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Sunday, January 11, 2026
Sign of the Day
emergency stop device
The BSL sign for "emergency stop device" uses a dominant S-hand (fist) with a short, firm, downward or inward thrust in neutral space. This mimics pressing an urgent stop button
B1 Uncommon Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Technical
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Dominant hand forms a tight fist (S-hand)
Short, firm, abrupt downward or inward thrust
Workplace safety, machinery operation, warning
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
Use the numbered steps first, then check the sign anatomy cards to clean up the small details that make the sign look fluent instead of approximate.
How to form the sign
- Form a tight S-hand (fist) with your dominant hand
- Position hand in neutral space, in front of your torso, palm forward/down
- Execute a short, firm, abrupt downward or inward thrust
- Add tense facial expression for urgency
Coach prompt
Imagine a red button. Sign the rapid thrust
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant hand forms a tight fist (S-hand) · Code S-hand
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Forward or downward
Eyebrows
Furrowed
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Pah or Pow for abruptness/impact
Body shift
Slight forward lean for emphasis
Use It Today
Move from recognition to real-life use
Everything below is designed to make the sign sticky: where it feels natural, what learners miss, and how to use it without sounding robotic.
[en] Press the emergency stop device
Emphasizes urgency and immediate cessation of action
Best fit: Workplace safety, machinery operation, warning
Mirror focus
Imagine a red button. Sign the rapid thrust
Catch the slip
Ensure your fist is tight and the movement is sharp and decisive
Use it today
[en] Press the emergency stop device
Common mistakes: Not making the thrust abrupt enough, incorrect handshape
When not to use it: General stop or pause situations
Regional note: Minimal, widely understood
Cultural note: Safety signs are crucial in industrial/technical BSL contexts
1.[en] Press the emergency stop! / BSL:[Sign for "press" then "emergency stop device"]
2.[en] Where is the emergency stop? / BSL:[Sign for "where" then "emergency stop device"]
3.[en] Machine has an emergency stop. / BSL:[Sign for "machine" then "emergency stop device"]
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Word web
E-stop
kill switch
panic button
Start button
engage
Stop
emergency
button
machine
danger
Stop
emergency
danger
machine
button
safety
This sign, using an S-hand with an abrupt thrust, differs from general "STOP" which typically uses a B-hand palm-to-palm contact, signifying general cessation. It is distinct from "BUTTON" (often G-hand poking a surface) as "emergency stop device" implies a specific, forceful, and critical action. The S-hand and forceful movement convey urgency and finality not present in a casual button press
Safety
machinery
warning
immediate action
BSL emergency stop
stop button sign
safety device BSL
safety
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