HOW TO MAKE A CLEAR & COMPLIANT OSHA SAFETY SIGN
OSHA & ANSI
Decades ago, OSHA created a rule for consistent safety signage in the workplace: 29 CFR §1910.145.
This regulation describes types of signs for preventing accidents and injuries.
Originally, the rule referred to the approach used in an industry standard called ANSI Z53 (1967).
Since then, that industry standard has been revised many times; the CURRENT VERSION is ANSI Z535 (2023).
OSHA lets employers follow newer editions of a referenced standard whenever that will provide equal or better protection for workers.
Industry experts recommend keeping facility signs clear and up-to-date using this most recent standard.
1. PARTS OF A SAFETY SIGN
A clear and consistent format is key to quick recognition and understanding.
Diagram labels:
- SIGNAL WORD PANEL (HEADER)
- SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
- SIGNAL WORD
- MESSAGE PANEL
- SYMBOL or PICTOGRAM
- MESSAGE TEXT
Example sign text:
WARNING
Confined Space
Enter by permit only.
2. CHOOSING A SIGN HEADER
Each header indicates a level of urgency, so workers know what’s important.
Flow chart text:
- HAZARDOUS SITUATION → YES → POTENTIAL ACCIDENT → YES → (severity levels)
- WILL CAUSE DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY → YES → DANGER
- MAY CAUSE DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY → YES → WARNING
- MAY CAUSE MINOR OR MODERATE INJURY → YES → CAUTION
- MAY CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE → YES → NOTICE
- HAZARDOUS SITUATION → NO → SAFETY NOTICE
- POTENTIAL ACCIDENT → NO → NOTICE
Header examples shown:
- DANGER
- WARNING
- CAUTION
- NOTICE
- SAFETY NOTICE
3. WRITING A MESSAGE
When choosing what a sign will say, make your message clear, direct, and readable.
Example sign text:
DANGER
KEEP AWAY
High pressure pipe
may cause severe
injury or death.
Message guidelines:
- Most Urgent Information First
- Direct Instructions
- Simple Phrasing
- Sentence-Style Capitalization
- Left-Aligned Text
- Sans-Serif Font (like Arial or Helvetica)
4. SYMBOLS AND PICTOGRAMS
The right image can clarify or support a sign’s message.
Choose a symbol that’s easy to recognize and relates directly to the most important information on a sign. If a specific hazard is present or specific PPE is needed, show it with an image.
Optionally, a symbol can appear with a surrounding shape. These shapes have useful meanings:
- HAZARD ALERT
- MANDATORY
- PROHIBITED
- INFORMATION
Label callout:
Example sign text:
WARNING
Construction Area.
Hard hat and ear protection required beyond this point.
Product callout:
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DuraLabel Industrial Sign & Label Print Systems
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Meet industry standards and comply with OSHA regulations
with DuraLabel’s free OSHA Safety Signs Guide:
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