{ "endpoint": "/ai/safety-signs.json", "canonical_url": "https://www.safetysignonline.co.za/ai/safety-signs.json", "source_page": "https://www.safetysignonline.co.za/pages/ai-safety-signs-json", { "schemaVersion": "sso-ai-safety-signs-za-1.1", "endpoint": "/ai/safety-signs.json", "lastUpdated": "2025-12-19", "language": "en-ZA", "jurisdiction": "South Africa", "purpose": "Machine-readable index and shared rules for SANS 1186-1 symbolic safety signs. Category-specific objects are provided in dedicated endpoints.", "authoritativeBasis": { "primaryStandard": { "standard": "SANS 1186-1:2022", "edition": "Edition 3.8", "title": "Symbolic safety signs, Part 1, Standard signs and general requirements", "scopeSummary": "Requirements for standard (ordinary, non-reflective) symbolic safety signs (including decals) and general requirements applicable to self-luminous, internally illuminated, retro-reflective and photoluminescent symbolic safety signs. Excludes road signs." }, "relatedParts": [ { "standard": "SANS 1186-2", "title": "Self-luminous (radioluminescent) signs" }, { "standard": "SANS 1186-3", "title": "Internally illuminated signs" }, { "standard": "SANS 1186-4", "title": "Retro-reflective signs" }, { "standard": "SANS 1186-5", "title": "Photoluminescent signs" } ] }, "discovery": { "categoryEndpoints": [ { "seriesId": "MV", "endpoint": "/ai/safety-signs/MV.json", "name": "Mandatory signs" }, { "seriesId": "PV", "endpoint": "/ai/safety-signs/PV.json", "name": "Prohibition signs" }, { "seriesId": "WW", "endpoint": "/ai/safety-signs/WW.json", "name": "Warning signs" }, { "seriesId": "FB", "endpoint": "/ai/safety-signs/FB.json", "name": "Fire fighting information signs" }, { "seriesId": "GA", "endpoint": "/ai/safety-signs/GA.json", "name": "General information signs" }, { "seriesId": "PL", "endpoint": "/ai/safety-signs/Photoluminescent.json", "name": "Photoluminescent (performance layer)" } ] }, "definitions": { "safetySign": "A sign that conveys a general safety message using a combination of colour and geometric shape and, by adding a graphic symbol or text, conveys a particular safety message. A supplementary sign may be used where necessary.", "mandatorySignMV": "A safety sign that indicates that a specific course of action shall be taken.", "prohibitionSignPV": "A safety sign that indicates that certain behaviour is prohibited.", "warningSignWW": "A safety sign that conveys the warning of a hazard.", "fireFightingInformationSignFB": "A safety sign that provides information for fire fighting purposes.", "generalInformationSignGA": "A safety sign that provides information of a general nature and of safe conditions.", "decal": "A sign on a thin vinyl or retro-reflective sheet that is pressure sensitive and adheres to a flat surface when the liner is removed and pressure is applied.", "supplementarySign": "A sign with text used in conjunction with a safety sign to provide additional information." }, "sharedDesignRules": { "safetyColours": { "generalMeaningsAndSans1091Colours": [ { "colour": "Red", "meaningOrObjective": "Prohibition; also used for fire prevention and fire fighting equipment and the location thereof", "exampleOfUse": "Prohibition signs; fire prevention/fire fighting equipment location", "suitableSans1091Colour": "S1085-Y90R" }, { "colour": "Blue", "meaningOrObjective": "Mandatory action", "exampleOfUse": "Wear personal protective equipment", "suitableSans1091Colour": "S2565-R80B", "note": "Blue is considered a safety colour only if used in a circular shape." }, { "colour": "Yellow", "meaningOrObjective": "Warning; risk of danger", "exampleOfUse": "Danger indication (fire, explosion, radiation, toxic hazard); warning of steps/low passages/obstacles", "suitableSans1091Colour": "S0580-Y10R" }, { "colour": "Green", "meaningOrObjective": "Information; safe condition", "exampleOfUse": "Escape routes; emergency exits; emergency showers; first-aid and rescue stations", "suitableSans1091Colour": "S2565-G" } ], "contrastColours": [ { "safetyColour": "Red", "contrastColour": "White" }, { "safetyColour": "Blue", "contrastColour": "White" }, { "safetyColour": "Yellow", "contrastColour": "Black" }, { "safetyColour": "Green", "contrastColour": "White" } ], "contrastColourNoteForLuminousTypes": "For self-luminous (radioluminescent) and photoluminescent safety signs, radioluminescent green or radioluminescent