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ANSI Z535.2-2011
Revision of ANSI Z535.2-2007

American National Standard

Environmental and
Facility Safety Signs

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011
Revision of
ANSI Z535.2-2007

American National Standard

Environmental and Facility Safety Signs

Secretariat:

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Approved July 19, 2011

Published September 15, 2011

American National Standards Institute, Inc.

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

DISCLAIMER
The information in this publication was considered technically sound by the consensus of persons
engaged in the development and approval of the document at the time it was developed. Consensus
does not necessarily mean that there is unanimous agreement among every person participating in the
development of this document.

ANSI standards and guideline publications, of which the document contained herein is one, are
developed through a voluntary consensus standards development process. This process brings together
volunteers and/or seeks out the views of persons who have an interest in the topic covered by this

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publication. While NEMA administers the process to promote fairness in the development of consensus, it
does not write the document and it does not independently test, evaluate, or verify the accuracy or
completeness of any information or the soundness of any judgments contained in its standards and
guideline publications.

NEMA disclaims liability for any personal injury, property, or other damages of any nature whatsoever,
whether special, indirect, consequential, or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the
publication, use of, application, or reliance on this document. NEMA disclaims and makes no guaranty or
warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein,
and disclaims and makes no warranty that the information in this document will fulfill any of your particular
purposes or needs. NEMA does not undertake to guarantee the performance of any individual
manufacturer or seller’s products or services by virtue of this standard or guide.

In publishing and making this document available, NEMA is not undertaking to render professional or
other services for or on behalf of any person or entity, nor is NEMA undertaking to perform any duty owed
by any person or entity to someone else. Anyone using this document should rely on his or her own
independent judgment or, as appropriate, seek the advice of a competent professional in determining the
exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstances. Information and other standards on the topic
covered by this publication may be available from other sources, which the user may wish to consult for
additional views or information not covered by this publication.

NEMA has no power, nor does it undertake to police or enforce compliance with the contents of this
document. NEMA does not certify, test, or inspect products, designs, or installations for safety or health
purposes. Any certification or other statement of compliance with any health or safety-related information
in this document shall not be attributable to NEMA and is solely the responsibility of the certifier or maker
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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by

AMERICAN ANSI that the requirements for due process, consensus, and other
NATIONAL criteria for approval have been met by the standards developer.

STANDARD Consensus is established when, in the judgment of the ANSI Board of

Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly
and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much
more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus
requires that all views and objections be considered, and that a
concerted effort be made toward their resolution.

The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their

existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether he has
approved the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing,
purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not conforming
to the standards.

The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards

and will in no circumstances give an interpretation of any American
National Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority
to issue an interpretation of an American National Standard in the name
of the American National Standards Institute. Requests for
interpretations should be addressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose
name appears on the title page of this standard.

This American National Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any

time. The procedures of the American National Standards Institute
require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw
this standard. Purchasers of American National Standards may receive
current information on all standards by calling or writing the American
National Standards Institute.

Published by

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

1300 North 17th Street, Rosslyn, VA 22209

 Copyright 2011 by National Electrical Manufacturers Association

All rights reserved including translation into other languages, reserved under the Universal Copyright
Convention, the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, and the
International and Pan American Copyright Conventions.

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Printed in the United States of America

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

Contents

Foreword ......................................................................................................................................................vii
1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1
2 Scope and purpose .......................................................................................................................... 1
2.1 Scope .................................................................................................................................. 1
2.2 Purpose ............................................................................................................................... 1
2.2.1 Existing American National Standards .................................................................. 1
3 Application and exceptions .............................................................................................................. 1
3.1 Application ........................................................................................................................... 1
3.2 Exceptions ........................................................................................................................... 2
4 Definitions ........................................................................................................................................ 2
5 Use of signal words .......................................................................................................................... 4
5.1 Hazard classification ........................................................................................................... 4
5.2 Signal word selection .......................................................................................................... 4
5.3 Multiple hazard signs .......................................................................................................... 4
5.3.1 One sign ................................................................................................................. 4
5.3.2 Signal word for multiple hazard signs .................................................................... 4
6 Sign format ....................................................................................................................................... 4
6.1 Panels ................................................................................................................................. 4
6.2 Panel arrangement.............................................................................................................. 5
6.2.1 Panel format ........................................................................................................... 5
6.2.2 Panel placement .................................................................................................... 5
6.3 Safety alert symbol.............................................................................................................. 5
6.4 Word message .................................................................................................................... 5

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6.4.1 Multiple messages ................................................................................................. 5
7 Safety sign colors ............................................................................................................................. 5
7.1 Standard colors ................................................................................................................... 5
7.2 Signal word panel colors ..................................................................................................... 5
7.2.1 DANGER ................................................................................................................ 5
7.2.2 WARNING .............................................................................................................. 5
7.2.3 CAUTION ............................................................................................................... 5
7.2.4 NOTICE.................................................................................................................. 5
7.2.5 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ..................................................................................... 6
7.2.6 Safety equipment location signs ............................................................................ 6
7.2.7 Fire equipment location signs ................................................................................ 6
7.2.8 Safety alert symbol ................................................................................................ 6

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

7.3 Message panel colors ......................................................................................................... 6

7.3.1 Hazard alerting signs, safety notice signs, and safety instruction signs ................ 6
7.3.2 Safety equipment location signs ............................................................................ 6
7.3.3 Fire safety equipment location signs...................................................................... 6
7.4 Symbol panel colors ............................................................................................................ 6
7.4.1 Hazard alerting signs, safety notice signs, and safety instruction signs ................ 6
7.4.2 Safety equipment location signs ............................................................................ 6
7.4.3 Fire equipment location signs ................................................................................ 6
8 Letter style and size ......................................................................................................................... 6
8.1 Letter style ........................................................................................................................... 7
8.1.1 Signal words ........................................................................................................... 7
8.1.2 Message panel lettering ......................................................................................... 7
8.2 Letter size for hazard alerting signs .................................................................................... 7
8.2.1 Lettering ................................................................................................................. 7
8.2.2 Determination of safe viewing distance ................................................................. 7
8.2.3 Signal word letter height ........................................................................................ 7
8.3 Letter size for safety notice, safety instruction, safety equipment location, and fire
equipment location signs .................................................................................................... 7
8.3.1 Lettering ................................................................................................................. 7
8.3.2 Signal word letter height for safety notice and safety instruction signs ................. 7
9 Safety symbols ................................................................................................................................. 7
9.1 Conveyed message ............................................................................................................ 7
9.2 Use with and without corresponding word messages ......................................................... 7
10 Sign materials, expected life, and maintenance .............................................................................. 7
10.1 Sign materials ..................................................................................................................... 7
10.2 Expected life........................................................................................................................ 8
10.3 Maintenance ........................................................................................................................ 8
10.4 Replacement ....................................................................................................................... 8
11 Sign placement ................................................................................................................................ 8
11.1 Hazard alerting signs .......................................................................................................... 8
11.2 Safety signs—placement requirements .............................................................................. 8
11.3 Safety signs—placement prohibitions ................................................................................. 8
11.4 Environmental/facility safety signs ...................................................................................... 8
12 Illumination ....................................................................................................................................... 8
13 Normative references ....................................................................................................................... 8
13.1 General ............................................................................................................................... 8
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13.2 American National Standards ............................................................................................. 9

