What are mandatory signs used for?

Mandatory signs indicate actions that must be followed to reduce risk and ensure safety, such as wearing personal protective equipment or following specific safety instructions.

Where are mandatory signs commonly installed?

They are commonly installed in factories, workshops, construction sites, laboratories, warehouses, and other areas where specific safety actions are required.

What colour and shape are mandatory signs?

Mandatory signs typically feature a blue circular background with a white symbol or text, which clearly communicates an instruction that must be followed.

Do mandatory signs replace training or procedures?

No. Mandatory signs reinforce required actions but do not replace training, procedures, supervision, or other safety controls.

Which material should I choose for mandatory signs?

ABS plastic is suitable for indoor use in controlled environments. Chromadek steel is better for outdoor or industrial environments where additional durability is required.

What sizes are available on the website?

Mandatory 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.

Mandatory Signs Explained

Material supplied
ABS plastic for indoor use and Chromadek steel for outdoor or industrial environments. Other materials available on request.

Standard sizes on site
190 × 190 mm and 290 × 290 mm. Additional SABS approved sizes available on request.

Best next step
Confirm the required safety action, then shop the range or contact us if you need a different size or material.

WHAT ARE MANDATORY SIGNS

Mandatory signs are safety signs used to indicate actions that must be carried out to reduce risk and ensure safety. Their purpose is to clearly communicate compulsory safety instructions that people are required to follow when entering or working in a specific area.

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

WHEN MANDATORY SIGNS ARE USED

Mandatory signs are used wherever specific safety actions are required to control risk.

Where personal protective equipment must be worn
Where specific procedures must be followed
In areas with ongoing hazards that require behaviour control
Where compliance with safety rules is essential

Mandatory signs support safe behaviour but do not replace training, supervision, or physical safety measures.

COMMON ENVIRONMENTS

Factories and workshops
Construction sites
Warehouses and logistics centres
Laboratories and technical facilities
Plant rooms and machinery areas
Maintenance and service areas

Compliance reminder

Mandatory signs should be placed where people make decisions about behaviour, such as at entrances, access points, or before tasks begin.

COLOUR, SHAPE, AND SYMBOL MEANING

Blue circular background, indicates a mandatory instruction
White symbols or text, clearly communicate the required action
Circular shape, universally associated with mandatory behaviour

These visual elements allow mandatory signs to be recognised quickly and understood without relying on text alone.

COMMON TYPES OF MANDATORY SIGNS

Wear Safety Helmet
Wear Eye Protection
Wear Hearing Protection
Wear Protective Gloves
Wear Safety Footwear
Follow Site Instructions

The specific mandatory signs required depend on the hazards identified and the control measures in place.

Ready to buy, browse the full range of Mandatory Signs.

View Mandatory Signs

MATERIALS AND FORMATS

Mandatory 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 workshops, laboratories, 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

Mandatory 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 MANDATORY SIGN

Identify the actions required to control risk in the area
Place signs where instructions must be followed
Ensure signs are visible before work begins
Match the sign size to viewing distance and installation height
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

VIEW MANDATORY SIGNS

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