Safety sign colours and meanings
The colour and shape of a safety sign tell you what type of message it carries. Blue circles give instructions, yellow triangles warn of hazards, green rectangles identify escape or first aid, and red signs indicate prohibition or fire-fighting equipment depending on their shape.
Blue circles: mandatory instructions
These tell people what action to take, such as wearing hearing protection. Match the instruction to the risks identified in your workplace. Mandatory safety signs.
Yellow triangles: hazard warnings
A black pictogram on a yellow triangle warns of a hazard, for example moving vehicles or a trip hazard. Warning signs do not replace guarding or other controls. Warning safety signs.
Red circles: prohibited actions
A red circle and diagonal bar prohibit an action. Common examples include no smoking and no unauthorised entry. Prohibition signs.
Green rectangles: escape and first aid
Green signs identify safe conditions, emergency exits and first-aid facilities. Exit direction must match the actual escape route, not simply the nearest door. Browse fire escape signs.
Red rectangles: fire-fighting equipment
A red square or rectangular sign identifies the location of fire-fighting equipment. This is different from the red circle used for prohibition.
Choosing signs for an Irish workplace
Start with your risk assessment. The HSA says signs are needed where hazards cannot be avoided or adequately reduced by other measures. Provide employees with information about what signs mean. See the HSA safety signs guidance and HSA information sheet. This guide is general information, not a site-specific assessment.
Signs in our catalogue
Frequently asked questions
+What do blue safety signs mean?
A blue circular sign gives a mandatory instruction, such as wearing ear protection or a visor.
+What do green safety signs mean?
Green square or rectangular signs identify emergency escape routes, first aid and safe conditions.
+What colour is a warning safety sign?
Warning signboards use a yellow triangle with a black border and black pictogram.
+Are all red safety signs the same?
No. A red circle with a diagonal bar indicates prohibition. A red square or rectangle identifies fire-fighting equipment.