NEOM OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

PROJECTS STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

SAFETY SIGNAGE AND SIGNALS

NEOM-NPR-SOP-017 Rev 02.00, December 2020

Document history

Revision code Description of changes Purpose of issue Date

01.00 First Issue Issued for Implementation 27.07.2020

Revision – Inclusion of
02.00 Second Issue 16.12.2020
Construction Requirements

Document approval

Description Prepared by Approved by

Name Robert Burns Osama Wahba

Job Title Senior Safety Manager - ESCD Director – Technical Support

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Contents
1. Introduction................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
2. Training and Competency ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
3. Requirements................................................................................... ………………………………………………………………………5
3.1 Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Definitions………… .................................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.3 Planning and Assessment .................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.4 Using Safety Signs .................................................................................................................................................................. 7
3.5 Maintenance of Safety Signs .............................................................................................................................................. 8
3.6 Safety Colours…… ................................................................................................................................................................... 8
3.7 Acoustic or Illuminated Signs ............................................................................................................................................ 8
3.8 Use of Signs on Containers and Pipes ............................................................................................................................ 9
3.9 Fire Safety Signs ................................................................................................................................................................... 10
3.10 Using Hand Signals to Direct Hazardous Operations ......................................................................................... 11
Appendix 1: – Typical Signage ............................................................................................................................................... 13
Appendix 2: – Hand Signals .................................................................................................................................................... 32

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1. Introduction
(a) This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) applies to all employers within NEOM. This SOP is designed
to incorporate requirements set by NEOM-NPR-GFR. If requirements of this document conflict with
requirements set by another regulatory authority, employers are required to follow the more stringent
requirement.

(b) This SOP requires employers to use safety signage where there is a significant Safety risk that has not
been avoided or controlled by the methods required under NEOM-NPR-GFR - MSU 2 – Risk
Management, provided the use of signage can help reduce the risk. Safety signs are not a substitute for
those other methods of controlling risks such as engineering controls and safe systems of work.

(c) This SOP applies to all workplaces and to all activities where a person(s) are employed, but excludes
signs used in connection with transport or the supply and marketing of dangerous substances, materials,
products and equipment.

2. Training and Competency

(a) Employers shall ensure that Safety training complies with the requirements of:

(i) NEOM-NPR-GFR – MSU 5 – Training, Awareness and Competency;

(ii) NEOM-NPR-SOP 07.0 – Organisation, OSH Practitioner Registration and Appointment of Principal
Contractor
(b) Employers shall ensure that appropriate information on the control measures to be implemented in
connection with safety signs is provided to all employees.

(c) Employers shall ensure all employees receive appropriate training in the meaning of safety signs and
the control measures to be implemented in connection with safety signs.

(d) Employers shall ensure that specialist training is provided to persons who, through their roles and
responsibilities, are required to use hand signals to direct others, e.g. slingers or banksman.

(e) The employer shall maintain a record of training required under this section. The record shall contain:

(i) Employee name and ID Number;

(ii) Identification of training received;
(iii) Name of person providing the training; and

(iv) Date(s) of training.

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3. Requirements
3.1 Roles and Responsibilities

3.1.1 Employer

(a) Employers shall undertake their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the general requirements
of NEOM-NPR-GFR – MSU 1 – Roles and Responsibilities Section 3.2.5.

(b) Employers shall comply with KSA Labour Law, for 2015, on Prevention of workplace hazards and
accidents – section 21.

3.1.2 Employees

(a) Employees shall undertake their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the general requirements
of NEOM-NPR-GFR – MSU 1 – Roles and Responsibilities Section 3.2.7.

(b) Employees shall ensure they follow all the rules and regulation set by the employer with regards to
Safety Signage and Signals.

(c) Employees shall ensure that they immediately report any hazard or information that may affect,
adversely or otherwise, the works being undertaken.

(d) Employees shall not wilfully damage or remove items, such as safety signage, that are provided for the
purpose of safety.

