When is it appropriate to use a Danger, Warning, or Caution sign, tag or label when communicating workplace safety?
You may already know that OSHA requires certain safety communication (safety signs, labels, tags) throughout your facility. You may already know that OSHA even requires specific safety sign, tag and label headers to be used. But, did you know that certain OSHA headers are to be used in specific situations? Do you know when to use a certain OSHA signs, tags or labels?
Danger signs, labels and tags- Standard colors are red, black, and white. Danger signs, labels and tags shall be used in major hazard situations where an immediate hazard presents a threat of death or serious injury to employees. Danger signs, tags and labels shall be used only in these situations.
Caution Signs, labels and tags-Standard color of the background shall be yellow; and the panel, black with yellow letters. Any letters used against the yellow background shall be black. Caution signs, labels and tags shall be used in minor hazard situations where a non-immediate or potential hazard or unsafe practice presents a lesser threat of employee injury. Caution signs, labels and tags shall be used only in these situations.
Warning Signs, Labels and tags: A warning sign or label need not be posted at an individual tank, compartment or work space within a work area if the entire work area has been tested and certified: not safe for workers, not safe for hot work, and if the sign or label to this effect is posted conspicuously at each means of access to the work area.
Safety Instruction Signs: OSHA requires safety signs in places where there is a need for general instruction and safety measure suggestions. Required colors for this classification of sign are green and white, normally a green panel with white lettering. Where a white background is dominant on a safety sign, lettering must then be black.
Biological Hazard Signs: Biological hazard signs are used to warn against what OSHA defines as “infectious agents presenting a risk or potential risk to the well-being of man.” These signs are to be placed to warn of the actual or potential presence of a biohazard. Biological hazard signs can be used to identify dangerous containers, rooms, equipment or experimental animals that are or may be contaminated.
A quick note about signs…
All signs shall be furnished with rounded or blunt corners and shall be free from sharp edges, burrs, splinters, or other sharp projections. The ends or heads of bolts or other fastening devices shall be located in such a way that they do not constitute a hazard.
