Best Practice Guide to

OSHA Safety Signs

A Graphic Products Library Resource

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CONTENTS
IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY SIGNS  ��������������������������������������� 2

OSHA COMPLIANCE & SAFETY  ������������������������������������������ 3

Improve Safety & Morale
National Standards
Changes to ANSI Z535 Safety Sign Code

OSHA COMPLIANT SAFETY SIGNS & LABELS  ������������������� 4

SIGN CLASSIFICATIONS  ������������������������������������������������������  5

Primary Hazard Classifications
Secondary Hazard Classifications
General Safety Signs
Non-Hazard Signs
During OSHA inspections that follow industrial accidents, facilities
2 are often cited for a lack of proper hazard communication. Discontinued Signal Word Panels

OSHA & ANSI SIGN CLASSIFICATION TABLE  ��������������������� 8

SAFETY SYMBOLS  ���������������������������������������������������������������  9

Safety Symbols
Surround Shapes

FACILITY EVALUATION  �����������������������������������������������������   10

CREATING YOUR OWN SAFETY SIGNS  ����������������������������� 11

Signal Word Panel
Safety Symbol
Message Panel
Tools for Sign Creation

SIGN & LABEL MAINTENANCE  ����������������������������������������� 13

Damaged or illegible labels can cause hazards and need to be SUMMARY  ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 13
10 replaced.
FACILITY-WIDE SAFETY SIGN INSPECTION  ��������������������� 14

Content may have been updated to reflect the latest codes,

standards, and regulations or to address any errors or omissions.
For the most up to date edition, visit: [Link]/guides

This document contains information derived from sources we deem reliable. Graphic Products, Inc. has made reasonable efforts to ensure correctness but
does not guarantee accuracy or completeness. Graphic Products makes no warranties express or implied regarding the contained subject matter. Contents are
subject to change without notice. Graphic Products disclaims liability for injury, damage, or loss arising from reliance on the information contained herein. Users
of this information should independently consult municipal, state, or federal code and/or verify information with the appropriate regulatory agency.
IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY SIGNS
Workplace incidents cause countless injuries and cost billions in downtime, workers’ compensation claims, and OSHA fines each
year. Much of this, however, can be prevented with clear, compliant visual communication. The following pages will help evaluate
your facility signage so you can improve safety and comply with OSHA regulations.

Workers are routinely injured on the job when visual Employers would be wise to take heed of heavier fines
communication isn’t posted or doesn’t clearly warn of for noncompliance with OHSA standards and regulations;
workplace hazards. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the agency’s fines had remained largely stagnant for
recorded 5,190 work-related fatalities in 2016, the highest a quarter century, but that changed in 2016. OSHA
number of workplace deaths in eight years. The agency also increased maximum penalties by nearly 80% in 2016, the
recorded 2.9 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses that organization’s first such increase since 1990. Employers
year—nearly 8,000 every day. may now face fines of up to $12,471 for serious violations
(up from $7,000) and $124,709 for willful or repeat
violations (up from $70,000).

Given the sobering statistics and heavy fines, employers

must take steps to provide a safer, more secure workplace.

Whenever possible, employers should eliminate any and

all workplace hazards. If hazards can’t be fully eliminated,
employers may consider implementing lockout/tagout
(LO/TO) controls, developing new facility policies, and
stocking personal protective equipment (PPE) as the last
line of defense.

8,000
Nonfatal injuries and illnesses
No matter which approaches employers take, safety signs
and labels play a key role in facility safety efforts. Where
properly used, visual communication reduces risk, promotes
safety, and improves efficiency.
In 2016, an average of 8,000 nonfatal injuries
and illnesses occurred every day.

Ready to improve safety?

Graphic Products’ DuraLabel line offers affordable and effective ways
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877.534.5157 | [Link]

2     877.534.5157 | [Link]
OSHA COMPLIANCE & SAFETY
Understanding the critical role safety signs play in reducing injury is the first step in your facility’s safety program. Posting
safety signs near hazards not only reduces worker injury, in many cases it’s required by law. OSHA requires safety signs at most
locations where a hazard threatens the safety of a worker.

