Health and safety requirements are often changing as new dangers and threats face workers and the general public
. For instance with diseases such as swine flu coming to light it is essential that people are aware of the best ways in which to stop the spread of these harmful germs and therefore aid in limiting the damage and number of people effected by such an outbreak.
First aid signs are important, businesses must have appointed first aiders and therefore their names should be displayed clearly for all to see as well as procedures which should be adhered to when dealing with injury such as treating the patient effectively and recording the incident and investigating it.
In an emergency it is important that staff and customers can find their way quickly to exits and safety. Therefore it is essential that these exits are clearly marked even in darkness. Businesses should invest in emergency lighting to illuminate these exits and ensure they can be found when needed. Doors should also be labelled with easy instructions on how to operate the handles/locks which have been fitted to each door to ensure a swift exit.
Fire doors are often fitted in buildings to reduce the spread of a fire if one should break out. These should clearly be labelled and people should be aware that these need to be kept shut at all times to ensure they are able to do their job.
Health and Safety signs like many other signs will always be at risk of being vandalised. Therefore measures can be taken by either purchasing already treated anti vandal signs or treating them after purchase. Signs are there for a purpose; to be read, understood and followed. It is essential that their purpose is fulfilled to ensure the safety of everyone concerned.
Every business should have an evacuation plan to ensure a swift and controlled exit for all should the building and surrounding areas need to be evacuated. This plan needs to be kept somewhere safe but also accessible for quick access should an emergency occur. Many evacuation plans are kept alongside an evacuation pack which contains items such as high visibility clothing, a mobile phone to ensure the emergency services can be called and other important items.
Fire call points also need to be clearly sign posted so that on discovering a fire people can quickly raise the alarm and evacuation can begin instantly.