Signage & Labeling

The four-color diamond communicates health, flammability, instability/reactivity, and special hazards using a 0–4 scale. It is commonly used for fixed facilities and emergency response planning.

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard requires chemical-container labels with a product identifier, signal word, pictograms, hazard statements, precautionary statements, and supplier information.

DOT placards identify hazardous materials during transportation. They use standardized shapes, colors, symbols, and hazard classes to communicate risks to handlers and emergency responders.

Required exits and exit access routes need visible marking. Keep signs illuminated where required and ensure storage, decorations, or equipment do not block sightlines.

Clearly identify extinguishers, sprinkler controls, fire department connections, alarms, emergency shutoffs, and other response equipment. Maintain unobstructed access.

Use red to identify danger, stop, or prohibition conditions and fire protection equipment. OSHA identifies red for fire extinguishers, fire alarms, emergency stop bars, and containers for flammable liquids, subject to applicable standards.

Use yellow as the basic caution color for physical hazards such as striking against, stumbling, falling, or being caught in between. It is commonly used on guardrails, exposed edges, obstructions, and other areas requiring caution.

Use orange to warn about dangerous parts of machinery or energized equipment. It is typically applied to guards, cutting devices, and other machine hazards where sudden movement or contact could cause injury.

Use green to mark the location of safety equipment, first-aid supplies, emergency eyewash or shower equipment, and related safety information. Pair the color with clear symbols or wording so the message remains understandable.

ANSI consensus standards may supplement OSHA requirements by providing recognized guidance for safety colors, signs, and symbols. Although there is significant overlap between ANSI consensus and OSHA requirements, there are some differences; When an ANSI provision differs from an applicable OSHA requirement, the OSHA requirement takes precedence.

When hazardous chemicals are transferred to secondary containers, provide workplace labeling that identifies the material and communicates its hazards to employees.

Include signs and labels in workplace inspections. Replace faded, damaged, missing, or outdated markings promptly and verify that postings still match current hazards.