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Safety Symbols:
When appropriate, you may use a graphic representation that conveys your message without using words. The safety symbol should “describe the type of hazard, or evasive/avoidance actions to be taken” ANSI Z535.2-2007 (8.1.2). Safety symbols should effectively communicate the message, be easily understood, and be visible from a safe distance.
Message Panel - The message panel describes a hazard, indicates how to avoid it, and advises workers of the consequences of not avoiding the hazard. Always follow these basic guidelines:
• Use left-aligned text • Use sentence-style capitalization • Use sans-serif fonts (such as Helvetica) • Avoid prepositional phrases • Write in “headline style” • Use active voice
When determining the order of the message content, consider the target audience’s prior knowledge of the hazard and the necessary reaction time required to avoid dangerous consequences. Also, make sure that the most urgent message is the most prominent. OSHA 1910.145(e)(2) states: “The wording of any sign should be easily read and concise. The sign should contain sufficient information to be easily understood. The wording should make a positive, rather than negative suggestion and should be accurate in fact.”
Employee Training
Employers are required to conduct training to ensure workers understand the various types and meanings of signs in their facilities. The best time to train is during new hire safety orientation and during annual safety refreshers. Showing and explaining safety signs and their meanings in company newsletter and on employee bulletin boards will also help improve employees’ awareness of hazard signs. Effective employee training includes showing every type of sign, tag and label used. You should also provide an explanation of each purpose, meaning and what you expect employees to do when they encounter specific signs, labels or tags. Take special care to fully show and explain your hazard communication - chemical safety labeling program, which is also required by OSHA.
Sign Placement
Place hazard signs as close to the hazard as possible to create a definite link between the message and the hazard. Placing a group of hazard signs on a door, entryway or wall is asking for confusion. Let’s take a look at a typical plant maintenance shop. Every bench mounted tool should have hazard signs posted that require the use of eye protection and any other operation hazard that is applicable to the specific tool. These signs should be placed so that they are highly visible to the tool operator.
How you treat your signs sends a message:
Over time signs become faded, damaged and totally useless for the intended hazard message. Outdated, faded or damaged signs send a negative message about your emphasis on safety. To show employees that the hazard sign messages are important, replace them (the signs not the employees) as soon as they have any wear or damage. Have replacement signs available - stock enough replacement signs so there is no wait when a sign needs to be replaced.
Sign Language Barrier:
Being able to employ a diverse language workforce is essential in some industries. Using pictogram type safety signs to convey a hazard message can break reading or language barriers. To ensure that non-English speaking employees understand, some companies are employing translators to accompany trainers on facility tours with new employees to explain specific signs and their meanings. The food industry, which employees many non-English speaking Hispanic workers has seen the importance of bilingual signs. While bilingual signs are helpful, experience has shown that, as an example, not all "Hispanic" peoples speak or read the Spanish language the same - many words have entirely different meanings to various groups of peoples classified as "Hispanic". The same is true for many other ethnic groups.
Temporary Signs:
Certain operations may require the use of temporary visual warning. One of the most familiar is the "wet floor" sign placed by custodians. Others include those placed at boundaries of electrical work areas, confined space entry operations, temporary containment for asbestos removal or chemical spill cleanup. OSHA also requires that if work exposes energized or moving parts that are normally protected, danger signs must be displayed and barricades erected, to warn other people in the area.
Information Signs
Beyond the typical "Notice" signs, there is sometimes the need for more detailed information signs that provide complex instructions. Generally, these are in the form of Posted Operating Instructions for equipment or processes that require specific step-by-step procedures to ensure safe operation. Plastic laminated paper instruction can be used in areas that are clean and dry, however, photoengraved metal signs will last longer, especially in areas that have wet or dirty operations.
Exit Signs:
OSHA requires that Exits be marked by a readily visible sign with plainly legible letters not less than 6 inches high and illuminated on the surface to at least a value of 5 foot-candles. Most "glow in the dark" signs do not meet this lighting requirement. Access to exits must also be marked by signs showing the direction (arrows) of the exit or way to reach it. Additionally, any door, passage, or stairway which is neither an exit nor a way of exit access, and which may be mistaken for an exit, must be identified by a sign reading "Not an Exit" or by a sign indicating its actual use, such as "To Basement," "Storeroom," "Linen Closet," or the like.