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

Tables

B1 Examples of Word Message Letter Heights and Minimum Safe Viewing Distances ..................... 17
Figures
1 The Safety Alert Symbol .................................................................................................................. 3
2 Examples of Use of Color .............................................................................................................. 10
3 Three Panel Sign in Vertical Format .............................................................................................. 11
4 Two Panel Sign in Vertical Format ................................................................................................. 11
5 Three Panel Sign in Horizontal Format .......................................................................................... 11
6 Two Panel Sign in Horizontal Format ............................................................................................ 11
7 Two Panel Sign in Shortened Signal Word Panel Format ............................................................ 11
8 Two Panel Sign in Side-by-Side Format ........................................................................................ 12
9 Three Panel Sign in Horizontal Format with Symbol Panel on Right ............................................ 12
10 Three Panel Sign in Horizontal Format with Message Panel and Symbol Panel Separated
by Line ............................................................................................................................................ 12
11 Three Panel Sign in Horizontal Format with Message Panel and Symbol Panel Separated
by White Space .............................................................................................................................. 12
12 Two Panel Sign in Horizontal Format with Word Panel and Symbol Panel ................................... 12
13 Safety Sign Incorporating a Safety Instruction Panel .................................................................... 13
14 Additional Safety Sign Formats that may be Used for Safety Equipment and Fire Equipment
Location Signs ................................................................................................................................ 13

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B1 Examples of Correct Signal Word and Safety Alert Symbol Placement ........................................ 17
B2 Examples of Incorrect Signal Word and Safety Alert Symbol Placement ..................................... 17
B3 Word Message with Hazard Description First ............................................................................... 18
B4 Word Message with Hazard Avoidance Message First ................................................................ 18
B5 Headline Style Message ................................................................................................................ 18
B6 Non-Headline Style Message ........................................................................................................ 18
B7 Examples of Action Statements ..................................................................................................... 19
B8 Examples of Concise Hazard Description Statements .................................................................. 19
B9 Examples of Consequence Statements ......................................................................................... 19
B10 Examples of Active Voice vs. Passive Voice Messages ................................................................ 20
B11 Examples of Prepositional and Non-Prepositional Phrases .......................................................... 20
B12 Examples of Ways to Emphasize Portions of a Word Message .................................................... 20
B13 Outline Format ............................................................................................................................... 21
B14 Outline with Bullet Format .............................................................................................................. 21
B15 Continuous Format......................................................................................................................... 21
B16 Left Aligned Ragged Right Text ..................................................................................................... 21
B17 Centered Text ................................................................................................................................ 21

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

B18 Justified Text .................................................................................................................................. 21

B19 Mixed Case Lettering ..................................................................................................................... 22
B20 All Upper Case ............................................................................................................................... 22
B21 Selective Use of Upper Case ......................................................................................................... 22
B22 Examples of Correct and Incorrect Type Spacing ......................................................................... 22
B23 Examples of Type Color Choice .................................................................................................... 23
B24 Long Message, Vertical Format ..................................................................................................... 25
B25 Long Message, Horizontal Format ................................................................................................. 25
B26 Short Message Format................................................................................................................... 25
B27 Multiple Symbols on Top ............................................................................................................... 26
B28 Multiple Symbols on Left ............................................................................................................... 26
B29 Two-Symbol Alternative Format ..................................................................................................... 26
B30 Symbols on Left ............................................................................................................................. 26
B31 Symbols on Right ........................................................................................................................... 26
B32 Example of Safety Instruction Sign ................................................................................................ 27
B33 Example of Safety Instruction Sign as Part of Hazard Alerting Sign ............................................. 27
D1 Model of the Possible Results of a Hazardous Situation ............................................................... 30
D2 Signal Word Selection Process ...................................................................................................... 33

Annexes
A Guidelines for Increasing Recognition of Safety Sign Components .............................................. 15
B Principles and Guidelines for the Design of Environmental and Facility Safety Signs ................. 17
C Previous Formats for Signal Word Panels ..................................................................................... 28
D Risk Estimation and Signal Word Selection ................................................................................... 29
E Informative References .................................................................................................................. 34
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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

Foreword
In 1979, the ANSI Z535 Committee on Safety Colors was combined with the ANSI Z535 Committee on
Safety Signs to form the ANSI Z535 Committee on Safety Signs and Colors. The Z535 Committee has
the following scope:
To develop standards for the design, application, and use of signs, colors, and symbols
intended to identify and warn against specific hazards and for other accident prevention
purposes.
While the basic mission and fundamental purpose of the ANSI Z535 Committee is to develop, refine, and
promote a single, uniform graphic system used for communicating safety and accident prevention
information, the Z535 Committee recognizes that this information can also be effectively communicated
using other graphic systems.
The Z535 Committee created subcommittees to update the Z53 and Z35 standards and to write new
standards. To date, the following six standards comprise the ANSI Z535 series:
ANSI Z535.1 Safety Colors [ANSI Z53.1-1979 was updated and combined into this standard in
1991]
ANSI Z535.2 Environmental and Facility Safety Signs [ANSI Z35.1-1972 and Z35.4-1972 were
updated and combined into this standard in 1991]
ANSI Z535.3 Criteria for Safety Symbols [new in 1991]
ANSI Z535.4 Product Safety Signs and Labels [new in 1991]
ANSI Z535.5 Safety Tags and Barricade Tapes (for Temporary Hazards) [ANSI Z35.2-1974
was updated and combined into this standard in 1991]
ANSI Z535.6 Product Safety Information in Product Manuals, Instructions, and Other Collateral
Materials [new in 2006]
Together, these six standards contain the information needed to specify formats, colors, and symbols for
safety signs used in environmental and facility applications, in product and product literature applications,
and in temporary safety tag and barricade tape applications.
Published separately is the ANSI Z535 Safety Color Chart. This chart gives the user a sample of each of
the safety colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, grey, white, and black. It also describes
®
each color's ink formulation and closest PANTONE color.
This ANSI Z535.2 standard was prepared by Subcommittee Z535.2 on Environmental and Facility Safety
Signs. The foreword and all annexes in this standard are considered to be informative and not normative.
In the vocabulary of writing standards, the word “informative” is meant to convey that the information
presented is for informational purposes only and is not considered to be mandatory. The body of this
standard is “normative,” meaning that this information is considered to be mandatory.
This standard was formulated to provide a visual alerting system to aid in identifying potential hazards
known to exist in facilities and in the environment. Together, ANSI Z535.1, Z535.2, and Z535.3 contain
information needed to specify formats, colors, and symbols for safety signs used in environmental and
facility applications. The ANSI Z535.4 and Z535.5 standards are harmonized with this standard to provide
appropriate hazard avoidance information for products that might be encountered in the environment
(ANSI Z535.4) or temporary changes to the environment (ANSI Z535.5). It is desirable that new signs,
symbols, and colors for environmental and facility safety signs specified after the approval of this
standard comply with this standard.
The ANSI Z35 Committee on Safety Signs and ANSI Z53 Committee on Safety Colors were combined in
1979 to form the ANSI Z535 Committee on Safety Signs and Colors. The ANSI Z535.4 standard
addresses the design of safety signs and labels for application to products, and was first published in
1991. In that standard, the format specified for the signal word panel was a simple rectangle. The
rectangle contained the safety alert symbol and a signal word (DANGER, CAUTION, or WARNING), and
specific safety colors were designated to be used with those signal words (DANGER / Safety Red;

