Here’s a chart that compiles the information we’ve collected about the color meanings of safety floor markings.
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Insite Solutions® Guide to Floor Marking Best Practices
Floor Marking Safety Color Code
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| COLOR | MEANINGS |
POSSIBLE
APPLICATIONS
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RECOMMENDED
ITEMS
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According to OSHA, Yellow designates Caution
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Walkways, aisles, physical hazards such as tripping or falling points, etc.
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OSHA requires red to mean DANGER & STOP
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Stop signs & bars, fire protection equipment, sprinklers, etc.
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WARNING
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Machinery, energized equipment
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1st Aid Supplies, Safety Equipment, Eye Wash, Showers, Safety Information
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Informational signage, Caution against moving or starting equipment that is under repair.
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Stripes or Patterns of Two Contrasting Colors
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ATTENTION
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Bring attention to special areas with potential hazards like electrical panels, dead ends of passageways, Hazardous Materials, etc.
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Everyone needs to know what colors mean what when marking a facility to meet OSHA safety requirements. A color code can help simplify the identification of hazards, and contribute to workplace safety. Are you frustrated trying to figure out what colors to use where? Well, you can stop searching. According to our research, there really isn’t a set color code standard that is required by OSHA. While OSHA does require physical hazards be clearly marked, the only colors they make specific guidelines for are red and yellow. In 29 CFR 1910.144, OSHA outlines their guidelines for safety color code. Red is to be used for identifying fire protection equipment and “stop”, while yellow is to be used to mark physical hazards and signify caution. As for the rest of the colors, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has created a standard color code that is widely used. We have assimilated all the recommendations from OSHA, ANSI, and other industry experts into what we believe is the best practices for color coding. Keep in mind that OSHA does not require companies to follow any certain standard set of color codes. Many facilities opt to follow the ANSI standards, but it is not required. When there is a deviation from the normal use of color, it is recommended that the color coding system is posted in a central location, visible to all employees. So if you want to create your own color code based on what’s most convenient for your facility, go right ahead. And if you need help creating signs that display your own color code, give us a call. We can print a custom sign that nicely displays your color coding system, along with your logo and any custom text.
