The Importance of Safety Signage For Your Business
Safety signage requirements started in 1914 with only the most basic danger and caution signs for the safety of workers in the workplace. It wasn’t until 1918 that the American National Standards Institute was founded and safety signage took on a new life.
Safety signs are everywhere now and for good reasons. There are exit signs and DO NOT enter signs. There are DO NO TOUCH signs. Currently, businesses of all sizes are ordering Social Distancing signage, asking the patron or visitor to please allow 6 ft of distance between one another. There are safety stickers, building signage, inside or outside the building. Safety sign wall murals, and safety window signage. There are DANGER signs that warn us of imminent danger! Some signs stop us from entering a building or stop at an intersection. Caution signs that tell us something is too HOT, or flooding in that area. Hazardous Voltage safety signs warn us of electrical shock!
The Purpose of Safety Signs
Safety signs are in place for the safety of the public and for workers in the workplace. Safety signs are messages for spaces, places, or buildings. They communicate messages of safety, that give instruction or direction in how to stay safe. Safety signs warn of possible dangers.
Colors Used for Safety Signs
There are many safety signs for various reasons and Grainger.com has a color code chart for the various safety signage.
Red is used for Danger or Stop
Yellow is used for Caution
Orange is used for Warning
Green is used for Safety
Blue is used for Information
Black, White, Yellow, or a combination of Black with White or Yellow is used for boundaries
Magenta or Purple on Yellow is used for Radiation Caution
Fluorescent Orange, Orange—Red is used for Bio-safety
Prevent Accidents and Remain Compliant By Having the Right Safety Sign
1. OSHA Signs
Governing the majority of workplace safety rules, OSHA signs are mandatory warnings that compliant employers have to display in certain areas. Choose the markers that apply to your particular industry
For example, if you are in a business that includes the use of hazardous chemicals, you need different warning signs than a company that deals primarily with heavy machinery. Chemical hazard or machine safety signs would be the best choices in these examples.
2. Construction Site Markers
Construction safety signs sites are dangerous for visitors as well as workers. If you must admit visitors, set apart a path that keeps them out of harm’s way as much as possible. Choose signage that clearly identifies where visitors may enter and walk as well as the areas that are off limits to anyone but employees. Workers need to be made aware of hard hat zones, where protective gear is mandated and also where eye-washing and first aid stations may be located.
3. Building Hazard Signs
Even within an apartment complex, school, hospital and medical facilities or other commercial building, there are some dangers where the right signage can help with the prevention of accidents.
Slipping and tripping signs point to dangers along stairs and uneven walkways. High voltage signs and forbidden entry markers keep unauthorized persons out of the boiler room, the electrical panel area and other parts of the building’s basement or maintenance departments.
4. Warehouse Safety
Is a warehouse part of your property? If so, you probably also have a loading dock or at least a shipping and receiving area. Warehouse safety signs caution employees as well as visitors to be on the lookout for forklifts, engage vehicle safety lights and sounds before moving and report any improperly placed packages to the supervisor on duty.
5. ADA-Compliant Wayfinding Signage
Helping workers as well as the general public to navigate potentially hazardous locations is another task that these markers fulfill. ADA compliance ensures that visually or cognitively disabled onlookers perceive the message as well as those who do not share the disability.
Why Work with Mtn High Sign + Design?
At Mtn High Sign + Design, we understand there is a wide variety of signs that come into play when owning and operating a business. Serving the business communities of the greater Denver Metro and Surrounding Areas, we are highly experienced in safety signs + graphics. We can help you completely overhaul your sign setup, add just a few markers or completely start from scratch, and we would love to help you. Call us today or click on the link to find a time that works best for you and let’s get started on your sign project. (720) 388-0201
