Marking

Scope

OSHA has established rules regarding the design, application, and use of safety markings in the workplace.

Regulatory requirements

• 29 CFR 1910.144 — Safety Color Code for Marking Physical Hazards
• 29 CFR 1910.145 — Specifications for Accident Prevention Signs and Tags
• 29 CFR 1926 Subpart G — Signs, Signals, and Barricades

Key definitions

• Biological hazard or BIOHAZARD: Those infectious agents presenting a risk of death, injury or illness to employees.
• Major message: That portion of a tag’s inscription that is more specific than the signal word and that indicates the specific hazardous condition or the instruction to be communicated to the employee. Examples include: “High Voltage,” “Close Clearance,” “Do Not Start,” or “Do Not Use” or a corresponding pictograph used with a written text or alone.
• Pictograph: A pictorial representation used to identify a hazardous condition or to convey a safety instruction.
• Sign: A surface prepared for the warning of, or safety instructions of, industrial workers or members of the public who may be exposed to hazards.
• Signal word: That portion of a tag’s inscription that contains the word or words that are intended to capture the employee’s immediate attention.
• Tag: A device usually made of card, paper, pasteboard, plastic or other material used to identify a hazardous condition.

Summary of requirements

• General industry: The safety color code for marking physical hazards is found in 1910.144. Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags are found in 1910.145.
• Construction: Specifications for signs and symbols are found in 29 CFR 926 Subpart G. Signs and symbols required by this subpart must be:
  • Visible at all times when work is being performed, and
  • Removed or covered promptly when the hazards no longer exist.