It is not uncommon to see the various warning and caution signs. You can see them at work, on construction sites, and in malls. But, there are multiple safety and warning caution signs with different messages. Not to mention, different signs have different colors. Each color and sign used on a caution board represents a different message. In this article, we shall break down the messaging behind most signs that you may see in everyday life.
Prohibition signs are signs that tell you not to do something. The message behind these signs is to show danger. They are red in color and have a black pictogram on a white background. Prohibition signs are circular in shape to mimic a full stop. Common prohibition signs include no entry, no unauthorized personnel, no smoking, no parking, and do not operate.
Warning caution signs are the second most common sign in day-to-day life. These signs simply exist to warn you of certain dangers. They don’t tell you what to do or not do. They warn and caution you against certain dangers that you should know. The signs are generally triangular in shape and yellow in color. The triangle has a black border, and the pictogram is also black on a yellow background. Common examples of warning caution signs include danger 440 volts, fragile road, caution slippery floor, mind the step, and caution hot water.
The safe conditions safety signs are also a common sight. This sign depicts safety or how one can stay safe. Due to its messaging, these signs are typically green in color. They are rectangular or squared in shape and are completely colored in green. Not to mention, the pictogram is completely white. The symbols on these signs typically portray actions, explicit directions, and interactions with machines, and other hazards. Certain safety condition signs may also have more than one pictogram to portray a series of events that are easily understood. Common safety signs include fire exits, first aid boxes, emergency exits, stops, and assembly points.
Contrary to prohibition signs, mandatory signs tell you to do something. These signs are round in shape and are blue in color. The pictograms on these signs can be white or yellow on a blue background. They often instruct you to carry out certain tasks before entering an area. Common mandatory signs include are a face mask, ear protection must be worn, keep clear, pedestrians only, and keep the fire door closed.
Road caution signs are used to alert people of situations on the highway, intersections, or roads ahead. Warning signs are usually diamond-shaped, and their color specifies the type of message. Yellow is used for a general warning, while orange indicates construction work. Whether you drive regularly or you’re a passenger who commutes every now and then, knowing these four traffic warning signs can keep you and others safe.
Workplace safety signs are important to warn employees, clients, and all individuals who might enter premises with potential hazards. Warning and caution signs will provide all the necessary instructions to help people stay safe. Make sure to put up safety signs that are in compliance with ANSI, OSHA, and various other workplace safety regulations. Herein, we discuss some warning signs that are required in a workplace.
Flammable or Combustible signs
The areas, spaces, and containers in a place of work with combustible and flammable liquids, vapors, and other substances need to be clearly marked. These signs must have proper labels and visible warnings. Examples of these signs are DANGER – NO SMOKING, NO OPEN FLAMES signs, and FLAMMABLE signs.
Fire emergency signs
Another safety aspect at any place of work is to clearly identify spaces and areas that have fire hose cabinets and fire extinguishers. These areas must be marked properly using warning and caution signs. This will ensure that immediate and quick action is taken in the case of an emergency. Also, these signs will make the work of emergency personnel and employees take quick and proactive action to mitigate any potential disaster at the workplace.
First Aid signs
Another essential warning and caution sign in a workplace is for first aid. It is critical to mark out areas that have the essential First aid supplies. It is important that these are clearly visible so that anyone can easily locate the supplies at any time in the case of emergencies. Some important first aid signs include FIRST AID STATION signs, EYEWASH or SAFETY SHOWER signs, and AED (Automated External Defibrillators) signs.
Electrical Arc Flash Hazard signs
Arc flash accidents rarely happen but could be highly hazardous. This is why Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines make it mandatory to mark out the high-voltage areas with proper warning and caution signs. Switchboards, panelboards, motor control centers, and meter socket enclosures must have signs marked with arc flash labels, especially when maintenance activities are going on. A few example signs in these situations include DANGER – BATTERY CHARGING AREA and DANGER – HIGH VOLTAGE.
Emergency Exit signs
As per OSHA guidelines, emergency evacuation and exit ways are mandatory to be clearly visible at all times at any place of work. If the premises have doorways and passages that people would assume to be emergency exits, these need to be identified clearly as well. All the EXIT signs that have been authorized must be illuminated well so that these are visible at any time of the day. If these signs have self-illuminating features, it is better to deal with emergency cases when power has been shut.