Common Signs for Safety

What is the difference between Danger, Warning,

Caution, Notice Signs, Safety Instruction signs?

1. Danger Signs

Danger: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will

result in death or serious injury. The signal word "DANGER"
is to be limited to the most extreme situations.

When to Use Danger Signs

Use Danger Signs for (1) electrical warnings, (2) confined
spaces, (3) poison and (4) severe machine hazards.

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“Danger”, as a header, is becoming less common versus
“Warning” signs.

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2. Warning Signs

Warning: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious injury.

When to Use Warning Signs

Use warning signs for (1) pinch points, (2) arc flash,
(3) blocking rules and (4) machine with guards.

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3. Caution Signs

Caution: indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided,

could result in minor or moderate injury.

When to Use Caution Signs

Use caution signs for information on (1) Overhead
hazards/Clearance hazards, (2) wet floors, (3) certain PPE
requirements and (4) RF hazards.

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4. Notice Signs

Notice: Indicates information considered important but not

hazard related.

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When to Use Notice Signs
Use for (1) security messages, (2) maintenance, (3) cleaning
guidelines, (4) way finding information (employee entrance,
directions to shipping department, etc.) and (5) instructions to
read the reference manual before servicing a machine. Notice
signs are typically used for activities that result in property
damage (but no personal injury).

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5. Safety Instruction Signs
Safety instruction sign is the signal used to provide explanatory
information like procedures and instructions. More definitive
words can be used in these signal word panels.

Viewing Distance
Signs should be large enough to view without straining the eyes
when communicating safety messages to employees and/or
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visitors. Therefore, choosing the size of a sign is more than
fitting it to the space you have available. You must consider the
environment, lighting and viewing distance – these factors will
determine the size of sign required to suit your application.

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