Mandatory Symbols: Meanings and Uses

Written by the Technical Team at Caledonia Signs
Last reviewed: July 2026

ISO 7010 Mandatory Safety Sign Symbols: Meanings and Uses

Mandatory safety signs are an essential part of effective workplace safety communication, clearly identifying actions and behaviours that must be followed to help protect people from hazards. Unlike warning or prohibition signs, mandatory signs instruct people to carry out a specific action, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), using designated safety equipment, or following hygiene procedures. By providing clear visual instructions, they help employees, visitors, contractors, and members of the public understand the precautions they need to take before entering or working within a particular area.

Mandatory signs are widely used across workplaces, construction sites, factories, warehouses, laboratories, healthcare facilities, schools, offices, and public buildings. Common examples include symbols requiring the use of safety helmets, eye protection, hearing protection, respiratory protection, protective footwear, gloves, face shields, and safety harnesses. They are also used to communicate essential workplace procedures, such as washing hands, wearing seatbelts, sounding vehicle horns, or disposing of waste correctly.

Based on the internationally recognised ISO 7010 standard, mandatory safety signs feature a white symbol on a blue circular background, making them instantly recognisable regardless of language or nationality. Their consistent design helps ensure important safety instructions can be understood quickly, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and supporting safer working practices across a wide range of industries and environments.

This directory provides a comprehensive guide to mandatory safety signs, including their symbols, meanings, and common uses. Whether you are looking to identify a specific mandatory symbol or understand where it should be used, this guide explains each sign and the safety requirement it communicates, helping organisations select the correct signage, improve workplace safety, and support compliance with relevant health and safety legislation.

The General Mandatory Action Symbol

Reference Number: M001

This symbol is used in workplaces to show that a specific safety instruction or action must be followed. It is commonly found in factories, construction sites, warehouses, laboratories, and other industrial environments.

The symbol does not explain the required action by itself, so it is always used with additional text or signage. For example, it may instruct workers to follow site safety procedures, or comply with specific workplace rules before carrying out a task.

The Refer to Instruction Manual Symbol

Reference Number: M002

This symbol is used on equipment, machinery, tools, and medical devices to tell users that they must read the instruction manual before using the product. It helps ensure the equipment is used safely and correctly.

This symbol is commonly found in workplaces, laboratories, hospitals, construction sites, and manufacturing facilities. It reminds users to check the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation, maintenance, warnings, and other important information before use.

The Wear Ear Protection Symbol

Reference Number: M003

This symbol is used in areas where noise levels are high enough to risk hearing damage. It indicates that hearing protection, such as ear defenders or earplugs, must be worn.

This symbol is commonly found in factories, construction sites, workshops, airports, and other noisy industrial environments where loud machinery, tools, or equipment are operating. It helps protect workers and visitors from excessive noise exposure.

The Wear Eye Protection Symbol

Reference Number: M004

This symbol is used in areas where there is a risk of eye injury from flying particles, chemicals, dust, or intense light. It indicates that safety glasses or goggles must be worn to protect the eyes.

This symbol is commonly found in workshops, laboratories, construction sites, factories, and manufacturing areas where hazardous materials or machinery could cause eye injuries. It helps reduce the risk of accidents and protects workers' vision.

The Connect an Earth Terminal to Ground Symbol

Reference Number: M005

This symbol is used on electrical equipment to show where the earth (ground) connection must be made. It helps ensure the equipment is safely grounded to reduce the risk of electric shock and electrical faults.

This symbol is commonly found on electrical panels, generators, industrial machinery, power supplies, and other electrical installations. It reminds installers and technicians to connect the equipment to a proper grounding system before it is used.

The Disconnect Mains Plug from Outlet Symbol

Reference Number: M006

This symbol is used on electrical equipment to indicate that the power plug must be unplugged from the electrical outlet before cleaning, servicing, or carrying out maintenance. This helps prevent electric shock and accidental operation.

This symbol is commonly found on household appliances, power tools, office equipment, and industrial machinery. It reminds users to disconnect the power supply to ensure the equipment is safe to work on.