red and photoluminescent white, respectively, shall be used instead of white. The contrast colour for white shall be black and for black shall be white." }, "geometricForms": { "formToMeaning": [ { "geometricForm": "Circular (annular or disc)", "meaning": "Prohibition", "typeDesignation": "PV" }, { "geometricForm": "Circular (disc)", "meaning": "Mandatory action", "typeDesignation": "MV" }, { "geometricForm": "Triangular", "meaning": "Warning", "typeDesignation": "WW" }, { "geometricForm": "Square", "meaning": "Informative, fire fighting", "typeDesignation": "FB" }, { "geometricForm": "Square", "meaning": "Informative, general instruction", "typeDesignation": "GA" } ], "frontColourRule": "Colours shall be as per safety and contrast colour rules. Margins (outside the geometric shape) shall be white." }, "dimensions": { "overallDimensionsMm": [ { "height": 100, "width": 100, "toleranceMm": 2, "note": "This size shall be used for signs of type WW 7 only." }, { "height": 125, "width": 125, "toleranceMm": 2, "note": "This dimension is only applicable to signs covered by SANS 1186-2." }, { "height": 150, "width": 150, "toleranceMm": 2 }, { "height": 190, "width": 190, "toleranceMm": 2 }, { "height": 290, "width": 290, "toleranceMm": 2 }, { "height": 440, "width": 440, "toleranceMm": 2 }, { "height": 880, "width": 880, "toleranceMm": 2 } ], "pictogramSizeRule": "The height, width or diameter of the pictogram shall occupy between 75% and 90% of the corresponding dimensions of the backing sheet.", "prohibitionObliqueLineRule": { "angleDegrees": "45 ± 1 to the vertical", "direction": "Slopes downwards from left to right", "gapRule": "Pictogram shall be discontinued on both sides of the line with a gap not exceeding 1.0 mm between pictogram and line." } } }, "materialsAndWorkmanship": { "backingSheetsStandardRetroPhotoluminescent": [ { "material": "Aluminium sheet", "minimumThicknessMm": [ { "maxSheetSizeMm": "440 x 440", "thicknessMm": 0.9 }, { "sheetSizeMm": "880 x 880", "thicknessMm": 1.0 } ] }, { "material": "Steel sheet", "minimumThicknessMm": [ { "maxSheetSizeMm": "440 x 440", "thicknessMm": 0.55 }, { "sheetSizeMm": "880 x 880", "thicknessMm": 0.55 } ] }, { "material": "Plastics material (acceptable, water and oil resistant)", "minimumThicknessMm": 0.9, "performanceNote": "Must be insensitive to thermal distortion at the highest environmental temperatures likely to be encountered." } ], "embossing": { "allowed": true, "backingRequirement": "Embossing shall be produced only on a metal backing plate or plastics backing sheet.", "embossHeightMm": "Not less than 1 mm and not exceeding 2 mm", "note": "Laser engraving, router engraving or similar methods are accepted." }, "applicationAndWorkmanship": { "symmetry": "A sign shall be applied to a backing sheet in such a way that it is symmetrical.", "opacityForPlasticsBacking": "Each colour shall be sufficiently opaque to prevent backing colour showing through. Overlaid colours shall not separate, and there shall be no bleeding of colour from the backing sheet.", "finishQuality": "Free from rough/sharp edges, warps, dents, cavities and surface irregularities. Coated surfaces shall be smooth, free from grittiness, runs, sags, wrinkles, brush marks and orange peel." } }, "positioningFixingIlluminationMaintenance": { "selectionNote": "Because signs should be visible at all times, self-luminous or internally illuminated signs are preferred for fire information, emergency exits, danger or warnings. If not available or not cost-effective, retro-reflective or photoluminescent materials should be used for those categories.", "responsiblePerson": "A suitable employee shall be made responsible for the correct placing of safety signs and shall have general experience of safety working methods.", "positioningRules": [ "Position in the most conspicuous position available wherever possible.", "Place so that it does not create a hazard.", "Place for maximum effectiveness where it can be seen readily and provides optimum warning or indicates rescue/fire fighting equipment.", "Where possible, place at 90° to the passage or walkway it is to serve.", "For atmospheres containing corrosive chemicals, signs shall be made from the most effective material." ], "fixingRules": [ "Double sided tape shall not be used for fixing signs.", "Low mechanical strength signs (e.g., plastics that