ADOSH-SF Code of Practice 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals

Article-level navigation isn't available for this document — showing the full text as extracted.

Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and
Health System Framework
(ADOSH-SF)
Code of Practice
CoP 17.0 – Safety Signage and Signals
Version 4.0
July 2024

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 2 of 38
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Training and Competency ........................................................................................................................... 4
3. Requirements .................................................................................................................................................. 5
3.1 Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................. 5
3.2 Definitions ............................................................................................................................................... 5
3.3 Planning and Assessment.................................................................................................................. 7
3.4 Using Safety Signs ............................................................................................................................... 7
3.5 Maintenance of OSH Signs ................................................................................................................ 8
3.6 Safety Colors .......................................................................................................................................... 8
3.7 Acoustic or Illuminated Signs ........................................................................................................... 9
3.8 Use of Signs on Containers and Pipes......................................................................................... 10
3.9 Fire Safety Signs ................................................................................................................................. 10
3.10 Using Hand Signals to Direct Hazardous Operations ............................................................ 11
4. References ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
5. Document Amendment Record ............................................................................................................... 14
Appendix 1: – Typical Signage .......................................................................................................................... 15
Appendix 2: – Hand Signals ................................................................................................................................ 36

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 3 of 38
1. Introduction
(a) This Code of Practice (CoP) applies to all employers within the Emirate of Abu
Dhabi. This CoP is designed to incorporate requirements set by UAE and Abu Dhabi
regulatory authorities. If requirements of this document conflict with requirements
set by another regulatory authority, employers are required to follow the more
stringent requirement.
(b) This CoP requires employers to use OSH signs where there is a significant OSH risk
that has not been avoided or controlled by the methods required under
OSHAD - SF -
Element 2 – Risk Management, provided the use of OSH signs can help reduce the risk.
OSH signs are not a substitute for those other methods of controlling risks such as
engineering controls and safe systems of work.
(c) This CoP applies to all workplaces and to all activities where a person(s) are employed,
but excludes signs used in connection with transport or the supply and marketing of
dangerous substances, materials, products and equipment.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 4 of 38
2. Training and Competency
(a) Employers shall ensure that OSH training complies with the requirements of:
(i)
ADOSH-SF – Element 5 – Training, Awareness and Competency;
(ii)
ADOSH-SF – Mechanism 7.0 – Occupational Safety and Health Practitioner and
Service Provider Registration.
(b) Employers shall ensure all employees receive appropriate training in the meaning of
safety signs and the control measures to be implemented in connection with safety
signs.
(c) Employers shall ensure that specialist training is provided to persons who, through
their roles and responsibilities, are required to use hand signals to direct others, e.g.
slingers or banksman.
(d) The employer shall maintain a record of training required under this section. The
record shall contain:
(i) employee name and ID Number;
(ii) Emirates ID number;
(iii) identification of training received;
(iv) name of person providing the training; and
(v) date(s) of training.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 5 of 38
3. Requirements
3.1. Roles and Responsibilities
3.1.1. Employer
(a) Employers shall undertake their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the
general requirements of
ADOSH-SF – Element 1 – Roles, Responsibilities and Self-
Regulation Section 3.2.5.
(b) Employers shall comply with
Article 2 and 14 of Ministerial Order No. 32 of 1982.
3.1.2. Employees
(a) Employees shall undertake their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the
general requirements of
ADOSH-SF – Element 1 – Roles, Responsibilities and Self-
Regulation Section 3.2.7.
(b) Employees shall ensure they follow all the rules and regulation set by the employer
with regards to OSH Signs and Signals.
(c) Employees shall ensure that they immediately report any hazard or information that
may affect, adversely or otherwise, the works being undertaken.
(d) Employees shall not wilfully damage or remove items, such as OSH signs, that are
provided for the purpose of safety.
3.2. Definitions
(a) This CoP covers a variety of methods of communicating OSH information in addition
to the traditional safety sign or signboard. The terms used in this CoP mean the
following:
(i) OSH sign – a sign providing information or instruction about OSH at work by
means of a signboard, a color, an illuminated sign or acoustic signal, a verbal
communication or hand signal;
(ii) OSH signboard – a sign which provides information or instructions by a
combination of shape, color and a symbol or pictogram and which is rendered
visible by lighting of appropriate intensity. In practice many signboards may be
accompanied by supplementary text (e.g. ‘Fire Exit’ alongside the symbol of a
moving person). Signboards can be of the following types shown in Table 1;

