The Importance Of Proper Signage At Work
Many of the accidents that occur in the workplace could have been avoided if they had enough emergency signs. In order to normalize the situation, a Royal Decree was published a few years ago with the aim of setting the minimum in signage issues. Specifically, it is Royal Decree 485/1997, of April 14, on minimum provisions in terms of occupational health and safety signage.
What Do We Mean By Signaling At Work?
The first part of this regulation is dedicated to the definition of signage. It is a term that covers many topics, so we could show some:
- Prohibition signs to indicate that we cannot do depends on what action if we do not want to suffer any mishap.
- Warning signs that serve to indicate a possible danger or observation, such as that there is a change in level, that the stairs are worn, etc.
- Rescue or help signals: all those that show us what we should do or where we have to go in an emergency would enter here. Signage is also included to find the first aid kit or the emergency exits.
- Light or acoustic signals: because not all signals are visual panels.
This would be some examples, although there are many more. It is the obligation of every employer to signal this type of thing very well to avoid accidents within the company. Basically, it could be said that the objectives are:
- Those workers are aware that there are some risks and that they must follow some warnings to the letter in order not to suffer any accident.
- That a general notice can be given urgently if the situation requires it.
- Help workers to know exactly where the aid station or emergency exit is located, as well as the protocol to follow in case of need.
- In the case of workers who have dangerous tasks (manipulated, maneuvers, etc.) signage can help them avoid as many risks as possible.
It’s Enough?
All this signage would be of no use to us if there is no training by the company afterward. Therefore: NO, it is not enough. That there are warnings is necessary, but so will be the information that they can give us about the measures to take in the event of an accident or emergency, training to use certain tools or products, etc. Many of the signs that are found are not clear if it is not previously explained what each symbol means.
We must remember at all times that for signage to be useful it will have to take into account some things such as the fact that it is well located (it would be useless to have it behind a door that is always open), that it be easy to understand, that does not lead to confusion and that is valid on its own without having language problems, that is: that they are clear symbols and not warnings written only in the language of the country since if someone is a foreigner they would not be able to understand it.
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