can bend) shall be attached to a flat surface or mounted on a plate or in a frame.", "Suspended signs shall be placed so they cannot be damaged accidentally.", "Fire fighting information and emergency evacuation signs shall be mechanically fixed.", "Fasteners shall be corrosion protected; bolt heads shall match the colour of the sign area where they are placed.", "For metal signs, take precautions to prevent electrolytic corrosion between dissimilar metals due to moisture." ], "illumination": "If natural lighting does not illuminate a sign sufficiently, adequate artificial lighting shall be provided.", "maintenance": [ "A specific staff member shall be responsible for maintenance and replacement.", "Inspect regularly and keep clean and legible.", "Signs removed during construction shall be replaced with temporary signs positioned as near as practicable to the original site.", "Damaged/removed signs shall be replaced with a minimum of delay.", "Ensure sign/support is not impaired during repair work where relevant." ] }, "performanceRequirements": { "resistanceToImmersionInWater": { "test": "Immerse for 24 h in distilled water at 25 °C ± 2 °C", "passCriteria": [ "No blistering, wrinkling or loss of adhesion on coated surface", "Back and edges show no corrosion" ] }, "resistanceToArtificialWeathering": { "methodReference": "SANS 4892-2 using specified parameters", "exposureDurationHours": 1000, "passCriteria": [ "No chalking or cracking of coatings", "Chromaticity co-ordinates remain within boundaries and luminance factors remain compliant (ordinary surface colours)", "Back and edges show no corrosion" ] }, "adhesionOfDecals": { "linerRemovalCheck": "Liner shall not break/tear or remove adhesive from decal", "peelDistanceLimitMm": 40, "conditioning": "After oven conditioning at 70 °C ± 2 °C and subsequent 24 h conditioning at 25 °C ± 2 °C" } }, "packingAndMarking": { "packingRule": "Only signs of the same type designation, material and size shall be packed together. Front of each sign shall be covered with suitable material and packed to prevent damage in handling, transport and storage.", "markingOnFront": { "required": ["Manufacturer's name, trade name or trade mark"], "markingAreaLimitMm": { "height": 12, "width": 25 } }, "decalPacketLabelNote": "A label shall be attached to each packet of decals noting they shall be applied to a surface that is continuous, flat, rigid, smooth and weatherproof." }, "signCatalogueTable8": { "note": "Codes and meanings below reflect the entries you provided for Table 8, and related notes (e.g., arrow direction may vary, text may be added where stated).", "FB_fireFightingInformation": [ { "code": "FB 1", "meaning": "Location of fire-fighting equipment" }, { "code": "FB 2", "meaning": "Fire extinguisher" }, { "code": "FB 3", "meaning": "Fire hose" }, { "code": "FB 4", "meaning": "Fire hydrant" }, { "code": "FB 5", "meaning": "Fire alarm" }, { "code": "FB 6", "meaning": "Sprinkler stop valve" }, { "code": "FB 7", "meaning": "Fire telephone" }, { "code": "FB 8", "meaning": "Fire pump connection" }, { "code": "FB 9", "meaning": "Location of fire blanket" }, { "code": "FB 10", "meaning": "Fire marshal" }, { "code": "FB 11", "meaning": "Location of fire extinguisher (direction of arrow can vary)" }, { "code": "FB 12", "meaning": "Location of fire hose (direction of arrow can vary)" }, { "code": "FB 13", "meaning": "Hand held emergency alarm" }, { "code": "FB 14", "meaning": "Fire trolley" } ], "GA_generalInformation": [ { "code": "GA 1", "meaning": "First-aid equipment" }, { "code": "GA 2", "meaning": "General direction" }, { "code": "GA 3", "meaning": "Direction to escape route" }, { "code": "GA 4", "meaning": "Direction to escape route" }, { "code": "GA 5", "meaning": "Manned first-aid station" }, { "code": "GA 6", "meaning": "Drinking water" }, { "code": "GA 7", "meaning": "Blasting point" }, { "code": "GA 8", "meaning": "Travelling way" }, { "code": "GA 9", "meaning": "Refuelling point" }, { "code": "GA 10", "meaning": "Ladies toilet" }, { "code": "GA 11", "meaning": "Gents toilet" }, { "code": "GA 12", "meaning": "Refuge chamber" }, { "code": "GA 13", "meaning": "Telephone" }, { "code": "GA 14", "meaning": "Waiting place" }, { "code": "GA 15", "meaning": "Emergency telephone" }, { "code": "GA 16", "meaning": "Electric isolator switch" }, { "code": "GA 17", "meaning": "Stairs