Improve Safety & Morale Facilities adhering to both mandatory and voluntary national
standards for safety signs are providing workers with the
OSHA requires employers to provide a safe workplace for
highest level of safety and, in turn, reducing liabilities.
their employees. OSHA defines its own role as promoting
Following both standards is also known to help reduce hazard
“... the safety and health of America’s working men and
confusion so workers understand a sign’s message sooner
women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training,
and from a safe distance.
outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and
encouraging continual process improvement in workplace
safety and health.” Complying with OSHA worker safety Changes to ANSI Z535 Safety Sign Code
standards should be a priority for any organization. Using
safety signs in accordance with OSHA standards not only ANSI’s last major changes to the Z535 safety sign standard
helps create a safe workplace, it improves morale. Safety were published in 2011. The standard was reaffirmed in
signs announce your concern for worker safety to OSHA 2017, with only minor changes to the technical specifications
and to your employees. Facilities are known to be more for colors. To stay current, use the latest standards whenever
successful when safety is a clear priority. printing new labels. If your facility is still displaying old ANSI
sign designs, for now, replacement remains voluntary.
However, older and inconsistent designs are known to
National Standards create confusion for workers. The newest Z535 standards
are now being widely used and are the easiest for workers
There is a variety of agencies, associations, and
to recognize. The best solution is to update to the new ANSI
organizations involved in the standardization of safety signs
standards whenever possible.
in industrial facilities. These are OSHA, The International
Standards Organization (ISO), the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA), and the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI).

Each agency, association, and organization provides their

own safety sign standards for their specialization and level Reinforce your safety messaging with
of authority. For example, OSHA regulates most workplaces
and sets safety sign standards that are generally mandatory. an OSHA/ANSI Safety Sign Poster
Most association and organization standards are not
mandatory, but in some cases may be.

OSHA occasionally turns to other organizations and

associations to help them set mandatory standards. As an
example, ANSI standards are specified by OSHA at various
locations within the agency’s sign design color standards.
They did so because the ANSI standards already existed and
were believed to be the most effective and commonly used
for safety label design.
Attention grabbing
Since OSHA specifies ANSI design standards, these ANSI 8.5" x 11" poster
standards are not voluntary. The ANSI standard OSHA refers available to help
to for color design standards is known as Z53-1967. In 1979, your employees
ANSI replaced this standard with Z535, which has been easily understand
updated periodically since then. This newer standard should ANSI Z535/
be followed, to comply with both OSHA regulations and ANSI OSHA safety sign
recommendations. requirements.
OSHA and ANSI design standards generally apply to most
educational institutions, manufacturing plants, warehouses, [Link]/osha-poster
and other types of facilities throughout the United States.

877.534.5157 | [Link]    3
OSHA COMPLIANT SAFETY SIGNS & LABELS
Prior to developing a safety sign or label, create a plan for your facility’s hazardous communication. Everyone in your facility
(employee, contractor, or visitor) should understand the message each sign conveys. OSHA clearly defines what a safety sign is,
how it should be used, and where it should be placed.

ANSI Z535 and OSHA §1910.145 (accident prevention signs The means of attaching the sign to a wall, post, or other
and tags) both have safety sign placement standards. These supporting material must not cause a hazard. For example,
are locations where, without identification, hazards may lead the ends or heads of bolts or other fastening devices must be
to accidental injury to workers and/or the public, or lead to located in such a way that they do not create a hazard.
property damage. Maximize the message each sign conveys
by following OSHA/ANSI design standards. Do so by writing a OSHA’s sign standards are mandatory, but the agency does
simple yet concise safety message that clearly communicates not specify design elements for signs. ANSI fills this void by
hazard information. providing guidelines for the size and arrangement of text
and symbols, and for effective phrasing. OSHA has referred
The sign itself should never present a safety hazard. OSHA to these ANSI standards as accepted industry practice.
requires safety signs to have rounded or blunt corners and no Where the OSHA rules and other federal, state, or municipal
sharp edges, burrs, splinters, or other sharp projections. regulations are silent, use ANSI Z535.

