What's the first thing you think of when you imagine a red sign? The odds are good that you picture an octagon-shaped "Stop" sign or a triangular "yield" sign.
We all associate certain colors with specific uses, so it's no surprise OSHA and ANSI have identified a number of safety colors for consistency among visual communication in workplaces throughout the United States.
OSHA outlines two broad requirements for safety colors in its standard for safety color codes (29 CFR 1910.144). The standard maintains that red and yellow must be used for marking physical hazards.
At right is a quick look at the most common colors, what each communicates, and where to use them.
Red is universally recognized for identifying the most serious hazards, as well as fire hazards and fire equipment. Safety signs that comply with the ANSI Z535 standard use red for "Danger" signs and labels that warn when death or serious injury is almost certain to occur if the hazard is not avoided.
In addition to "Danger" signs, here are other scenarios where red should be used:
Orange identifies dangerous machines or equipment that may crush, cut, shock, or injure workers in other ways. Orange is used on "Warning" signs and labels when a hazard may result in death or serious injury, but when the overall risk isn't severe enough for a "Danger" sign.
The following scenarios may call for orange signs and labels:
Much like the OSHA standard for safety colors, ANSI recognizes yellow as a color for communicating hazards that may lead to worker injuries if not avoided. Most commonly, these signs warn against unsafe practices.
Here are a few situations where yellow signs and labels should be used:
Green is reserved for general safety signs, which offer safety-related messages that don't touch on specific workplace hazards.
Green signs should:
Blue communicates information unrelated to personal injuries and other hazards (most commonly on "Notice" signs). It is most commonly associated with maintenance work and other safety precautions.
Blue signs may:
Learn the basics behind effective visual communication with Duralabel Best Practice Guide to OSHA Safety Signs. The free resource explains the relevant OSHA and ANSI standards, breaks down the different sign classifications, and helps employers create safety signs specific to their workplace needs. Download below.