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10 Must-Have Safety Signs for OSHA Compliance
March 17, 2017
According to the Hazard Communication Standard from OSHA, organizations must post safety signs that comply with standards from the American National Standard Institute from either 1967-1968 (ANSI Z53.1, Z35.1 and Z35.2) or 2011 (ANSI Z535.1, Z535.2 and Z535.5). The most effective way to communicate warnings and other important safety messages to employees and visitors alike is through the use of safety signs.
For details regarding the specific signs you should hang at your facilities, visit OSHA.com. In the meantime, hang these 10 types of signs throughout your facilities to remain compliant:
1. EXIT and Evacuation
According to OSHA, emergency exits and evacuation pathways must be clearly marked at all times. If you have doorways or other passages that could be mistaken for exits, make sure they’re identified as well. All authorized EXIT signs must be visible and illuminated (by a light source or self-illuminating feature), and use distinct colors. Signs must clearly read “EXIT” in letters no less than 6”(H) x ¾” (W).
2. Fire
Identify areas that house fire extinguishers and fire hose cabinets. Doing so will ensure fast action by emergency personnel and properly trained employees during an emergency scenario. Plus, hanging the right signs is essential for compliance with OSHA.
3. Electrical Arc Flash Hazard
Arc flash accidents can be extremely hazardous or deadly in some cases. Because of that, OSHA requires organizations to designate high-voltage areas in their facilities and mark them accordingly using proper signage. According to NFPA 70E-2012, switchboards, meter socket enclosures, panelboards and motor control centers need to be marked with arc flash labels during maintenance.
4. First Aid
Make sure First Aid supplies are easy to locate and available to workers at all times in case of an emergency.
- FIRST AID STATION signs
- EYEWASH or SAFETY SHOWER signs
- AED (Automated External Defibrillators) signs
5. Flammable / Combustible
All the areas – and containers – around your workplace that hold combustible or flammable liquids, vapors and other materials, should be properly labeled with visible warnings.
6. Personal Protection
Remind employees and visitors to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when they’re around hazards that can cause physical injury or impairment.
7. Hazardous Area
Keep your employees informed about potential hazards, unsafe practices and area protocol instructions
8. Confined Space
Warn employees about areas that require authorized permits or specific instructions to enter safely.
9. Machine and Equipment
Help employees stay alert when working around heavy machinery or other equipment that could result in personal injury.
10. Slips, Trips and Falls
Are there areas around your facilities that are more dangerous than others? Put up signs in places like staircases, balconies, aisles and narrow passageways to remind workers to be careful.
In addition to our high-quality, OSHA-compliant safety signs, Seton is proud to offer businesses Workplace Sign Reviews to help ensure they have the signs they need to safe and in compliance. With this on-site service, organizations receive:
- A facility inspection based on your safety concerns
- A customized report on improvements needed
- Assurance that you’re keeping workers safe
For only $1,500, you can check to make sure you have all the signs you need to stay in compliance with OSHA. Keeping in mind the minimum fine from OSHA is currently $12,675 (as of Jan. 13, 2017) per violation, Seton’s Workplace Sign Review should be a no-brainer!
Company: Seton
Source: http://www.seton.com/blog/2017/02/10-must-safety-signs-osha-compliance
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