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

WARNING / Safety Orange; CAUTION / Safety Yellow). This contrasted with the longstanding format of
the black rectangle with red oval and white letters used for danger signs. The initial impetus for the new
ANSI Z535.4-1991 header format was that products often had limited space for a sign or label and
omitting the older format allowed for bigger letters for the signal word. The ANSI Z535.2-1991 standard
retained the longstanding DANGER heading format and created a similar format (using a truncated
diamond) for the new warning sign head. Z535.2-1991 allowed the user to use the format of Z535.4-1991
and vice versa.
The ANSI Z535.2-1998 standard showed the preferred format for environmental and safety signs to be
the simple header style of the ANSI Z535.4 standard for product safety signs and labels; both standards
included the older system. The ANSI Z535.2-1998 standard also stated a preference to use a white
background for the message panel in order to increase contrast and viewing distance. Like the ANSI
Z535.4 standard, the Z535.2-1998 standard also required the sign to give information of the
consequences of not avoiding the hazard, if the consequence is not obvious.
The ANSI Z535.2-1998 standard was carefully crafted so that the new requirements scheduled to
become mandatory in the 2002 edition were stated as preferred in the 1998 edition. As of the 2002
standard, the older format is no longer included; the simple header with larger letters and more referential
color is set forth.
ANSI Z535.2-2007 included definitional changes and safety alert symbol formats intended to clarify the
distinction between signal words and improve harmonization with international standards. The 2007
edition added a new annex of informative references and a new annex on risk estimation and choice of
signal words. The 2007 edition also started the process of eliminating the use of the CAUTION signal
word panel without the safety alert symbol for procedures not related to physical safety, such as property
damage. The preferred signal word is NOTICE. The use of CAUTION for that purpose is phased out in
the 2011 edition.
The 2011 edition of this standard is revised to better harmonize with the ANSI Z535.4, Z535.5, and
Z535.6 standards. The standard is also reorganized to better describe the five types of safety signs used
in facilities and in the environment (i.e., hazard alerting signs, notice signs, safety instruction signs, safety
equipment location signs, and fire equipment location signs). In tandem with these changes, the
definitions for “accident,” “harm,” and “incident” are refined to more clearly delineate a separation
between physical injury and other safety-related issues (e.g., property damage, sanitation,
housekeeping).
Due to differences in color printing technologies and color monitors, the appearance of colors in this
standard may not be accurate. See the ANSI Z535-2011 Safety Color Chart for the purpose of viewing
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accurate colors.
This standard was processed and approved for submittal to ANSI by the Accredited Standards
Committee Z535 on Safety Signs and Colors. Committee approval of this standard does not necessarily
imply that all committee members voted for its approval. At the time it approved this standard, the Z535
Committee had the following members:

Gary M. Bell, Chair

Richard Olesen, Vice Chair
Greg Winchester, Secretary

Organization Represented: Name of Representative:

American Society of Safety Engineers J. Paul Frantz

Thomas F. Bresnahan (Alt.)
Howard A. Elwell (Alt.)

American Welding Society August F. Manz

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

Applied Materials Edward Karl

Carl Wong (Alt.)

Applied Safety and Ergonomics Steve Hall

Stephen Young (Alt.)

Association for Manufacturing Technology David Felinski

Association of Equipment Manufacturers Michael Weber

Daniel Taylor (Alt.)

Browning Arms Company Larry D. Nelson

Caterpillar, Inc. Charles Crowell

Mark Steffen (Alt.)

Clarion Safety Systems, LLC Geoffrey Peckham

Dorris and Associates International, LLC Nathan T. Dorris

Alan Dorris (Alt.)
Kelly Burke (Alt.)

Eagle Crusher Co. Ryan Parsell

Edison Electric Institute David Young

Hale Color Consultants William N. Hale

Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Michael Kalsher

Michael S. Wogalter (Alt.)

Human Factors and Safety Analytics, Inc. B. Jay Martin

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Sue Vogel

International Safety Equipment Association Janice Comer Bradley

Christine Fargo (Alt.)

International Staple, Nail, and Tool Association John W. Kurtz

Lab Safety Supply, Inc. Jim Versweyveld

Law Office of Mathew Kundinger Mathew Kundinger

Marhefka & Associates Russell E. Marhefka

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National Association of Graphic and Product Russ Butchko

Identification Manufacturers Donna Ehrmann (Alt.)

National Electrical Manufacturers Association John Katzbeck

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

National Spray Equipment Manufacturers Angela Redlund-Spieker

Association

P&G Duracell, Inc. Linda Moquet

Steven Wicelinski (Alt.)

Power Tool Institute Brett Cohen

Mark Hickok (Alt.)
Charles M. Stockinger (Alt.)

Rockwell Automation Steven Chybowski

Rural Utilities Service Trung Hiu

Safety and Forensic Enterprises, LLC Loren Mills

Safety Behavior Analysis, Inc. Shelley Waters Deppa

Sauder Woodworking Gary Bell

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Scaffold Industry Association Dave Merrifield

Snap-on Tools Dan Eggert

Standard Register Corporation Amy Martin

Linda LeBlanc (Alt.)

System Safety Society Robert J. Cunitz

Travelers Insurance Company Karen Stetler

Underwriters Laboratories Richard Olesen

Whirlpool Corporation Deborah Sherman

Donald Grob (Alt.)

World Kitchen, LLC Celeste Levindoski

At the time it prepared this edition of ANSI Z535.2 for Z535 Committee vote, Subcommittee Z535.2 on
Environmental and Facility Safety Signs had the following members:

Geoffrey Peckham, Chair

Paul Orr, Secretary

Gary Bell Sauder Woodworking Company

Thomas F. Bresnahan American Society of Safety Engineers
Donna Ehrmann National Association of Graphic and Product Identification Manufacturers
J. Paul Frantz American Society of Safety Engineers
Steve Hall Applied Safety and Ergonomics

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

Linda Moquet P&G Duracell, Inc.

Geoffrey Peckham Clarion Safety Systems, LLC
Karen Stetler Travelers Insurance Company
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 AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD ANSI Z535.2-2011

Environmental and Facility Safety Signs

1 Introduction

The basic mission and fundamental purpose of the ANSI Z535 Committee is to develop, refine, and
promote a single uniform graphic system used for presenting safety and accident prevention information.
Such an approach assists standard users in the efficient development of environmental and facility safety
signs and assists sign viewers in recognizing signs as being related to safety.
This standard sets forth a system for presenting safety and accident prevention information through
environmental and facility safety signs. It consolidates a number of previous graphic approaches into a
common design direction selected to present hazard information in an orderly and visually consistent
manner.
This standard sets forth a hazard communication system that is designed to complement the ANSI
Z535.4-2011, ANSI Z535.5-2011, and ANSI Z535.6-2011 standards. While these standards are similar in
many respects, they each address different physical and visual requirements. As a result, the Z535
Committee has recognized and affirmed the need for these separate standards.

2 Scope and purpose

2.1 Scope
This standard sets forth requirements for the design, application, and use of safety signs in facilities and
in the environment.
2.2 Purpose
The purposes of this standard are to:
a. establish a uniform and consistent visual layout for safety signs to be located in facilities and in
the environment;
b. minimize the proliferation of designs for environmental and facility safety signs; and
c. establish a national uniform system for signs that communicate safety information.
2.2.1 Existing American National Standards
There are a number of existing American National Standards that are recognized for particular industries
or specific uses. Compliance with these standards may be considered for the particular industry or use. It
is not the intent of ANSI Z535.2 to replace existing standards or regulations that are uniquely applicable
to a specific industry or use. It is the intent to encourage adoption of this standard in subsequent revisions
of other standards and regulations.

