DANGER

This sign indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.

This signal word is to be limited to the most extreme situations.

NEMA has published six different standards in the ANSI Z535 series of standards for safety signs and colors as well as a safety color chart for use with all ANSI Z535 standards. Each standard within this series has unique properties which can be used to alert people to hazards in the work place and at home.

ANSI Z535 Color Chart

The ANSI Z535 Color Chart is for use with all ANSI Z535 standards and contains printed examples of the ANSI Z535 safety colors with their ink specifications.

ANSI Z535 Set

A set of all six ANSI Z535 safety standards and the ANSI Z535 Color Chart

ANSI Z535 Set CD

A set of all six ANSI Z535 safety standards and the ANSI Z535 Color Chart on CD

ANSI Z535.1 – Safety Colors

ANSI Z535.1 providesthe technical definitions, color standards, and color tolerances for safety colors. Color codes used on safety signs, labels, and tags have been developed in the past by a large number of firms and organizations. Although these color codes give satisfaction to those using them, they lack uniformity. This standard establishes a “standard for safety colors” that will alert and inform persons to take precautionary action or other appropriate action in the presence of hazards.

ANSI Z535.2 – Environmental Facility and Safety Signs

ANSI Z535.2 provides guidance for industries, commercial establishments, property owners, employers, and others on environmental and facility safety signs. This standard establishes requirements for a uniform visual system of identification related to potential hazards in the environment. The design, application, and use of signs and placards employing this visual alerting system are covered as well as the safety signs used at fixed locations in the environment such as industrial facilities, large movable signs that may be used on a temporary basis, and the steps to be taken to avoid the hazard.

ANSI Z535.3 – Criteria for Safety Symbols

ANSI A535.3 provides general principles for the design, evaluation, and use of safety symbols to identify and warn against specific hazards and personal injury. This standard addresses the fact that the U.S. population is multi-ethnic, highly mobile, and derived from a multiplicity of social and educational backgrounds. Word only signs may not be effective in promoting safety to the general population. Effective safety symbols have demonstrated their ability to provide critical information for accident prevention and for personal protection. Signs with safety symbols can promote greater and more rapid communication of the safety message, and therefore, greater safety for the general population in the immediate environment and workplaces.

ANSI Z535.4 – Product Safety Signs and Labels

ANSI Z535.4 provides a hazard communication system developed specifically for product safety signs and labels. This standard sets forth a consistent visual layout and performance requirements for the design, application, use and placement of safety signs and labels intended to identify hazards for persons using, operating, and servicing or otherwise in proximity to a wide variety of products, as well as a national uniform system for the recognition of potential personal injury hazards.

ANSI Z535.5 – Safety Tags and Barricade Tapes (for Temporary Hazards)

ANSI Z535.5 provides the requirements for the design and use of safety tags and barricade tapes and reflects harmonization with the international standards by permitting different colors to be used with the safety alert symbol that are a means of alerting people to temporary hazards often associated with construction equipment installation, maintenance, repair, lockout or other transient conditions. Safety tags and barricade tapes are used to identify a temporary hazard. They should be used only until such time as the identified hazard is eliminated or the hazardous operation is completed.

ANSI Z535.6 – Product Safety Information in Product Manuals, Instructions, and Other Collateral Materials