Hardware Africa 2014 2014 | Page 53

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