In the industrial world, safety is paramount. To ensure everyone’s protection, it’s essential to understand and comply with current standards. Standard EN 842 concerns visual signals used to communicate safety information.
What are the basics of EN 842?
EN 842 defines the requirements for visual signals used in industry. Understanding its basics will help you ensure the safety and efficiency of your operations.
Visual signals are an important means of communicating risk prevention and information on procedures to be followed. Standard EN 842 aims to harmonize these signals to ensure they are understood by all workers.
Here are some key facts about EN 842:
- It applies to visual signals such as signs, road markings and labels.
- It defines the shapes, colors and pictograms to be used for each type of signal.
- It specifies the minimum dimensions and materials to be used to ensure the durability and visibility of the signs.
It is important to comply with the EN 842 standard to guarantee the safety of your personnel and avoid accidents. The correct use of signals facilitates communication and response in the event of an emergency.
To make sure you comply with EN 842, consult the official text and train your teams in good visual signaling practices. Mastering this standard will contribute to a safer, more efficient working environment.
How to master the colors and shapes of visual signals ?
Standard EN 842 defines the colors and shapes of visual signals according to their function. Here are a few examples:
- Red: danger, stop, prohibition
- Yellow: caution, warning
- Green: normal situation, authorization
- Blue: obligation, instruction
The shapes of visual signs are also determined by the standard. For example, a prohibition sign must be round with a red border and diagonal bar. A warning sign must be triangular with a yellow border.
The correct use of signal colors and shapes in accordance with EN 842 enhances safety in the workplace. Workers can identify information and instructions quickly and easily.
How to apply signals correctly in the workplace ?
Standard EN 842 guides you in this process, defining the rules and best practices to be followed. Here are a few tips for effective signage implementation:
- Identify high-risk areas in your working environment and determine the right visual signals to prevent accidents.
- Choose signs that comply with the EN 842 standard, which guarantees legibility, durability and compliance with European requirements.
- Involve your staff in setting up visual cues, and train them in their meaning to encourage their adoption.
Here are some examples of visual cues commonly used in business:
- Mandatory signs: helmets, gloves, goggles, etc.
- No-smoking, no-parking, no-touching signs…
- Warning signs: electrical hazard, risk of falling, hazardous substances…
- Evacuation signs: emergency exit, assembly point, fire extinguisher…
By following these recommendations and choosing EN 842-compliant visual signs, you can help prevent risks and protect your employees in the workplace.
The EN 842 standard is essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of visual signs in your working environment. By making sure you apply the right colors, shapes and symbols, you help prevent accidents and facilitate communication between workers. ADF Systèmes is at your disposal to provide you with the right equipment.