3 Application and exceptions

3.1 Application
This standard provides guidance for industries, commercial establishments, property owners, employers,
and others who place safety signs in the environment or facility under their control.

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

3.2 Exceptions
3.2.1 Should any of the requirements of this standard conflict with federal, state, or municipal
regulations, such conflict shall not invalidate other sections of this standard.
3.2.2 These requirements do not include labels or signs for products (which are covered by ANSI
Z535.4), containers of chemicals and chemical mixtures and hazardous substances, in-plant vehicular
movement and way-finding, public streets and highways, railroads, air transport, marine operations, exit
signs, identification of piping or process valves, or safety bulletins and posters.

4 Definitions
4.1 accident: An incident that results in harm, property damage, or both.
4.1.1 harm: Any degree of physical injury, including death.
4.1.2 incident: An unintended or undesired event.
4.2 color: Colors specified in this standard shall conform to ANSI Z535.1-2011.
4.3 decal: (See safety sign, Section 4.10)
4.4 hazard: A potential source of harm.
4.5 intent
4.5.1 may: This word is understood to be permissive.
4.5.2 shall: This word is understood to be mandatory.
4.5.3 should: This word is understood to be advisory.
4.5.4 informative: Refers to those portions of this standard provided only for purposes of clarification,
illustration, and general information. Those portions of the standard considered informative do not contain
mandatory requirements. The Foreword and all of the annexes are considered informative.
4.5.5 normative: Refers to those portions of this standard containing the mandatory requirements
(shall), as well as recommended practices (should). The body of this standard is considered normative.
4.6 label: (See safety sign, Section 4.10)
4.7 minimum safe viewing distance: The closest distance a person can be to a safety sign and still
have time to follow the safety sign’s message to avoid the hazard.
4.8 panel: The area of a safety sign having a distinctive background color different from adjacent
areas of the sign or which is clearly delineated by a line, border, or white space. There are three (3) types
of panels a safety sign may use are signal word, message, and safety symbol (see Figures 2 through 14).
4.8.1 signal word panel: Area of a safety sign that contains the signal word or words, and, when used,
the safety alert symbol.
4.8.2 message panel: Area of the safety sign that contains the word message.
4.8.3 safety symbol panel: Area of a safety sign that contains the safety symbol.
4.9 safety alert symbol: A symbol that indicates a hazard (see Figure 1 and Annex A1.1). It is
composed of an equilateral triangle surrounding an exclamation mark. The safety alert symbol is only used
on hazard alerting signs. It is not used on safety notice, safety instruction, safety equipment location, and
fire equipment location signs.

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

(A) for use with DANGER signal word; (safety white triangle, safety red exclamation mark, safety red background)
(B) for use with WARNING signal word; (safety black triangle, safety orange exclamation mark)
(C) for use with CAUTION signal word; (safety black triangle, safety yellow exclamation mark)
(D) and (E) for use with DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION signal words; ([D] is a safety yellow triangle with a safety black
border and safety black exclamation mark; [E] is a safety yellow triangle with a safety black exclamation mark and a safety yellow
border around a safety black band)
NOTE—(D) and (E) are provided to allow for consistency with certain ISO standards such as ISO 3864-1 and ISO 3864-2.
Figure 1
The Safety Alert Symbol

4.10 safety sign: A visual alerting device in the form of a sign, label, decal, placard, or other marking
that provides safety information.
4.10.1 environmental/facility safety sign: Sign in a workplace or public area that provides safety
information.
4.10.1.1 hazard alerting sign: Sign directly related to a hazard that identifies the hazard, the degree
or level of hazard seriousness, the probable consequence of involvement with the hazard, and how the
hazard can be avoided. When information on consequence, avoidance, or type of hazard is readily
inferred, this information may be omitted from the message panel. (See Annex B3.1.)
4.10.1.2 safety notice sign: Sign that gives notice of safety practices not directly related to physical
injury.
4.10.1.3 safety instruction sign: Sign that identifies specific safety-related instructions or
procedures. This type of sign may be used to supplement a hazard alerting sign by providing a place to
convey lengthy safety-related instructional information.
4.10.1.4 safety equipment location sign: Sign that identifies the direction to, or the location of,
safety equipment (e.g., first aid equipment, emergency eyewash, safety shower).
4.10.1.5 fire equipment location sign: Sign that identifies the direction to, or the location of, fire
equipment (e.g., fire alarm, fire hose, fire extinguisher).
4.10.2 product safety sign: Sign, label, cord tag, or decal affixed to a product that provides safety
information about that product.
4.11 signal words: The words used in the signal word panel. The signal words for hazard alerting
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signs are “DANGER,” “WARNING,” and “CAUTION.” Safety notice signs use the signal word “NOTICE.”
Safety instruction signs use signal words that are specific to the situation. Safety and fire equipment
location signs may use signal words that identify the equipment. See Annex D for guidance in selecting a
signal word.
4.11.1 DANGER: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury. This signal word is to be limited to the most extreme situations.
4.11.2 WARNING: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
4.11.3 CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate
injury.

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4.11.4 NOTICE: Indicates information considered important but not hazard-related. The safety alert
symbol shall not be used with this signal word. For environmental/facility signs, NOTICE is typically the
choice of signal word for messages relating to property damage, security, sanitation, and housekeeping
rules.
4.11.5 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS or similar words: Indicates a type of safety sign, or a separate panel
on a safety sign, where specific safety-related instructions or procedures are described. More definitive
signal words are encouraged, where practical, (e.g., SAFE SHUTDOWN PROCEDURE, SAFETY
OPERATING PROCEDURES, BOILER SHUTDOWN PROCEDURE, LOCKOUT PROCEDURE,
EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN INSTRUCTIONS). The safety alert symbol shall not be used with this
classification of signal word. This signal word may also be used as a heading for a safety instruction
panel incorporated into a hazard alerting sign to convey lengthy instructional information. See Sections
B3.3.6 and B7.
4.11.6 SAFETY/FIRE EQUIPMENT: If a safety equipment or fire equipment location sign includes a
signal word, definitive signal word(s) may be used (e.g., EYEWASH, FIRE EXTINGUISHER, or for
multiple items, SAFETY EQUIPMENT or FIRE EQUIPMENT.
4.12 surround / surround shape: A geometric configuration around the symbol that can convey
additional safety information (see ANSI Z535.3-2011).
4.13 safety symbol: A graphic representation intended to convey a safety message without the use of
words (see ANSI Z535.3-2011, ISO 7010:2011, and NFPA 170-2009 for examples of safety symbols
appropriate for environmental and facility safety signs).

5 Use of signal words

5.1 Hazard classification
Hazard alerting signs are classified according to the relative seriousness of the hazardous situation. The
classification is based on the probability of being injured if the hazard is not avoided and on the severity of
the resulting injury. For hazard alerting signs, there are three hazard classifications that are denoted by
the signal words “DANGER,” “WARNING,” and “CAUTION.”
5.2 Signal word selection
When no federal, state, or local government code, regulation, standard, or guideline specifies a particular
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signal word, selection of the signal word shall be made in accordance with the definitions provided in
Section 4.
5.3 Multiple hazard signs
5.3.1 One sign
When more than one hazard exists in an area, either in close proximity to each other, or that might be
preventable from a common location, one hazard alerting sign may be used, provided that the information
addresses each hazard.
5.3.2 Signal word for multiple hazard signs
When multiple hazardous situations are addressed on one hazard alerting sign and the hazards are
classified at different levels of seriousness, the signal word corresponding to the greatest level of
seriousness (i.e., DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION) shall be used.

