Let’s be honest, most safety signs mean well but fall short. Too often, they’re unreadable or inconvenient for people with disabilities. That’s not just poor design, it’s a legal problem. The Equality Act 2010 requires accessibility. It’s not optional. 

But here’s the good news: you don’t need to start from scratch. A few thoughtful tweaks, like bigger text, clearer colours, and tactile features, can make your space feel safer and more welcoming. Let us walk you through how. The use of Braille safety signs has grown in public spaces, with the Building Regulations 2010 requiring clear signage that includes Braille and tactile elements in certain public buildings, which means that those with visual impairments can safely navigate these places. 

Why Many Signs Miss the Mark 

Chances are, your building’s current signs were designed for the average person. Trouble is, there's no such thing. Here are some common pitfalls: 

  • Tiny fonts that don’t scale
    What looks fine up close can be unreadable for someone with vision challenges, especially from a distance. 

  • Weak colour contrast
    If text blends into the background, of course, it’s hard to read. In dim lighting or for people with colour vision issues, that’s a problem. 

  • No tactile options
    When signs rely only on visuals, someone who’s blind or sees poorly can’t access the information. 

Simple Fixes That Actually Help

Let’s make signs work smarter, not harder: 

  • Go big and bold with fonts.
    Sans-serif typefaces are cleaner and more readable. Size matters; give the letters room to breathe. 

  • Be bold with your choices.
    High contrast, like white on navy or black on yellow, helps information stand out. Swap out tricky combos like red on green. 

  • Pair words with pictures
    A symbol plus a short text spreads the meaning wide, across languages, ages, and reading levels. 

  • Add braille or raised letters.
    These are game-changers for folks relying on touch. Even a little raised text makes a big difference. 

  • Place signs where they work
    Aim for 1200–1600 mm from the floor, which works for both seated and standing people. And don’t hide them behind furniture or doors. 

Tailoring for Different Spaces 

Different environments call for different touches: 

  • Schools
    Kids learn in all sorts of ways. Keep signs in familiar spots, use simple visuals, and make sure messages guide, not confuse. 

  • Hospitals & clinics
    Anxiety, urgency, unfamiliar faces, this mix means signage must be clear and comforting, not confusing. 

  • Care homes
    For residents with dementia or cognitive issues, overly formal signage can be disorienting. Gentle language and soft tones work better. 

  • Transport hubs
    With lots of people, fast decisions, and fast feet, clear signage isn’t optional. It’s critical for smooth navigation and safe evacuation. 

Why Accessibility Matters 

Inclusive signage isn’t just ticking a legal box. It says: “Everyone matters here.” It changes how people feel, welcomed, seen, and safe. 

You don’t need to change everything at once. Spot the most important signs, exits, fire routes, hazards, and start there. Each update nudges your space toward being truly accessible. 

Need Help Getting Started? 

First Safety Signs designs signage that’s both compliant and human-friendly, from braille versions to pictogram safety signs and full wayfinding systems. We focus on clarity, inclusivity, and usability. 

If you want your space to feel safer and more welcoming for everyone, contact us today. A few thoughtful tweaks can go a long, long way.