Unit 1: Safety signs

1) Match the signs with their names.

2) Complete the following chart. Classify the signs in act 1:

Prohibition Danger Mandatory actions

No entry
 The international language of
ISO graphical symbols
About ISO
ISO is the International Organization for Standardization.
It has a membership of 159 national standards bodies from countries large and
small, industrialized, developing and in transition, in all regions of the world.

The international language of ISO graphical symbols

Graphical symbols are vital for giving information when written words are not
adequate.
International Standards developed by ISO (International Organization for
Standardization) provide people all over the world with a coherent set of
graphical symbols to help overcome language and other barriers.

Shapes and colours of international safety signs

The general public will encounter safety signs in a variety of situations, including
in
workplaces, public areas and on products. The standardized colours and basic
shapes for
safety signs are therefore important in helping to ensure that the different types
of safety
signs, and the safety messages they convey, are easily recognizable.
In some cases, safety signs will be accompanied by additional signs or
supplementary text to help make the safety message clear.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. What do the letters ISO represent?
2. How many countries are members of this organization?
3. Why are graphical symbols vital?
4. Where can you find safety signs?
5. Complete the chart:

Type of sign
Colour
Shape
Message *
* prohibited – action required – hazard
GRAMMAR: MODAL VERBS
USE: Verbs like MUST, MIGHT, COULD are called “modal verbs”. They express:
 OBLIGATION:
You must wear a helmet
 PROHIBITION:
You mustn`t smoke in the workshop
 POSSIBILITY:
You could trap your hands in the gears
You could trip over the cables
FORM: We use the INFINITIVE after modal verbs

PRACTICE
A. Complete the instructions with the words in the box.

use a lighted match in this workshop

wash your hands after using these chemicals.

smoke in this factory.

wear safety boots when you lift this.

use mobile phones in the workshop.

wear ear protection when you use this machine.

B. Write these signs in another way

1 2 3 4

5 6

C. Match the symbols and the phrases in the box. Then write sentences using MIGHT or
COULD

injure your eyes get an electric shock slip

injure your hands if you touch this cold surface trap your hand in the gears
D. Read the WORKSHOP SAFETY RULES. Rewrite the rules using MODAL VERBS

WORKSHOP SAFETY RULES

1. Always listen carefully to the teacher and follow instructions.

2. Do not run in the workshop, you could ‘bump’ into another pupil and cause an
accident.
3. Know where the emergency stop buttons are positioned in the workshop. If you see
an accident at the other side of the workshop you can use the emergency stop button to
turn off all electrical power to machines.
4. Always wear an apron . It will protect your clothes.
5. Wear good strong shoes. Training shoes are not suitable.
6. Don´t bring bags into a workshop. People can trip over them.
7. Listen to all the instructions given by the teacher. Ask questions if you do not
understand.
8. Do not use a machine if you have not been shown how to operate it safely by the
teacher.
9. Always be patient, never rush in the workshop.
10. Always use a guard when working on a machine.
11. Keep hands away from moving/rotating machinery.
12. Report any damage to machines/equipment. This could cause an accident.