When was the last time your customers audited their safety signage?

It’s easy to assume that a few exit signs and a fire extinguisher label are enough to tick the compliance box. However, in reality, signage compliance extends much deeper, and the consequences of getting it wrong can be severe.

As a trade supplier, you’re in a key position to help customers stay compliant, reduce risk, and build safer sites. This blog breaks down what signage compliance actually means in practice, what regulations apply across the UK and Ireland, and how you can support your customers with fast, accurate signage solutions.

What Is Signage Compliance?

Signage compliance refers to meeting the legal requirements for safety and informational signs in the workplace. These laws are designed to ensure that risks are clearly communicated, and that employees and visitors know what to do in an emergency or hazardous situation.

In the UK, the key regulation is the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, which aligns with the EU Directive 92/58/EEC. In Ireland, similar obligations fall under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007.

These laws require employers to use signs when risks can’t be eliminated by other means, and to ensure those signs are clearly visible, consistent, and easy to understand.

The Risks of Non-Compliance

If your customers don’t have the right signage in place, they could be facing:

  • Increased risk of workplace accidents
  • Fines or enforcement action from HSE or HAS
  • Increased downtime
  • Invalidated insurance claims
  • Reputational damage following incidents or inspections

And even if they are compliant, are they doing enough to proactively prevent accidents?

Signage compliance isn’t about doing the bare minimum. It’s about making sure every risk is flagged and every emergency procedure is supported by clear, visible instructions.

Commonly Overlooked Signs

Here are just a few examples of signage that’s frequently missed or outdated on UK and Irish sites:

  • Load notices for pallet racking (required under HSE and SEMA guidelines)
  • Fire exit and escape route signage (legally required under fire safety law)
  • Mandatory PPE signs for specific areas (e.g. eye protection, high-vis)
  • Forklift traffic warnings and pedestrian walkway markings
  • First aid and emergency equipment location signs
  • No smoking signs at building entrances and enclosed workplaces

Even a single missing sign can be the difference between a smooth inspection and a safety violation, or worse, an avoidable accident.

Your Role: Supporting Compliance

As a trade supplier, you can add real value by helping your customers stay ahead of these requirements. That means:

  • Encouraging regular signage audits
  • Supplying signage that meets BS EN ISO 7010 standards
  • Recommending additional signs based on site layouts and risk assessments
  • Providing fast access to custom signage, including racking load notices

The more proactive your customers are, the safer their sites, and the more likely they are to return to you for support.

Make It Easy with QTS and Quote to Site®

At QTS, we’ve made signage compliance simple.

Our Safety & Signage Division provides everything your customers need to stay compliant, including custom load notices, hazard signs, fire safety instructions, and PPE guidelines. And with Quote to Site®, you can:

  • Design compliant load notices in minutes
  • Order standard or custom signage online
  • Get fast turnaround from our in-house print team
  • Reduce downtime, risk, and admin

You can even use Quote to Site® to support your own quoting and project planning, making signage a seamless part of your full warehouse safety offering.

Final Checklist: Are Your Customers’ Signs Compliant?

Here are five quick questions to ask:

  1. Are all hazards and risks clearly marked with signage?
  2. Are fire exits, escape routes, and first aid locations visibly signed?
  3. Are racking systems fitted with up-to-date load notices?
  4. Do PPE zones and restricted areas have the correct signs?
  5. Are all signs clean, visible, and in line with ISO 7010 standards?

If the answer is no to any of the above, it’s time for an update.

Create compliant load notices now at Quote to Site®
For all other signage needs, contact Trevor Key at trevor.key@qts-ltd.co.uk

Posted on 21 July 2025 in Uncategorized