Mandatory Signs Explained
Blue circle signs tell people what they must do, usually which protective equipment to wear before entering an area.
What mandatory signs mean
A solid blue circle with a white symbol is an instruction you must follow. Most mandatory signs are about personal protective equipment (PPE). In South African catalogues they are often listed with MV codes under SANS 1186.
Wear a hard hat
Construction sites, warehouses with racking, workshops.
Wear safety boots
Anywhere with heavy items, vehicles or sharp objects.
Wear ear protection
Noisy machine rooms and production floors.
Common mandatory signs
| Sign | Typical places |
|---|---|
| Hard hat must be worn | Building sites, mines, warehouses, workshops |
| Safety footwear must be worn | Factories, warehouses, loading bays, sites |
| Eye protection must be worn | Grinding, welding, cutting, labs, chemical handling |
| Ear protection must be worn | Generator rooms, production lines, compressors |
| High-visibility vest must be worn | Yards, loading bays, roads, construction sites |
| Gloves must be worn | Chemical handling, sharp materials, food prep |
| Wash your hands | Toilets, kitchens, food factories, clinics |
| Keep door closed | Fire doors, cold rooms, clean rooms |
Getting PPE signage right
- Put mandatory signs at the entrance, before the hazard area begins
- Use one combination board at site gates rather than many small signs
- Match the sign to your risk assessment; only ask for PPE that is actually needed
- Pair with the matching warning sign so people understand why
Frequently asked questions
What do blue safety signs mean?
A solid blue circle with a white symbol means you must do something, such as wear a hard hat or safety boots.
Where should PPE signs be placed?
At the entrance to the area where the protective equipment is needed, so people can put it on before they go in.
Can several PPE requirements go on one sign?
Yes. Combination signs showing, for example, hard hat, safety boots and reflective vest together are common at site entrances. We make them to your list.
Are mandatory signs enough on their own?
No. The employer must also provide the PPE, train people and enforce its use. The sign is the reminder.
Order Your Signs Today
Express Print makes SABS-style safety signs on ABS, aluminium, Chromadek, Correx and photoluminescent vinyl, in Rivonia, Johannesburg. Tell us the sign codes and sizes and we will quote you.