3.2 Definitions

(a) This SOP covers a variety of methods of communicating Safety information in addition to the traditional
safety sign or signboard. The terms used in this SOP mean the following:

(i) Safety sign – a sign providing information or instruction about Safety at work by means of a
signboard, a colour, an illuminated sign or acoustic signal, a verbal communication or hand signal;
(ii) Safety signboard – a sign which provides information or instructions by a combination of shape,
colour and a symbol or pictogram which is rendered visible by lighting of appropriate intensity.
In practice many signboards may be accompanied by supplementary text (e.g. ‘Fire Exit’ alongside
the symbol of a moving person). Signboards can be of the following types shown in Table 1;

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 Prohibition Sign – a sign prohibiting
behaviour likely to increase or cause
danger (e.g. ‘no access for
unauthorized persons’)

Hazard Warning Sign – a sign giving

warning of a hazard or danger (e.g.
‘danger: electricity’);

Mandatory Sign – a sign prescribing

specific behaviour (e.g. ‘eye protection
shall be worn’)

Emergency escape or First-Aid sign –

a sign giving information on emergency
exits, first aid, or rescue facilities (e.g.
‘emergency exit/escape route’. Note:
signs complying with BS 5499 are also
acceptable,)

Table 1: Types of Signage

(iii) Safety colour – a colour to which a specific meaning is assigned (e.g. yellow means ‘be careful’ or
‘take precautions’);
(iv) Symbol or pictogram – these appear in Appendix 1 although some variation in detail is acceptable
provided the meaning is the same. They are for use on a signboard or illuminated sign (e.g. the
trefoil ionizing radiation warning sign);
(v) Illuminated sign – a sign made of transparent or translucent materials which is illuminated from
the inside or the rear to give the appearance of a luminous surface (e.g. many emergency exit
signs);
(vi) Acoustic signal – a sound signal which is transmitted without the use of a human or
artificial voice (e.g. fire alarm);
(vii) Verbal communication – a predetermined spoken message communicated by a human
or artificial voice;

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 (viii) Hand signal – a movement or position of the arms or hands giving a recognized signal and
guiding persons who are carrying out manoeuvres which are a hazard or danger to people; and
(ix) Fire safety sign – refer to Section 3.9.

3.3 Planning and Assessment

(a) Employers shall evaluate each site or operation to determine if hazards are present and the workplace
shall be assessed using risk management practices as required by NEOM-NPR-GFR – MSU 2 – Risk
Management.

(b) When the control measures identified in the assessment have been implemented, there may be a
‘residual’ risk such that employees need to be warned and informed of any further measures necessary.
Safety signage is needed if they will help to reduce this residual risk.

(c) This SOP makes it clear that Safety signs are not a substitute for other means of controlling risks to
employees; signs are to warn of any remaining significant risk or to instruct employees of the control
measures they shall take in relation to these risks. For example, in some workplaces there may be a risk
of foot injury despite implementing appropriate control measures.

3.4 Using Safety Signs

(a) Employers shall determine where to use Safety signs through consideration of the results of the risk
assessment made under NEOM-NPR-GFR – MSU 2 – Risk Management.

(b) The signs shown in Appendix 1 of this SOP are to be used when it is necessary to convey the relevant
message or information.

(c) If the hearing or sight of any employee is impaired for any reason, for example, by wearing personal
protective equipment, additional control measures may need to be implemented to ensure that
employees can see or hear the warning sign or signal, for example by increasing the brilliance or volume.

(d) In some cases, more than one type of Safety sign may be necessary, for example, an illuminated warning
sign indicating a specific risk combined with an acoustic alarm meaning ‘general danger’ to alert people,
or hand signals combined with verbal instructions.

(e) Where signboards are used in a workplace the employer shall ensure that they are sufficiently large and
clear so that they can be easily seen and understood.

(f) Signage shall be in a language that is appropriate to the majority of the workforce, including Arabic and
English.

(g) Signboards shall be durable, securely fastened and appropriately maintained (e.g. washed or resurfaced)
to ensure they remain visible.

(h) Permanent signboards shall be used, except in cases where the workplace or hazard is temporary. Even
in these cases Safety signs still need to be consistent with the requirements of this SOP. For example,
use of a portable warning sign by cleaners may be necessary if a hazard such as a slippery floor exists
for a short period.

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 (i) Employers shall avoid using too many signboards in close proximity to prevent confusion or important
information being overlooked. Signboards are only effective if they can be seen and understood.

3.5 Maintenance of Safety Signs

(a) Safety signs need to be appropriately maintained so that they are capable of performing the function
for which they are intended. This can range from the routine cleaning of signboards to regular checks
of illuminated signs and acoustic signals to see that they work appropriately.