Safety Alert Symbol Signal Word

Signal
Word
Panel

Safety
Message

Safety
Symbol

Message
Panel

NOTE: Labels requiring OSHA compliance should follow OSHA and ANSI Z535 design standards to offer the highest level of
safety. Be consistent in design so labels and signs are uniform. Variation may diminish recognition and add confusion to signs.
Consistent design, color, safety symbol, signal word, and signal word panel are critical.

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SIGN CLASSIFICATIONS
Each OSHA/ANSI safety sign is classified by hazard risk to help you know what sign to use. Take the next step by learning these
classifications. Familiarize yourself with the signal word and safety message relationship. Understanding how classifications are
applied will help you design for compliance and improve safety.

There are three primary hazard classifications OSHA and Warning signs and labels can be any size and printed in
ANSI have established for safety signs. These are danger, a landscape or portrait format. Keep in mind, alternative
warning, and caution. ANSI is responsible for creating and design and color options should only be used to improve
standardizing the majority of secondary sign classifications. comprehension. The goal should always be to warn workers
These signs include notice, safety signs, and fire safety. OSHA of hazards before they expose themselves to danger.
and ANSI set general standards for biological hazard signs.
CAUTION
Primary Hazard Classifications A caution sign indicates
a potentially hazardous
DANGER situation which, if not
avoided, may result in
Danger signs mark the most serious
minor or moderate injury.
hazards, where special precautions
Caution signs are used
are necessary. These signs indicate
in areas where injury or a
an immediate hazard which, if
combination of injury and equipment damage is possible, or to
not avoided, will result in death or
caution against potential injuries from unsafe practices only.
serious injury.
For hazards that may only result in equipment damage, see
The “DANGER” signal word is notice signs.
printed in white letters on a red
The “CAUTION” signal word is printed in black letters on a
background and is preceded by
yellow background and is preceded by the safety alert symbol,
the safety alert symbol. The area
except when used for a non-personal injury. The message
beneath the signal word, known as
panel below the signal word contains the safety message and
the message panel is where the safety message is printed.
any additional safety symbols. Everything printed inside the
The safety message may appear in various colors, depending
message panel is black text on white or white text on black.
on the color of the signal word panel. In most cases, the
safety message is printed in black or red letters over a white
safety panel. However, it may also be printed in white letters Secondary Hazard Classifications
if the safety panel is black. Safety symbols (pictograms) may
be included on the safety panel to help workers recognize
BIOLOGICAL HAZARD
hazards sooner and from safe distances.
OSHA §1910.145(e)(4) states, “The
Safety signs used to identify radiation hazards are strictly biological hazard warning shall be
regulated by OSHA. These signs shall not vary from OSHA used to signify the actual or potential
sign standards in any way. presence of a biohazard and to
identify equipment, containers,
rooms, materials, experimental
WARNING
animals, or combinations thereof,
Warning signs are one which contain, or are contaminated
hazard level below danger with, viable hazardous agents…
signs. They describe a presenting a risk or potential risk to the well-being of man.”
hazard which, if not avoided, The symbol design must conform with the example shown
could result in death or above, and the sign must include the word “Biohazard” or
serious injury. “Biological Hazard.”
The “WARNING” signal word is printed in black on an orange The biohazard symbol can be black or orange, and a
background header and is preceded by the safety alert background color is optional, as long as there is enough
symbol. The text in the message panel may be printed in contrast to make the symbol clearly visible. A biohazard can also
white letters on a black message panel, or black letters on a be indicated on a danger or warning sign and may include the
white message panel. safety alert symbol.

