AD EHS RI - CoP - 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals

8/9/2019 AD EHS RI - CoP - 17.0 - Safety Signage and Signals

1/36

Abu Dhabi EHSMS RegulatoryFramework

(AD EHSMS RF)

EHS Regulatory Instrument

Code of Practice

EHS RI - CoP 17.0 – Safety Signage and

Signals

Version 2.0

February 2012


2/36

AD EHSMS RF – Version 2.0 – February 2012CoP 17.0 – Safety Signage and Signals Page 2 of 36

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

With gratitude Abu Dhabi EHS Center acknowledges the great support provided by the ExecutiveCouncil in facilitating the issuance of Abu Dhabi Emirate Environment, Health and Safety ManagementSystem (AD EHSMS) and its implementation at Emirate level.

The issuance of the system would not have been possible without the supervision, diligent efforts andproductive recommendations of the AD EHS Center Board of Directors.

These documents (Regulatory Instruments) constitute the efforts of the Abu Dhabi EHS Center and theconcerned Sector Regulatory Authorities who worked together to integrate all relevant regulatoryrequirements under AD EHSMS RF . The input, contribution and constructive views of all sectors ishighly appreciated.

May these documents prove to be beneficial and helpful in system implementation and in expandingthe knowledge in the EHS field.


3/36


Table of Contents

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 6

2. Training and Competency........................................................................................................ 6

3. Requirements .......................................................................................................................... 7

3.1 Roles and Responsibilities ........................................................................................... 7

3.2 Definitions .................................................................................................................... 7

3.3 Planning and Assessment ............................................................................................ 9

3.4 Using Safety Signs ....................................................................................................... 9

3.5 Maintenance of EHS Signs ........................................................................................ 10

3.6 Safety Colors ............................................................................................................. 10

3.7 Acoustic or Illuminated Signs ..................................................................................... 10

3.8 Use of Signs on Containers and Pipes ....................................................................... 12

3.9 Fire Safety Signs........................................................................................................ 12

3.10 Using Hand Signals to Direct Hazardous Operations ................................................. 13

4. References ............................................................................................................................ 14

Appendix A – Typical Signage .......................................................................................................... 15 Appendix B – Hand Signals............................................................................................................... 34


4/36


Preface

This Abu Dhabi EHS Regulatory Instrument was developed by the AD EHS Center as the primaryCompetent Authority for this topic to set the minimum mandatory requirements.

Every effort was made in developing this document so that it does not conflict with existing local orfederal laws and regulations. In case of conflict, requirements of the existing local and federal laws andregulations shall prevail, and all concerned are obliged to bring the same to the attention of AD EHSCenter for resolution.

This AD EHS Regulatory Instrument has been developed, reviewed and approved, following theprocess as described in AD EHSMS Implementation Guideline: The Integration of EHS Requirements inthe Emirate of Abu Dhabi , by the following stakeholders:

Abu Dhabi EHS Higher Committee;

Abu Dhabi EHS Center;

Environment Agency Abu Dhabi;

Department of Municipal Affairs; Abu Dhabi Municipality; Al Ain Municipality; Western Region Municipality;

Department of Transport – Abu Dhabi;

Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority;

Health Authority - Abu Dhabi; Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp);

Center for Waste Management – Abu Dhabi;

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority;

Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority;

Abu Dhabi Education Council

Regulation and Supervision Bureau; and

Other Relevant Federal and Local Competent Authorities.

The AD EHSMS consists of the following hierarchy of documents:

AD EHSMS RF Elements - Mandatory System Requirements

EHS Regulatory Instruments:

Standards and Guideline Values - Mandatory EHS threshold and exposure levels

Codes of Practice - Mandatory EHS technical requirements – subject specific

Mechanisms - Mandatory system implementation processes and procedures


5/36


Guidelines:

Technical Guidelines - Non-mandatory guidance on how to implement an EHS Regulatory

Instrument AD EHSMS Guidance Documents - Non-mandatory guidance and interpretation of an AD EHSMS

RF concept and/or principle

Further, this document is not intended to conflict with any contractual obligations in effect atthe time of its issuance. However, all future contracts shall adhere to applicable requirementsstated herein, and existing long term contracts shall be brought into compliance with itsrequirements as soon as reasonably practicable as stipulated by relevant subject authorities.