6 Sign format
6.1 Panels
Hazard alerting, safety instruction, and notice safety signs consist of a signal word panel plus a message
panel. On hazard alerting signs, in addition to a message panel, a safety instruction panel may be
incorporated as a place to convey lengthy instructional information. (See Figure 13.) A safety symbol

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

panel may be used to communicate parts, or all, of the elements of a message panel (see Annex B3.1).
Safety equipment and fire equipment location signs consist of a signal word panel that identifies the
equipment and/or a symbol panel and may include a message panel or safety instruction panel to convey
additional information (e.g., how to put on a life jacket, or a type of fire extinguisher for a specific use).
6.2 Panel arrangement
6.2.1 Panel format
The sign panels may be in a horizontal or vertical format. See Figures 2 through 14 for examples.
6.2.2 Panel placement
For hazard alerting, safety instruction, and notice safety signs, the relative placement of the signal word
and message panels should be such that the signal word panel precedes all text in the message panel.
When vertical space in particular is limited, the panel arrangement shown in Figure 8 may be used. An
option for a larger symbol panel is shown in Figure 9. Figure 12 is an example of a panel arrangement
where the symbol panel completely replaces the message panel. Figure 13 is an example of how a safety
instruction panel may be incorporated into a hazard alerting sign.
For safety and fire equipment location signs, the optional signal word panel that identifies the equipment
may be located above or below the symbol panel. The optional signal word panel on equipment location
signs should be placed such that it precedes all text in the optional message panel and/or safety
instruction panel (see Figures 2 to 13).
6.3 Safety alert symbol
A safety alert symbol, when used with the signal word, shall precede the signal word. The base of the
safety alert symbol shall be on the same horizontal line as the base of the letters of the signal word. The
height of the safety alert symbol shall equal or exceed the signal word letter height.
6.4 Word message
The word message should be concise and readily understood.
6.4.1 Multiple messages
Multiple messages should be provided with sufficient space between them, when feasible, to prevent
them from visually blending together.

7 Safety sign colors

7.1 Standard colors
Safety colors shall conform to ANSI Z535.1-2011.
7.2 Signal word panel colors
7.2.1 DANGER
The word DANGER shall be in safety white letters on a safety red background.
7.2.2 WARNING
The word WARNING shall be in safety black letters on a safety orange background.
7.2.3 CAUTION
The word CAUTION shall be in safety black letters on a safety yellow background.
7.2.4 NOTICE
The word NOTICE shall be in italicized safety white letters on a safety blue background.

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

7.2.5 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

The signal word SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS or its equivalent shall be in safety white letters on a safety
green background.
7.2.6 Safety equipment location signs
When used, the signal words used to identify safety equipment on safety equipment location signs shall
be in safety white letters on a safety green background.
7.2.7 Fire equipment location signs
When used, the signal words used to identify fire equipment on fire equipment location signs shall be in
safety white letters on a safety red background.
7.2.8 Safety alert symbol
The solid triangle portion shall be the same color as the signal word lettering, and the exclamation mark
portion shall be the same color as the signal word panel background. Or, as an alternative, the safety
alert symbol may consist of a safety black triangle band and safety black exclamation mark on a safety
yellow triangle (see Figure 1).
7.3 Message panel colors
7.3.1 Hazard alerting signs, safety notice signs, and safety instruction signs
The message panel for hazard alerting, safety notice, and safety instruction signs should have either
safety black lettering on a safety white background or safety white lettering on a safety black background.
7.3.2 Safety equipment location signs
The message panel for safety equipment location signs should have either safety white lettering on a
safety green background or safety green or safety black letters on a safety white background.
7.3.3 Fire safety equipment location signs
The message panel for fire safety equipment location signs should have either safety white letters on a
safety red background or safety red or safety black letters on a safety white background.
7.4 Symbol panel colors
7.4.1 Hazard alerting signs, safety notice signs, and safety instruction signs
When used, symbols appearing on hazard alerting, safety notice, and safety instruction signs should have
a safety black symbol on a safety white background. Other colors may be used for safety symbol
emphasis, such as safety red for fire, etc., or if surround shapes are used (see ANSI Z535.3-2011 for
recommended surround shapes and colors).
7.4.2 Safety equipment location signs
Safety equipment location signs shall have safety white safety symbols on a safety green background or
safety green or safety black symbols on a white background.
7.4.3 Fire equipment location signs
Fire equipment location signs shall have safety white safety symbols on a safety red background or safety
red symbols on a white background.

8 Letter style and size

NOTE—For additional reference on letter style and size, see Annex B.

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8.1 Letter style

8.1.1 Signal words
Signal words shall be in sans serif letters in upper case only. The signal word NOTICE shall appear in
italicized sans serif letters in upper case only.
8.1.2 Message panel lettering
Message panel lettering should be a combination of upper and lower case letters. Upper case only
lettering may be used for short messages or emphasis of individual words.
8.2 Letter size for hazard alerting signs
8.2.1 Lettering
Lettering shall be of a size that enables a person with normal vision, including corrected vision, to read
the safety sign message panel text at a safe viewing distance from the hazard (see Annex B3.3.14 and
Table B1).
8.2.2 Determination of safe viewing distance
Determination of safe viewing distance for the message panel text shall take into consideration a
reasonable hazard avoidance reaction time.
8.2.3 Signal word letter height
Signal word letter height should be at least 50 percent greater than the height of a capital H in the
majority of the message panel wording.
8.3 Letter size for safety notice, safety instruction, safety equipment location, and fire
equipment location signs
8.3.1 Lettering
Lettering shall be of a size that enables a person with normal vision, including corrected vision, to read
the safety sign from the expected viewing distance.
8.3.2 Signal word letter height for safety notice and safety instruction signs
Signal word letter height should be at least 50 percent greater than the height of a capital H in the
majority of the message panel wording.

9 Safety symbols
9.1 Conveyed message
Safety symbols should be readily understood and should effectively communicate the message. See
ANSI Z535.3-2011 American National Standard for Criteria for Safety Symbols.
9.2 Use with and without corresponding word messages
Safety symbols may be used to clarify, supplement, or substitute for a portion or all (see Figure 12) of a
word message found in the message panel. When used with a word message, safety symbols shall be
compatible with the word message. A symbol may only be used to substitute for a portion or all of a word
message if it has been demonstrated to be satisfactorily comprehended (see Annex B of ANSI Z535.3) or
if there is a means (e.g., instructions, training materials, manuals, etc.) to inform people of the symbol’s
meaning.

10 Sign materials, expected life, and maintenance

10.1 Sign materials
Signs shall be made of durable materials with colors in accordance with the technical specifications set
forth in ANSI Z535.1-2011.

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

10.2 Expected life

Environmental/facility safety signs shall have a reasonable expected life with good color stability, symbol
legibility, and word message legibility when viewed at a safe viewing distance as described in Section 8.2.
Reasonable expected life shall take into consideration the foreseeable environment of use.
10.3 Maintenance
Environmental/facility safety signs should be periodically inspected and cleaned as necessary to maintain
good legibility at a safe viewing distance as described in Section 8.2.
10.4 Replacement
Environmental/facility safety signs should be replaced when they no longer meet the legibility
requirements at a safe viewing distance as described in Section 8.2.