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SIGN CLASSIFICATIONS

NOTICE ADMITTANCE
Use notice signs to provide Unlike the previously
general information that is mentioned sign categories,
important or relevant to a admittance signs do not
building, an area, a machine have a defined hazard
or equipment. Notice signs category and may use
address practices not related elements of all previous
to personal injury. sign categories.

The signal word “NOTICE” should be printed in white italic Admittance signs may use any signal word with its
letters over a blue background. Notice signs never include a appropriate background header. Depending on the hazard
safety alert symbol. The message panel is either white with level; danger, warning, caution, or notice signs are options.
a blue or black safety message or black with a white safety The safety message on an admittance sign could state
message. Red, blue, or black safety symbols may be used. something like, “Unauthorized Personnel, Keep Out.” If
entering presents no hazard, a general safety sign may be
Notice signs can include information about procedures, adequate. The signal word and safety message should alert
operating instructions, maintenance information, rules, or and explain the personal risk or consequences of entering a
directions. Notice signs are never used for personal injury restricted area.
hazards or warnings, but can be used to indicate possible
equipment or property damage. The primary action statement should be simple, direct,
and applicable to the hazard. In the example shown above,
“Keep Out” is the primary action statement. Nonessential
General Safety Signs hazard information like consequence, avoidance, or type of
Safety signs are used to hazard can be eliminated since they are readily inferred. Use
provide notices of: general additional signs to explain safety information or procedures
facility practice, rules in greater detail.
relating to health, first
aid, medical equipment, FIRE SAFETY
sanitation, housekeeping,
Fire safety signs indicate
and suggested general
the location of emergency
safety measures.
firefighting equipment.
Signs used to describe safety instructions or procedures Unlike other signs, they do
should use simple signal words. Common signal words not have a signal word. The safety symbol is printed in red
used on a general safety sign state things like, “SAFETY on a white background, or in white on a red background. The
INSTRUCTIONS” or “SAFETY PROCEDURES.” Where safety message must be in red letters on a white background.
beneficial, use a more definitive signal word or words like Because these signs do not indicate an injury hazard, the
“SAFETY SHUTDOWN PROCEDURE.” Signs indicating the safety alert symbol must not be used.
location of safety equipment should use a simple and direct
Post these signs near or on fire equipment. Do not use them
signal word such as “EYE WASH.” If multiple safety items are
for wayfinding or emergency exit applications.
near each other, use something like “SAFETY EQUIPMENT” to
describe the area.

The signal word, safety message, and safety symbol should

be printed in green or black over a white message panel.
General safety signs should never include the safety alert
symbol or the words “Danger,” “Warning,” or “Caution” in the
signal word panel.

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 SIGN CLASSIFICATIONS

Non-Hazard Signs Non-hazard signs can be used to improve workflow

with operating procedures, maintenance schedules, or
To convey general facility
facility maps. A non-hazard sign should convey whatever
information, non-hazard
information an employee, contractor, inspector, or visitor
signs can be placed at
may need to understand general information clearly and
many locations throughout
at strategic locations. A well-informed employee is a safer
a facility. These signs
employee.
generally use simple text
and a symbol to describe
routine actions or general Discontinued Signal Word Panels
facility locations. They are
never used to describe The color combinations and background designs shown in
hazards, potential the following signal word panels no longer comply with ANSI
equipment damage, or standards. Signs and labels displaying the following legacy
threat of injury. Common designs do not require removal. However, newly created signs
non-hazard signs include: and replacements should follow ANSI’s Z535 standards to
wayfinding arrows, ensure compliance and maximize hazard recognition.
maintenance information,
work procedures, and
general facility information.

Although these types of signs are not classified as safety

signs, the information they provide still contributes to safety.
Whether they encourage workers to properly dispose of trash
or point visitors in the right direction, these signs contribute
to a safe workplace.
See page 11 for correct signal word panels.

877.534.5157 | [Link]    7
OSHA & ANSI SIGN CLASSIFICATION TABLE
OSHA uses the terms “sign,” “signs,” “tag,” and “tags” interchangeably.