(b) A guaranteed supply of power or back-up in the event of failure is necessary for safety signs and signals
which require some form of power to enable them to operate (unless the hazard is itself eliminated by
the power failure).

(c) Employers shall ensure that safety signage is not obstructed and can be clearly seen in all directions.

3.6 Safety Colours

(a) In this SOP, signs incorporating certain colours have specific meanings. Table 2 identifies the colours for
safety signs generally (for fire safety signs, refer to section 3.9).

Colour Meaning or Purpose Instruction and Information

Dangerous behaviour; stop;

Red Prohibition sign Danger alarm shutdown; emergency cut-out
devices, evacuate

Be careful; take precautions;

Yellow or Amber Warning sign
examine

Specific behaviour or action e.g.

Blue Mandatory sign wear protective equipment

Emergency escape Doors; exits; escape routes;

First-aid equipment and facilities Return to
Green
No danger normal sign

Table 2 - Safety Sign Colours (excluding fire safety signs)

3.7 Acoustic or Illuminated Signs

(a) When acoustic signals or illuminated signs need to be activated (either automatically or in line with
other safety arrangements) it is important they remain so for as long as the danger exists or until receipt
of any planned acknowledgement.

(b) Acoustic signals and illuminated signs need to be checked at regular intervals to ensure that they are
functioning correctly. The more hostile the environment, the more frequently they will need to be
checked.

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 3.7.1 Illuminated Signs

(a) Illuminated signs shall be bright enough to be seen, without causing glare.

(b) Care shall be taken to ensure that a number of illuminated signs are not used together if this could give
rise to confusion. Confusion could also arise if an illuminated sign is placed close to any other similar
light source.

(c) The luminous area of the sign shall be of a single safety colour, as per sections 3.6, or contain a
pictogram on a specified background consistent with the requirements of Appendix 1 of this SOP.

(d) If an illuminated sign can be either ‘on’ continuously or operate intermittently (e.g. flash on and off), use
the flashing sign to indicate a higher level of danger or a more urgent need for intervention or action.

(e) The duration and frequency of flashes for an intermittent illuminated sign shall be such as to ensure the
message is appropriately understood, and avoid any confusion with other illuminated signs, including
continuous illuminated signs.

(f) If a flashing sign is used instead of, or together with, an acoustic signal, it is important to synchronise
the two. This means that the duration and frequency of flashes need to be in line with both the pulse
length and interval for an acoustic signal. The choice of equipment and the way it operates shall take
into account other risks, refer to section 3.7. For example, with fast flicker rates epilepsy could be
triggered in some people, or in other cases some types of electronic pulse could be a danger in respect
of stores containing certain explosives.

(g) Where flashing signs are used to warn of imminent danger, it is particularly important to ensure that
control measures are in place to either detect failure of the sign quickly or to prevent its failure (e.g. by
fitting duplicate bulbs etc.).

3.7.2 Acoustic Signals

(a) Acoustic signals need to be set at a level which is considerably higher in terms of frequency than the
ambient noise, for example 10 dB above the level of ambient noise at that frequency. However, make
sure the level is neither excessive nor painful. It is also important for signals to be easily recognisable,
particularly in terms of pulse length and the interval between pulses or groups of pulses.

(b) The employer shall ensure that acoustic signals are not used more than one at a time.

(c) If a device can emit an acoustic signal at variable frequencies (this includes an intermittent signal
operating on a discrete frequency) or constant frequencies, use the variable frequency set at 10 dB
above the ambient level at the appropriate frequency, to indicate a higher level of danger or a more
urgent need for intervention or action.

3.8 Use of Signs on Containers and Pipes

(a) Employers shall ensure that containers, tanks, vessels used in the workplace to contain dangerous
materials / substances or visible pipes containing or transporting dangerous materials / substances or
under pressure shall have signs or labels affixed to warn persons of the dangers within.

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 (b) The signs affixed shall be in line with the requirements of this SOP.

3.9 Fire Safety Signs

(a) A fire safety sign is defined as a sign (including an illuminated sign or an acoustic signal) which:

(i) Provides information on escape routes and emergency exits in case of fire;
(ii) Provides information on the identification or location of firefighting equipment; or
(iii) gives warning in case of fire.
(b) The employer, following completion of a fire risk assessment, as defined in NEOM-NPR-GFR– MSU 6 –
Emergency Management, shall place fire signage at appropriate locations throughout the building.