The Wear Safety Footwear Symbol

Reference Number: M008

This symbol is used in areas where there is a risk of foot injuries from falling objects, sharp materials, heavy equipment, or slippery surfaces. It indicates that protective safety boots or shoes must be worn.

This symbol is commonly found on construction sites, factories, warehouses, workshops, and industrial workplaces. It helps protect workers' feet from hazards and reduces the risk of workplace injuries.

The Wear Protective Gloves Symbol

Reference Number: M009

This symbol is used in areas where there is a risk of hand injuries from chemicals, sharp objects, hot surfaces, or hazardous materials. It indicates that protective gloves must be worn to keep hands safe.

This symbol is commonly found in laboratories, factories, construction sites, workshops, and healthcare settings. It helps protect workers from cuts, burns, chemical exposure, and other hand injuries.

The Wear Protective Clothing Symbol

Reference Number: M010

This symbol is used in areas where there is a risk of injury or contamination from chemicals, heat, sparks, dust, or hazardous substances. It indicates that appropriate protective clothing must be worn to ensure safety.

This symbol is commonly found in laboratories, factories, construction sites, chemical plants, and healthcare environments. It helps protect workers from workplace hazards and reduces the risk of injury or contamination.

The Wash your Hands Symbol

Reference Number: M011

This symbol is used in areas where good hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of germs and contamination. It reminds people to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before or after certain activities.

This symbol is commonly found in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, food preparation areas, restaurants, schools, and public restrooms. It helps maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of infection or contamination.

The Use Handrail Symbol

Reference Number: M012

This symbol is used in areas with stairs, ramps, or elevated walkways to remind people to hold the handrail for safety. It helps reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls.

This symbol is commonly found in workplaces, public buildings, schools, hospitals, train stations, and construction sites. It encourages safe movement, especially in areas where there is a higher risk of falling.

The Wear a Face Shield Symbol

Reference Number: M013

This symbol is used in areas where there is a risk of injury from flying debris, chemical splashes, sparks, or molten materials. It indicates that a face shield must be worn to protect the face and eyes.

This symbol is commonly found in laboratories, factories, workshops, construction sites, and welding or grinding areas. It helps protect workers from serious facial injuries and hazardous substances.

The Wear Head Protection Symbol

Reference Number: M014

This symbol is used in areas where there is a risk of head injuries from falling objects, low ceilings, or moving equipment. It indicates that a safety helmet (hard hat) must be worn.

This symbol is commonly found on construction sites, factories, warehouses, industrial plants, and mining areas. It helps protect workers from head injuries and reduces the risk of serious accidents.

The Wear High Visibility Clothing Symbol

Reference Number: M015

This symbol is used in areas where workers need to be easily seen by drivers or machinery operators. It indicates that high-visibility clothing, such as reflective vests or jackets, must be worn.

This symbol is commonly found on construction sites, roadworks, warehouses, airports, railways, and industrial workplaces. It helps improve visibility and reduces the risk of accidents involving vehicles or moving equipment.

The Wear a Mask Symbol

Reference Number: M016

This symbol is used in areas where there is a risk of breathing in dust, fumes, hazardous particles, or airborne contaminants. It indicates that a suitable protective mask or respirator must be worn.

This symbol is commonly found in construction sites, factories, laboratories, healthcare settings, and areas where chemicals, dust, or infectious materials may be present. It helps protect workers from inhaling harmful substances and supports a safe working environment.

The Wear Respiratory Protection Symbol

Reference Number: M017

This symbol is used in areas where there is a risk of inhaling hazardous gases, vapours, fumes, dust, or airborne particles. It indicates that approved respiratory protective equipment (RPE), such as a respirator, must be worn.

This symbol is commonly found in chemical plants, construction sites, factories, laboratories, spray-painting areas, and confined spaces. It helps protect workers from harmful airborne substances and reduces the risk of respiratory illness.

The Wear a Harness Symbol

Reference Number: M018

This symbol is used in areas where there is a risk of falling from height. It indicates that a safety harness must be worn and properly attached to a secure anchor point before carrying out work.