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 6 of 38
Prohibition Sign – a sign
prohibiting behavior likely to
increase or cause danger (eg.
‘no access for unauthorized
persons’)
Hazard Warning Sign – a sign
giving warning of a hazard or
danger (eg. ‘danger:
electricity’);
Mandatory Sign – a sign
prescribing specific behavior
(eg. ‘eye protection shall be
worn’)
Emergency escape or First-Aid
sign – a sign giving
information on emergency
exits, first aid, or rescue
facilities (eg. ‘emergency
exit/escape route’
Table 1: Types of Signage
(iii) safety color – a color to which a specific meaning is assigned (eg yellow
means ‘be careful’ or ‘take precautions’);
(iv) symbol or pictogram – these appear in Appendix 1 although some variation
in detail is acceptable provided the meaning is the same. They are for use on
a signboard or illuminated sign (e.g. the trefoil ionizing radiation warning
sign);
(v) illuminated sign – a sign made of transparent or translucent materials which
is illuminated from the inside or the rear to give the appearance of a luminous
surface (e.g. many emergency exit signs);
(vi) acoustic signal – a sound signal which is transmitted without the use of a
human or artificial voice (e.g. fire alarm);
(vii) verbal communication – a predetermined spoken message communicated by
a human or artificial voice;
(viii) hand signal – a movement or position of the arms or hands giving a
recognized signal and guiding persons who are carrying out maneuvers
which are a hazard or danger to people; and

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 7 of 38
(ix) fire safety sign – refer to Section 3.9.
3.3. Planning and Assessment
(a) Employers shall evaluate each site or operation to determine if hazards are present
and the workplace shall be assessed using risk management practices as required by
ADOSH-SF – Element 2 – Risk Management.
(b) When the control measures identified in the assessment have been implemented,
there may be a ‘residual’ risk such that employees need to be warned, and informed of
any further measures necessary. OSH signs are needed if they will help to reduce this
residual risk.
(c) This CoP makes it clear that OSH signs are not a substitute for other means of
controlling risks to employees; signs are to warn of any remaining significant risk or to
instruct employees of the control measures they shall take in relation to these risks.
For example in some workplaces there may remain a risk of foot injury despite
implementing appropriate control measures.
3.4. Using Safety Signs
(a) Employers shall determine where to use OSH signs through consideration of the
results of the risk assessment made under
ADOSH-SF – Element 2 – Risk Management.
(b) The signs shown in Appendix 1 of this CoP are to be used when it is necessary to
convey the relevant message or information.
(c) If the hearing or sight of any employee is impaired for any reason, for example, by
wearing personal protective equipment, additional control measures may need to be
implemented to ensure that employees can see or hear the warning sign or signal, for
example by increasing the brilliance or volume.
(d) In some cases more than one type of OSH sign may be necessary, for example, an
illuminated warning sign indicating a specific risk combined with an acoustic alarm
meaning ‘general danger’ to alert people, or hand signals combined with verbal
instructions.
(e) Where signboards are used in a workplace the employer shall ensure that they are
sufficiently large and clear so that they can be easily seen and understood.
(f) OSH signs shall be in a language that is appropriate to the majority of the workforce,
including Arabic and English.
(g) Signboards shall be durable, securely fastened and appropriately maintained (e.g.
washed or resurfaced) to ensure they remain visible.
(h) Permanent signboards shall be used, except in cases where the workplace or hazard
is temporary. Even in these cases OSH signs still need to be consistent with the
requirements of this CoP. For example, use of a portable warning sign by cleaners may
be necessary if a hazard such as a slippery floor exists for a short period.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 8 of 38
(i) Employers shall avoid using too many signboards in close proximity to prevent
confusion or important information being overlooked. Signboards are only effective if
they can be seen and understood.
3.5. Maintenance of OSH Signs
(a) Safety signs need to be appropriately maintained so that they are capable of
performing the function for which they are intended. This can range from the routine
cleaning of signboards to regular checks of illuminated signs and acoustic signals to
see that they work appropriately.
(b) A guaranteed supply of power or back-up in the event of failure is necessary for safety
signs and signals which require some form of power to enable them to operate (unless
the hazard is itself eliminated by the power failure).
(c) Employers shall ensure that safety signage is not obstructed and can be clearly seen
in all directions.
3.6. Safety Colors
(a) In this CoP, signs incorporating certain colors have specific meanings. Table 2
identifies the colors for safety signs generally (for fire safety signs, refer to section
3.9).
Color Meaning or Purpose Instruction and Information
Red Prohibition sign
Danger alarm
Dangerous behavior; stop;
shutdown; emergency cut-out
devices, evacuate
Yellow or Amber Warning sign Be careful; take precautions;
examine
Blue Mandatory sign Specific behavior or action eg.
wear protective equipment
Green
Emergency escape
First-aid
No danger
Doors; exits; escape routes;
equipment and facilities
Return to normal sign
Table 2 - Safety Sign Colors (excluding fire safety signs)