This document will be reviewed periodically as part of the continual improvement cycle.


6/36


7/36


3. Requirements

3.1 Roles and Responsibilities

3.1.1 Employer

(a) Employers shall undertake their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the generalrequirements of AD EHSMS RF – Element 01 – Roles, Responsibilities and Self-RegulationSection 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 generalrequirements of AD EHSMS RF – Element 01 – Roles, Responsibilities and Self-Regulation Section 3.2.7 .

(b) Employees shall ensure they follow all the rules and regulation set by the employer withregards to Safety Signage and Signals.

(c) Employees shall ensure that they immediately report any hazard or information that mayaffect, adversely or otherwise, the works being undertaken.

(d) Employees shall not wilfully damage or remove items, such as safety signage, that areprovided for the purpose of safety.

3.2 Definitions

(a) This CoP covers a variety of methods of communicating EHS information in addition to thetraditional safety sign or signboard. The terms used in this CoP mean the following:

(i) EHS sign – a sign providing information or instruction about EHS at work by means ofa signboard, a color, an illuminated sign or acoustic signal, a verbal communication orhand signal;

(ii) EHS signboard – a sign which provides information or instructions by a combination ofshape, color and a symbol or pictogram which is rendered visible by lighting ofappropriate intensity. In practice many signboards may be accompanied by

supplementary text (eg. ‘Fire Exit’ alongside the symbol of a moving person).Signboards can be of the following types shown in Table 1;


8/36


(i) Prohibition Sign – a sign prohibitingbehavior likely to increase or causedanger (eg. ‘no ac cess forunauthorized persons’)

(ii) Hazard Warning Sign – a sign givingwarning of a hazard or danger (eg.‘danger: electricity’);

(iii) Mandatory Sign – a sign prescribingspecific behavior (eg. ‘eye protectionshall be worn’)

(iv) Emergency escape or First-Aid sign – a sign giving information onemergency exits, first aid, or rescuefacilities (eg. ‘emergency exit/escaperoute’. Note: signs complying wit h BS5499 are also acceptable,)

Table 1: Types of Signage

(iii) safety color – a color to which a specific meaning is assigned (eg yellow means ‘becareful’ or ‘take precautions’);

(iv) symbol or pictogram – these appear in Appendix A although some variation in detail is

acceptable provided the meaning is the same. They are for use on a signboard orilluminated sign (eg. the trefoil ionizing radiation warning sign);

(v) illuminated sign – a sign made of transparent or translucent materials which isilluminated from the inside or the rear to give the appearance of a luminous surface(eg. many emergency exit signs);

(vi) acoustic signal – a sound signal which is transmitted without the use of a human orartificial voice (eg. fire alarm);

(vii) verbal communication – a predetermined spoken message communicated by a humanor artificial voice;

(viii) hand signal – a movement or position of the arms or hands giving a recognized signal


9/36


and guiding persons who are carrying out maneuvers which are a hazard or danger topeople; and

(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 theworkplace shall be assessed using risk management practices as required by AD EHSMSRF – Element 02 – Risk Management.

(b) When the control measures identified in the assessment have been implemented, there maybe a ‘residual’ risk such that employees need to be warned, and informed of any furthermeasures necessary. EHS signage is needed if they will help to reduce this residual risk.

(c) This CoP makes it clear that EHS signs are not a substitute for other means of controllingrisks to employees; signs are to warn of any remaining significant risk or to instructemployees of the control measures they shall take in relation to these risks. For example insome workplaces there may be a risk of foot injury despite implementing appropriate controlmeasures.

3.4 Using Safety Signs

(a) Employers shall determine where to use EHS signs through consideration of the results ofthe risk assessment made under AD EHSMS RF – Element 02 – Risk Management.

(b) The signs shown in Appendix A 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 wearingpersonal protective equipment, additional control measures may need to be implemented toensure that employees can see or hear the warning sign or signal, for example by increasingthe brilliance or volume.

(d) In some cases more than one type of EHS sign may be necessary, for example, anilluminated 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) Signage 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 (eg. washed orresurfaced) to ensure they remain visible.

