When working, use personal protective equipment. - Enamel sign - Enamel, Iron

A commanding enamel safety sign from communist-era Bulgaria, produced between the 1960s and 1980s for exclusive use in state-controlled industrial environments. Signs like this were never commercially available — they were government-issued fixtures designed to enforce discipline across factories, workshops, and heavy industries.

With its deep navy-blue enamel background and bold white Cyrillic text, the message reads: “При работа използвай личните предпазни средства.” (“When working, use personal protective equipment.”). Unlike more general fire or smoking regulations, this instruction speaks directly to the worker, demanding individual accountability in a collective environment.

The color scheme sets it apart: while red was typically reserved for prohibitions and fire hazards, blue signs like this were rarer, used to enforce rules of conduct and personal safety. Measuring 50x30 cm. Its glossy enamel finish remains sharp, with crisp lettering and well-preserved mounting holes.

More than just a practical notice, this sign represents a snapshot of socialist industrial culture — where safety, obedience, and productivity were deeply intertwined. Its unusual color, commanding tone, and excellent preservation make it a distinctive piece among Bulgarian enamel signage.

A rare chance to acquire a visually striking and historically rich workplace safety sign from the Cold War era.