Just The "FACS" Safety Notes

MAKING SENSE OF HAZARD SIGNS

Signs and labels and tags! We depend on them to tell us where dangers lurk, what's safe and what isn't, and to tell us quickly. When it comes to recognizing potentially hazardous situations, the type of sign is often as important as the words on it. For example, the distinctive colors associated with danger help us recognize them. But why do danger signs (and danger labels and danger tags) say "danger" and not "warning" or "caution?" Who decides?

The answer is ANSI (American National Standard Institute). This organization is responsible for a common vocabulary of visual cues related to hazardous materials that are easy for everyone to recognize. The definitions for signal words, according to ANSI Z535.2-1998, are the following:

DANGER: indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. This signal word is used in extreme situations.

WARNING: indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury

CAUTION: indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. This signal word may also be used to alert against unsafe practices or the potential for property damage.

Colors on signs should follow the guidelines described in ANSI Z535.1-1991, Safety Color Code. These guidelines state that the word DANGER should be printed in white letters with a safety red background, WARNING should be printed in black with a safety orange background, and CAUTION should be printed in black with a safety yellow background.

Signs, Labels, and Tags are installed for the protection of everyone that must come into contact with the products that they accompany. Take the time to read and understand the meanings of the different types of Danger, Warning, and Caution labels that are associated with our everyday living and working activities. These just might save your life or the life of someone close to you.