Sign OSHA ANSI

Danger tags shall be used in major hazard Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not
situations where an immediate hazard presents avoided, will result in death or serious injury. The
a threat of death or serious injury signal word is to be limited to the most extreme
DANGER to employees. situations.

OSHA §1910.145(f)(5) ANSI Z535.2-2017 (4.11.1)

Warning tags may be used to represent a Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
hazard level between “Caution” and “Danger,” could result in death or serious injury.
instead of the required “Caution” tag, provided
they have a signal word of “Warning” and an ANSI Z535.2-2017 (4.11.2)
WARNING
appropriate major message.

OSHA §1910.145(f)(7)

Caution tags shall be used in minor hazard Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
situations where a non-immediate or potential could result in minor or moderate injury.
hazard or unsafe practice presents a lesser
CAUTION threat of employee injury. ANSI Z535.2-2017 (4.11.3)

OSHA §1910.145(f)(6)

Other tags may be used in addition to those Reserve for non-hazard related signs. No safety
required by §1910.145(f), or in situations where alert symbol is used. Ideal for signs displaying
§1910.145(f) does not require tags, provided property damage, security, sanitation and
that they do not detract from the impact or housekeeping rules.
NOTICE visibility of the signal word or major message of
any required tag. ANSI Z535.2-2017 (4.11.4)

OSHA §1910.145(f)(9)

Safety instruction signs shall be used where there Signs used to indicate general instructions for safe
is a need for general instructions and suggestions work practices or indicate the location of safety
relative to safety measures. equipment. Examples include signs for equipment
SAFETY and lockout procedures.
OSHA §1910.145(c)(3)
ANSI Z535.2-2017 (4.11.5)

Biological hazard tags shall be used to identify

the actual or potential presence of a biological
hazard and to identify equipment, containers,
rooms, experimental animals, or combinations
BIOHAZARD
thereof, that contain or are contaminated with
hazardous biological agents.

OSHA §1910.145(f)(8)(i)

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SAFETY SYMBOLS
OSHA and ANSI encourage the use of safety symbols where beneficial. If a safety symbol helps convey a message more
quickly or clearly, include it. Keep in mind, there are a number of standards to follow when placing, coloring, and designing
these symbols.

Safety Symbols Surround Shapes

Safety signs and labels are often improved with safety Consider using a surround shape to highlight your symbol.
symbols (pictograms). Safety symbols may portray required Surround shapes decrease available space for a symbol so
actions, consequences, explicit direction, or the effects of using one may not always be an option. Do not use them if
interaction with certain chemicals, machines, and other they detract from the safety sign message.
hazards. More than one symbol may be used to show a
sequence of events or convey additional information relating
HAZARD ALERTING
to a single hazard.
Use this triangle surround shape to bring
Safety symbols should be consistent, readable, and easily attention to a safety symbol. The symbol
understood. They usually consist of a black image on a should be drawn within a black equilateral
white background. triangle on a yellow background.

MANDATORY ACTION
To convey required actions to avoid
hazards use this round symbol surround.
The safety symbol should be white and
the round surround background should
be solid blue or black.

PROHIBITION
Use this surround to alert workers to
prohibited activities or actions. The
prohibited surround consists of a red or
black circle with a diagonal slash from
upper-left to the lower-right. The symbol
must be on a white background.

INFORMATION
The square (or rectangular) surround
shape is typically used to convey
equipment location, places of exit,
permitted actions, etc.

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877.534.5157 | [Link]    9
FACILITY EVALUATION
Many areas in and around a facility require visual safety communication. Depending on facility size and layout, this can be a
large project. Start by identifying all of your existing safety signs and ensuring they are OSHA/ANSI compliant. Next find locations
where a safety sign would benefit workers by improving safety awareness, reducing injuries, and improving workplace efficiency.

