ANSI Safety Sign Components

To be ANSI compliant the appropriate Signal Word panel must appear at the top center of each sign.

	DANGER represents the highest level of hazard and alerts viewers that death or serious injury will occur if not properly avoided. Danger is always written in white letters with a safety alert symbol on Safety Red background.
	WARNING represents a lesser hazard and alerts viewers that death or serious injury could occur if not properly avoided. Warning is always written in black letters with a safety alert symbol on Safety Orange background.
	CAUTION represents the lowest level of hazard and alerts viewers that minor or moderate injury may occur if not properly avoided.Caution is always written in black letters with a safety alert symbol on Safety Yellow background.
	NOTICE does not represent a personal hazard. It alerts viewers to be aware of important information regarding property. White, italicized letters appear on a Safety Blue background.
	Safety instructions provide viewers with steps to follow for safety-specific procedures. White letters appear on a Safety Green background.

There are various arrangements for a symbol's location on a sign. The symbol panel can either be (1) left off completely, (2) directly under the signal word, (3) half on the sign (either left or right) or (4) under the signal word and either right or left to the message panel. When a symbol has been demonstrated to be satisfactorily comprehended by affected parties or if instructions or training materials/manuals have been provided to inform of the symbol's meaning, the symbol may be used in place, in part or as the entire message.
The symbol panel provides clarity and increased understanding of the hazard described on the sign. Although this is optional, a symbol should be used when possible.

For more detailed information on ANSI symbols, refer to Z535.3.

Message Panel

  (1)    (2)     (3)    (4)

Hazard signs with the DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION symbol panel should include how to avoid a hazard, declare the type of hazard and define the consequence if the suggested precautions are not taken. For short messages or emphasis of individual words, uppercase only letters are acceptable. These are commonly used with NOTICE and Safety Instruction signs.
The Message panel must be present on a sign and located (1) directly under the signal word, (2) below the symbol panel, (3) half of the sign (either left or right), or (4) under the signal word and next to the message panel (either left or right).

Prioritizing Statements

Put the avoidance statement first if the reaction time is important. If there are multiple ways to avoid a hazard, the type of hazard like "Energized Equipment" can be placed first followed by the consequence. Consider including contact or emergency information depending on the label or sign location.

The Electromark ANSI Reference Guide is designed to be a current, authoritative source regarding the ANSI Z535-2011 Safety Sign Standard and every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the text, symbols, and illustrations. However,  Electromark makes no guarantee, warranty, or representation that this compilation is accurate, complete, or without errors.