Chemical Hazards:
In the workplace, OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard requires that each container of hazardous chemicals is labeled, tagged or marked. The identity of the hazardous chemical and appropriate hazard warnings, words, pictures, symbols must provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemical. Signs, placards, process sheets, batch tickets, operating procedures, or other written materials may be substituted for labels on individual stationary process containers, as long as this method identifies the containers to which it is applies and provides the same information required on labels. Small, portable containers, intended only for the immediate use of an employee and not for storage, do not require labels. Existing labels on containers, provided by the manufacturer, may not be removed or defaced unless the container is immediately marked with the required information.
Employee protection in public work areas:
Before work is begun in the vicinity of vehicular or pedestrian traffic which may endanger employees, warning signs and/or flags or other traffic control devices must be placed conspicuously to alert and channel approaching traffic. At night, warning lights must be prominently displayed.
Aisles And Passageways:
Permanent aisles and passageways have to be appropriately marked.
Welding & Brazing:
All filler metals and fusible granular materials must show the following notice on tags, boxes, or other containers:
CAUTION
Welding may produce fumes and gases hazardous to health. Avoid breathing these fumes and gases. Use adequate ventilation. See ANSI Z49.1-1967 Safety in Welding and Cutting published by the American Welding SocietyBrazing (welding) filler metals containing cadmium in significant amounts must have the following notice on tags, boxes, or other containers.
WARNING CONTAINS CADMIUM POISONOUS FUMES MAY BE FORMED ON HEATING
Do not breathe fumes. Use only with adequate ventilation such as fume collectors, exhaust ventilators, or air-supplied respirators. See ANSI Z49.1-1967. If chest pain, cough, or fever develops after use, call physician immediately.
Brazing and gas welding fluxes containing fluorine compounds shall have a cautionary wording to indicate that they contain fluorine compounds. One cautionary wording recommended by the American Welding Society for brazing and gas welding fluxes reads as follows:
CAUTION CONTAINS FLUORIDES
This flux when heated gives off fumes that may irritate eyes, nose, and throat.Avoid fumes — use only in well-ventilated spaces.Avoid contact of flux with eyes or skinDo not take internally
Permit-Required Confined Spaces:
Exposed employees must be informed of the existence and location of and the danger posed by permit-required confined spaces through the posting of signs or by any other equally effective means. A sign reading "DANGER—PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT ENTER" or using other similar language would satisfy the requirement for a sign.
Lockout/Tagout:
Tagout devices must warn against hazardous conditions if the machine or equipment is energized and shall include a legend such as the following: Do Not Start, Do Not Open, Do Not Close, Do Not Energize, Do Not Operate.
Fixed Extinguishing Systems:
Hazard warning or caution signs must be posted at the entrance to, and inside of, areas protected by fixed extinguishing systems which use agents in concentrations known to be hazardous to employee safety and health.
Ladders:
Ladders that have developed defects have to be taken out of service for repair or destruction. They must be tagged or marked as follows:DANGEROUS, DO NOT USE
Flammable Liquids:
Storage cabinets where flammable and combustible liquids are stored must be conspicuously labeled, "FLAMMABLE—KEEP FIRE AWAY."
No Smoking Signs:
Near all Explosive Storage AreasAll spraying areas and paint storage roomsPowder coating areas and powder storage roomsAreas where organic peroxides are stored, mixed, or applied.Drying, Curing, Or Fusion ApparatusNear Dip Tanks Containing Flammable or Combustible LiquidsNear Bulk Flammable Storage Areas
Emergency Respirators:
The employer must ensure that respirators are stored in compartments or in covers that are clearly marked as containing emergency respirators.
Other Required Signs:
Other hazard signs and labels are required by OSHA and DOT for special industries, uses of industrial gases and equipment hazards.