Take pictures to document the condition and content of your INCORPORATE THE FOLLOWING INTO YOUR EVALUATIONS:
existing safety signs. This will help you remember safety sign • Existing Signs and Labels
locations and reduce inspection time. Once existing facility
◦◦ Are signs and labels consistent throughout your facility?
signage is documented and reviewed, identify locations
where safety signs are missing. The objective is to improve ◦◦ Are they legible? (damaged, deteriorated, etc.)
safety, productivity, and compliance throughout your facility. ◦◦ Are they accurate? (name, label color, etc.)
◦◦ Do they meet current OSHA and/or ANSI standards?
◦◦ Are they visible and readable from a safe distance?
◦◦ Do they effectively communicate the message?

• Areas where directional signs are needed

◦◦ Are workers directed to the correct location?
◦◦ Is there clear direction to safety and fire equipment?
◦◦ Is the fire exit clearly marked?
◦◦ Are there areas where redirection is necessary?

• Hazardous areas not previously inspected or evaluated

• Areas requiring safety signs that are not clearly posted
• Areas where maintenance is performed
• Areas where temporary signs are needed
Easy to recognize safety signs benefit facility visitors. Standardized
formatting and color-coding are recognized nationally and convey • New equipment and machinery
critical information in simple terms. • Traffic areas

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CREATING YOUR OWN SAFETY SIGNS
Industrial and warehouse safety signs typically contain three components. These are a signal word, safety symbol, and
safety message. This section explains how to use each component to create a safety sign that provides the preferred visual
communication in an industrial environment.

OSHA does not specify safety sign design requirements for sign
size, text size, text placement, or location. Only ANSI provides
these standards. ANSI does so to help improve hazard
recognition and reduce workplace injuries. Maximize safety
sign recognition by following ANSI design standards wherever
possible. Use the “Facility-Wide Safety Sign Inspection” section
of this guide to help in your safety sign project.
These two signs present the same information, but the sign on the
right follows OSHA/ANSI standards. It also communicates the
Signal Word Panel message clearly and effectively.
The top portion of a sign is known as the signal word panel.
The words “DANGER,” “WARNING,” “CAUTION,” and “NOTICE”
are located in this panel and are used to signal the level of Safety Symbol
hazard. If there is a risk of personal injury, the signal word on Graphics can be used on safety signs and labels to help convey
danger, warning, and caution signs must be preceded with a information quickly and clearly. For example, a red octagon is a
safety alert symbol (an exclamation point inside an equilateral common symbol that means “Stop!”
triangle). For general safety signs, appropriate signal words
such as “STARTUP PROCEDURE” or “EMERGENCY SHOWER” On safety signs, the best symbols are easy
are used. The chart below can help you choose an appropriate to see, identify, and understand. An image
signal word. of a pair of gloves could remind workers
that gloves are required, while an image of
Prevent confusion by using consistent safety signs throughout a forklift can warn that the viewer is about
your facility. If your existing signs use the older signal word to enter a lane of forklift traffic.
panels, it may be best to replace them with updated ANSI-
compliant signs. The new designs are better at attracting
attention, and when you update an old sign, it shows your Message Panel
workers that the message matters. The message panel contains the safety message and safety
symbols. The safety message describes a hazard, indicates
how to avoid it, and advises workers of the consequences of
YES YES not avoiding the hazard. Follow these basic guidelines when
Hazardous Situation Potential Accident
writing a safety message:
NO NO • Use left-aligned text
• Use sentence-style capitalization
• Use sans-serif fonts (such as Helvetica or Arial)
• Avoid prepositional phrases
• Write in “headline style”
• Use active voice

Will Cause May Cause May Cause May Cause When determining the order of the message content, consider
Death or Death or Minor or Property what the reader should already know about a hazard and the
Serious Injury Serious Injury Moderate Damage
Injury necessary reaction time required to avoid danger. The most
urgent information should appear most prominently.

OSHA §1910.145(e)(2) states, “The wording of any sign should

be easily read and concise. The sign should contain sufficient
information to be easily understood. The wording should make
a positive, rather than negative suggestion and should be
accurate in fact.”

