We're sorry, but OSHAcademy doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript or install a browser that supports Javascript.

501 EM 385-1-1 Construction Safety Hazard Awareness for Contractors Sections 7 - 13
Skip to main content

General Safety Signs

  1. General Safety Signs. General safety signs should conform to the following requirements:
    • (1)General safety signs may be used to indicate general instructions relative to safe work practices, remind of proper safety procedures or indicate the location of safety equipment. These signs identify rules and facilities relating to health, first aid, medical equipment, sanitation, housekeeping practice and general safety information.
    • (2)Legend Panel: White signal word "SAFETY" on safety green header with black text on white panel.

Fire Safety Signs

  1. Fire Safety Signs. Fire safety signs must conform to the following requirements:
    • (1) Fire safety signs may be used to indicate the location of emergency firefighting equipment. Fire extinguisher signs must be placed where fire extinguishers are not visible from designated exit pathways. See NFPA 10 D2.2.2.
    • (2) These signs do not have a signal word.
    • (3) The message panel must be in safety red letters on a white background in either a square or rectangular field. The symbol/pictorial panel, if used, must be safety red on white or white on safety red.

Directional Arrow Signs

  1. Directional Arrow Signs. Directional arrow flow signs should conform to the following requirements:
    • (1) Directional arrow signs may be used to indicate the direction to emergency equipment, safety equipment, and other locations important to safety.
    • (2) Directional signs that relate to accident prevention use a format similar to all other Workplace Safety signs. The header must have white lettering on a black rectangular background. The arrow symbol must be in black lettering on a white background.
  1. Colors. Color coding must be in accordance with Table 8-2 of this manual. Color specifications for Corps safety signs are found in the USACE Sign Standards Manual.
  2. COLOR PURPOSE
    Red Red shall be the color used for identifying dangerous conditions, emergency controls, fire detection equipment and fire suppression systems, and containers of flammable liquids.
    Orange Orange shall be the color used for designating dangerous parts of machines and energized equipment. Orange shall also be used for temporary traffic control signs in construction zones.
    Yellow Yellow shall be the color for designating conditions requiring caution, marking dangerous chemicals, marking physical hazards, and markings for ionizing radiation.
    Green Green shall be the color for designating safety equipment and operator devices and the location of first-aid and safety equipment (other than firefighting equipment).
    Blue Blue shall be the color used for designating information of a non-safety nature.
    Purple Purple shall be the color used to designate ionizing radiation hazards.
  3. Piping systems must be identified. The identification of piping systems (including pipes, fittings, valves, and pipe coverings) must be in accordance with Table 8-3 of this manual and comply with ANSI/ASME A13.1 color scheme and directional flow requirements.
  4. Outside diameter of pipe or covering Length of color field “A” Size of letters “B”
    3/4 to 1 1/4 inches 8 1/2 inch
    1 1/2 to 2 inches 8 inches 3/4 inch
    2 1/2 to 6 inches 12 inches 1 1/4 inch
    8 to 10 inches 24 inches 2 1/2 inch
    over 10 inches 32 inches 2 1/2 inch
    Table 8-3 Legend
  5. The RF radiation hazard-warning symbol specified in Figure 8-4 for Sign and Tag Signal Word Headings of this manual must be used in the identification of RF radiation hazards.
  6. Laser caution and warning signs must be in accordance with ANSI Z136.1. > See Figures 8-5 and 8-6 .
  7. Ionizing radiation warning signs, labels, and signals must contain the symbol shown in Figure 8-7 of this manual. > See Section 06.F for posting requirements.
  8. Vehicles or equipment that, by design, move at 25 mph (40 km/h) or less on public roads must display the slow-moving vehicle emblem. > See Figure 8-8 .

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

8-4. Which of the following signs do NOT have a signal word?