Symbolic Safety Signs are essentially signs that depict either a warning or some other safety feature by means of a symbol. These symbolic safety signs can be sub-divided into five sub-categories:
Prohibition signs – a white circular backgroud bearing a black symbol and having a red border and a red diagonal strike through. Typical of these are signs prohibiting the use or act of smoking (symbol a cigarette), cell phones, bicycles, swimming, firearms, dumper trucks, dogs, cameras, naked lights etc.
General information – a green rectangular background with a white symbol. Men’s and womens’ toilets, a clinic, a wheelchair, a telephone or a medical station.
Mandatory signs – a blue circular background with a white symbol. Instructions to wear goggles, a face mask, a safety helmet, safety boots etc.
Warning – a triangular yellow sign with black border and symbol. A warning of radioactivity, radiation, high voltage, guard dogs or a slippery surface.
Information Fire Fighting – a white rectangular background with a red symbol and border. Directions to fire marshals, hoses, hydrants etc
There is an extremely large range of symbolic safety signs available in South Africa, and they are manufactured by Armco Signage of Johannesburg, Armco Signage is the new brand name for Nameplate Centre, a company with over 40 years experience in the South African road sign industry. All symbolic safety signs are manufactured in accordance with SADC specifications and to the standards laid down by various government departments. You can take a look at the many varied signs on their website here.