Access signs are the signs placed at the entrance to a location or site that give the first impression of visual communication. Access signs often have a representative character and consist of a composition of house style features, signage or instructions and safety symbols that represent the general safety rules from that point on. From the point of view of a safety information system, the access sign is the starting point of communication. This starting point provides the general framework for the relevant safety rules and warnings.
It is an essential part of safety signage, where thoughtful use of the number of safety symbols to be displayed, directions, use of color and logos and font is precisely on necessary to achieve good information transfer. In addition to design, reading distance and the resulting ratio and size of symbols and text is a determining factor. When access signs are designed and realized from a starting point philosophy, the signage can easily be extended further over the site. When planning, standards such as ISO/TS 20559 (Guideline for the design and use of a safety signage system) and ISO 28564 (Public information systems) are valuable tools for a recognizable and harmonized access sign and signage system. A valuable tool for clear information transfer.
“In many ways, safety signs, labels, and markings function as systems of visual information that provide permanent evidence to support an organization’s safety training and safety policies. In fulfilling this function, these systems of signage assist an organization to fulfil its legal requirements and demonstrate its commitment to placing the highest priority on the health and safety of its employees and the public” - ISO/TS 20559:2020
More about ISO/TS 20559:2020The role of a neat and clear access sign cannot be underestimated. This is the first visual means of communication for visitors, employees, suppliers, surroundings and also enforcement agencies. Often an image of the safety policy and communication of a company and/or its premises is also formed here. All the more reason to pay appropriate attention to this and achieve good presentation.
There are many possibilities for the execution of an access sign. When a good location has been thought of and any requirements from a corporate identity have been taken into account in the orientation, a suitable design can be determined. The most common versions are pylon columns, possibly illuminated or with light-emitting elements, frames with panels and aluminum signs that are attached to facades or poles. For optimal visibility, lighting or a retro-reflective material can make the difference.
Access signs show the safety rules of the location. The connection with the location becomes stronger once the visual identity of the company or location is integrated into the design. For this, the corporate identity manual or branding guidelines are the tool. These specify colors, fonts and logo usage to be used. Combining with standardized expressions such as graphic symbols (according to ISO7001) and safety symbols (according to ISO7010) gives a clean and understandable appearance, and can be extended to routing and safety zoning.
The connection of an access sign with safety zone signs and signage requires some advance planning. A tight connection with site signage can help ensure a more focused and controlled number of traffic movements.
More about site signage and wayfindingBlomsma Signs & Safety offers an extensive package of services, possibilities and designs for access signs. The joint planning, design and realisation of an access sign, possibly extended with other signage and safety information signs is each time a journey that we carry out with pleasure and dedication.
Want to know more?
Contact us.