going down" }, { "code": "GA 18", "meaning": "Stairs going up" }, { "code": "GA 19", "meaning": "Eye-wash" }, { "code": "GA 20", "meaning": "Safety shower" }, { "code": "GA 21", "meaning": "Location of bomb bag" }, { "code": "GA 22", "meaning": "Allocated to or accessible to wheelchair" }, { "code": "GA 23", "meaning": "Electric fence" }, { "code": "GA 24", "meaning": "Breathing apparatus" }, { "code": "GA 25", "meaning": "Shelter in place" }, { "code": "GA 26", "meaning": "Emergency assembly point (words may be added)" }, { "code": "GA 27", "meaning": "Tap for washing hands" }, { "code": "GA 28", "meaning": "Helicopter pad" }, { "code": "GA 29", "meaning": "Emergency stop" }, { "code": "GA 30", "meaning": "Life buoy" } ], "MV_mandatory": [ { "code": "MV 1", "meaning": "Eye protection shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 2", "meaning": "Respiratory protection shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 3", "meaning": "Head protection shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 4", "meaning": "Hearing protection shall be worn (specify decibels, also see MV 19)" }, { "code": "MV 5", "meaning": "Hand protection shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 6", "meaning": "Foot and leg protection against liquids shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 7", "meaning": "Foot protection against crushing shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 8", "meaning": "Safety harnesses and lifelines shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 9", "meaning": "Apron shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 10", "meaning": "Face protection shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 11", "meaning": "Air-supplied hood shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 12", "meaning": "Dust mask shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 13", "meaning": "Air extraction shall be used" }, { "code": "MV 14", "meaning": "Keep area clean" }, { "code": "MV 15", "meaning": "Screening shall be used" }, { "code": "MV 16", "meaning": "Safety cage shall be used" }, { "code": "MV 17", "meaning": "Carbon monoxide gas monitor shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 18", "meaning": "Full body harnesses and lifelines shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 19", "meaning": "Hearing protection shall be worn (muffs or ear plugs, also see MV 4)" }, { "code": "MV 20", "meaning": "Overalls shall be worn (one piece or two piece)" }, { "code": "MV 21", "meaning": "Lab coats shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 22", "meaning": "Foot spats shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 23", "meaning": "Full welding gear shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 24", "meaning": "Thermal suit shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 25", "meaning": "Reflective jacket shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 26", "meaning": "Hair nets shall be worn" }, { "code": "MV 27", "meaning": "Conductive shoes to be worn" } ], "PV_prohibition": [ { "code": "PV 1", "meaning": "Smoking prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 2", "meaning": "Fire and open flames prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 3", "meaning": "Thoroughfare for pedestrians prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 4", "meaning": "Water prohibited as extinguishing agent" }, { "code": "PV 5", "meaning": "Drinking of this water is prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 6", "meaning": "Proceeding beyond this point prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 7", "meaning": "Cycling prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 8", "meaning": "Carrying of long material prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 9", "meaning": "Hand trolleys prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 10", "meaning": "Tractors and forklifts prohibited beyond this point" }, { "code": "PV 11", "meaning": "Use of compressed air to dust body prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 12", "meaning": "Loose clothing, ties, jewellery and unconfined long hair prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 13", "meaning": "Dumping prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 14", "meaning": "No stacking, do not obstruct" }, { "code": "PV 