- In general, there are three different types of signs for which OSHA designates color. The first are DANGER sign, which must be predominantly red, with letters and symbols in a contrasting color. CAUTION signs need to predominantly yellow, and SAFETY INSTRUCTION signs should be white. All signs must include a signal word, such as DANGER, and a message. The message needs to be specific about the hazardous condition or the safety instructions. The message can include pictographs, written text or both.
- OSHA sign requirements are specific--right down to the sign itself. All signs must have rounded or blunt corners with no sharp edges, splinters or other hazards. The bolts used to hang the sign should not be positioned in such a way to cause a safety hazard.
- OSHA sign requirements designate that danger signs should be used when there is an immediate hazard. Danger signs are required to be red at the top with the word DANGER in capital letters and then a white panel below with short description of the danger, such as "Falling Debris." Caution signs are used to warn employees about potential hazards or unsafe work practices. These need to be yellow with the word CAUTION at the top, with a lower panel for additional information, for example "Eye Protection Required." Safety Instruction signs should have a white background and the lower panel, green with white letters. Any letters used against a white background should be black.
- OSHA signs also requirements address accident prevention tags. Like signs, they need warn employees of hazards, and must have a signal word and a message, but are more temporary in nature and can be made of paper or cardboard. They can be a way of warning employees about a hazard such as defective tools and equipment, with a message like "Do Not Use." The tag can be removed once the hazard is fixed or removed. Tags do not have to be used if there is a sign present, but OSHA regulations stipulate that tags cannot be used as a substitute for a sign when the hazard is long-term in nature.
- OSHA sign regulations for biological hazard signs and tags are unique in that they must include the official "biohazard" symbol. These signs and tags are to be used to signal the presence, or potential presence, of a biological hazard. A biological hazard is defined by OSHA regulations as "those infectious agents presenting a risk of death, injury or illness to employees." These signs and tags can be used to identify everything from a small container to an entire room to animals used in experiments.
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