A visual signal must be applied in such a way that anyone who sees it can recognise it and is able to react immediately to it. Beacons convey strong and vital messages in the colours they use. They deliver clear messages not only in their colour, but also in their position, place and time of use. Beacons allow people to become aware of their surroundings and any possible dangers that might be on-coming.
Knowing the meaning behind the available colours of beacons will allow you to determine their purpose for your next action, and if installing them, will allow you to choose the right colour for your application.
As a general rule:
Colour: Red.
The colour red is considered a powerful signal that can trigger an automatic message to any viewer. Red is usually associated with strong messages of danger, hazard and emergency situations. Red coloured beacons are mostly used to warn people to keep away from a dangerous area/situation. When used on safety/industrial equipment, red usually signifies a danger/emergency/fault situation.
Colour: Amber/Yellow.
The colour amber or yellow often triggers a person’s thoughts to slow down and be cautious. For this reason, amber colour beacons are used on slow moving vehicles, on construction sites, airports and in other establishments where there may be crowds, for increased awareness that caution is needed. When used on safety/industrial equipment, amber usually signifies a warning/caution required/abnormal situation.
Colour: Green.
The colour green offers people assurance that everything is under control. Green tends to indicate safety. It delivers a message that a particular situation is currently being handled, and that the area is safe. When used on safety/industrial equipment, green usually signifies a safe/normal situation.
Colour: Blue.
The colour blue is mostly used by emergency vehicles – for this reason blue beacons are not applicable to be used in certain places such as public roads. If you are not certain if a blue beacon is the right colour for your application, it’s best to check with your local authority who will advise further. When used on safety/industrial equipment, blue usually signifies a mandatory significance situation.
Colour: Clear.
Clear beacons are often used alongside other colour beacons and are generally used in offices and schools as an alternative indication. This indication is often left open to the end-users specific requirements. When used on safety/industrial equipment, again clear has no specific meaning assigned and is in place at the user’s specific request to add their own instruction.
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