Safety Signs in the Catering Industry

Employers have the same responsibilities for providing safety signs in the catering industry as in any other business, although the range of necessary signs for kitchen and restaurant areas is often greater than for an office or construction site.

Chemical storage

Caution Dangerous Chemicals warning sign

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Some cleaning chemicals must be handled with care. If so, there should be an appropriate sign on the door of the chemical storage cupboard or room. These signs are triangular with black edging and yellow backgrounds, and have text that warns of harmful chemicals; chemical irritants; dangerous chemicals or a toxic hazard.

Fire

Signs that show the fire exit should comply with BS 5499: Part 1: 1990 and have a picture symbol as well as text. The colours are white on a green background.

Fire Exit Keep Clear Vinyl Sign

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White signs on red backgrounds with relevant symbols and text must identify the position of fire extinguishers and fire alarm call points (alarm buttons). There should also be a clearly posted fire notice that gives details of the action to take when the alarm sounds.

First aid

First Aid Health & Safety Poster

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White on green signs with a cross and text must show the whereabouts of first aid facilities. A further sign should also give the name of the company first aider and his or her location.

There is no longer any legal need to have a sign that gives advice about treatment for electric shocks, but it is still recommended by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Gas and LPG

Smoking and naked flames prohibited sign

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The pipes that bring flammable gas into the kitchen area must have suitable "danger" labels (black on yellow). The same signs must be posted on main gas isolation valves (the "on" and "off" positions of these valves should also be marked).

The storage area for LPG cylinders must have "no smoking or naked flames" and "LPG Highly flammable" signs, or a composite sign that includes three symbols - LPG; no smoking; and no naked flames - plus appropriate warning text.

Slippery areas

Caution Slippery Surface

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If a wet or slippery area is adequately cordoned off with tape or another type of barrier, there is no need for a sign. Otherwise, a stand-alone double-sided sign that advises caution because of a slippery surface or wet floor must be put in place.

Others

Other signs include:

no smoking;
those that meet the requirements of the food hygiene law;
the poster headed: Health and safety law - What you should know;
a Certificate of Employer's Liability Insurance; and
a poster demonstrating the action needed to deal with a scald or burn (although this is a recommendation only).

The Regulations

The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 cover most of the law affecting standard signage. It is worth bearing in mind that under the Regulations, signs are not required where they do not reduce any likely risk or where the risk appears insignificant.

Article by Kevin Watson.

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