First Aid signs are not just things we must have to appease regulators – they’re underappreciated in how effective they are as safety tools. Their passivity is their downfall when it comes to perception, but its this very passivity that makes them yield an incredible “return” on investment. By return, this means keeping workers safe, motivated, appreciated, reducing the severity of accidents and insurance premiums, and avoiding non-compliance fines.
Workplace injuries affect thousands of employees each year, so it’s always important for your First Aid signs to be not only correct but correctly placed. It could be the difference between a minor incident and a major crisis. But are you confident that your current signage meets all legal standards and actually guides people to medical resources? To find out more about comprehensive First Aid signage solutions, refer to the guide below.
Legal framework for First Aid Signs
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 means that employers must provide adequate first aid equipment and trained personnel. And, this must then be accompanied by clear identification (signage). The Safety Signs and Signals Regulations 1996 is what states that First Aid signs should be standardised symbols and colours, so foreign workers can easily understand.
These are legal obligations. Non-compliance can result in some hefty fines and, most importantly, delayed emergency response that would endanger lives. The standardised green and white colour scheme with internationally recognised symbols means that anyone can quickly locate medical resources as quick as possible.
Essential types of First Aid Signs
First Aid location signs
The most fundamental requirement is to clearly mark the location of First Aid equipment. This is through the universally recognised white cross on green background. First Aid Location Signs includes the wall-mounted signs and directional arrows.
If you’re unsure whether what you’re buying is compliant, the best green flag is that you’re buying from a reputable store like Seton which understands the laws. The location of First Aid equipment should be positioned at eye level with no obstruction.
Emergency facilities signs
This broader category is the emergency medical facilities like first aid rooms, medical centres, and treatment areas. These signs help guide people to designated emergency response locations – such a stable, isolated environment is useful in critical situations.
Automated external defibrillator signs
AED signs should have the heart and lightning bolt symbol alongside the standard first aid cross. Consider both the location signs and of course the user guide signs that provide step-by-step instructions for cardiac emergencies.
Emergency eyewash station signs
Some environments have risks of chemical exposure, so eyewash stations are important and their signs use specific pictorial symbols that show the eye wash process (visibility is even more important here, given the worker may have their vision compromised). They should be complemented by directional signs leading from high-risk areas.
Emergency safety shower signs
Emergency showers need their own signage that again shows its purpose and where workers can find it. You mostly get them in chemical facilities, and so you may want dual-purpose signage to double up with the eye wash space.
First Aider signs
Identifying trained first aiders is no less important than find equipment – these are the people who know how to act properly in an emergency to save lives. These signs show a person providing assistance alongside the first aid cross. They mark first aider workstations or areas where trained personnel are often stationed.
Sign placement
Below are the emergency medical equipment sign placement principles to follow:
- Visibility: Signs should be visible from multiple angles (e.g., both corridors) and not obscured by lots of activity or foot traffic.
- Accessibility: Position the signs to lead people along accessible routes (again, avoid areas that might be blocked, like high traffic areas).
- Height Consistency: Maintain consistent mounting heights (typically 2-2.5 metres). You have some freedom to choose, but try stick to your decision with all signs so scanning patterns are consistent.
- Lighting Considerations: Ensure there is enough light in both normal and emergency conditions. Photoluminescent signs make life easy here.
Common compliance mistakes
Many organisations unknowingly compromise their entire first aid preparedness with easy-to-make signage errors:
- Outdated Symbols: There is no excuse for using non-standard symbols that don’t comply. This is often because you haven’t used a reputable supplier.
- Poor Maintenance: Faded, damaged, or obscured signs are common. They’re problematic because they can be useless if not readable.
- Inadequate Coverage: Focusing only on obvious locations while neglecting remote areas.
- Inconsistent Sizing: Using signs too small for viewing distance (like a very long corridor).
Implementation strategy
It’s all about planning. Start with a thorough workplace assessment which maps out all equipment locations, trained personnel positions, and what kind of emergency scenarios can arise. Consider the traffic patterns and evacuation routes.
Now you can establish regular maintenance schedules. This means cleaning and damage inspection that may render signs to be obscured. Assign personnel responsibility to this maintenance and document the compliance.
Of course, you must train a sufficient number of employees in first aid procedures (it depends on industry and workforce size).
The investment in First Aid signage is minimal compared to potential costs. Its ROI can be staggering, not least because maintenance, while important, is relatively light.
