Signs can be three-dimensional shapes instead of flat. Bright-colored cone shapes warn that the floor is uneven. When the danger is from fire and smoke, or the power is off, fluorescent tape stripes on a floor can guide you outside.

10safety signsand symbols

OSHA defines signs as “the warnings of hazards, temporarily or permanently affixed or placed, at locations where hazards exist.” Danger signs must only be used where an immediate hazard exists. Their appearance is specified by OSHA.

Black and white are used to give instructions for housekeeping or to mark boundaries such as traffic aisles, stairways, and directional signs.

10safety signsand their meanings

And remember, things change around here. Just because there was no sign yesterday does not mean there won’t be one today. New materials are being introduced into the work area.

Safety signsand symbols with names

Red stands for danger. It identifies immediate hazards that will cause serious injury or death. Red also indicates the location of fire equipment and emergency exits.

Safety signs warn us of hazards that we might not already know about. Reading and heeding all signs is vital to your continued safety and the safety of others.

Many accidents occur simply because a worker failed to pay attention to an obvious warning sign. Others are injured because someone forgets to post a sign. A simple, commonsense approach to warning signs can prevent many accidents.

OSHAsafety signsPDF

Safety signs are too important to be ignored. They provide us with vital hazard information in a number of ways; through colors, words, and pictures. Signs tell you where the hazards are and how to protect against the danger. Safety signs come in all sizes, colors, and shapes. Knowing what these signs mean and following their instructions is the key to safety.

For signs to be effective the graphics must be understandable and words must be easy to read with good contrast between background and lettering. They must also be in the language of those who are expected to people who need to see them, whether walking or driving past.

Workplacesafety signsand symbols pdf

Special signs are used just for biological hazards and radiation hazards. The biological hazard (biohazard) sign is fluorescent orange or orange-red with letters or symbols in a contrasting color.

Blue signifies general information, such as notices about safety rules and procedures. For example: “Notice: Keep Area Clean.”

Yellow signals caution. Yellow is linked to physical hazards that could cause minor or moderate injury. It’s often used to mark hazards that could cause someone to slip, trip, or fall. Examples: “Caution: Forklift Traffic. Keep Clear,” or “Caution: Keep Hands Clear.”

Signs should also be maintained so they are accurate and easy to read. Signs can be obscured by dirt, poor lighting, or placement of materials. Placement is important so it is clear where the hazard is or what the arrows are pointing to.

Orange means warning. Orange signs points to hazards that could cause serious injury or even death if you fail to take safety precautions. Examples: “Warning: Construction Area” or “Warning: Biohazard.”