This symbol is commonly found on construction sites, scaffolding, rooftops, towers, elevated platforms, and other work-at-height locations. It helps protect workers from falls and reduces the risk of serious injury or death.

The Wear a Welding Mask Symbol

Reference Number: M019

This symbol is used in areas where welding or cutting operations are carried out. It indicates that a welding mask or helmet must be worn to protect the eyes and face from intense light, sparks, heat, and flying debris.

This symbol is commonly found in welding workshops, factories, construction sites, metal fabrication shops, and industrial maintenance areas. It helps prevent eye injuries, burns, and exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation.

The Wear Safety Belts Symbol

Reference Number: M020

This symbol is used in areas where people are required to fasten a seat belt or safety restraint for their protection. It reminds users to wear their safety belt before operating or travelling in a vehicle or machine.

This symbol is commonly found in cars, trucks, buses, forklifts, tractors, construction machinery, and other vehicles with seat belts. It helps reduce the risk of injury in the event of sudden stops, collisions, or rollovers.

The Use Barrier Cream Symbol

Reference Number: M022

This symbol is used in areas where workers may come into contact with substances that could irritate or damage the skin. It indicates that barrier cream should be applied to protect the hands or skin before handling certain materials.

This symbol is commonly found in factories, laboratories, workshops, chemical handling areas, and workplaces where oils, solvents, or other substances may cause skin problems. It helps reduce skin irritation and protects workers from harmful exposure.

The Use this Walkway Symbol

Reference Number: M024

This symbol is used in areas where people must follow a designated pedestrian route to move around safely. It directs workers and visitors to use a specific walkway and avoid hazardous areas.

This symbol is commonly found in factories, warehouses, construction sites, airports, and industrial workplaces where vehicles, machinery, or other hazards are present. It helps prevent accidents by keeping pedestrians in safe areas.

The Check Guard Symbol

Reference Number: M027

This symbol is used in areas with machinery where protective guards must be checked before operation. It reminds users to make sure safety guards are correctly fitted, secure, and working properly before using the equipment.

This symbol is commonly found on industrial machines, power tools, workshops, factories, and manufacturing areas. It helps prevent injuries by ensuring moving parts are safely covered and protected.

The Keep Locked Symbol

Reference Number: M028

This symbol is used in areas where doors, gates, cabinets, or equipment must remain secured to prevent unauthorised access or hazards. It indicates that the area or item should be kept locked when not in use.

This symbol is commonly found on electrical rooms, chemical storage areas, machinery enclosures, warehouses, and restricted workplace areas. It helps improve safety by preventing accidental access or misuse of hazardous equipment or materials.

The Sound Horn Symbol

Reference Number: M029

This symbol is used in areas where vehicles or machinery need to warn people of their presence. It indicates that the horn should be sounded to alert others before moving or entering certain areas.

This symbol is commonly found in warehouses, factories, construction sites, loading bays, car parks, and areas where forklifts or heavy machinery operate. It helps prevent accidents by warning pedestrians and other workers of moving vehicles.

The Use Litter Bin Symbol

Reference Number: M030

This symbol is used in areas where people are reminded to dispose of waste properly in a designated bin. It helps maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and a safe environment.

This symbol is commonly found in workplaces, schools, public buildings, parks, shopping centres, and food preparation areas. It encourages good housekeeping and helps prevent litter and hazards caused by waste.

The Use Table Saw Adjustable Guard Symbol

Reference Number: M031

This symbol is used in areas where table saws or similar cutting equipment are operated. It indicates that the adjustable safety guard must be fitted and correctly positioned before using the machine.

This symbol is commonly found in woodworking workshops, factories, schools, and construction areas where table saws are used. It helps protect users from contact with the cutting blade and reduces the risk of serious injuries.

The Secure Gas Cylinders Symbol

Reference Number: M046

This symbol is used in areas where gas cylinders are stored, transported, or used. It indicates that gas cylinders must be properly secured to prevent them from falling, tipping, or being damaged.