11 Sign placement
11.1 Hazard alerting signs
Hazard alerting signs shall be placed to alert and inform the viewer from a safe viewing distance. Safety
and fire equipment location signs shall be visibly placed in the immediate vicinity of the equipment or,
when used with supplementary directional arrows, in locations leading to the equipment.
NOTE—Section 4.7, Sections 8.2.1 through 8.3.2, and Annex B provide guidance for determining "legibility" and "safe viewing
distance."

11.2 Safety signs—placement requirements

Safety signs shall be placed so that they are legible, non-distracting, and not hazardous in themselves.
11.3 Safety signs—placement prohibitions
Safety signs shall not be located in areas where they may be removed by the motion of the hazardous
device, or rendered ineffective by situational conditions of the hazard. These alerting devices shall not be
blocked by moveable panels such as doors, windows, racks, gates, etc.
11.4 Environmental/facility safety signs
When feasible, placement of environmental/facility safety signs should protect the signs from foreseeable
visual obstruction and damage (e.g., fading from exposure to ultraviolet radiation, abrasion, or
degradation from substances such as lubricants, chemicals, and dirt).

12 Illumination
12.1 Safety signs shall be displayed with illumination or retro-reflectorization as needed for adequate
legibility under normal operating conditions. Where illumination is inadequate or colors are not
recognizable, use supplemental illumination (see Annex E, Reference 13).
NOTE—Supplemental illumination includes portable illumination such as flashlights.

Consideration should be given for situations other than normal operating conditions, such as emergency
conditions, power failure, etc. Where illumination may be interrupted, the sign should be made with
photoluminescent and/or retro-reflective materials, and/or equipped with emergency lighting.

13 Normative references
13.1 General
This standard shall be used in conjunction with the American National Standards listed in 13.2. Other
standards and publications listed in Annex E contain additional information that can be useful in
completing the requirements of this standard.

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13.2 American National Standards

When the following American National Standards are superseded by a revision approved by the
American National Standards Institute, the revision shall apply.
1. ANSI Z535.1-2006 (R2011), American National Standard Safety Colors (American National
Standards Institute, 2011).
2. ANSI Z535.3-2011, American National Standard Criteria for Safety Symbols (American National
Standards Institute, 2011).
3. ANSI Z535.4-2011, American National Standard Product Safety Signs and Labels (American National
Standards Institute, 2011).
4. ANSI Z535.5-2011, American National Standard Safety Tags and Barricade Tapes (for Temporary
Hazards) (American National Standards Institute, 2011).
5. ANSI Z535.6-2011, American National Standard Product Safety Information in Product Manuals,
Instructions, and Other Collateral Materials (American National Standards Institute, 2011).

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

Color Descriptions:

Signal Word Panel: Safety Alert

DANGER: White Lettering/ Symbol:
Red Background See Figure 1
for options
WARNING: Black Lettering/
Orange Background
CAUTION: Black Lettering/ Word Message:
Yellow Background Black Lettering on
White Background
NOTICE: White Italic (or)
Lettering/Blue Background White Lettering on
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: Black Background
White Lettering/Green
Background
SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
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White Lettering/Green Background

FIRE EQUIPMENT:
White Lettering/Red Background

NOTE—See Figures 3 through 14 for various panel arrangement options.

Figure 2
Examples of Use of Color

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

Corners may
be radiused.

Vertical formats can be extended

to provide additional space for
the word message.

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Figure 4
Figure 3
Two Panel Sign in
Three Panel Sign in Vertical Format
Vertical Format

Horizontal formats can be

extended to provide
additional space for the
word message.
Keep the safety alert symbol
and signal word next to
each other and centered in
the signal word panel.

Figure 5
Three Panel Sign in Horizontal Format

Figure 6 Figure 7
Two Panel Sign in Horizontal Format Two Panel Sign in Shortened
Signal Word Panel Format

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

Figure 8
Two Panel Sign in Side-by-Side Format

Figure 9 Figure 10
Three Panel Sign in Horizontal Format with Three Panel Sign in Horizontal Format
Symbol Panel on Right with Message Panel and Symbol Panel
Separated by Line

Figure 11 Figure 12
Three Panel Sign in Horizontal Format with Two Panel Sign in Horizontal Format with Word
Message Panel and Symbol Panel Separated by Panel and Symbol Panel
White Space

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

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Figure 13
Safety Sign Incorporating a Safety Instruction Panel

NOTE—In the examples in Figures 3 through 13, any of the signal word and safety alert symbol combinations can be used.

Figure 14
Additional Safety Sign Formats that may be Used for Safety Equipment
and Fire Equipment Location Signs

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

Annex A
Guidelines for Increasing Recognition of Safety Sign Components
(informative)

A1 Scope
It is important that the meaning of a safety sign is clearly understood by those who may come in contact
with the hazard. To increase the understanding of a safety sign’s components, the ANSI Z535 Committee
encourages safety sign manufacturers and owners of facilities to publish and exhibit the following
information on safety posters, safety bulletins, or the like. Doing so will assist in the objective of achieving
a national uniform system for the recognition of physical injury hazards and accident prevention.
A1.1 The safety alert symbol
Explain the meaning of the safety alert symbol. The following artwork may be used for this purpose.

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to

alert you to potential physical injury hazards.
Obey all safety messages that follow this
symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

A1.2 The signal words

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Explain the meaning of the different signal words as defined by ANSI Z535.2. Such training is necessary
to increase understanding of the meaning of signal words. The following artwork may be used for this
purpose.
NOTE—The use of the appropriate color for each signal word panel is desirable. See ANSI Z535.1.

DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, will result in death or serious injury

WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, could result in death or serious injury

CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury

NOTICE is used to address practices not related to

physical injury

Safety instruction (or equivalent) signs indicate specific

safety-related instructions or procedures

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A1.3 Safety symbols

Explain the meaning of the safety symbols used on your safety signs. This enables viewers to better
understand the meaning of the graphics and makes future recognition of the safety symbols more
instantaneous. See ANSI Z535.3, ISO 3864-1, ISO 3864-3, ISO 7010, and NFPA 170 for more
information about safety symbol selection, design, and testing.
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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

Annex B
Principles and Guidelines for the Design of Environmental
and Facility Safety Signs
(informative)

B1 Scope
Good, consistent visual design helps to effectively communicate hazard information. The purpose of this
annex is to provide the designer with information on widely recognized principles that can aid in the
development of effective safety signs.
NOTE—Every safety sign must be considered on its own terms. Limitations on space or other unique conditions may justify variance
from these principles. Examples of word messages are provided to illustrate how principles related to grammatical structure, writing
style, and print layout can enhance the safety sign. These examples are not intended to prescribe standardized word messages for
the hazards mentioned in the examples.

B2 Signal word panel arrangement

For those signal words that require the use of the safety alert symbol (i.e., DANGER, WARNING, and
CAUTION), the safety alert symbol and signal word should be positioned close together and centered in
the signal word panel. See Figures B1 and B2. For those signal words that do not require the safety alert
symbol (e.g., NOTICE, SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS, signal words referring to safety equipment location or
fire equipment location), the signal word should be positioned in the center of the signal word panel.

