Dangerous Substances (Notification and Marking of Sites) Regulations 1990
SI 1990/304•Status:CurrentAt a Glance
- Date Enacted
- 22 February 1990
- Enforcing Body
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE) / Fire and Rescue Authority
- Maximum Penalty
- Unlimited
- Jurisdiction
- England, Wales, Scotland
- Citation
- SI 1990/304
- Status
- Current
What This Means for You
The Dangerous Substances (Notification and Marking of Sites) Regulations 1990 (NAMOS) (SI 1990/304) aim to ensure that the presence of significant quantities of dangerous substances at a site is clearly indicated to emergency services and the public. The regulations require those in control of sites where specified dangerous substances are present above certain threshold quantities to notify the relevant enforcing authority (usually the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or, in some cases, the Fire and Rescue Authority) and to display appropriate warning signs. The purpose is to provide crucial information to firefighters and other emergency responders in the event of an incident, enabling them to take appropriate precautions and minimize risks. The regulations cover a wide range of dangerous substances, including flammable, toxic, and corrosive materials. The impact on workplace safety signage is significant, as it mandates the use of specific hazard warning signs conforming to BS 5378 (now largely superseded by ISO 7010, but the principles remain) and requires these signs to be prominently displayed at the perimeter of the site and at access points. Failure to comply can lead to significant penalties.
Key Provisions
Regulation 3NotificationFire authority notification required
Fire authority notification required
Regulation 3 - Notification
Fire authority notification required
Regulation 4Marking of sitesExclamation mark signs at site entrances
Exclamation mark signs at site entrances
Regulation 4 - Marking of sites
Exclamation mark signs at site entrances
Signage Requirements
- Hazard warning signs conforming to BS 5378 (or equivalent, now ISO 7010 principles) must be displayed.
- Signs must indicate the general nature of the hazard (e.g., flammable, toxic).
- Signs must be clearly visible and legible from a reasonable distance.
- Signs must be displayed at the perimeter of the site and at all normal points of access.
- Signs must be maintained in good condition and replaced if damaged or faded.
- The size and number of signs must be appropriate to the size and layout of the site and the nature of the hazard.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failure to display any warning signs at all.
- Displaying signs that are not of the correct size, shape, or color.
- Signs that are obscured by vegetation or other obstructions.
- Signs that are faded, damaged, or illegible.
- Failure to notify the enforcing authority of the presence of dangerous substances above the threshold quantities.
- Incorrect or incomplete notification information.
Practical Next Steps
- 1Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify all dangerous substances present on site and their quantities.
- 2Ensure that all employees are aware of the hazards present on site and the meaning of the warning signs.
- 3Regularly inspect and maintain all warning signs to ensure that they are in good condition and clearly visible.
- 4Keep accurate records of all dangerous substances stored on site, including their quantities and locations.
- 5Establish a clear emergency plan in case of an incident involving dangerous substances.
- 6Consult with a competent person to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't comply with NAMOS?
Where do I find the threshold quantities for dangerous substances?
What type of sign do I need to use?
Official Resources
Related Regulations
Safety Signs Regulations 1996
Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
The core signage regulation. Requires employers to provide safety signs where risks cannot be avoided or controlled by other means.
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Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
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Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
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Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (retained EU law)
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