Signs aid in the prevention of workplace accidents. With clear, effective visual communication, employers may see fewer accidents and injuries, greater productivity, and safe behavior throughout their facility. This is especially true in dangerous locations like job sites.
Sign Requirements
Some of the requirements according to OSHA’s guidelines for signs which warn of hazards, 29 CFR 1910.145, includes:
- Using standard sign and label colors
- Placing signs in the proper locations
- Including signal words (such as “Danger” and “Caution”)
- Using the correct text style and size
Classification of Safety Signs
OSHA has defined three primary severity levels for safety signs:
Danger signs indicate the most serious dangers where death or serious injury is virtually certain and where special precautions must be followed. The word “DANGER” is in white letters on a red background, preceded by the safety alert symbol – an exclamation point inside a triangle.
Warning signs are placed when a hazard may result in death or serious damage, but not to the point where a danger sign is necessary. The “WARNING” signal word is printed on an orange background and preceded by a safety alert symbol.
Caution signs are present when minor or moderate injuries may occur. The “CAUTION” signal word is printed in black on a yellow background header on caution signs, followed by a safety alert symbol.
Other Important Signs
Notice signs display information about a machine, building, region, or equipment. These signs describe processes, maintenance instructions, rules, and regulations which have nothing to do with personal injuries.
General safety signs provide a public safety message. They typically cover health, medical equipment, sanitation, first aid, housekeeping, and safety measures.
Admittance signs are placed in restricted areas to warn people of the dangers and consequences of entering.
Fire safety signs are installed to indicate the location of emergency firefighting gear and fire exits.
Installing Safety Signs
OSHA also has requirements for sign placement.
- The signs must be placed as close to the hazard as possible.
- The signal word must be legible from at least five feet away.
- Signs should always be visible where employees can see them and take the necessary precautions before being exposed to any danger.
- Safety signs should have rounded or blunt corners without sharp edges, burrs, or splinters.
- Signs should not block potential hazards behind them.
- Signs should never be obstructed by objects, equipment, or product inventory.
Contact our team of sign professionals at FASTSIGNS® of Sacramento/Natomas Airport Area, CA. We look forward to helping make custom safety signs for your job sites.
