No L 229/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 7.9.77 COUNCIL DIRECTIVE of 25 July 1977 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the provision of safety signs at places of work (77/576/EEC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 100 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2), Whereas, in its resolution of 21 January 1974 * concerning a social action programme (%), the Council affirmed the need to improve safety and protection of health in places of work, as part of the improvement of living and working conditions; Whereas the freedom of movement of persons and services has considerably increased the risk ‘' of accidents at work and occupational diseases, in particular because of the differences in the organiza- tion of work within the Member States, the different languages and the resulting misunderstandings and errors; whereas these difficulties, which constitute an obstacle to the functioning of the common market, can be reduced by the introduction of 2 Community system of safety signs; Whereas the use of uniform safety signs has positive effects both for workers at places of work, inside or outside undertakings, and for other persons having access to such places; Whereas a Community system of safety signs can be effective only if it is ensured by means of unified provisions, if the presentation of the signs is as simple and striking as possible, if it makes the minimum use (1) OJ No C 178, 2. 8. 1976, p. 57. () OJ No C 278, 24. 11. 1976, p. 3. (3 OJ No C 13, 12. 2. 1974, p. 1. of explanatory texts and, furthermore, if those concerned receive full and repeated information thereon; Whereas technical progress and the future development of international methods of signposting require that safety signs be brought up to date; whereas, in order to facilitate the carrying out of the necessary measures with regard to Community signs, close collaboration should be instituted between the Member States and the Commission; whereas a Special Committee should be set up for the purpose, HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: Article 1 1. This Directive shall apply to safety signs at places of work. 2. This Directive shall not apply to: (a) signs used in rail, road, inland waterway, marine or air transport; (b) signs laid down for the placing of dangerous substances and preparations on the market; (c) coal mines. Article 2 1.  For the purposes of this Directive: (a) system of safety signs means a system of signs referring to a specific object or situation and providing safety information by means of a safety colour or sign; (b) safety colour means a colour to which a specific safety meaning is assigned;