Signs, Markings and Tags
Sign refers to a surface on prepared for the warning of, or safety instructions of, industrial workers or members of the public who may be exposed to hazards.
Tag means a device usually made of card, paper, pasteboard, plastic or other material used to identify a hazardous condition.
Major message means that portion of a tag's inscription that is more specific than the signal word and that indicates the specific hazardous condition or the instruction to be communicated to the employee. Examples include: "High Voltage," "Close Clearance," "Do Not Start," or "Do Not Use" or a corresponding pictograph used with a written text or alone.
Pictograph means a pictorial representation used to identify a hazardous condition or to convey a safety instruction.
Signal word means that portion of a tag's inscription that contains the word or words that are intended to capture the employee's immediate attention.
Signs, Markings and Tags
What's the purpose of signs, markings, and tags?
Signs, markings, and tags are a form of communication and are intended to indicate specific hazards that may lead to accidental injury or illness to workers or cause property damage.
What measures should be implemented to protect workers?
Signs should be posted to alert employees to hazards or to provide other important safety communication to them. Physical hazards should be clearly marked. Tags should be used on equipment and tools denote hazardous conditions or other important information. Employees should be trained on the color coding used for danger, caution, safety instruction, and other signage along with the pictographs used by the employer.
What resources are available to assist employers?
Safety and Health Programs
Example safety and health programs are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions.
Training and Outreach Services
The education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request.
Example presentations are available along with pre-recorded webinars which can be accessed at any time.
In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request.
Consultation Services
The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.
Which standards apply?
OSH has adopted the following standards which are applicable to signs, markings and tags in North Carolina. This is not all inclusive.
Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic.
General Industry
- 29 CFR 1910.144 - safety color code for marking physical hazards
- 29 CFR 1910.145 - specifications for accident prevention signs and tags
- 29 CFR 1910.1201 - retention of DOT markings, placards and labels
Construction
- 29 CFR 1926.200 - accident prevention signs and tags
Agriculture
- 29 CFR 1928.21(a)(4) - slow moving vehicles
- 29 CFR 1928.21(a)(7) - retention of DOT markings, placards and labels
Shipyard Employment
- 29 CFR 1915.16 - warning signs and labels
Marine Terminals
- 29 CFR 1917.29 - retention of DOT markings, placards and labels.
- 29 CFR 1917.128 - signs and marking
Other Applicable Standards
The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can help identify other standards that may also be applicable to your worksite.
Where can I learn more?
Industry Guides
- Industry Guide 48 - OSHA Construction Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to signs, markings and tags in construction.
- Industry Guide 49 – OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to signs, markings and tags in general industry.
- Industry Guide 50 - OSHA Agriculture Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to signs, markings and tags in agriculture.
- Industry Guide 53 - OSHA Shipyard Employment Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training highlights the requirements of standards related to signs, markings and tags in shipyard employment.
- Industry Guide 54 - OSHA Marine Terminal Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to signs, markings and tags at marine terminals.
Technical Assistance
Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH through the online form, by email to ask.osh@labor.nc.gov, or by phone at 919-707-7876.