Working with electrical installations requires responsibility, increased attention, and compliance with certain rules set out in regulatory documentation. Separate paragraphs are devoted to protective equipment, including electrical safety posters. What are they, what categories are they divided into and what are they intended for?
You will learn everything about posters that prescribe and prohibit activities during equipment repairs or electrical installations from our proposed article. We will tell you what types of posters are divided into and what shape they have. We list and describe the main and additional types of visual warnings.
Posters as means of protection
Brightly colored images with explanatory inscriptions or symbols are called posters or safety signs. They have a certain geometric shape: rectangular, triangular, square.
Posters are needed to warn both workers and bystanders about the potential hazards posed by electrical installation equipment. Some posters directly prohibit performing certain actions, others carry an informational load, others allow and order work.
To make posters or signs catch the eye, contrasting or signal colors and their combinations are used for the background and inscriptions: red/white, blue/white, black/white, black/yellow
The document applies to any means of protection used by organizations of various forms of ownership - both state enterprises and private property, especially if the voltage in electrical installations is above 1000 V.
The main document in which you can find information about posters and safety signs on electrical safety is SO 153-34.03.603-2003. It is called “Instructions for the use and testing of protective equipment used in electrical installations”
Workers involved in work in electrical installations must be provided with protective equipment, including posters, and explained how and where they should be used in order to ensure the safest possible working conditions. Portable signs must be part of the inventory that field teams are armed with.
Like other means of protection, signs and posters need to be properly stored and transported, and permanent ones must be in proper condition, that is, clean, dry, undamaged, with clearly readable inscriptions
Posters and signs are made in accordance with GOST. Unlike tools and clothing, they do not require markings and do not need to be numbered or otherwise marked.
Prescriptive
These signs/posters are also numbered according to GOST. These are two types of posters:
- 11. Prescribing to work in a specific place “Work here.”
- 12. Indicating a safe path to the “Get in here” work area.
They are made in black letters on a white background and bordered by a blue frame. It can also be a circle made in white on a light green background.
Groups of electrical safety posters
There are 13 posters and signs in total. According to the instructions, according to their intended purpose, they are divided into 4 types:
- prohibiting – to prohibit switching devices from turning on/off in order to eliminate the risk of supplying voltage to the work area;
- warning - to warn workers that live parts are nearby and protective equipment is required;
- prescriptive - for permission to work, but taking into account compliance with safety requirements;
- indicative - to indicate places where devices or objects are located (in particular, those related to grounding).
The second group is the largest. It includes 4 posters and 2 signs. There are no signs in other categories.
The sizes of signs, like posters, are regulated by GOST. Depending on the installation location (on the door, on the wall or on an electrical appliance), the dimensions may vary
Based on the nature of their use, posters are divided into 2 groups:
- permanent (this also includes signs);
- portable.
All types of posters are made exclusively from electrical insulating materials, but permanent signs can be applied with spray paint or a brush to metal and concrete surfaces - walls, parts of structures. Metal parts with marked marks must be kept away from live circuits and devices.
And now in more detail about the types of electrical safety posters.
Group #1 – prohibiting
The category includes four signs, united by the same purpose, rectangular shape and the use of a red and white color scheme.
DO NOT TURN ON people working
A rectangular portable poster, which is used at construction sites and at electrical installation sites (up to 1000 V and above) in order to protect the workplace from voltage supply.
The background is white, the letters are red. Along the perimeter of the rectangle, at a distance of 1.25 mm from the edge, there is a red stripe 5 mm wide for a 100x50 mm poster and 10 mm wide for a 200x100 mm poster.
Installation locations:
- wires of switches and disconnectors;
- switches and automatic machines up to 1000 V;
- remote control control buttons.
If a circuit with voltages up to 1000 V does not include switching devices, remove the fuses before starting work, and hang a poster near their installation site.
DO NOT ENABLE line work
A portable poster similar in design informs that people are working on the line, so supplying voltage is prohibited.
The background is red, the letters are white. Along the perimeter of the rectangle there is a white border 1.25 mm wide from the edge, the size of the posters is 100x50 mm or 200x100 mm
The purpose is the same as the first poster in the group - prohibition of actions with switching devices: buttons and switch levers, drives that supply voltage to the power cable with which installers work.
DO NOT OPEN people are working
A poster announcing the prohibition of actions that result in the supply of gas or compressed air.
The background is white, the letters are red. Along the perimeter of the rectangle, at a distance of 1.25 mm from the edge, a red stripe 5 mm wide is drawn. Poster size 200x100 mm
The poster is used at power plants and substations, in areas where electrical installations are located, so that gas or compressed air is not accidentally supplied to people performing electrical installation or repair work.
Installation locations:
- air duct valves;
- pipeline valves.
If you operate a switch or disconnector, move a valve or turn a valve, compressed air or gas (carbon dioxide, hydrogen, etc.) can cause harm to the health of electricians.
