Plain-language guides to South African safety signs, road signs and road markings – what each sign means, where it goes and how to choose the right size and material. Every guide links straight to the products.
Sign guides
Safety signs explained
The five SANS 1186 sign groups – prohibition, mandatory, warning, information and fire – plus glow-in-the-dark signs, and how to place them at work.
Read the guide →Road signs explained
R1 control, R100 command, R200 prohibition and R300 reservation signs, the W100–W400 warning series, temporary signs, sizes and reflective grades.
Read the guide →Road markings
Line marking, parking bays, arrows and pedestrian crossings – what we do and how to get a price.
Road markings →Articles
Safety signs at work
What every South African business should have on its walls, doors and floors.
Read →Roadworks and construction sites
Getting temporary signage right before the first cone goes down.
Read →Services
Construction site signs
Site boards, A-frames and temporary road signs for contractors.
Construction signs →SABS safety signs by group
Workplace safety signs follow SANS 1186: the colour and shape tell people what kind of message it is before they read a word. Read the guide →
Prohibition signs (PV)
Red circle with a diagonal bar – shows what is not allowed, such as smoking, open flames or unauthorised entry.
Mandatory signs (MV)
Solid blue circle with a white symbol – an instruction that must be followed, like wearing ear, eye or foot protection.
Hazard warning signs (WW)
Yellow triangle with a black border – warns of a danger close by, such as electricity, forklifts or slippery floors.
General information signs (GA)
Green square or rectangle – points the way to safety: emergency exits, first aid, eyewash and assembly points.
Fire fighting signs (FB)
Red square – shows where fire equipment is kept: extinguishers, hose reels, alarm call points and fire doors.
Photoluminescent signs
Glow-in-the-dark versions that stay readable when the lights go out – essential on escape routes and stairwells.
Road signs by SARTSM series
South African road signs follow the SA Road Traffic Signs Manual (SARTSM, aligned with SADC-RTSM). Pick the series first, then the size and reflective grade for the road. Read the guide →
R1 series – control
Stop, yield and similar signs that decide who has right of way at intersections and crossings.
R100 series – command
Blue circular signs telling drivers what they must do, such as keep left or proceed straight only.
R200 series – prohibition
Red-ring signs for speed limits and things drivers may not do: no entry, no U-turn, no stopping or parking.
R300 series – reservation
Reserve a lane, bay or area for certain users – buses, people with disabilities, loading or taxis.
W100 series – road layout
Warn drivers of junctions, merging lanes and other changes in the layout of the road ahead.
W200 series – direction of movement
Warn of curves, bends and changes in direction so drivers can slow down in time.
W300 series – symbolic
Picture warnings for people, animals and other hazards: pedestrians, children, cattle, speed humps.
W400 series – hazard markers
Chevron boards and hazard plates that mark sharp curves, obstructions and the edge of the road.
Temporary construction signs
Movable A-frame signs for roadworks, construction sites and events – set up and taken down as needed.
Not sure which sign you need?
Send us a photo or a short description – we will tell you which sign, size and grade fits and quote you the same day.