(h) Permanent signboards shall be used, except in cases where the workplace or hazard istemporary. Even in these cases EHS signs still need to be consistent with the requirementsof this CoP. For example, use of a portable warning sign by cleaners may be necessary if ahazard such as a slippery floor exists for a short period.


10/36


(i) Employers shall avoid using too many signboards in close proximity to prevent confusion orimportant information being overlooked. Signboards are only effective if they can be seenand understood.

3.5 Maintenance of EHS Signs

(a) Safety signs need to be appropriately maintained so that they are capable of performing thefunction for which they are intended. This can range from the routine cleaning of signboardsto regular checks of illuminated signs and acoustic signals to see that they workappropriately.

(b) A guaranteed supply of power or back-up in the event of failure is necessary for safety signsand signals which require some form of power to enable them to operate (unless the hazardis itself eliminated by the power failure).

(c) Employers shall ensure that safety signage is not obstructed and can be clearly seen in alldirections.

3.6 Safety Colors

(a) In this CoP, signs incorporating certain colors have specific meanings. Table 2 identifies thecolors for safety signs generally (for fire safety signs, refer to section 3.8).

Color Meaning or Purpose Instruction and Information

Red Prohibition sign

Danger alarm

Dangerous behavior; stop;shutdown; emergency cut-outdevices, evacuate

Yellow or Amber Warning sign Be careful; take precautions;examine

Blue Mandatory sign Specific behavior or action eg.wear protective equipment

Green

Emergency escapeFirst-aidNo danger

Doors; exits; escape routes;equipment and facilitiesReturn to normal sign

Table 2 - Safety Sign Colors (excluding fire safety signs)

3.7 Acoustic or Illuminated Signs

(a) When acoustic signals or illuminated signs need to be activated (either automatically or inline with other safety arrangements) it is important they remain so for as long as the dangerexists or until receipt of any planned acknowledgement.

(b) Acoustic signals and illuminated signs need to be checked at regular intervals to ensure thatthey are functioning correctly. The more hostile the environment, the more frequently theywill need to be checked.


11/36


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 thiscould give rise to confusion. Confusion could also arise if an illuminated sign is placed closeto any other similar light source.

(c) The luminous area of the sign shall be of a single safety colour, as per sections 3.6, orcontain a pictogram on a specified background consistent with the requirements of Appendix

A of this CoP.

(d) If an illuminated sign can be either ‘on’ continuously or operate intermittently (e g. flash onand off), use the flashing sign to indicate a higher level of danger or a more urgent need forintervention or action.

(e) The duration and frequency of flashes for an intermittent illuminated sign shall be such as toensure the message is appropriately understood, and avoid any confusion with otherilluminated signs, including continuous illuminated signs.

(f) If a flashing sign is used instead of, or together with, an acoustic signal, it is important tosynchronise the two. This means that the duration and frequency of flashes need to be inline with both the pulse length and interval for an acoustic signal. The choice of equipmentand the way it operates shall take into account other risks, refer to section 3.7. For example,with fast flicker rates epilepsy could be triggered in some people, or in other cases sometypes of electronic pulse could be a danger in respect of stores containing certainexplosives.

(g) Where flashing signs are used to warn of imminent danger, it is particularly important toensure that control measures are in place to either detect failure of the sign quickly or toprevent its failure (eg. by fitting duplicate bulbs etc).

3.7.2 Acoustic Signals

(a) Acoustic signals need to be set at a level which is considerably higher in terms of frequencythan the ambient noise, for example 10 dB above the level of ambient noise at thatfrequency. However, make sure the level is neither excessive nor painful. It is also importantfor signals to be easily recognisable, particularly in terms of pulse length and the intervalbetween pulses or groups of pulses.

(b) The employer shall ensure that acoustic signals are not used more than one at a time.

(c) If a device can emit an acoustic signal at variable frequencies (this includes an intermittentsignal operating on a discrete frequency) or constant frequencies, use the variable frequencyset at 10 dB above the ambient level at the appropriate frequency, to indicate a higher levelof danger or a more urgent need for intervention or action.


12/36


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 dangerousmaterials / substances or under pressure shall have signs or labels affixed to warn personsof the dangers within.