15", "meaning": "No entry for heavy vehicles" }, { "code": "PV 16", "meaning": "No entry for vehicles" }, { "code": "PV 17", "meaning": "Locomotives prohibited beyond this point" }, { "code": "PV 18", "meaning": "Wearing of safety helmets prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 19", "meaning": "Carrying of firearms prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 20", "meaning": "Dogs prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 21", "meaning": "Cameras prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 22", "meaning": "Alcohol prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 23", "meaning": "Littering prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 24", "meaning": "Swimming prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 25", "meaning": "Fishing prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 26", "meaning": "Lighters and open flames prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 27", "meaning": "Cellphone prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 28", "meaning": "Drain pollution prohibited (specify the pollutant)" }, { "code": "PV 29", "meaning": "Lifting on forklifts prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 30", "meaning": "Lifting on trolleys prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 31", "meaning": "Handbags prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 32", "meaning": "Drilling prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 33", "meaning": "Grinding prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 34", "meaning": "Drugs prohibited" }, { "code": "PV 35", "meaning": "Do not clean or oil while in motion" }, { "code": "PV 36", "meaning": "No loud music" }, { "code": "PV 37", "meaning": "No roller skates" }, { "code": "PV 38", "meaning": "Hard hats prohibited" } ], "WW_warning": [ { "code": "WW 1", "meaning": "General warning of hazard" }, { "code": "WW 2", "meaning": "Beware of fire hazard" }, { "code": "WW 3", "meaning": "Beware of explosion hazard" }, { "code": "WW 4", "meaning": "Beware of corrosive hazard" }, { "code": "WW 5", "meaning": "Beware of poisonous substances" }, { "code": "WW 6", "meaning": "Beware of ionizing radiation" }, { "code": "WW 7", "meaning": "Beware of electric shock" }, { "code": "WW 8", "meaning": "Beware of suspended loads" }, { "code": "WW 9", "meaning": "Beware of methane" }, { "code": "WW 10", "meaning": "Beware of fragile surface" }, { "code": "WW 11", "meaning": "Beware of biological hazard" }, { "code": "WW 12", "meaning": "Beware of laser hazard" }, { "code": "WW 13", "meaning": "Beware of asbestos" }, { "code": "WW 14", "meaning": "Beware of workers overhead" }, { "code": "WW 15", "meaning": "Beware of carbon dioxide" }, { "code": "WW 16", "meaning": "Beware of slippery walking surface" }, { "code": "WW 17", "meaning": "Beware of moving machinery" }, { "code": "WW 18", "meaning": "Beware of cold burns" }, { "code": "WW 19", "meaning": "Beware of dogs" }, { "code": "WW 20", "meaning": "Beware of forklifts" }, { "code": "WW 21", "meaning": "Beware of material falling from moving conveyor belt" }, { "code": "WW 22", "meaning": "Beware of slippery steps" }, { "code": "WW 23", "meaning": "Beware of exposed live high-voltage equipment" }, { "code": "WW 24", "meaning": "Beware of a swinging object" }, { "code": "WW 25", "meaning": "Beware of confined gases" }, { "code": "WW 26", "meaning": "Beware of non-ionizing radiation" }, { "code": "WW 27", "meaning": "Beware of electromagnetic interference on heart pacemaker" }, { "code": "WW 28", "meaning": "Beware of confined space" }, { "code": "WW 29", "meaning": "Beware of electric fencing" }, { "code": "WW 30", "meaning": "Beware of magnet crane" }, { "code": "WW 31", "meaning": "Beware of nail gun" }, { "code": "WW 32", "meaning": "Beware of demolition area" }, { "code": "WW 33", "meaning": "Warning of tripping hazards" }, { "code": "WW 34", "meaning": "Beware of robot" }, { "code": "WW 35", "meaning": "Warning of catwalk" }, { "code": "WW 36", "meaning": "Mind your head" }, { "code": "WW 37", "meaning": "Beware of pulley" } ] }, "complianceNote": "This endpoint summarises requirements and sign meanings from SANS 1186-1:2022 based on the data provided. It does not replace the standard and should be used alongside the governing document and applicable legal/workplace requirements." } }