OPERATION UNDER VOLTAGE Do not switch on again
A portable poster prohibiting reactivation. Relevant for high-voltage line switches operating in automatic mode. If the line is automatically disconnected by a differential device or RCD, it can be switched on only after agreement with the maintenance personnel.
The background is white, the letters are red. Along the perimeter of the rectangle, at a distance of 1.25 mm from the edge, a red stripe 5 mm wide is drawn. Poster size 100x50 mm
The poster is hung on the control levers of the high-voltage line during repair work that involves supplying voltage.
Group #2 – warning
The group includes four posters in a red and white color scheme and two triangular signs with the image of a lightning bolt (arrow).
CAUTION ELECTRICAL VOLTAGE
A bright yellow sign warns that an electrical hazard exists and is posted or painted where live lines and devices are installed.
The background is yellow, the arrow and the border around the perimeter are black. The side size of the sign for doors is 30 cm, for equipment – from 2.5 to 15 cm. Design is regulated by GOST R 12.4.026
This is a permanent sign that can most often be found at substations and power plants.
Installation locations:
- entrance doors of control chambers, transformers and switch chambers;
- doors of electrical panels with voltage up to 1000 V;
- fencing structures of industrial premises, workshops of enterprises, repair areas.
For populated areas - villages, towns, cities, ports, agricultural enterprises, railway stations, beaches, etc., the same version of the sign is used.
The sign is mounted on metal or wooden supports of high-voltage lines at a height of 2.5-3 m from the ground surface. If the distance between the supports is more than 100 m, as well as when crossing the road, the sign must hang on each support. If the spans are less than 100 m, then it is hung not on each support, but through one.
CAUTION ELECTRICAL VOLTAGE
Like the previous sign, it warns of the risk of electric shock. The design is the same, but the background color is different.
The background is white, the arrow and the border around the perimeter are black. The side size of the sign is from 2.5 to 30 cm. Design is regulated by GOST R 12.4.026
A permanent sign designed specifically for placement on reinforced concrete supports and concrete fences of outdoor switchgear.
STOP voltage
A portable rectangular poster warning of the dangers of electric shock.
The background is white, the letters are black, the arrow and stripe are red. A strip 15 mm wide is drawn along the perimeter of the rectangle at a distance of 1.25 mm from the edge. The arrow image is regulated by GOST R 12.4.026. Poster size – 300x150 mm
The poster is intended for use in substations and power plants.
Installation locations:
- temporary fencing for live devices and lines;
- barriers placed in aisles;
- permanent fencing of cells adjacent to the working area.
In switchgears located on the street, the poster is hung on cords that serve as fencing, as well as on structures made of wood, concrete or metal located close to live lines.
TEST is life threatening
A portable poster used during test work - when high voltage is applied and there is a threat to health.
The background is white, the letters are black, the arrow and stripe are red. A strip 15 mm wide is drawn along the perimeter of the rectangle at a distance of 1.25 mm from the edge. The arrow image is regulated by GOST R 12.4.026. Poster size – 300x150 mm
The poster is hung before carrying out work on testing high voltage lines. It is mounted on equipment or enclosing structures with the inscription facing outward.
Danger! Keep out
A portable poster that warns of the risk of electric shock when climbing on structures or devices.
The background is white, the letters are black, the arrow and stripe are red. A strip 15 mm wide is drawn along the perimeter of the rectangle at a distance of 1.25 mm from the edge. The arrow image is regulated by GOST R 12.4.026. Poster size – 300x150 mm
Usually the poster is hung not on a structure with a staircase leading to a workplace located at a height, but on an adjacent one.
DANGEROUS ELECTRIC FIELD without protective equipment, passage is prohibited
The poster is permanent and prohibits staying near the electric field without protective equipment. If this requirement is not followed, there is a risk of electric shock.
The background is white, the letters are red. Along the perimeter of the rectangle, at a distance of 1.25 mm from the edge, a 10 mm red stripe is drawn. Poster size 200x100 mm
The poster is intended for outdoor electrical devices with voltages above 330 kV.
Installation locations:
- routes along which distribution devices are bypassed;
- workplaces located near an electric field.
A prohibitory poster is hung at a height of 1.5-2 m either on a fence or on a specially installed pole.
Group #3 – prescriptive
Signs in this group do not prohibit or warn, but serve to indicate places of work. They are distinguished by their square shape and blue and white color scheme.
WORK here
The prescription is obvious - a specific place for the repair team or maintenance personnel to work is indicated.
The background is white, the letters are black. A blue stripe is drawn along the perimeter of the square, at a distance of 1.25 mm from the edge. Size – 100x100 mm, 250x250 mm
A portable poster is hung at substations and power plants to indicate workplaces. If the switchgear is located on the street, the best installation location is in the area of passage behind the fence.
CLIMB HERE
The regulation defines where you need to climb to a high-lying workplace to avoid danger.
The background is white, the letters are black. A blue stripe is drawn along the perimeter of the square, at a distance of 1.25 mm from the edge. Poster size 100x100 mm, 250x250 mm
Installation sites are stationary ladders or other structures specially designated for safe ascent to the workplace.
