Safety signs and Signage benefits

Communication encourages a free flow of thoughts and information. Nonverbal communication is an indirect means of communication through signs, symbols body language, and visual communication.

Among these, signs are the most powerful ones to communicate with people from different countries and cultures with easy access to information. Signage in Abu Dhabi directs people to their destinations and are also used for marketing in business. and are placed either indoor or outdoor according to its needs.

Many functions of signage include:

• Direction – Signage and wayfinding are essential ways to direct people and visitors to specific areas in and around the city. At the same time, they prove beneficial to prevent access to restricted areas wherever applicable. 

• Instruction and information – Wayfinding signs in Dubai offer an extensive strategy, leading visitors seamlessly around the pavilions in case of Expos, providing maps, directions, and navigational assistance to help visitors understand and navigate themselves in large areas.

• Safety – Safety signs in the workplace are essential as they provide visible instructions. A safety sign gives a clear indication, lessens the likelihood of accidents, and creates a safer working environment.

• Traffic- Road signs are very important to ensure safety and adherence to guidelines. Traffic signs are exceedingly visible —showing simple directions and enough time for pedestrians and drivers to follow them.

Thus, signage not only serves as a means of communication but also helps avert accidents and dangers.

Digital signage is the most preferred type of signage as it can be updated frequently. 

Different types of safety signs:

Prohibition Signs, Fire Equipment Signs, Mandatory Signs (PPE Safety Signs), Safe Condition Signs, and Warning Signs are the major categories of Safety Signs. Compulsory signs in the workplace in many countries include:

• Fire safety signs- These are mandatory signs that use fire instruction notices, which list actions that occupants must carry out in the event of a fire are, by convention, written as white text on a blue background but not in the circular format.

• Emergency exit signs – A sign giving information on emergency exits, first aid, or rescue facilities (e.g., “Emergency Exit”). These notification signs are used to display escape routes, emergency exits, and first aid equipment.

• Road traffic regulations – Road signs offer pictorial information and help manage and regulate the traffic flow. Keeping yourself updated with the road signs keeps everyone safe from road hazards. In Dubai particularly, road signs are important due to the complex road networks, increased traffic by the day with more and more new visitors always on the rise every year. The road signboards in Abu Dhabi are usually placed on, over, or next to a public road to gain attention, provide a clear and simple message, and offer sufficient time for road users to follow them.

• Prohibition signage – they are used for “Do Not” commands. For example – to show that smoking is not allowed in a particular area. In the workplace, they should be used to reinforce instructions prohibiting dangerous activities.

Colours & shapes help distinguish between different categories of safety signs.

Safety signs in Dubai, therefore play an important role in the smooth functioning of the city and make it a safe place to live.