Danger of Death Symbol - Safety Signs by Caledonia Signs

A universally recognised safety warning that alerts people to a high risk of fatal injury, usually from electrical hazards. The most common version shows a lightning bolt striking a human figure, indicating the danger of electrocution. This symbol transcends language barriers, making it effective for international or multilingual environments. It’s designed to grab immediate attention and convey urgency so that people instinctively avoid the marked hazard area.

The main purpose of using this symbol is to prevent accidental contact with lethal electrical energy. High-voltage equipment, exposed live conductors, or certain restricted industrial areas pose risks where even brief exposure can be fatal. Placing a clear Danger of Death sign ensures that anyone nearby understands the severity of the hazard before approaching or attempting to handle the equipment. It’s not just a precaution—it’s a life-saving measure.

In many countries, displaying this warning is not optional; it is a legal requirement under workplace safety regulations. Electrical substations, transformer housings, switchgear rooms, and overhead power line access points are common places where the Danger of Death symbol must be posted. Compliance helps protect workers, the public, and contractors, while also protecting organisations from legal liability in the event of an accident.

For maximum effectiveness, these signs should be placed at all possible points of approach to the hazard, in a position where they are visible before anyone can make physical contact with dangerous equipment. They should be durable, weatherproof, and in high-contrast colours like yellow and black to stand out in any environment. Regular inspection and replacement of damaged signs are essential to ensure that the warning remains clear and unmistakable at all times.

Materials Explained

Below is a more detailed description of the materials this particular safety sign is available in. Helping you decide which sign option is most suitable for your application.

Rigid Plastic: This lightweight, gloss white PVC is resistant to weather, moisture, chemicals, and general wear and tear, making it suitable for harsh environments. Its smooth, solid surface allows for crisp printing of text and graphics, enhancing readability and visual impact. Businesses who choose Rigid Plastic signs benefit from fewer replacements and minimal maintenance, making it a practical investment for reliable and effective safety signs.

Self-Adhesive Vinyl: Self-adhesive vinyl is easy to apply and it’s budget-friendly. Its adhesive backing allows for easy application to a variety of surfaces such as glass, metal, plastic, and painted walls, which simplifies installation and reduces setup time. Self-adhesive vinyl provides a clean, professional finish that suits many indoor environments including offices, retail, industrial sites, and vehicles. It is more affordable than many other material types and allows for custom shapes, colours, and graphics.

Roll / Sheet of Labels: Manufactured from self-adhesive vinyl, our roll / sheets of labels are easy to apply and are budget-friendly. The adhesive backing on each label allows for easy application to a variety of surfaces making them ideal for high-volume tasks such as product packaging, shipping, inventory tagging, or compliance labelling.