OSHA, ANSI, and ISO-compliant safety signs

OSHA, ANSI, and ISO-compliant safety signs – explained

Keeping your community safe is paramount, and that’s why traffic control signs and safety signs are subject to several standards, including those set by OSHA and the ISO. Here’s what you need to know about compliant safety signs.

What is OSHA/ANSI compliance for signs?

OSHA signs and ANSI signs refer to the same thing. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is part of the United States Department of Labor. It references ANSI Z535 as the regulated standard for safety signs. This applies to all signs used to notify workers of dangerous situations and communicate relevant information. Things like first aid signs, fire equipment signs, and hazard signs all fall into this category.

ANSI Z535 outlines carefully engineered criteria dictating workplace safety signs' format, color, and text. Under this standard, a sign must include the four following features:

1.A safety alert symbol. These symbols are only required if workers are at personal risk. Safety alert symbols are not needed to warn employees of hazards impacting property or equipment only.

2.Other symbols. Workplaces cannot include any random symbol on their safety sign. Symbols must be easy to understand, familiar, and accurate to the situation. In addition, ANSI standardizes several universally recognized symbols found across various work environments and industries.

3.A single informative word. A single informative word should be printed at the top of the sign to alert workers as quickly as possible. These words include things like WARNING and CAUTION.

4.Messaging. Alongside or beneath the single word is typically a message – this should be short, to the point, and accurate. Standardized messaging includes things like ‘Eye Protection Required.’

In addition to these four elements, OSHA uses ANSI Z535 to regulate the colors used in signs:

What does ISO compliance for safety signs entail?

Safety signs are governed by ISO 7010, which is a technical standard set by the International Organization for Standardization . It outlines a set of criteria that graphics on hazard signs, some traffic signs, emergency exit signs, and safety signs must meet. The goal of the standard is to shape ISO-compliant signs that deliver “safety information that relies as little as possible on the use of words to achieve understanding.”

ISO 7010 also refers to the principles and colors detailed in ISO 3864. This standard was designed with the “purpose of accident prevention, fire protection, health hazard information and emergency evacuation.”

Shop compliant traffic and safety signs today

Standards and regulations set by national and international bodies help protect workers, customers, and the general public. Investing in compliant signs is crucial to your people’s well-being and the organization’s success.

Shop compliant safety signs today with Dornbos Sign and Safety. If you have any questions about our commitment to compliance or customization options, please contact us .