How to use safety signage in your hospitality business.

This article has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email.

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Signage plays a key role in keeping people safe and meeting health and safety laws in the UK and U.S. In Britain, the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 lay out the rules. They say you must have safety signs where there's a significant risk that can't be avoided or controlled in any other way.

In the States, OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.145 standard covers safety signs. It says signs must be clear and easy to understand. They need to use words, colours, and symbols that meet the standard.

So in both countries, signage is a must-have in your health and safety toolkit. It's there to guide people, warn of dangers, and point out where to find help if needed. Signs work alongside other safety measures to keep everyone in the know.

But signage isn't just about meeting the law. It's a visual way to build a culture of safety in your organisation. Clear, well-placed signs show you're serious about everyone's wellbeing. They act as a constant reminder to staff and visitors to stay aware of risks.

In a fast-paced hospitality setting, eye-catching signage is especially key. You might have contractors coming in, staff turning over, or guests from all walks of life. Signage is an instant way to communicate vital info to all of them. The right signs, in the right spots, help everyone navigate your venue safely.

Signage arrangements

Where it has been identified through fire risk assessment, food safety compliance, or general risk assessments, display safety signs to warn, prohibit, or instruct employees, visitors, or clientele. Displaying safety signs allows you to manage safety, reduce risk, or advertise safety protocols.

  • •Responsible Persons should assess the workplace to identify where safety signage needs to be displayed.
  • •Act on the advice of visiting competent persons, Environmental Health Officers, and the Fire & Rescue Service if they identify areas where the display of safety signage can be improved.
  • •Provide resources for the purchase and installation of signs in the workplace.
  • •Ensure that signage purchased is sufficient for its purpose and that all signage, once displayed, is maintained and checked regularly.
  • •Monitor the workplace to ensure that workplace signs are adhered to.
  • •Provide and record training when it is identified as being necessary.

Responsible Persons should assess the workplace to identify where safety signage needs to be displayed.

Act on the advice of visiting competent persons, Environmental Health Officers, and the Fire & Rescue Service if they identify areas where the display of safety signage can be improved.

Provide resources for the purchase and installation of signs in the workplace.

Ensure that signage purchased is sufficient for its purpose and that all signage, once displayed, is maintained and checked regularly.

Monitor the workplace to ensure that workplace signs are adhered to.

Provide and record training when it is identified as being necessary.