877.534.5157 | [Link]     11
CREATING YOUR OWN SAFETY SIGNS

Tools for Sign Creation

Some of the signs and labels needed in one facility Where customized or site-specific messages are needed, or
may be similar to those needed in another. This has led where more signs and labels are called for, a more effective
manufacturers to offer standardized signs for purchase. If and efficient solution may be an on-site, on-demand custom
your facility only needs a handful of signs, and they are all label printer, such as one of the DuraLabel systems from
fairly common, ordering preprinted signs may be the best way Graphic Products. With these systems, you can quickly and
to meet your labeling needs. In this case, Graphic Products easily make the signs your facility needs.
has a wide array of premade signs to choose from. Call
877.534.5157 for more information. On-site sign creation also lets you take advantage of a wide
variety of sign materials. In addition to the common long-
lasting vinyl used for most self-adhesive signage, some of the
50+ supplies available include:
• Reflective or Phosphorescent (“glow-in-the-dark”) material
for low-light settings
• Cold Storage Supply for refrigerated environments
• Marine Label Stock to withstand saltwater exposure
• Ultra-Aggressive Vinyl for rough or irregular surfaces
• Oily Surface Supply for greasy surfaces

You may also want to consider additional tools, such as

cleaning supplies to prepare a surface for labeling, and sign
blanks or angled sign holders to make your finished sign
more visible from different viewing positions.

The DuraLabel printers come packaged with LabelForge

software, an excellent tool for creating completely customized
OSHA-style signs and labels from scratch. With a simple
For more information on
interface, LabelForge lets you enter and adjust text, drop in
DuraLabel printers and
supplies or LabelForge standardized safety symbols from a comprehensive library of
software, please call over 1,800 choices, and print a complete label in minutes.
877.534.5157 or visit When creating a series of labels or signs, you can even
[Link]. import data from a spreadsheet into LabelForge to automate
the process.

12     877.534.5157 | [Link]

SIGN & LABEL MAINTENANCE
Safety signs should generally provide lasting performance for up to seven years. However, there can be unanticipated exposures
which diminish label and sign life. Exposure to dirt, debris, sunlight, and abrasive conditions impact performance. Track the
condition of your facility signage with regular inspections. This will help ensure label and sign standard-compliance, while
maintaining a safe work environment.

Safety signs cannot provide proper safety when they are Set up a schedule to inspect your facility safety signs. Refer
no longer legible or visible. Annual inspections should to the “Facility-Wide Safety Sign Inspection” section at the
be performed on safety signs, to account for varied back of this guide for guidance. If an outside inspection
exposures. Having a DuraLabel printer on-site will allow might be beneficial, Graphic Products also offers an array of
easy replacement of signs and labels when they are on-site Compliance Assessment Services to help protect your
needed. workers, and keep your facility compliant with OSHA’s rules.
Call 888.601.8535 or visit [Link]/CAS for
Most DuraLabel supplies are chemical-resistant and will more information.
survive exposures to solvents and cleaning agents. This
protects them when dirt, grime, or oil must be removed.

SUMMARY
By now you should have a sound understanding of what OSHA Improvement of Worker Safety
safety signs are, why they are important, and how to best
utilize them at your facility. Keep in mind, the standards
provided may change without notice. Stay on top of OSHA
and ANSI sign standards so your facility is always compliant.

When safety signs are designed to meet or exceed OSHA and

ANSI specifications, your facility is a safer place. Safety signs
are relied on by workers, administrative employees, visitors,
and emergency responders. Following the OSHA and ANSI
standards described in this guide will reduce risk, promote
safety, and assist in reducing work-related accidents and
fatal injuries.

