All construction workers should be familiar with safety signs and what they mean. These signs are used to communicate important safety information and regulations to workers on a construction site. There are many different types of safety signs, each with its own meaning. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common safety and regulatory signs used on construction sites, what they look like, and what they mean.
OHSA Requires All Workplaces to Post Safety Signs
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) requires all workplaces to post safety signs. This is to ensure that all workers are aware of the safety rules and regulations in place. All safety signs must be clearly visible and easy to understand. The OHSA has specific requirements for the size, shape, and color of safety signs.
Importance of Displaying Proper Safety Signs & Posters
Displaying the proper safety signs and posters on a construction site is important for several reasons. First, it ensures that all workers are aware of the safety rules and regulations in place. Second, it helps to prevent accidents by reminding workers of potential hazards. Third, it helps to create a safe and healthy work environment.
Common Safety Signs Used on Construction Sites
There are many different types of safety signs used on construction sites. The most common safety signs are discussed below.
Warning Signs
In many cases, a construction site may be located near busy or dangerous areas. In these cases, warning signs are used to warn workers of potential hazards. Warning signs are typically yellow or orange and have a black triangle or exclamation point.
Danger Signs
To warn workers of immediate hazards, such as live electrical wires, danger signs are used. Danger signs are typically red or black and have a white background.
Fire Exit Signs
In the event of a fire, it is important for workers to know where the nearest exit is located. Fire exit signs are typically green or white and have a green arrow.
Fall Protection Signs
Fall protection signs are used to warn workers of potential hazards, such as open manholes or holes in the ground. Fall protection signs are typically yellow or orange and have a black exclamation point.
Stop Signs
Stop signs are used to indicate when workers must stop work. Stop signs are typically red and have a white background.
No Smoking Signs
No smoking signs are used to indicate areas where smoking is not allowed. No smoking signs are typically red and have a white background.
Rules & Regulations Signs
Rules and regulations signs are used to indicate the safety rules that must be followed on a construction site. Rules and regulations signs are typically white and have a black or red background.
Hard Hat Area Signs
Hard hat area signs are used to indicate areas where workers must wear a hard hat. This is typically found where there is heavy equipment or overhead work. Hard hat area signs are typically white and have a black or red background.
Authorized Personnel Only Signs
Authorized personnel only signs are used to indicate areas where only authorized personnel are allowed. For sites where there is sensitive or dangerous equipment, authorized personnel only signs are used. Authorized personnel only signs are typically white and have a black or red background.
Flagmen Ahead Signs
Flagmen ahead signs are used to indicate when flagmen are working ahead. On highways or other busy roads, flagmen ahead signs are used. Flagmen ahead signs are typically orange and have a white background.
Emergency Services Signs
Emergency services signs are used to indicate the location of emergency services, such as a fire hydrant or first aid station. It is essential that all workers know the location of emergency services in case of an accident. Emergency services signs are typically white and have a red cross or other emergency symbol.
Snow & Ice Signs
Snow and ice signs are used to indicate when there is a risk of slipping on snow or ice. During roofing or other work in cold weather, snow and ice signs are used. Snow and ice signs are typically white and have a black or blue background.
Crane Operation Signs
Crane operation signs are used to indicate when a crane is in use. For projects with a crane, these signs must be used. Crane operation signs are typically white and have a red background.
People Working Above Signs
People working above signs are used to indicate when there are people working above. To protect those that are working below, these signs must be used. People working above signs are typically white and have a black or red background.
Do Not Enter Signs
Do not enter signs are used to indicate when an area is off limits. For safety reasons, it is important that workers obey these signs. Do not enter signs are typically red and have a white background.
Dangerous Chemicals Signs
Dangerous chemicals signs are used to indicate when there are dangerous chemicals present, such as asbestos. These signs must be used to protect workers from exposure to dangerous chemicals. Dangerous chemicals signs are typically white and have a black or red background.
Contact Atlantic Equipment for Safety Equipment, Tools, & Supplies
As you can see, there are many different safety and regulatory signs that are used on construction sites. It is important for all workers and managers to know what each sign means and to make sure they are hung up accordingly. This is also an OHSA standard, to make sure all rules and safety measures are clearly written and displayed. If you are looking for more information about safety equipment and materials, be sure to contact Atlantic Equipment. We offer a wide variety of safety equipment, tools, and supplies to keep your construction site safe. Visit our website or give us a call today to learn more!