This symbol is commonly found in laboratories, workshops, factories, hospitals, welding areas, and gas storage locations. It helps prevent accidents such as gas leaks, cylinder damage, or unsafe releases of pressurised gas.

The Wear Personal Flotation Devices Symbol

Reference Number: M053

This symbol is used in areas where there is a risk of falling into water or drowning. It indicates that a life jacket or other approved flotation device must be worn.

This symbol is commonly found near docks, harbours, construction sites near water, boats, marinas, and water-based workplaces. It helps protect workers and visitors by reducing the risk of drowning in water-related environments.

The Disinfect your Hands Symbol

Reference Number: M061

This symbol is used in areas where hand hygiene is important to prevent the spread of germs and contamination. It indicates that hands should be cleaned using hand sanitiser or another approved disinfectant.

This symbol is commonly found in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, food preparation areas, offices, schools, and public facilities. It helps maintain hygiene and reduces the risk of spreading infections.

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High Visibility Clothing Symbol Safety Signs

Using a High Visibility Clothing Symbol sign offers several important benefits in workplaces where visibility is critical for safety. This symbol provides a clear, universally recognised reminder that high-visibility clothing is required in the area, helping to ensure workers and visitors wear the appropriate protective gear to stay visible. One key benefit is that the symbol enhances safety b..

Eye Protection Symbol Safety Signs

Serving as a universal visual reminder that protective eyewear is required in a specific area. Its clear and simple icon helps communicate safety requirements quickly, even across language barriers, making it an effective tool to promote eye safety. Typically used in workplaces such as construction sites, manufacturing plants, laboratories, chemical processing areas, and woodworking shops, wher..

Ear Protection Symbol Safety Signs

An Ear Protection Symbol sign is essential in environments where exposure to loud noise levels poses a risk to hearing health. This universally recognised symbol quickly communicates the requirement to wear ear protection, helping to safeguard workers and visitors from noise-induced hearing damage. These signs are commonly used in places such as manufacturing plants, construction sites, airport..

Safety Footwear Symbol Safety Signs

A visual sign used to indicate that protective footwear must be worn in a specific area. The symbol typically depicts a boot or shoe with reinforced toe caps or a safety helmet on a foot, often enclosed in a circle or triangle to catch attention and clearly communicate the safety requirement without words. This symbol is commonly used on signs at entrances to construction sites, factories, wa..

Hand Protection Symbol Safety Signs

A visual safety sign that indicates the mandatory use of protective gloves or handwear in a specific area. The symbol typically shows a stylised hand wearing a glove, often inside a blue circle, which is a common design for mandatory safety signs. This symbol is used in workplaces like laboratories, construction sites, factories, chemical plants, medical facilities, and any area where hands a..

Respirator Symbol Safety Signs

A safety icon used to indicate that respiratory protection must be worn in a specific area. Typically, the symbol features a stylised face wearing a respirator mask, often shown inside a blue circle, which is the standard shape and colour for mandatory safety signs. This symbol is commonly found in workplaces such as chemical plants, laboratories, construction sites, painting areas, or any en..

Masks Symbol Safety Signs

A visual safety icon used to indicate that wearing a protective mask or face covering is mandatory in a specific area. The symbol usually depicts a simple outline of a face wearing a mask, often enclosed within a blue circle, aligning with the standard design for mandatory safety signs. This symbol is commonly used in workplaces such as healthcare facilities, laboratories, manufacturing plant..

Wash Hands Symbol Safety Signs

A Wash Hands Symbol sign is used to remind and encourage everyone to maintain good hand hygiene by washing their hands regularly. This simple but vital practice helps reduce the spread of germs, bacteria, and viruses, protecting both individual health and the wider community from illnesses. These signs are commonly placed in restrooms, kitchens, food preparation areas, medical facilities, lab..

! - Mandatory - Exclamation Symbol Safety Signs

Used to indicate that there is a specific safety instruction or action that must be followed to ensure safety in a particular area or while performing a certain task. This symbol acts as a clear reminder that compliance with the associated rule or precaution is not optional but required. It often accompanies mandatory safety measures such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), following s..

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