What does this sign mean?
A mandatory (blue) sign requiring self-contained breathing apparatus that supplies air from its own source, not a filtering mask. The solid blue circle with a white symbol is the ISO 7010 mandatory shape, an instruction to act, not a hazard warning, and M047 shows a full face mask connected to an air cylinder, used wherever the local atmosphere cannot be trusted.
Where does it go and when is it required?
Required at confined space entries such as tanks, pits and sewer chambers, in chlorine and ammonia storage rooms at water plants and factories, at the doors of gas-suppression protected rooms in data centres, in areas prone to toxic vapour release, and on emergency response equipment cabinets in industrial facilities.
Regulation notes: Civil Defense and occupational safety authorities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE expect a permit system for confined space entry with clear mandatory signage at the access points, as a condition of operating licences and approved emergency plans. In the UAE, practice under the OSHAD Code of Practice 17.0 is for Arabic to sit above English on safety signs.
- Mount at the access hatch or room door at eye level (1.5–1.7 m), so it is read before the cover is lifted or the door is opened.
- A4 on gas store doors and equipment cabinets; A3 at tank openings and main confined space entries.
- Add the entry permit number and control room phone to the organisation band, entering on breathing apparatus without a standby attendant and a rescue plan is still a breach, however correct the sign.
This sign is also known as: use breathing apparatus sign, SCBA required sign printable pdf, ISO 7010 M047 sign, breathing apparatus mandatory sign Arabic English. Shape and colours follow ISO 7010 / ISO 3864-1, reference M047.
