Sign Design

• All safety signs under OSHA regulations must be constructed using non-hazardous design features. This includes blunt or rounded corners, and smooth edges. Edges must be free from burrs or splinters to prevent cuts to workers. All fasteners used to hang these signs must feature smooth heads, and must be installed so that they do not pose a safety threat.
  
  

Types of Signs

• There are three basic categories of signs used in this Standard. Danger signs indicate immediate and specific hazards, and require employees to take special precautions. These signs should be red, black, and white. Caution signs indicate a potential hazard, and must have a yellow background with a black panel and yellow letters. Safety instruction signs are used to display general safety instructions, and should have a white background, green panel and white letters.
  
  

Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblems

• All vehicles that operate at an average speed below 25 mph and that will be used on public roads must be equipped with a slow-moving vehicle emblem. This emblem may only be used on this type of vehicle and may not be used on any other type of machinery or equipment. The slow-moving vehicle sign must be fluorescent yellow-orange and should feature a dark red border. The entire sign should be made of a reflective material to allow for easy visibility.
  
  

Hazard Tags

• Section 1910.145 Subpart J also covers hazard tags that are used along with signs to improve safety. Tags are generally used in spots where signs are not required, but where some safety information is needed. All tags must contain a warning word that specifies the potential danger. This word should be readable from 5 feet away, and workers should be trained to understand the intent of each tag warning. Tags should be fastened using adhesive or wire to prevent accidental removal.
  
  

Tag Color Coding

• While OSHA does not require tags to be specific colors, they do provide a list of recommended colors based on the danger being addressed. Red tags indicate dangerous situations, while yellow tags are used to indicate that caution should be taken. Warning tags are orange, and indicate more general safety instructions or information. Biological hazard tags are fluorescent orange or reddish-orange, and should feature a bio-hazard symbol along with the written word.