Why are school safety signs important?
Education providers are responsible for creating an environment that is safe and welcoming. They are required to provide safety signage in areas that pose any element of risk. School grounds have many potential hazards, so it’s important to consider how you can protect your staff and pupils. From speed warnings on your school fence to fire safety signage, here our some top tips to consider.
Things to consider when choosing safety signs
Budget
You’ll need to determine your budget before you choose which product range to invest in. We have a variety of different models of banner stands and pavement signs with varying features and prices. You should also factor in how many units of each sign you will need. For example, a large school may need a higher number of safety signs in their car park than a school with a smaller car park.
Sign location
The best signage option for you will depend on where you are looking to display the information. If the sign will be exposed to outdoor elements, then a weatherproof design to withstand rain and other conditions is a must. Next, consider the sign’s size and whether it is large enough to grab attention from a distance. Also consider the location’s layout. Will the sign’s placement create a walkway obstruction or interfere with the flow of foot traffic? If so then consider a wall mounted option rather than freestanding.
Relevance
Whilst it’s essential to display a range of safety signs throughout school grounds, it’s also important to make sure they are relevant and informative. Irrelevant or unnecessary signs can confuse individuals or cause them to disregard important warnings. For example, if your school permits ball games, but you want people to take care, then a ‘No ball games’ sign will be misleading and irrelevant. Instead, opt for a ‘Caution ball games’ sign to keep individuals aware and prevent injuries.
Which types of safety messages are important?
Car park & drop off safety
With hundreds of staff and students around, the start and end of the school day can be a hazardous time. Drivers need to be aware of speed limited and prepared for any potential hazards. Displaying messages such as ‘No parking’, Watch out for children’, and ‘Reduced speed limit’ helps to minimise hazards and prevent injuries. Pavement signs or pre-designed banners are a great option.
Restricted access
Certain areas of schools can be particularly hazardous for pupils. Using signage can alert students to restricted access areas to limit accidents and control student flow. Clearly marking designated access areas, such as those for ‘Staff only’ are a must.
Keeping areas clear
Avoid injuries by ensuring certain areas are kept clear and walking traffic flows smoothly. Signs such as ‘No ball games’ and ‘No cycling’ are effective at protecting areas.
Visitor direction
Directional signs help unfamiliar visitors and new pupils to navigate the school premises easily and safely. It will help them to find where they need to be and avoid and potentially hazardous areas. Further security measures should be taken by prompting all visitors to sign in to confirm their presence is authorised and appropriate.
Safety protocols
It is important to remind people on the premises of necessary protocols to create a culture of safety and cleanliness. Signs such as ‘No smoking’ are helpful prompts for staffs and visitors, whilst ‘Wash hands’ and ‘Wear protective gear’ are helpful to keep students safe whilst in science labs or bathrooms at school.
Exams in progress
Students need to take their exams in a quiet and comfortable atmosphere. It is important to display messages such as ‘Quiet, exams in progress’ to encourage other students to be aware of their volume. These banners and signs are designed to protect your pupils’ well-being and ensure they take their exams without disruptions so that they can achieve their best.
Which types of displays are effective?
When it comes to safety signs and products around your school there is a huge range of products than can help you to stay safe. At Discount Displays we have a great range of pre-designed signs and banners, but can also customise them with your schools branding or messages. Some of the best options for safety signage include:
- PVC or mesh banners
- Retractable banner stands
- Pavement signs
- Foamex Signs
- Posters
- Digital signage
- Floor stickers
Ensuring a safe and secure environment in schools is a critical responsibility for education providers. The use of relevant and well-placed safety signs plays a vital role in preventing accidents, guiding behaviour, and promoting a culture of safety within school grounds. From highlighting important safety protocols to controlling traffic, the right signage can make a significant difference in safeguarding students, staff, and visitors.
