The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) was established "to ensure employee safety and health in the United States by working with employers and employees to create better working environments."
OSHA continues to strive towards making the workplace as safe as possible-much of it through visual communication.
The following is a transcript of the Compliant OSHA Safety Signs Infographic:
What are the rules for safety signs? What's required?
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/NEMA Z535 (2017).
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.
A clear and consistent format is key to quick recognition and understanding.
Is it a Hazardous Situation?
When choosing what a sign will say, make your message clear, direct, and readable.
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:
(Triangle) Hazard Alert
(Circle) Mandatory
(Circle with Slash) Prohibited
(Square) Information
Meet industry standards and comply with OSHA regulations with DuraLabel' free OSHA Safety Signs Guide.