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What Do Warning Signs Do?

Warning signs draw attention to a source of danger or a hazardous situation. Every area of a workplace carries different risks, and with time pressure, stress or routine, workers can stop noticing a hazard. A warning sign placed right next to the hazard keeps the risk in view and helps reduce accidents.

The Warning Sign Standard

Under the Turkish Health and Safety Signs Regulation, warning signs are triangular, with a black pictogram and black border on a yellow background. This format explains the hazard without any text. A warning sign identifies the hazard; where a precaution is needed, it is used together with a mandatory sign (blue circle).

Main Warnings in This Category

• Electrical: electrical hazard, electric shock and arc flash.
• Machinery and hand injuries: crushing, hand entrapment, cut hazard, entanglement, press crushing, rotating parts, gears, conveyors and automatically starting machines.
• Slips, falls and impacts: slippery floor, trip hazard, fall from height, falling objects or ice, head injury, suspended load and forklift traffic.
• Chemical and physical agents: flammable, explosive, oxidising, corrosive, toxic, biohazard, radioactive, laser, optical radiation, magnetic field, hot surface and low temperature.
• Other: pressurised cylinders, battery charging areas, excavation work, deep and shallow water, guard dogs and cleaning in progress.

Where to Place Them

The number and position of signs depend on the size of the hazard. For a specific hazard, mount the sign right next to the dangerous object or point; for a general hazard, place it at the entrance to the area. Signs should be at a suitable height for the line of sight, taking obstacles into account, in a well-lit and visible spot; where natural light is poor, use reflective surfaces or extra lighting. Signs come in square sizes from 10×10 cm to 60×60 cm in 1 mm galvanized steel, 3 mm PVC foam board (dekota) or vinyl sticker, made in the Ilgi Trafik factory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are warning signs a legal requirement? Turkish Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331 and the Health and Safety Signs Regulation require suitable signs wherever the risk assessment shows risks that cannot be eliminated.

Which material suits machinery? Vinyl stickers suit machine housings and guards; PVC board or galvanized steel suits walls and columns.