Mandatory (DO) Signs (MV)
Mandatory Signs are SABS approved safety signs defined under South African National Standards (SANS) to indicate actions that must be carried out to maintain safety in workplaces and public environments.
The sizes and materials listed above reflect the standard options available for purchase. If you require a specific size, material, or specification not listed on our website, please contact us to discuss manufacturing options.
What these signs are used for
These signs are used to communicate actions that must be taken to reduce risk and maintain safe working conditions. Typical applications include requirements to wear personal protective equipment, follow specific safety procedures, or carry out defined safety-related actions.
How they are visually identified
These symbolic safety signs display a white pictogram on a blue circular background, in accordance with SANS safety signage conventions. This colour and shape combination is standardised to ensure immediate recognition of mandatory instructions across South African environments.
Materials and design proportions
The height, width, or diameter of the pictogram occupies between 75 percent and 90 percent of the corresponding dimensions of the backing sheet. Signs are manufactured in Chromadek steel or ABS plastic, depending on the intended installation environment.
Approved sizes
SABS approved sizes for safety signs are 150 × 150 mm, 190 × 190 mm, 290 × 290 mm, 440 × 440 mm, and 880 × 880 mm. In practice, industry usage has largely standardised on 190 × 190 mm and larger, as smaller sizes offer limited viewing distance and are uneconomical to produce.
These signs are manufactured in accordance with South African National Standards (SANS) and are aligned with internationally recognised safety signage principles, including ISO 7010 and ISO 3864.
Selection and compliance guidance
Correct selection and sizing is important to ensure mandatory instructions are clearly visible and understood at the required viewing distance. When correctly selected and installed, Mandatory Signs support consistent safety behaviour and alignment with SANS safety signage requirements.
Guidance and further reading
- For detailed guidance on mandatory sign meanings, required actions, and personal protective equipment symbols, refer to the Mandatory Signs Explained guide.
- For a broader overview of safety sign categories, colour meanings, and selection principles, visit the Safety Signs Explained hub.
