How to Conduct a Safety Sign Audit in 5 Steps

Whether you're overseeing a bustling construction site, a busy factory floor, or a quiet agricultural setting, one thing remains constant: safety signage is not just a legal requirement, it's a frontline defence against accidents, confusion, and costly non-compliance. From fire exits to hazardous material warnings, safety signs communicate critical information at a glance, helping teams stay safe, informed, and accountable.

But signage isn’t a “set and forget” solution. Over time, signs can fade in the sun, peel in damp conditions, or become outdated as regulations evolve and site layouts change. A missing or misleading sign isn’t just inconvenient; it can put lives at risk and expose your business to serious liability.

That’s why regular safety sign audits are essential. Whether you're in health and safety, facilities management, or simply want to ensure your workplace meets legal standards and best practice, this guide will walk you through five practical steps to conduct a thorough, stress-free signage audit, and make sure every sign is doing its job.

1. Make a Site Plan and Define Key Zones

Before you begin, create a simple floor plan or site map showing all working areas, entrances, hazards, and restricted zones. Divide the site into manageable sections, for example: reception, warehouse, loading bay, workshop, staff areas, and external zones.

On a farm, this might include barns, machinery sheds, chemical stores, and livestock pens. On a construction site, it could include scaffolded areas, plant zones, and pedestrian routes.

This ensures you can carry out the audit methodically, without missing anything.

2. List Existing Signs and Note Their Purpose

Walk each area with a clipboard or digital checklist. Record every safety sign you come across, whether fixed, portable, or digital. Note what each sign is for (e.g. fire exit, PPE requirement, hazard warning) and where it's located.

Ask yourself:

• Is the message clear and correct?
  

• Is the sign still relevant to the risks in that area?
  

• Are multiple signs clustered together, creating visual overload?
  
  

3. Check for Visibility, Positioning, and Damage

A safety sign is only effective if people can see and understand it at the right time. Check each sign for:

• Unobstructed visibility from the relevant approach
  

• Suitable mounting height and angle
  

• Adequate lighting if used in low-light conditions
  

• Fading, peeling, or physical damage
  

• Non-slip or weather-resistant materials where needed (especially outdoors)
  
  

Common issues include signs hidden behind doors, blocked by shelving, or placed too high/low to catch attention.

Read more about how to avoid common mistakes in safety sign placement. 

4. Cross-Check Against Legal Requirements

Refer to relevant UK regulations such as:

• The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996

• COSHH signage requirements

• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

• Industry-specific guidelines (e.g. for farms: HSE agriculture safety signage advice)

Make sure you are using correct ISO-compliant symbols and standard colours (e.g. red for prohibition, yellow for warnings, green for safe conditions, blue for mandatory actions).

If your workforce has languages other than English as first languages or you operate in a place where using native language on signage is mandatory, for example Wales, then you will need to consider the provision of multi-language signs to improve understanding and compliance. 

Read more about the value and importance of multilingual safety signs

5. Take Action and Record Your Findings

Based on your audit:

• Replace damaged or outdated signs
  

• Install missing signage where risks exist
  

• Remove irrelevant or excessive signs
  

• Document any changes and keep a log for HSE inspections
  

Assign tasks with deadlines; don’t let the audit sit on a shelf! Regular reviews (every 6–12 months or after site changes) should be added to your safety procedures. 

A good safety sign audit…. 

A good safety sign audit doesn’t just tick boxes; it saves time, reduces confusion, and helps prevent accidents. By following these five steps, you’ll demonstrate due diligence, keep your signage strategy up to date, and protect your workforce and visitors.

Do you need help replacing damaged signs or updating your signage to meet current regulations? We offer a full range of compliant, weather-resistant safety signs for every industry. Check out the range of safety sign designs on our website, and call us if you can’t find exactly what you need.