?
A blue circle with a white symbol is a mandatory sign. It tells people they must do something, such as wear eye protection or keep a fire door shut.
Do I legally need safety signs?
The Safety Signs and Signals Regulations 1996 require a sign where a significant risk has not been avoided or controlled by other means. Whether that applies to you comes from your risk assessment.
Signs mentioned in this guide
Sources and further reading
This guide is general information for workplaces in Great Britain, not legal advice. Signs support workplace controls; they do not replace a suitable and sufficient risk assessment.