Signs, tags and color codes are used on construction sites to warn employees of hazardous conditions and help them in case of an emergency. For signs to be effective they must be understood by the workforce they are trying to inform. Most signs are in English, however, there are times when they should be in the language of the workforce that is present. If everyone speaks Spanish, then signs should be in that language. Pictograph signs may also be used.

RED – is the basic color used to inform workers of an immediate hazard. Most DANGER signs are red and white with white lettering on the red portion and black letters in the white area. Examples are DANGER – HIGH VOLTAGE, DANGER – KEEP OUT, DANGER – NO SMOKING. Red is also the color identifies fire protection equipment and apparatus safety cans, fire extinguishers and alarms. And of course, there is the familiar red octagon with STOP in white letters.

YELLOW – signs are messages of caution and warn you to take action to protect yourself. Caution signs are yellow with black lettering, Examples: CAUTION – WATCH YOUR STEP, CAUTION – LIVE POWER SUPPLY, CAUTION – EYE PROTECTION REQUIRED.

ORANGE - is the color used to identify dangerous machine parts. These are locations that can cause major lacerations, crushing injuries or electrical shock. For example, gears, pulleys, and rollers may be marked with this color.

PURPLE – is used to identify radiation hazards. You will see if it you work at a nuclear power plant. Purple identifies where radioactive materials are stored or handled. Site X-ray technicians will have containers or vehicles marked with radiation signs to alert workers. Another sign is the SAFETY INSTRUCTION SIGN. These signs give you various kinds of safety information. The signs have a white background with a green panel that has white lettering. Example: This project has worked ___ days with a lost-time accident.

SIGNS PROVIDE YOU WITH SOME TYPE OF INFORMATION. TAKE TIME TO READ AND UNDERSTAND THE MESSAGE. THE SIGN IS THERE FOR YOUR PROTECTION.
