Mandatory Signs

Mandatory signs, often called blue safety signs, are visual materials used to convey specific instructions and regulations that users must follow in various workplaces/areas. These signs are typically designed with a contrasting blue background with instructions/letters or symbols in white. Mandatory signs are used to promote users' safety and communicate essential rules and requirements to professionals, workers, and pedestrians. Mandatory signs differ from prohibition signs to show actions that users must do rather than avoiding (prohibiting) some activities. These safety signs are typically posted in public spaces, businesses, healthcare facilities, schools, and other locations to make people aware of the detrimental risks. In addition, mandatory blue signs come in various forms (pictograms) depending on the environment and message types.

Popular Types of Mandatory Signs

There are various examples of mandatory signs, each conveying a special message or safety information. Some of the common mandatory signs include: 

• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This sign reminds individuals to wear appropriate PPE, such as helmets, safety glasses, gloves, or respiratory protection, when entering a designated area.
• Eye Protection Signs: Eye protection signs indicate that safety goggles or protective eyewear must be worn in the specified area to protect against potential eye hazards.
• Hand Protection Signs: Reminds individuals to wash their hands before leaving a specific area, especially in food preparation or medical facilities.
• Ear Protection Signs: This sign is used in areas where there is a risk of excessive noise levels, and it instructs individuals to wear ear protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs.
• Head Protection Signs: A head protection sign signifies that hard hats or safety helmets are mandatory in this area to protect against head injuries from falling objects or potential impacts.
• Foot Protection Signs: Foot protection signs remind people to wear safety footwear, like steel-toed boots, in areas with risks of foot injuries due to heavy objects or equipment.
• Mask Signs: These signs typically feature an image or graphic of a face mask and the text "Mask Required" or "Masks Must Be Worn" to indicate that masks are mandatory in the area.
• Social Distance Signs: These signs warn people to maintain a minimum or maximum distance from others to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.
• No Smoking Signs: Indicate that smoking is prohibited in the designated area due to fire hazards or the presence of flammable materials.
• Emergency Exit Signs: These signages point to the location of an emergency exit that must be used in the event of an evacuation.
• Emergency Shower and Eye Wash: Found in laboratories and areas with potentially hazardous chemicals, this sign indicates the location of emergency showers and eye wash stations.
• Do Not Enter Signs: These signs prohibit unauthorised access to a particular area for safety or security reasons.
• Emergency Stop Signs: Emergency stop signs instruct individuals to stop and follow a specific procedure or action, such as stopping for a vehicle checkpoint.
• Turn Off Engine Signs: Used in places like fuel stations, this sign instructs drivers to turn off their vehicle's engine while refuelling.

Typical Environments of Mandatory Signs

Mandatory signs are typically installed in various environments, such as:

• Workplace Settings
• Industrial Areas
• Transportation and Roadways
• Educational Institutions
• Public Spaces
• Construction Sites
• Healthcare Facilities
• Hazardous Areas
• Refineries
• Recreational Facilities.