BUILDING MATERIALS
ADVERTORIAL
Signs: Be SABS compliant!
Do you ever take note of the signage around your every day
environment? Often these safety signs become so familiar
that they are often ignored and their necessity is disregarded.
Ignoring the value of safety signs is a large mistake as it plays
an imperative role in ensuring the safety and well being of the
occupants in a building.
PURPOSE AND USE
It has become a legal requirement that safety signs are SABS
approved. All safety signs must bear the SABS mark to comply
with Fire/Safety Regulations (SA Building Regulations SABS
1186-5). Without this quality assurance, a building’s landlord/
tenant will be liable for injuries due to non-compliance. These
safety signs are photoluminescent and convey information
to the building’s occupants, supply directions, identification,
information, orientation, warnings, regulations and
restrictions so that occupants do not endanger themselves.
Considering the value of safety signage, it is evident that
these signs should be placed in all public places such as
schools, hospitals, restaurants, shops and offices irrespective
of the establishments size.
SIGN CATEGORIES
There are four categories of safety signage represented by
different standardised colours and shapes which serve different
functions.
Warning signs are safety signs usually containing a black
symbol with a yellow background inside a black triangle.
Prohibition signs are safety signs with a black symbol
and a white background in a red circle with a red diagonal line
across the circle. An examples of this type of sign is a ‘no naked
flame’ sign.
Mandatory signs are safety signs with a white symbol in a
blue circle. These signs illustrate compulsory information such
as ‘eye protection’ or ‘head protection’ signs, advising occupants
entering a certain area what to wear.
Emergency signs are usually safety signs with a white symbol
on a green background. The “exit’ sign and the ‘green arrow’ are
examples of such signs.
PHOTOLUMINESCENT MATERIAL
SABS approved safety signs are produced in photoluminescent
material (glow in the dark material). These signs absorb
and store energy from light sources such as fluorescent
lighting, incandescent lighting or sunlight. The benefit that
photoluminescent signs have over other materials is that in the
event of a power failure or smoke caused by a fire, the signs will
glow for a substantial period of time ensuring occupants of the
building can see the exits.
SABS REQUIRED FRAMES
Another important feature, required for safety signage to be
compliant with the law, is the use of aluminium frames. All
safety signs are required to be displayed in a frame and secured
using corrosion protected nuts, bolts and washers. (SA Building
Regulation SABS 10400).
It is evident that signage is used in many buildings and that
it’s role is a vital part of ensuring the safety of any building’s
occupants. The importance of safety signage in every day life
creates a large demand for an extensive range of signs that
adhere to legal requirements and bear the SABS mark. This
therefore creates an opportunity for retailers to satisfy this
demand. SABS approved safety signage is found in leading
hardware stores.
PHOTOLUMINESCENT SAFETY SIGNS
Be SABS Compliant!!
Did you know: All safety signs have to bear the SABS mark to comply to Fire/ Safety Regulations
(SA Building Regulation SABS 1186-5). Without this quality assurance, a building’s landlord/tenant
will be liable for injuries due to non compliance. Safety signs are also required to be dis