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 9 of 38
3.7. Acoustic or Illuminated Signs
(a) When acoustic signals or illuminated signs need to be activated (either automatically
or in line with other safety arrangements) it is important they remain so for as long as
the danger exists or until receipt of any planned acknowledgement.
(b) Acoustic signals and illuminated signs need to be checked at regular intervals to
ensure that they are functioning correctly. The more hostile the environment, the
more frequently they will need to be checked.
3.7.1. Illuminated Signs
(a) Illuminated signs shall be bright enough to be seen, without causing glare.
(b) Care shall be taken to ensure that a number of illuminated signs are not used together
if this could give rise to confusion. Confusion could also arise if an illuminated sign is
placed close to any other similar light source.
(c) The luminous area of the sign shall be of a single safety colour, as per sections 3.6, or
contain a pictogram on a specified background consistent with the requirements of
Appendix 1 of this CoP.
(d) If an illuminated sign can be either ‘on’ continuously or operate intermittently (e.g.
flash on and off), use the flashing sign to indicate a higher level of danger or a more
urgent need for intervention or action.
(e) The duration and frequency of flashes for an intermittent illuminated sign shall be
such as to ensure the message is appropriately understood, and avoid any confusion
with other illuminated signs, including continuous illuminated signs.
(f) If a flashing sign is used instead of, or together with, an acoustic signal, it is important
to synchronise the two. This means that the duration and frequency of flashes need
to be in line with both the pulse length and interval for an acoustic signal. The choice
of equipment and the way it operates shall take into account other risks, refer to
section 3.3. For example, with fast flicker rates epilepsy could be triggered in some
people, or in other cases some types of electronic pulse could be a danger in respect
of stores containing certain explosives.
(g) Where flashing signs are used to warn of imminent danger, it is particularly important
to ensure that control measures are in place to either detect failure of the sign quickly
or to prevent its failure (e.g. by fitting duplicate bulbs etc.).
3.7.2. Acoustic Signals
(a) Acoustic signals need to be set at a level which is considerably higher at their
frequency than the ambient noise, for example 10 dB above the level of ambient noise
at that frequency. However, ensure the level is neither excessive nor painful. It is also
important for signals to be easily recognisable, particularly in terms of pulse length
and the interval between pulses or groups of pulses.
(b) The employer shall ensure that acoustic signals are not used more than one at a time.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 10 of 38
(c) If a device can emit an acoustic signal at variable frequencies (this includes an
intermittent signal operating on a discrete frequency) or constant frequencies, use
the variable frequency set at 10 dB above the ambient level at the appropriate
frequency, to indicate a higher level of danger or a more urgent need for intervention
or action.
3.8. Use of Signs on Containers and Pipes
(a) Employers shall ensure that containers, tanks, vessels used in the workplace to
contain dangerous materials / substances or visible pipes containing or transporting
dangerous materials / substances or under pressure shall have signs or labels affixed
to warn persons of the dangers within.
(b) The signs affixed shall be in line with the requirements of this CoP and those within
the Abu Dhabi Building Codes issued by authorities in charge of regulating building
and construction.
3.9. Fire Safety Signs
(a) A fire safety sign is defined as a sign (including an illuminated sign or an acoustic
signal) which:
(i) provides information on escape routes and emergency exits in case of fire;
(ii) provides information on the identification or location of firefighting equipment;
or
(iii) gives warning in case of fire.
(b) The employer, following completion of a fire risk assessment, as defined in
ADOSH-
SF– Element 6 – Emergency Management, shall place fire signage at appropriate
locations throughout the building.
(c) The employer shall also take into account the requirements listed within the
Abu
Dhabi Building Codes issued by authorities in charge of regulating building and
construction. And the
Civil Defence – UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice with
regards to fire signs.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 11 of 38
3.9.1. Fire Signage Colour
(a) Information on general signage colors is given in section 3.6 of this CoP, and specific
information relating to fire safety signage is given in table 3.
Color Meaning or Purpose Instruction and Information
Red Firefighting Equipment Identification and Location
Green Emergency Escape Doors, exits and escape routes
Table 3 - Fire Safety Sign Colours
3.9.2. Using Fire Signage
(a) Alternative exits (e.g. all emergency exits and any exits not in normal use) shall be
clearly indicated so that people know that there are ways to leave other than the way
they use to enter. In addition, the provision of well signposted exits in full view will
give a feeling of security in an emergency.
(b) Employers shall ensure that the fire exit sign is displayed immediately above the exit
opening or, if this is not reasonably practicable, choose a position where the sign can
be clearly seen and is least likely to be obstructed or obscured by smoke.
(c) Where an exit cannot be seen or where a person escaping may be in doubt about the
location of an exit (e.g. in warehouses where goods for transit and other obstructions
may prevent a clear view of the exit doors), fire exit signs including directional arrows
shall be placed at appropriate points along the escape route.
(d) In buildings with multiple tenants, the duty holder shall ensure that the placing of fire
signage is coordinated so as not to confuse staff when exiting under emergency
conditions.
3.10. Using Hand Signals to Direct Hazardous Operations
(a) Hand signals can be used to direct hazardous operations such as crane or vehicle
manoeuvres. Ensure that the signals are precise, simple, and easy to make and
understand.
(b) Employers shall ensure that the signaller is competent to make hand signals, and is
trained in their correct use.
3.10.1. Specific Rules Governing Use of Hand Signals
(a) The signaller shall be able to see all the manoeuvres being made by the people
receiving the signals without being endangered by them.
(b) During manoeuvres, make sure that the duties of the signaller are confined to
directing manoeuvres and to other specific control measures aimed at the safety of
nearby employees (e.g. keeping people back a safe distance).

