Safety Signage in Portugal: A Guide for Commercial, Workplace, and Public Spaces

Safety signage is essential in commercial premises, workplaces, and public spaces in Portugal . It serves to inform, warn, and guide people about risks, safety regulations, and emergency procedures , ensuring protection for employees, customers, and visitors.

Why is safety signage important?

Safety signage helps to:

• Preventing accidents : warning about slippery floors, hazardous areas, chemicals, or dangerous machinery.

• Guide evacuations : indicate emergency exits, escape routes, and assembly points in case of an incident.

• Comply with Portuguese legislation : according to the Labor Code , Decree-Law No. 220/2008 and international standards such as NP EN ISO 7010 , all spaces with specific risks must have adequate signage.

• Reducing legal liabilities : clear signage decreases the risk of accidents and protects companies or institutions from legal problems.

Types of safety signage

Safety signage in Portugal follows international standards and can be classified into five main types:

1. Warning signs (danger)

   • They indicate specific risks.

   • Predominant color: yellow or red .

   • Examples: "Danger: High Voltage", "Caution: Slippery Floor".

2. Prohibition signs

   • They indicate prohibited actions.

   • Predominant color: red .

   • Examples: "No Smoking", "Restricted Entry".

3. Obligation signs

   • They exhibit obligatory behaviors.

   • Predominant color: blue .

   • Examples: "Use of PPE is mandatory", "Wear a protective helmet".

4. Emergency signs

   • They indicate escape routes, emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and first aid stations.

   • Predominant color: green .

5. Informative signs

   • They provide general information or guidance.

   • Examples: location of restrooms, self-service kiosks, or information points.

Application of signage in different environments

• Commercial premises : indicates exits, stairs, wet areas, checkout counters, and circulation areas.

• Workplaces : signage for PPE, machinery, hazard areas, chemicals, and escape routes.

• Public spaces : guiding the flow of people, escape routes, meeting points, and accident prevention in high-traffic areas.

How to choose the right safety signage

To ensure efficiency, the signage must be :

• Visible and legible , even from a distance.

• Standardized , following Portuguese and ISO standards.

• Updated , reflecting changes in the risks or layout of the space.

• Durable and resistant , suitable for environmental conditions (indoor or outdoor).

Conclusion

Safety signage in Portugal is an investment in safety, organization, and legal compliance . Commercial, work, or public environments that adopt clear and standardized signage reduce risks, protect people, and increase the confidence of customers and employees.