Figure B1 Figure B2
Examples of Correct Signal Word and Examples of Incorrect Signal Word and
Safety Alert Symbol Placement Safety Alert Symbol Placement

B3 Developing the word message

B3.1 The content of the word message
The word message on a safety sign typically communicates information to an observer on the type of
hazard, the consequence of not avoiding the hazard, and how to avoid the hazard. Many factors must be
considered when determining whether to omit consequence, avoidance, or type of hazard information in
the word message. Factors to consider include whether the message can be inferred from a symbol,
other text messages, the target audience’s training, or the context in which the safety sign is used.
B3.2 Ordering the content of the word message
The order in which the content appears in the message panel is flexible. Factors to consider when
determining the order of a word message’s content include the target audience’s degree of prior
knowledge of the hazard and the reaction time required to avoid the hazard.
The information required on a safety sign should be arranged to provide the most important information
first. Where reaction time is an issue, the action statement will be the most important portion of the word
message and should be placed first. In other cases, the hazard description statement will be the most
important information to communicate first. The statement concerning the consequences of interaction
with the hazard is generally best understood when placed after the hazard description statement, or used

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integrally with the hazard description statement. As a general rule, the hazard message should come first
when there are many feasible action/avoidance alternatives. However, action/avoidance messages
should come first when there are few avoidance alternatives.
Figure B3 illustrates a word message that explains the type of hazard and consequences of interaction
with the hazard before it describes the hazard avoidance information. Placing the information in this order
would be appropriate if it is found that the audience needs to know what the hazard is before they would
follow the avoidance information presented on the sign. This format assumes that there is time to read the
entire word message and still avoid the hazard.
Figure B4 illustrates a word message that places the hazard avoidance information first. Ordering the
word message in this way would be appropriate if a person needs to immediately follow the avoidance
information in order to prevent interaction with the hazard.

Type of Hazard and Moving parts can Keep Out

Consequence crush and cut Avoidance Statement
Hazardous
Statement Keep out during Type of Hazard Statement
voltage inside
operation
Can shock,
Avoidance Lockout power burn, or cause Consequence Statement
Statements before entering death

Figure B3 Figure B4
Word Message with Word Message with
Hazard Description First Hazard Avoidance Message First

B3.3 Formatting the word message

There are many issues that must be considered when developing a word message, from sentence
structure to typesetting specifications. The length of the word message depends on the amount of
information that needs to be communicated to a person to allow them to understand and avoid the
hazard. Once this information is determined, it should be written and formatted in a manner that is
concise and easily understood. The following are several principles that can be applied to the word
message to achieve this objective.
B3.3.1 Use headline style
Write in a “headline style.” Compare the sample word messages shown in Figures B5 and B6. The
“headline style” example of Figure B5 eliminates nonessential words and omits pronouns (“this,” “that,”
“they”), articles (“a,” “the,” “an”), and forms of the verb “to be” (“is,” “are,” “were”). Avoid hyphenation when
at all possible.

Hazardous voltage is very danger-

Hazardous voltage.
ous and should be avoided at all
Keep out!
times. Keep the access door
Keep access door
closed at all times and do not
--``,,,`,`,```,`,,`,,``,`,`,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

locked.
enter this area.

Figure B5 Figure B6
Headline Style Message Non-Headline Style Message

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B3.3.2 Use succinct statements

Safety signs are intended to communicate appropriate information to the viewer fast enough to allow the
viewer to comprehend the information and take the necessary actions to avoid the hazard. Faster
reaction times are promoted by using succinct statements.
B3.3.2.1 Action statement
The action statement gives the viewer instructions on how to avoid the hazard. The statement should be
simple, direct, and applicable to the hazard. Figure B7 contains examples of action statements.

Keep Out! Wear hard hats No smoking

Keep away Call before you dig Do not operate

Figure B7
Examples of Action Statements

B3.3.2.2 Hazard description statement

The hazard description statement identifies the specific hazard in clear, simple language. Where the
desired action and the consequence of not avoiding the hazard are obvious from the hazard description
statement (such as “Slippery when wet”), the action and consequence statements may be omitted.
Figure B8 contains examples of concise hazard description statements.

Hazardous voltage inside Confined space Biological hazard

Laser radiation Hot pipes above Buried fiber optic cable

Figure B8
Examples of Concise Hazard Description Statements

B3.3.2.3 Consequence statement

The consequence statement tells the viewer in clear, simple language what will happen if the warning is

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ignored. Figure B9 contains examples of consequence statements.

Will burn Can cause serious burns or death Can irritate skin

Can cause infertility Will disrupt electrical service to critical equipment

Exposure can cause nausea, dizziness, and a headache

Figure B9
Examples of Consequence Statements

B3.3.2.4 Emergency information / contact information

Where it is important for the target audience to be able to contact those responsible for the particular
environment or facility, contact information should be placed after the action, hazard description, and
consequence statements.
B3.3.3 Use active voice
Write sentences in the active voice rather than the passive voice. This means placing the subject of the
sentence first, the action (verb) next, and the object (noun) last. Often the subject “you” or “your” can be

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inferred from the sentence and is unnecessary. Figure B10 contrasts active voice with passive voice
messages.

Active Voice Messages Passive Voice Messages

Keep hands away from rotating Your hands must be kept away from
blade. rotating blade.
Lock out power before servicing Power must be locked out before
equipment. servicing equipment.
Replace guards immediately after After repair of adjustment,
repair or adjustment. immediately replace guards.

Figure B10
Examples of Active Voice vs. Passive Voice Messages

B3.3.4 Avoid prepositional phrases

Avoid the use of prepositional phrases. Prepositional phrases can often be eliminated or replaced with
one word. Figure B11 contrasts messages with and without prepositional phrases.

Messages Without Prepositional

Messages With Prepositional Phrases
Phrases
Disconnect power in order to service
Disconnect power before
equipment.
servicing equipment.
Turn off power in the event a jam
Turn off power if jam occurs.
occurs.

Figure B11
Examples of Prepositional and Non-Prepositional Phrases

B3.3.5 Emphasizing desired action or other message

Where room is available and it is desired to emphasize the desired action or other message, key words
may be shown in larger letters, in all capital letters, in bolder letters, in a different typeface, with an
exclamation mark, or with a combination thereof. Figure B12 contains examples of ways to emphasize
portions of a word message.
Hazardous voltage Hazardous voltage Hazardous voltage

--``,,,`,`,```,`,,`,,``,`,`,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
inside. inside. inside.
Keep Out! KEEP OUT! KEEP OUT!
Keep access door Keep access door Keep access door
locked. locked. locked.

Example A Example B Example C

Figure B12
Examples of Ways to Emphasize Portions of a Word Message

B3.3.6 Refer to another source

Keep only essential hazard-related information in the safety sign. If necessary, consideration can be
given to referring the viewer to another source for additional safety information or for permission to

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

proceed. Examples of such sources include safety instruction signs, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS),
operation manuals, service manuals, operating procedures, and safety bulletins.
B3.3.7 Separation of word message content
To enhance readability, arrangements of the word message in an outline format should be considered, as
in Figure B13. The addition of bullets may also be considered to help separate portions of the word
message, as in Figure B14. The use of continuous format, as in Figure B15, is sometimes necessary for
product safety labels and temporary tags (see ANSI Z535.4 and Z535.5), but is rarely necessary or
appropriate for environmental and facility safety signs.

Moving parts can Moving parts can crush Moving parts can crush and
crush and cut. and cut. cut. Keep out during
operation. Lockout power
Keep out during  Keep out during before entering.
operation. operation.
--``,,,`,`,```,`,,`,,``,`,`,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Lockout power  Lockout power before

before entering. entering.