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 12 of 38
(c) In some cases the precautions described above may need supplementing, for example
with further signallers to help co-ordinate the action. In such cases duty holders shall
ensure that the person receiving the signals takes them from one signaller only, unless
specific arrangements have been made.
(d) When an operator is unable to continue the manoeuvre safely, the operation needs to
be discontinued until further instructions are received from the signaller.
3.10.2. Codes of Hand Signals
(a) Where hand signals are used ensure they are consistent with the signals shown in
Appendix 2 of this CoP or meet either
BS 6736;1986 – CoP for Hand Signalling for use
in Agricultural Operations,
BS 7121-1:2006 – CoP for Safe Use of Cranes or
ISO7010:2003 Graphical Symbols - Safety Colours and Safety Signs - Safety Signs
used in Workplaces and Public Areas.
(b) There may be situations where these codes of hand signals are insufficient to meet
communication needs. In these cases additional signals can be used based on existing
signalling practice.
(c) Irrespective of the code of hand signals chosen, it is important that they are used
consistently throughout. If employees are unfamiliar with the code in use then
appropriate training is necessary. Particular care is needed with new employees who
have previously used different codes of hand signals. They may not fully understand
the signals in use and may therefore require retraining.

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 13 of 38
4. References
• UAE Ministerial Order No. 32 of 1982
• Civil Defence – UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice
• HSE – Safety Signs and Signals (L64) – HSE Books, ISBN 978 0 7176
6598 3.
• BS5738-2:1980. Safety Signs and Colours
• BS 6736;1986. Code of Practice for Hand Signalling for use in
Agricultural Operations
• BS 7121-1:2006.Code of Practice for safe use of Cranes
• ISO7010;2003. Graphical Symbols - Safety colours and safety signs -
Safety signs used in workplaces and public areas

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 14 of 38
5. Document Amendment Record
Version Revision Date Description of Amendment
Page/s Affected
4.0
15th July 2024
System acronym updated from OSHAD-SF
to ADOSH-SF to accurately reflect
document title
Throughout
Change from OSHAD to ADPHC
Change of Logo
Minor editorial changes throughout the
document without changing requirements.
Title of Mechanism 7.0 updated to ADOSH-
SF – Mechanism 7– Public and Preventive
Health Practitioner and Service Provider
Accreditation
4
OSHAD-SF - Mechanism 8.0 - OSH
Practitioner Registration deleted

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 15 of 38
Appendix 1: – Typical Signage

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 16 of 38

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 17 of 38

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 18 of 38
1A: Description and Application of referent for Means of Escape and Emergency Equipment signs
(Safe Condition Signs) Category E

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 19 of 38

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 20 of 38

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 21 of 38
1B: Description and Application of referent for Fire Safety Signs (Category F)

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 22 of 38

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 23 of 38

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 24 of 38
1C: Description and Application of referent for Mandatory action signs(Category M)

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 25 of 38
1D: Description and Application of referent for Prohibition Signs (Category P)

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 26 of 38

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 27 of 38

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 28 of 38

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 29 of 38

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 30 of 38
1E: Description and Application of referent for Warning Signs (Category W)

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 31 of 38

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 32 of 38

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 33 of 38

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 34 of 38

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 35 of 38

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 36 of 38
Appendix 2: – Hand Signals

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals- Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 37 of 38