Page:The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 (uksi 19960341 en).pdf/13

2.2. The stripes must be located so as to indicate the necessary safe distance between the vehicles and any object which may be near by, and between pedestrians and vehicles.

2.3. Permanent traffic routes in built-up areas outdoors should, as far as is practicable, be similarly marked, unless they are provided with suitable barriers or pavements.

PART VI
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ILLUMINATED SIGNS

1. Intrinsic features

1.1. The light emitted by a sign must produce a luminous contrast which is appropriate to its environment, in accordance with the intended conditions of use of the sign, but without producing glare for an excessive amount of light or poor visibility as a result of insufficient light.

1.2. The luminous area emitting a sign may be of a single colour or contain a pictogram on a specified background.

1.3. The single colour must correspond to the table of colours and their meanings set out in paragraph 4 of Part I.

1.4. Likewise, when the sign contains a pictogram, the latter must comply with all the relevant rules set out in Part II.

2. Specific rules governing use

2.1. If a device can emit both continuous and intermittent signs, the intermittent sign should be used to indicate a higher level of danger or a more urgent need for the requested/imposed intervention or action than is indicated by the continuous sign.

The duration of each flash and the frequency of the flashes of an intermittent illuminated sign must be such as to:

—ensure the proper perception of the message, and

—avoid any confusion either between different illuminated signs or with a continuous illuminated sign.

2.2. If a flashing sign is used instead of, or together with, an acoustic signal, identical codes must be used.

2.3. Devices for emitting flashing signs in the event of grave danger must be under special surveillance or be fitted with an auxiliary lamp.

PART VII
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ACOUSTIC SIGNALS

1. Intrinsic features

1.1. Acoustic signals must:

(a) have a sound level which is considerably higher than the level of ambient noise, so that it is audible without being excessive or painful;

(b) be easily recognizable, particularly in terms of pulse length and the interval between pulses or groups of pulses, and be clearly distinct from any other acoustic signal and ambient noises.

1.2. If a device can emit an acoustic signal at variable and constant frequencies, the variable frequency should be used to indicate a higher level of danger or a more urgent need for the requested/imposed intervention or action in relation to the stable frequency.

2. Code

The signal for evacuation must be continuous.

PART VIII
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR VERBAL COMMUNICATION

1. Intrinsic features

1.1. Verbal communication between a speaker or emitter and one or more hearers is to take the form of (sometimes coded) short texts, phrases, groups of words and/or individual words.

1.2. Spoken messages are to be as short, simple and clear as possible; the verbal skills of the speaker and the hearing abilities of the hearer(s) must be such as to ensure reliable verbal communication.

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