• The look of a sign hinges on its format, color scheme, and size.

Format

The message, signal word, and safety symbol panels can be thought of as puzzle pieces that fit together inside a larger, typically rectangular space. Depending on the panels included, the employer has options when formatting a sign. Most signs will have a two- or three-panel format, in either a horizontal or vertical configuration. A sign may even have multiple panels of the same type, e.g., two symbol panels on a single sign.

Because 29 CFR 1910.145 talks about signal word and message panels, it’s understood that DANGER, CAUTION, SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS, and BIOHAZARD signs must include those two panels at a minimum, in whichever configuration is preferred, in order to be compliant with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation.

OSHA does not require the safety symbol panel unless failure to designate a symbol may lead to accidental injury or property damage. A symbol panel may still be included if not required, but a symbol panel by itself is not compliant under 1910.145.

Signs can be offered in multi-language formats, which offer text in both English and another language. This is not required but may be a better approach to employee safety.

Color scheme

Certain color schemes are associated with sign types and surround shapes. The color schemes of the sign elements of signs depend on whichever OSHA regulation applies (e.g., 1910.145, 1915.91, 1917.128, 1926.200, and 1928.21) and whether the employer chooses to follow the color scheme prescribed by American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z535.2 instead of the one specified by OSHA.

Where OSHA specifies a color scheme, if the employer can demonstrate that the ANSI standard provides equal or greater employee protection than the OSHA regulation, the ANSI provisions may be followed instead. Taking this option simply risks a de minimis (no penalty) violation. Whichever color scheme is chosen (OSHA or ANSI), the employer should use it consistently in the workplace.

Sign size

Standard sign sizes in inches include 7x10, 10x14, 14x20, and 20x28. The size to choose depends not on the regulations but rather on:

• Font type — Best practice calls for a sans serif font type, such as Helvetica. All capital letters should be reserved for short messages or for words that need emphasis.
• Font size — Font size depends on the minimum safe viewing distance from the sign and the reading conditions. The greater the distance and the poorer the reading conditions, the greater the font size should be.
• Amount of text — Message text should be as concise as possible.

According to ANSI Z535.2, minimum safe viewing distance (MSVD) is “the closest distance a person can be to a safety sign and still have time to follow the safety sign’s message to avoid the hazard.” The ANSI standard provides recommended message text heights based on the MSVD and reading conditions.

However, note that for construction, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.200 explains that ANSI Z35.1-1968 and ANSI Z535.2-2011 contain rules in addition to those specifically prescribed by 1926.200. Employers in construction must follow either ANSI Z35.1-1968 or ANSI Z535.2-2011, with respect to such additional rules, OSHA says. This is important because ANSI Z35.1-1968 has required “standard proportions” for sign sizes and panel sizes.