Group #4 – index
In this group there is only one portable poster indicating the prohibition of supplying electric current to a separate grounded section of the device or electrical installation.
GROUNDED
The poster is relevant for power plants or substations; it is mounted on switches, drives and remote keys that regulate the supply of electricity to grounded areas.
The background is blue, the letters are white. Along the perimeter of the rectangle there is a white border 1.25 mm wide. Poster size 100x50 mm and 200x100 mm
In addition to standard posters, it is allowed to hang larger ones if the equipment in electrical installations is large in size. The dimensions are regulated by the same GOST R 12.4.026.
Prohibiting
These types of electrical safety posters include four types:
- Prohibition on switching on switching equipment responsible for powering electrical installations. The inscription is made in bright paint on a white background and is framed.
- Prohibition on connecting power lines. It's a red sign with white letters.
- Prohibition on the use of shut-off valves and the supply of working fluid into the pipeline. It is written in red letters on a white background and is also framed by a red frame.
- Prohibition on activating the switching mode after disconnecting the power line. Made in red letters on a white background in a red frame. Placed on power supply switches on transmission lines that are currently being repaired.
Prohibition signs have sizes of 100*50 mm, 200-100 mm or 50*100 mm. Such means impose a direct ban on any manipulation of electrical devices.
Other posters and signs
In addition to the protective equipment from regulatory documents that are mandatory for use, there are a number of “amateur” type signs and posters. They are not mandatory, but are used to prohibit or permit certain actions with electrical equipment.
Some of them are informational and report on the technical characteristics of a line or electrical installation.
A version of a sign that reports the voltage in the network or in an electrical installation is 380 V. Today you can also find three-phase 380 V circuits in private homes
Others are variations of statutory posters and contain a prohibition or warning.
Some posters can be classified as educational. They are hung not in workplaces associated with danger, but in utility rooms, classrooms, offices - as additional educational material.
The information posted on the poster can be useful not only to workers involved in electrical installations, but also to ordinary people.
Sometimes they try to attract attention, partially using the rules for designing posters and adding something of their own:
Image gallery
Photo from
Combination of several posters
High voltage warning
Announcement in the power line area
Image of a skull on a poster
Sometimes the signs are humorous. But the main thing is that they perform the main function - they warn or prohibit.
After reading the information on the sign, it is unlikely that anyone will want to relieve themselves in a secluded corner - both health and nature will remain safe
There are no prohibitions on the placement of posters made in loose or imprecise design. The principle “more is better” applies here, since we are talking about preserving the health and lives of people.
Classification
Safety signs can be seen in the form of portable signs, posters, stencils, as well as symbols printed on the surface of the electrical installation body or fence. It is important to understand the meaning inherent in them - protection. They require appropriate behavior where they are established; they symbolize rules that cannot be violated under any circumstances.
All electrical safety signs shown in the photo are standardized in size. The text may vary depending on the scope and purpose.
When they are applied to the housing or enclosure of an electrical installation, they are subject to specific requirements.
Resistance to any atmospheric influences and mechanical damage (non-erasability) after applying paint to the surface is a prerequisite.
Depending on their purpose, all safety signs are divided into the following types:
- Stationary;
- Pointing;
- Prohibiting;
- Prescriptive;
- Portable;
- Warning.
conclusions
When carrying out complex and dangerous repair or inspection work on high-voltage lines, in electrical installations and other areas where there is a danger of electric shock, warning and prohibition signs must be posted to prevent accidents.
This will help not only to clear the desired area from strangers, but will also prevent accidents at work. Posters must be designed in accordance with GOST standards and current legislation.
Such signs must be hung and displayed strictly before the start of hazardous work and in visibility so that the information is available to everyone nearby.
Tags: machine, sconce, view, harm, choice, house, , sign, cable, like, , magnet, voltage, variable, transfer, constant, potential, wire, start, , work, size, repair, switch, row, light , network, means, term, ten, type, current, transformer, triangle, , installation, photo, shield, electricity
Warning
Warning signs and posters are used to inform a person about approaching an area that is energized. This type of safety signs includes:
- “Don’t get in! He will kill." Warns a person that when lifting, it is possible to approach elements that are under dangerous voltage.
- "Trial! Danger to life." Such a poster must be hung at the workplace when testing high-voltage equipment. The installation location is the fencing of this very workplace. The caption warns that there is a possibility of electric shock.
- “Stop! Voltage". Surely each of you has seen this poster on electrical installations and understands what it warns about.
- "Carefully! Electrical voltage." The safety sign is made in the form of a triangle with equal sides. It is used for installation on the doors of substations, power plants and electrical installations, as shown in the photo below.
Pointing
This category of safety signs includes only one poster, with the inscription “grounded”. It indicates that this electrical equipment is connected to a grounding conductor and it is strictly prohibited to supply power to it from power supply systems.
We have reviewed almost all the posters, signs and inscriptions that are used to ensure human safety when carrying out various work on electrical installations. Below we will provide information about the features of the manufacture and use of these products, which provide protection to people from electric shock.
