Posting safety signs and symbols in public places is the most effective way to communicate danger and prevent injuries, especially when there are language barriers. According to the National Safety Council's Workplace Solutions online newsletter, in 2008 the top 10 marking violations for office buildings, commercial distribution centers and utility plants due to improper safety sign posting resulted in fines in excess of $1 million. There are specific shapes, sizes and colors of these signs you must understand to ensure personal safety.
Emergency
The color red on a safety sign represents an emergency, danger or traffic instructions to stop. In commercial plants, containers with flammable liquids or other biohazards are placed in red bins and labeled with red signs. Likewise, stop signs, bars and buttons, as well as fire protection equipment, are all red in color to indicate danger.
Warning
Warning signs are orange in color and most often indicate the potential danger of a specific piece of equipment. For example, hazardous parts of machines such as exposed sharp edges, gears, cutting devices and power jars should all be labeled with the color orange. Also, orange is often used to warn drivers of road work or construction workers ahead. In this case, the signs serve to warn the drivers of bumps in the road and to remind them to drive safely around the workers. Orange is a reminder that danger is possible if proper care and attention to detail are not exercised.
First Aid
Emergency exit signs, first aid kits and showers are most often indicated by green signs. These signs are important and should be recognized by anyone who works in an environment where injuries can occur.
Caution
All potential physical hazards are labeled with yellow caution signs. For example, the possibility of tripping, falling, slipping and stumbling--such as on a wet floor or icy surface--must be clearly marked in yellow. Additionally, a yellow traffic light warns drivers of the potential for an accident and indicates the importance of slowing to a stop before a likely crash.
Notice
Notice signs are blue and serve a variety of purposes. Highway signs that point to rest areas, hospitals and food and gas locations are a reflective blue color to be seen during the day or night. Also, signs that remind factory workers to wear personal protective equipment such as gas masks or goggles are also blue.
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