HS&E Operatives practice question: Safety signs and signals (4 of 7)

C. Safety A free question from our original HS&E Operatives practice exam. Try it, then open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.

Last verified October 2026 against HSE guidance and the law ·How we write our questions

Safety signs fall into types, and each type has its own colour and shape. Knowing the type tells you what the sign wants you to do.

Match each sign to its type.

Match each item to one answer. An answer can be used more than once, and some may not be used.

Items

Show the answer and explanation

Correct matches

A red ring with a diagonal bar: D. Prohibition: you must not
A yellow triangle with a black border: A. Warning: take care, there is a danger
A blue circle: E. Mandatory: you must
A green square or rectangle: B. Safe condition: first aid or the way out

A. Warning signs are yellow (or amber) triangles with a black border, such as a sign for overhead power lines.
B. Safe condition signs are green squares or rectangles. They show first aid, emergency exits and escape routes.
C. Fire equipment signs are red squares or rectangles, showing where to find things like extinguishers. None of these signs is one.
D. Prohibition signs are a red ring with a diagonal bar, such as no smoking or no entry.
E. Mandatory signs are blue circles, such as wear a safety helmet or wear eye protection.

Red ring and bar: must not. Yellow triangle: warning. Blue circle: must do. Green square: safe condition. Red square: fire-fighting equipment.

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