When appropriate, you may use a graphic representation that conveys your message without using words. The safety symbol should “describe the type of hazard, or evasive/avoidance actions to be taken” ANSI Z535.2-2007 (8.1.2). Safety symbols should effectively communicate the message, be easily understood, and be visible from a safe distance.
Message Panel - The message panel describes a hazard, indicates how to avoid it, and advises workers of the consequences of not avoiding the hazard. Always follow these basic guidelines:
• Use left-aligned text • Use sentence-style capitalization • Use sans-serif fonts (such as Helvetica) • Avoid prepositional phrases • Write in “headline style” • Use active voice
When determining the order of the message content, consider the target audience’s prior knowledge of the hazard and the necessary reaction time required to avoid dangerous consequences. Also, make sure that the most urgent message is the most prominent. OSHA 1910.145(e)(2) states: “The wording of any sign should be easily read and concise. The sign should contain sufficient information to be easily understood. The wording should make a positive, rather than negative suggestion and should be accurate in fact.”
Employee Training
Employers are required to conduct training to ensure workers understand the various types and meanings of signs in their facilities. The best time to train is during new hire safety orientation and during annual safety refreshers. Showing and explaining safety signs and their meanings in company newsletter and on employee bulletin boards will also help improve employees’ awareness of hazard signs. Effective employee training includes showing every type of sign, tag and label used. You should also provide an explanation of each purpose, meaning and what you expect employees to do when they encounter specific signs, labels or tags. Take special care to fully show and explain your hazard communication - chemical safety labeling program, which is also required by OSHA.
Sign Placement
Place hazard signs as close to the hazard as possible to create a definite link between the message and the hazard. Placing a group of hazard signs on a door, entryway or wall is asking for confusion. Let’s take a look at a typical plant maintenance shop. Every bench mounted tool should have hazard signs posted that require the use of eye protection and any other operation hazard that is applicable to the specific tool. These signs should be placed so that they are highly visible to the tool operator.
How you treat your signs sends a message:
Over time signs become faded, damaged and totally useless for the intended hazard message. Outdated, faded or damaged signs send a negative message about your emphasis on safety. To show employees that the hazard sign messages are important, replace them (the signs not the employees) as soon as they have any wear or damage. Have replacement signs available - stock enough replacement signs so there is no wait when a sign needs to be replaced.
Sign Language Barrier:
Being able to employ a diverse language workforce is essential in some industries. Using pictogram type safety signs to convey a hazard message can break reading or language barriers. To ensure that non-English speaking employees understand, some companies are employing translators to accompany trainers on facility tours with new employees to explain specific signs and their meanings. The food industry, which employees many non-English speaking Hispanic workers has seen the importance of bilingual signs. While bilingual signs are helpful, experience has shown that, as an example, not all "Hispanic" peoples speak or read the Spanish language the same - many words have entirely different meanings to various groups of peoples classified as "Hispanic". The same is true for many other ethnic groups.
Temporary Signs:
Certain operations may require the use of temporary visual warning. One of the most familiar is the "wet floor" sign placed by custodians. Others include those placed at boundaries of electrical work areas, confined space entry operations, temporary containment for asbestos removal or chemical spill cleanup. OSHA also requires that if work exposes energized or moving parts that are normally protected, danger signs must be displayed and barricades erected, to warn other people in the area.
Information Signs
Beyond the typical "Notice" signs, there is sometimes the need for more detailed information signs that provide complex instructions. Generally, these are in the form of Posted Operating Instructions for equipment or processes that require specific step-by-step procedures to ensure safe operation. Plastic laminated paper instruction can be used in areas that are clean and dry, however, photoengraved metal signs will last longer, especially in areas that have wet or dirty operations.
Exit Signs:
OSHA requires that Exits be marked by a readily visible sign with plainly legible letters not less than 6 inches high and illuminated on the surface to at least a value of 5 foot-candles. Most "glow in the dark" signs do not meet this lighting requirement. Access to exits must also be marked by signs showing the direction (arrows) of the exit or way to reach it. Additionally, any door, passage, or stairway which is neither an exit nor a way of exit access, and which may be mistaken for an exit, must be identified by a sign reading "Not an Exit" or by a sign indicating its actual use, such as "To Basement," "Storeroom," "Linen Closet," or the like.
