Ordering/Creating Safety Signs

Continental Western Group is now providing access to TWO FREE safety sign web sites:

Free Signage – Simple http://www.freesignage.com/osha_caution_signs.php

Online-Signs – More Options http://www.online-sign.com/

From these sites you can print directly from your printer.

If you need assistance with printing, or laminating for outside use, from either program, email to . Please include how many copies are needed, is laminating necessary, the Customer’s name and address to be mailed to and the Customer’s policy number. Contact Jan Hougham at 515-473-3207 in Loss Control.

The following are basic instructions for each program to get you started.

Free Signage / Online-Sign
http://www.freesignage.com/osha_caution_signs.php
Select your category
Find your desired sign
Click the PRINT SIGN
If you need assistance with printing, simply hover over the sign with your mouse and right click for the email option. See email instructions above. / http://www.online-sign.com/
Click on Sign Maker
Select a sign by double clicking on it – it will open in the Edit section – upper right corner. From here you can edit the text and update it, PRINT or save to your desk top for emailing.
Edit Section Box:
This program has more options that you can experiment with on your own.


Sign Classification and Requirements

OSHA and ANSI classify safety signs according to use. Their definitions are very similar.

OSHA has three classifications of signs:

1. Danger Signs—Indicate immediate danger and that special precautions are necessary. OSHA also specifies that the red, black and white colors used for Danger signs be in accordance with ANSI Z53.1-1967.

2. Caution Signs—Warn against potential hazards or caution against unsafe practices. OSHA specifies that the standard color for Caution signs shall have a yellow background black panel and yellow letters. All letters used against the yellow background shall be black. The colors must be in accordance with ANSI Z53.1-1967.

3. Safety Instruction Signs—Used where there is a need for general instructions and suggestions relative to safety measures. OSHA specifies that the standard color for Safety Instruction signs shall be a white background, green panel and white letters. Any letters used on the white background shall be black. The colors must be in accordance with ANSI Z53.1-1967.

Accident Prevention signs are classified by ANSI Z535.2-2002 into eight classes:

DANGER—Indicate an immediately hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. Danger is limited to the most extreme situations.

WARNING—Indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION—Indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. Caution may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.

NOTICE—Indicate a statement of company policy as the message relates directly or indirectly to the safety of personnel or protection of property.

GENERAL SAFETY—Indicate general instructions relative to safe work practices, reminders of proper safety procedures, and the location of safety equipment.

FIRE SAFETY—Indicate the location of emergency fire fighting equipment.

The other two classifications are DIRECTIONAL ARROW SIGNS and SPECIAL SIGNS.