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Home › Safety Signs Explained › Warning signs

Warning (Hazard) Signs, Explained

Yellow triangle signs alert people to a danger before they get close to it, whether that is live electricity or moving forklifts.

What warning signs stand for

A yellow triangle with a black border and black symbol signals a hazard. South African catalogues often list these under WW codes in SANS 1186. The triangle points upward, and its bright colour is chosen so it can be spotted from a distance.

!

General warning

An exclamation mark flags a general hazard that has no specific symbol.

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Electrical hazard

A lightning bolt signals a risk of electric shock.

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Forklift trucks

Vehicles move through this area.

Where common warning signs go

WarningTypical places
Electrical hazard or high voltageDistribution boards, substations, transformers and generator rooms
Forklift trucksWarehouses, loading bays, aisles and walkway crossings
Slippery floorKitchens, wash bays and entrances on wet days
Corrosive or poisonous substancesChemical stores, cleaning stores, laboratories and battery rooms
Flammable materialFuel and paint stores, gas cylinder cages
Hot surfaceKitchens, boilers, pipework, presses and heat-producing machines
Overhead load / craneWorkshops and yards that have cranes or hoists
Trip hazard or uneven floorSteps, ramps and level changes
Guard dog or electric fenceGates, walls and perimeter fencing

Tips for using warning signs well

  • Put the sign where people spot it before they reach the hazard, not on top of it
  • Avoid crowding a single wall; too many signs together are easily ignored
  • Add a text panel for visitors and contractors who may not recognise the symbol
  • Pair it with a mandatory sign when the hazard calls for PPE, for example “electrical hazard” plus “wear insulating gloves”
  • Replace faded signs; yellow fades in direct sunlight, so choose UV-resistant material for outdoor use

Common questions

What do yellow warning signs mean?

A yellow triangle with a black border tells you there is a hazard nearby. It does not say what to do; it reminds you to take care.

How is a warning sign different from a prohibition sign?

A warning sign (yellow triangle) tells you about a danger. A prohibition sign (red circle with a bar) tells you that an action is not allowed.

Can I put my own text under a warning sign?

Yes. A supplementary text panel, such as “Danger: high voltage” or “Forklifts operating”, helps visitors understand the symbol. We print combined symbol-and-text signs to order.

Which warning signs does an electrical board need?

At least an electrical hazard warning sign. Many sites also add a “Danger: authorised persons only” sign and an electrical shock first aid poster. Your electrician or safety officer can confirm what is required.

Order your signs with us today

Xpress Print produces SABS-style safety signs in ABS, aluminium, Chromadek, Correx and photoluminescent vinyl, based in Rivonia, Johannesburg. Send us the sign codes and sizes and we will send you a quote.

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