Chemical Hazards:
In the workplace, OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard requires that each container of hazardous chemicals is labeled, tagged or marked. The identity of the hazardous chemical and appropriate hazard warnings, words, pictures, symbols must provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemical. Signs, placards, process sheets, batch tickets, operating procedures, or other written materials may be substituted for labels on individual stationary process containers, as long as this method identifies the containers to which it is applies and provides the same information required on labels. Small, portable containers, intended only for the immediate use of an employee and not for storage, do not require labels. Existing labels on containers, provided by the manufacturer, may not be removed or defaced unless the container is immediately marked with the required information.
Employee protection in public work areas:
Before work is begun in the vicinity of vehicular or pedestrian traffic which may endanger employees, warning signs and/or flags or other traffic control devices must be placed conspicuously to alert and channel approaching traffic. At night, warning lights must be prominently displayed.
Aisles And Passageways:
Permanent aisles and passageways have to be appropriately marked.
Welding & Brazing:
All filler metals and fusible granular materials must show the following notice on tags, boxes, or other containers:
CAUTION
Welding may produce fumes and gases hazardous to health. Avoid breathing these fumes and gases. Use adequate ventilation. See ANSI Z49.1-1967 Safety in Welding and Cutting published by the American Welding SocietyBrazing (welding) filler metals containing cadmium in significant amounts must have the following notice on tags, boxes, or other containers.
WARNING CONTAINS CADMIUM POISONOUS FUMES MAY BE FORMED ON HEATING
Do not breathe fumes. Use only with adequate ventilation such as fume collectors, exhaust ventilators, or air-supplied respirators. See ANSI Z49.1-1967. If chest pain, cough, or fever develops after use, call physician immediately.
Brazing and gas welding fluxes containing fluorine compounds shall have a cautionary wording to indicate that they contain fluorine compounds. One cautionary wording recommended by the American Welding Society for brazing and gas welding fluxes reads as follows:
CAUTION CONTAINS FLUORIDES
This flux when heated gives off fumes that may irritate eyes, nose, and throat.Avoid fumes — use only in well-ventilated spaces.Avoid contact of flux with eyes or skinDo not take internally
Permit-Required Confined Spaces:
Exposed employees must be informed of the existence and location of and the danger posed by permit-required confined spaces through the posting of signs or by any other equally effective means. A sign reading "DANGER—PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT ENTER" or using other similar language would satisfy the requirement for a sign.
Lockout/Tagout:
Tagout devices must warn against hazardous conditions if the machine or equipment is energized and shall include a legend such as the following: Do Not Start, Do Not Open, Do Not Close, Do Not Energize, Do Not Operate.
Fixed Extinguishing Systems:
Hazard warning or caution signs must be posted at the entrance to, and inside of, areas protected by fixed extinguishing systems which use agents in concentrations known to be hazardous to employee safety and health.
Ladders:
Ladders that have developed defects have to be taken out of service for repair or destruction. They must be tagged or marked as follows:DANGEROUS, DO NOT USE
Flammable Liquids:
Storage cabinets where flammable and combustible liquids are stored must be conspicuously labeled, "FLAMMABLE—KEEP FIRE AWAY."
No Smoking Signs:
Near all Explosive Storage AreasAll spraying areas and paint storage roomsPowder coating areas and powder storage roomsAreas where organic peroxides are stored, mixed, or applied.Drying, Curing, Or Fusion ApparatusNear Dip Tanks Containing Flammable or Combustible LiquidsNear Bulk Flammable Storage Areas
Emergency Respirators:
The employer must ensure that respirators are stored in compartments or in covers that are clearly marked as containing emergency respirators.
Other Required Signs:
Other hazard signs and labels are required by OSHA and DOT for special industries, uses of industrial gases and equipment hazards.
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References
http://www.ehsdb.com/signs--labels.php
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izeWHwDCUes
http://www.technologystudent.com/health1/helth2.ht ... 2.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izeWHwDCUes
http://www.technologystudent.com/health1/helth2.ht ... 2.htm
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