Where are hazard warning signs commonly installed?

They are commonly installed in factories, warehouses, construction sites, electrical rooms, plant rooms, loading bays, chemical storage areas, and other locations where hazards are present.

What do the colours and shapes of hazard warning signs mean?

Hazard warning signs typically feature a yellow background with black symbols and a black border in a triangular shape, which is universally recognised as a warning or caution symbol.

Do hazard warning signs remove the risk?

No. Hazard warning signs highlight the presence of a risk but do not eliminate it. They are used alongside other safety controls such as training, procedures, protective equipment, and physical barriers.

Which material should I choose for hazard warning signs?

ABS plastic is best for indoor use in controlled environments. Chromadek steel is better suited for outdoor or industrial environments where increased durability is required.

What sizes are available on the website?

Hazard warning signs on the website are offered in 190 × 190 mm and 290 × 290 mm. Other SABS-approved sizes may be supplied on request by contacting us.

Hazard Warning Signs Explained

WHAT ARE HAZARD WARNING SIGNS

Hazard warning signs are safety signs used to alert people to the presence of potential hazards or dangerous conditions. Their purpose is to draw attention to risks that could cause injury, harm, or damage if not recognised and avoided.

These signs form part of the standard SABS-approved safety signage system used across workplaces, public buildings, and industrial environments in South Africa.

WHEN HAZARD WARNING SIGNS ARE USED

Hazard warning signs are used wherever hazards cannot be completely eliminated and where people need to be made aware of potential danger before entering or working in an area.

Where machinery or equipment presents a risk
In areas with electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazards
Where vehicle movement creates a collision risk
In locations where surfaces may be slippery or uneven

Hazard warning signs support safe behaviour but do not replace engineering controls, training, or protective equipment.

COMMON ENVIRONMENTS

Factories and workshops
Warehouses and distribution centres
Construction sites
Electrical rooms and substations
Plant rooms and machinery areas
Chemical storage and processing areas
Loading bays and traffic zones

Safety principle

Hazard warning signs should always be visible before a person encounters the hazard. Placement after the risk has already been reached reduces their effectiveness.

COLOUR, SHAPE, AND SYMBOL MEANING

Yellow background, indicates caution or potential danger
Black symbols, clearly represent the specific hazard
Triangular shape, universally associated with warnings

These visual elements help ensure hazard warning signs are recognised quickly, even by people who may not speak the local language.

COMMON TYPES OF HAZARD WARNING SIGNS

High Voltage
Slippery Surface
Forklift Traffic
Overhead Hazard
Flammable Material
Toxic Substances

These are examples of commonly used hazard warning signs. The required signage depends on the hazards identified during a site risk assessment.

Ready to buy, browse the full range of Hazard Warning Signs.

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MATERIALS AND FORMATS

Hazard warning signs on our website are supplied in durable, rigid formats suitable for long-term use.

ABS plastic, suitable for indoor environments such as workshops, corridors, and plant rooms
Chromadek steel, suitable for outdoor use or industrial environments where additional durability is required

All signs sold on the website are supplied in ABS plastic or Chromadek steel. Other materials may be available on request by contacting us.

WHICH MATERIAL SHOULD I CHOOSE?

ABS plastic

Best for indoor use
Ideal for controlled environments
Suitable for factories, workshops, and indoor facilities

Chromadek steel

Best for outdoor use
Suitable for industrial and high-traffic areas
Better for weather exposure and long-term durability

If you are unsure which material is most appropriate for your application, our team can assist with selecting a suitable option.

STANDARD SIZES AVAILABLE

Hazard warning signs displayed on the website are available in the following standard sizes:

190 × 190 mm
290 × 290 mm

While other SABS-approved sizes are available, signs listed on the website are supplied in these standard sizes. Additional sizes can be supplied on request by contacting us.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT HAZARD WARNING SIGN

Identify the specific hazards present in the area
Ensure the sign is visible before the hazard is encountered
Match the sign size to viewing distance and installation height
Consider lighting conditions in the area
Select a material suited to the environment
Keep signage consistent with other safety signs on site
Review signage regularly as site conditions change

RELATED SIGN CATEGORIES

Educational guides

Shop products

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Browse our full range of SABS-approved hazard warning signs suitable for indoor and industrial environments.