• Any bolts, nails, or hooks used to secure the sign should be checked to make sure they don’t present a hazard.
• Employers should inspect signs regularly for damage, obstructions, and other issues.

Once a location for the sign has been chosen, it’s time to post it. Any bolts, nails, or hooks used to secure the sign should be checked to make sure they don’t present a hazard. Signs should be placed behind glass or plexiglass as needed, depending on the working environment. To reach the optimum lifespan of the sign, the sign supplier’s regular cleaning procedures should be followed to remove any dirt, dust, grime, and oil.

Because signs do not last forever, they need to be monitored. Employers should inspect signs regularly for:

• Dirt or dust;
• Grime or oil;
• Chemical degradation;
• Graffiti or vandalism;
• Fading or defacement;
• Bending or curling;
• Tears, cracks, or breakage;
• Other damage or wear;
• Illegibility;
• Obstructions;
• Poor lighting;
• Missing signs;
• Confusing or misleading messages;
• Outdated/incorrect signs due to work changes or eliminated hazards; and
• Poor sign placement due to workplace layout changes.

The results of these inspections will dictate when it’s time to replace, or even remove, a sign.

If the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) adds or changes sign requirements, the facility will need to check all existing signs to ensure they meet the new rules.