If you're working in an industrial or office environment, chances are that there are some work areas that need warning information available for an unknowing visitor, or even other employees. When you think about all the danger points in the typical factory or office, it really can make a manager nervous. Are sufficient warnings available to protect others and reduce company risk? The best way to ensure protection and risk reduction is through the use of prominently-placed safety signs, which are available in a variety of categories and cover a broad range of potential risks. Characteristics of effective safety signs.The best ones will provide simple messages in the fewest words possible, in a manner that will get the viewer's attention. Simple declarative statements work best. The use of bright colours is important in order to get the sign quickly noticed. Finally, the use of simple illustrations can be helpful, particularly if a directive is possibly confusing, or if the sign is likely to be viewed by individuals who don't speak the language. To get a better idea of the types of signs you may need in your workplace, let's examine some of the general types signs available today:Firefighting equipment safety signs.Designed to identify locations of firefighting equipment, these safety signs might typically show the location of specific types of extinguishers, point out the location of fire alarms and call points, and give general firefighting advice. In the event of a fire, you want to ensure that relevant equipment is readily located and easily identifiable.Assembly point and escape route safety signsIn the event of an emergency, employees need to know where safe assembly points or alternate escape routes are located. Signs must be designed to meet specific safety directives as well.Warning safety signs.Sometimes a safety sign is needed to address a particular type of hazard, for example the presence of hazardous chemicals, construction site warning, or alert of the presence of electrical equipment.General safety labelsA safety label may be a better alternative to a sign in some circumstances, and are especially useful on any type of container designed to store and hazardous materials.Mandatory safety signsThese point out areas of general risk, such as slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and places which are not accessible to the public.Multi-purpose safety signsThese can warn of a number of hazards on the same sign, such as a slippery surface, on which appropriate footwear must be worn.Prohibition safety signsThese forbid people from taking certain action in the interests of their safety, and include 'no entry' and 'no smoking' signs.Before buying safety signs, take an inventory of your workplace and look for areas that present possible dangers. Sometimes it may help to walk through with someone who does not work there, identifying the risks as you go. Also review current law regarding safety signage to make sure that you will have everything you need to be in compliance. After your review, search online for the most reasonably priced and widest variety of safety signs you can find for your business or industry.