(c) The employer shall also take into account the requirements listed within related referenced Codes of
Practice eg. the Abu Dhabi Building Codes issued by the Department of Municipal Affairs and the Civil
Defence – KSA Fire Prevention SBC Code 801.

3.9.1 Fire Signage Colour

(a) Information on general signage colours is given in section 3.4 of this SOP, specific information relating
to fire safety signage is given in table three.

Colour Meaning or Purpose Instruction and Information

Red Firefighting Equipment Identification and Location

Doors, exits and escape routes

Green Emergency Escape

Table 3 - Fire Safety Sign Colours

3.9.2 Using Fire Signage

(a) Alternative exits (e.g. all emergency exits and any exits not in normal use) shall be clearly indicated so
that people know that there are ways to leave other than the way they use to enter. In addition, the
provision of well signposted exits in full view will give a feeling of security in an emergency.

(b) Employers shall ensure that the fire exit sign is displayed immediately above the exit opening or, if this
is not reasonably practicable, choose a position where the sign can be clearly seen and is least likely to
be obstructed or obscured by smoke.

(c) Where an exit cannot be seen or where a person escaping may be in doubt about the location of an exit
(e.g. in warehouses where goods for transit and other obstructions may prevent a clear view of the exit
doors), fire exit signs including directional arrows at appropriate points along the escape route.

(d)

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 (e) In buildings with multiple tenants, the duty holder shall ensure that the placing of fire signage is
coordinated so as not confuse staff when exiting under emergency conditions.

3.10 Using Hand Signals to Direct Hazardous Operations

(a) Hand signals can be used to direct hazardous operations such as crane or vehicle manoeuvres. Ensure
that the signals are precise, simple, and easy to make understand.

(b) Employers shall ensure that the signaller is competent to make hand signals and is trained in their
correct use.

3.10.1 Specific Rules Governing Use of Hand Signals

(a) The signaller shall be able to see all the manoeuvres being made by the people receiving the signals
without being endangered by them.

(b) During manoeuvres, make sure that the duties of the signaller are confined to directing manoeuvres
and to other specific control measures aimed at the safety of nearby employees (e.g. keeping people
back a safe distance).

(c) In some cases, the precautions described above may need supplementing, for example with further
signallers to help co-ordinate the action. In such cases duty holders shall ensure that the person
receiving the signals takes them from one signaller only, unless specific arrangements have been made.

(d) When an operator is unable to continue the manoeuvre safely, the operation needs to be discontinued
until further instructions are received from the signaller.

3.10.2 Codes of Hand Signals

(a) Where hand signals are used ensure they are consistent with the signals shown in Appendix 2 of
this SOP or meet either BS 6736;1986 – SOP for Hand Signalling for use in Agricultural Operations , BS
7121-1:2006 – SOP for Safe Use of Cranes or ISO7010:2003 Graphical Symbols - Safety Colours and
Safety Signs - Safety Signs used in Workplaces and Public Areas.

(b) There may be situations where these codes of hand signals are insufficient to meet communication
needs. In these cases, additional signals can be used based on existing signalling practice.

(c) Irrespective of the code of hand signals chosen, it is important that they are used consistently
throughout. If employees are unfamiliar with the code in use then appropriate training is necessary.
Particular care is needed with new employees who have previously used different codes of hand signals.
They may not fully understand the signals in use and may therefore require retraining.

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 Reference List

Title Reference Section in

3.1.1 – 3.1.2
NEOM-NPR-GFR – MSU 1 – Roles and Responsibilities

NEOM-NPR-GFR – MSU 2 – Risk Management Various

NEOM-NPR-SOP 53.0 – OSH Management during “Construction Work” Various

NEOM-NPR-SOP 53.1 – OSH Plan during Contraction Phase Various

KSA Labour Law, for 2015, on Prevention of workplace hazards and accidents – Various
section 21

Fire Prevention SBC 801 Various

BS5738-2:1980 – Safety Signs and Colours Various

BS 6736;1986 – Code of Practice for Hand Signalling for use in Agricultural Various
Operations

BS 7121-1:2006 – Code of Practice for safe use of Cranes Various

ISO7010;2003 Graphical Symbols - Safety colours and safety signs - Safety signs Various
used in workplaces and public areas

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Appendix 1: – Typical Signage

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Appendix 2: – Hand Signals

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