Rules, legislation and certificates in signage
What you may, must and should have under control
Sign technician is not an authorized profession in the same way as, for example, electrician or plumber — so you don't need a special state license to make a sign. But the work touches on several areas where specific rules apply, and where the right certificates and cards make you both legal and much more employable. Here are the most important ones.
§The education's own rules.
The education itself is laid down in an education regulation and an education order which describe aims subjects and tests. It is the professional committee for the trade — rooted in the painter trade's joint committee — that together with the authorities keeps the rules up to date. For you it means that content is the same regardless of where in the country you study and that the journeyman's certificate has the same value throughout Denmark.
§Work at height
Many signs sit on facades gables and high poles. Therefore sign technicians often work in lifts on scaffolds or on ladders. Here occupational health and safety legislation's rules on work at height apply and it is common to take a lift certificate (proof that you are allowed to operate a personnel lift). Some companies also expect you to document safe use of fall protection.
- 01Lift certificate / lift card to operate passenger lifts
- 02Training in fall protection and safe access at heights
- 03Knowledge of the rules on scaffolding and ladders
§On and by the road
If a sign is to go up close to a road or you work in a lift facing traffic there may be requirements for marking and signing of the work site. Larger signs along public roads may also require permission from the municipality or road authority. As an installer you need to know the limits of what can be put up where — and when a building permit or exemption is necessary.
§Chemistry, foil and printing
You work with ink, solvents, glue and cleaning agents. Here apply the rules for safe handling of chemicals: you must be able to read a safety data sheet, use the right personal protective equipment and ensure ventilation. It is part of your training — and something the employer must ensure the framework for.
§Driving license and transport
Some assembly work happens at the customer's premises so a regular driving license is a clear advantage and often a requirement. If you drive heavier materials or with a trailer there may be need for associated driving license categories. Ask your workplace what they expect.
“A nice sign is only half — it must also be installed legally and safely.”