What does ANSI Z535.2 suggest for signs that identify a fire extinguisher location?

ANSI/NEMA Z535.2, the American National Standard for Environmental and Facility Safety Signs, recommends specifications for sign format and colors for fire equipment location signs. Specifically, the ANSI standard suggests a:

• Red symbol on white OR white symbol on red;
• White signal word on a red panel; and
• Black or red message text on white OR white message text on red.

The ANSI standard is void of specifications for sign mounting height. However, consider a height well over eye-level. Workers scanning a work area will be able to quickly and easily find this sign and retrieve the fire equipment they need.

It should be noted that:

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157(c) calls for the employer to mount, locate, and identify the fire extinguisher so that it is readily accessible to employees without subjecting them to possible injury. OSHA does not explain “how” to identify fire extinguishers, so various methods will meet the regulation.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.144 says red is the basic color for identification of fire protection equipment and apparatus.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.145 does not have specifications for location signs indicating fire equipment like extinguishers or hoses.