(b) The signs affixed shall be in line with the requirements of this CoP and those within the AbuDhabi Building Codes issued by the Department of Municipal Affairs. Further requirementsfor the labelling of hazardous materials are contained within AD EHS RI – CoP 1.0 – Hazardous Materials .

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 AD EHS RI – CoP 7.0 – Fire Prevention, Planning and Control , shall place fire signage at appropriatelocations throughout the building.

(c) The employer shall also take into account the requirements listed within the Abu DhabiBuilding Codes issued by the Department of Municipal Affairs and the Civil Defence – UAEFire and Life Safety Code of Practice 2011 with regards to fire signage.

3.9.1 Fire Signage Color

(a) Information on general signage colors is given in section 3.4 of this CoP, specific informationrelating to fire safety signage is given in table three.

Color Meaning or Purpose Instruction and Information

Red Firefighting Equipment Identification and Location

Green Emergency Escape Doors, exits and escaperoutes

Table 3 - Fire Safety Sign Colors


13/36


3.9.2 Using Fire Signage

(a) Alternative exits (eg. 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 toenter. In addition, the provision of well signposted exits in full view will give a feeling ofsecurity in an emergency.

(b) Employers shall ensure that the fire exit sign is displayed immediately above the exitopening or, if this is not reasonably practicable, choose a position where the sign can beclearly 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 thelocation of an exit (eg. in warehouses where goods for transit and other obstructions mayprevent a clear view of the exit doors), fire exit signs including directional arrows atappropriate points along the escape route.

(d) In buildings with multiple tenants, the duty holder shall ensure that the placing of fire signageis coordinated so as not 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 vehiclemanoeuvres. Ensure that the signals are precise, simple, and easy to make understand.

(b) Employers shall ensure that the signaller is competent to make hand signals, and is trainedin 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 receivingthe signals without being endangered by them.

(b) During manoeuvres, make sure that the duties of the signaller are confined to directingmanoeuvres and to other specific control measures aimed at the safety of nearby employees(eg. keeping people back a safe distance).

(c) In some cases the precautions described above may need supplementing, for example withfurther signallers to help co-ordinate the action. In such cases duty holders shall ensure thatthe person receiving the signals takes them from one signaller only, unless specificarrangements have been made.

(d) When an operator is unable to continue the manoeuvre safely, the operation needs to bediscontinued until further instructions are received from the signaller.


14/36


3.10.2 Codes of Hand Signals

(a) Where hand signals are used ensure they are consistent with the signals shown in Appendix

B of this CoP or meet either BS 6736;1986 – CoP for Hand Signalling for use in AgriculturalOperations , BS 7121-1:2006 – CoP for Safe Use of Cranes or ISO7010:2003 GraphicalSymbols - 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 meetcommunication needs. In these cases additional signals can be used based on existingsignalling practice.

(c) Irrespective of the code of hand signals chosen, it is important that they are usedconsistently throughout. If employees are unfamiliar with the code in use then appropriatetraining 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 andmay therefore require retraining.

4. References

AD EHSMS RF – Element 01 – Roles, Responsibilities and Self-Regulation

AD EHSMS RF – Element 02 – Risk Management

AD EHS RI – CoP 1.0 – Hazardous Materials

AD EHS RI – CoP 7.0 – Fire Prevention, Planning and Control

AD EHS RI – CoP 53.0 – EHS Management during “Construction Work”

AD EHS RI – CoP 53.1 – EHS Plan during Contraction Phase

UAE Ministerial Order No. 32 of 1982

Civil Defence – UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice 2011

L64 – Safety Signs and Signals – The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals)Guidance on Regulations – HSE Books ISBN 978 0 7176 6359 0

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 inworkplaces and public areas


15/36


Appendix A – Typical Signage


16/36



17/36



18/36



19/36



20/36



21/36



22/36



23/36



24/36



25/36



26/36



27/36



28/36



29/36



30/36



31/36


32/36


33/36



34/36


Appendix B – Hand Signals


35/36



36/36

© Abu Dhabi EHS Center 2012

This document is and shall remain the property of the AD EHS Center The document may only be used for the purposes