Remember, safety signs save lives. In addition, these signs

link a facility, its managers, and its workers together. When
an organization makes a commitment to safety by investing
in high quality labels, the rewards include:
• Improved morale when employees feel the presence of
safety awareness
• Increased profits when workman’s compensation claims
are reduced
• Efficiencies are experienced when an organization is well
labeled
• Reduced accidents and incidents in an organized facility
• Higher employee attendance and decreased lost work days

Take your facility to the next level. Let safety

signs empower and protect your workers.
Call Graphic Products at 877.534.5157 for
your safety and visual communication needs. View larger graphic at: [Link]/oshagraphic

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FACILITY-WIDE SAFETY SIGN INSPECTION
Each of the following areas have consistently been found to require improvement. After each question, record your observations
in the area provided. You can then use that information to assess the visual communication needs of your facility.

General Labeling Areas that require department managers’ extensions or

emergency contact information:
Signs and labels that are not legible:











Signs and labels that are inconsistent: General Safety & Information
 Areas that require instructions for obtaining permits:
 

 

 

 

OSHA Compliance & Safety First aid, safety shower, and eye wash stations:
Machines which require lockout/tagout instructions:










Compressed gas storage areas and containers:
Operator positions that require specific instructions:










Ladders, scaffolding, and lift equipment not properly marked:
Equipment that requires maintenance instructions:












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 FACILITY-WIDE SAFETY SIGN INSPECTION

Areas where emergency procedures are not clearly posted: Hazardous Chemicals
 Secondary (non-manufacturer) containers for chemicals,
 cleaners or for disposal, that are not marked:











Areas that need posted safety procedures:
 Which managers have the authority to create and apply
appropriate right-to-know information to these containers?








Evacuation routes that are not clearly marked: 



Hazardous waste containers, tanks, and vessels:








Areas without visible exit signs or directions: 

Hazardous waste storage areas:










Doors that can be mistaken for an exit:
Areas containing asbestos:














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FACILITY-WIDE SAFETY SIGN INSPECTION

Personal Protective Equipment Warehouse

All doors leading to areas where PPE is required: Are all bins, racks, and shelves clearly and uniformly marked?
 

 

 

 

 

Areas that require PPE, but are not clearly marked: All clearance and load limits:
 

 

 

 

 

Areas that require permits: Areas where forklift/fork trucks operate:

 

 

 

 

 

Safety Compliance Analysis

Best practices and recommendations from a trained specialist.

Benefits of Safety Compliance Analysis:

• An expert will examine your facility’s workspace, safety
and health program, ergonomics, and chemical storage for
compliance and potential vulnerability

• Receive industry best practices to ensure you’re compliant

with OSHA’s regulations and other key standards

• Get a post-audit report with solutions and recommendations

for corrective action

Improve safety in your workplace today!

Call 888.601.8535 or visit [Link]/CAS

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 FACILITY-WIDE SAFETY SIGN INSPECTION

Electrical Hazards All panels, breakers, and switches that are not clearly marked
to identify what they control:
Equipment that requires lockout/tagout procedures:











All electrical wires, cables, bundles, and conduits:

Machines with high-voltage electrical connection points:











Every electrical panel and motor control center that is not

Are all switches and controls clearly marked?
marked “High Voltage”:











Electrical panels that are not clearly marked with 36"

clearance, high-voltage warning labels, specific voltage, panel
number, and breaker identification:
Notes
Now that you have used this guide to evaluate the signage

needs of your facility, it’s time to make a plan to address the
 areas that need improvement.

A Graphic Products representative can assist you in choosing
 the right solutions for your facility, your applications, and
your budget. We also offer an array of on-site Compliance

Assessment Services that help ensure a safe workforce. Call
Floor areas in front of panels that need to be marked to keep 888.601.8535 for more information.
the area clear: 

 

 

 

 

 

Graphic Products®, DuraLabel®, PathFinder®, Toro®, Bronco® and Lobo® are Registered Trademarks of Graphic Products, Inc. © 2009, 2018. Graphic Products, Inc.
grants a limited revocable right to reuse portions of the material contained herein for non-commercial, internal, and educational/training use. Any use beyond
that described here requires the written consent of Graphic Products, Inc. Licensee agrees to reproduce the Trademark, Copyright, and Legal disclaimers in all
works created under this license.

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