Figure B13 Figure B14 Figure B15

Outline Format Outline with Bullet Continuous Format
Format

B3.3.8 Text justification

Left aligned “ragged right” text should be used for all but one-line text messages, which can be either left
aligned (see Figure B16) or centered. Left alignment aids in readability (compared to centered text; see
Figure B17) by creating a vertical line that the eye naturally locates when searching for the next line of
text. Justified text should be avoided because the added space between words makes it more difficult to
read (see Figure B18).
Moving parts can
Moving parts can Moving parts can
crush and cut.
crush and cut. crush and cut.
Keep out during
Keep out during Keep out during
operation.
operation. operation.
Lockout power
Lockout power Lockout power
before entering.
before entering. before entering.

Figure B16 Figure B17 Figure B18

Left Aligned Centered Text Justified Text
Ragged Right
Text

B3.3.9 Upper and lower case letters

The preferred format for text is the use of mixed upper and lower case where only the first letter of the first
word in a sentence is capitalized (see Figure B19). The use of all upper case letters for the word
message is discouraged because it is more difficult to read quickly than lower case type (see Figure B20).
On occasion, a single word or phrase may be set in upper case letters to provide emphasis (see
Figure B21).

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

Moving parts can MOVING PARTS Moving parts can

crush and cut. CAN CRUSH AND CRUSH and CUT.
CUT.
Keep out during KEEP OUT during
operation. KEEP OUT operation.
DURING
Lockout power LOCKOUT POWER
OPERATION.
before entering. before entering.
LOCKOUT POWER
BEFORE
ENTERING.

Figure B19 Figure B20 Figure B21

Mixed Case All Upper Case Selective Use of
Lettering Upper Case

B3.3.10 Choice of type style

Sans serif typestyles are preferred. The important specification to look for when choosing a typestyle is
the stroke “width-to-height” ratio. This ratio refers to the width of the letter and the strokes used to create
the letter. For black type on a white background, the stroke width-to-height ratio should be 1:6–1:8. For
white type on a black background, the stroke width-to-height ratio should be 1:8–1:10. See Annex E,
Reference 17.
B3.3.11 Choice of type spacing
The correct spacing between lines of text, between words, and between letters helps to make a word
message easier to read. The amount of space between lines of text is called leading. Lines of text should
be separated by leading that is approximately 120% of the type point size (e.g., 10 point type should have
12 point leading, 14 point type should have 16.8 point leading, etc.). Additional leading can be added to
separate portions of a word message, as shown in the outline format illustrated in Section B3.3.7. The
space between words and between letters is called tracking. For purposes of legibility, it is important to
use proper word and letter spacing when typesetting the word message (see Figure B22).

This is an example of
This is an example of This is an example of
a word message with a word message with
a word message with
too much leading and not enough leading
proper leading and and not enough
word/letter spacing. too much word/letter word/letter spacing.
spacing.

Example C—Not
Example A— Proper Example B—Too much
enough leading
leading and spacing leading and spacing
and spacing

Figure B22
Examples of Correct and Incorrect Type Spacing

B3.3.12 Choice of type color

The word message’s type can be black on a white background or white on a black background. This
choice should be based on which is more legible. Legibility is dependent on more than type color. Factors
such as type size, amount of text, reading distance, contrast with the mounting surface, and lighting
conditions must all be considered (see Figure B23).

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

Moving parts can Moving parts can

crush and cut. crush and cut.
Black type on a White type on a
Keep out during Keep out during
white background black background
operation. operation.
Lockout power Lockout power
before entering. before entering.

Figure B23
Examples of Type Color Choice

B3.3.13 Letter size

Legibility of the word message at the minimum safe viewing distance determines the proper letter size for
the word messages. The letter size / safe viewing distance guidelines in Table B1 define the type size
required to achieve legibility at the given viewing distance. The height of the capital letter “H” identifies the
type’s letter size. Note that the type sizes shown in column two and column three of Table B1 indicate the
minimum word message letter size for favorable light conditions and the recommended letter size for
unfavorable reading conditions, respectively. Letter size may need to be larger than the values in column
two for various reasons, including the following:
a. to be conspicuous from other information displayed in the area;
b. to facilitate legibility under low light or other unfavorable viewing conditions;
c. to warn persons at distances greater than the minimum safe viewing distance;
d. to convey special emphasis for portions of the message; and
e. to facilitate legibility for populations that have difficulty reading small text (e.g., senior citizens).
--``,,,`,`,```,`,,`,,``,`,`,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

A formatted sign with the selected letter size for word messages should be visually examined in the
environment expected for actual use (lighting, background, angle, etc.) and tested for legibility in that
environment by persons representative of the target audience. It is advisable to test different letter sizes
to determine the optimum size for legibility at the desired viewing distance.
B3.3.14 Minimum letter height calculations
Type size is defined in “points,” a term used to describe the space required for lead type characters. Point
sizes measure from the top of the capital letters to the bottom of the lower case letters with descenders
(e.g., the bottom of the letter “g” or “j”). One point equals 0.01384 inches, or approximately 1/72 of an
inch. Although typefaces vary slightly, a practical guide for defining type size is based on using the capital
letter “H” for measurement purposes. Since the character “H” has no descender, it is possible to use a
conversion factor of 0.01 inches = 1 point of type size. Thus, 12 point type yields a capital “H”
approximately 0.12 inches high. For metric purposes, use a conversion factor of 3.9 points =1 mm of
height for a capital “H.”

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Table B1
Examples of Word Message Letter Heights and Minimum Safe Viewing Distances

Minimum Safe Minimum Letter Height for FAVORABLE Recommended Letter Height for
1
Viewing Distance Reading Conditions UNFAVORABLE Reading Conditions
(ft) (m) (point size) (in) (cm) (point size) (in) (cm)
2 2 2
≤4 ≤1.2 16 0.16 0.4 33 0.33 0.8
6 1.8 24 0.24 0.6 50 0.50 1.3
8 2.4 32 0.32 0.8 66 0.66 1.7
10 3.0 40 0.40 1.0 83 0.83 2.1
15 4.6 60 0.60 1.5 127 1.27 3.2
20 6.1 80 0.80 2.0 168 1.68 4.3
30 9.1 120 1.20 3.0 251 2.51 6.4
40 12.2 160 1.60 4.1 336 3.36 8.5
60 18.3 240 2.40 6.1 504 5.04 12.8
80 24.4 320 3.20 8.1 672 6.72 17.1
100 30.5 400 4.00 10.2 840 8.40 21.3
125 38.1 500 5.00 12.7 1049 10.49 26.6
150 45.7 600 6.00 15.2 1258 12.58 32.0
200 61.0 800 8.00 20.3 1679 16.79 42.7
1
The minimum safe viewing distance refers to the closest distance a person can be to the sign and still have time to follow the
safety sign's message to avoid the hazard.

2
16 point (.16 in, 0.4 cm) type is the suggested minimum type size for use on environmental and facility safety signs.

B3.3.15 Comprehension
The word message should be written so that it can be understood by the target audience (i.e., those who
are expected to be in the vicinity of the hazard). This means choosing words that accurately describe the
specific hazard and avoidance information in terms the intended audience will understand.
B4 Use of safety symbols
Well-designed safety symbols can often communicate hazard information quickly and across language
and literacy barriers. Although this standard allows word message–only formats for safety signs, the use
of safety symbols is encouraged whenever practical. See ANSI Z535.3-2011 for additional information

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concerning symbol selection, design, and testing.
B5 Multilingual formats
The selection of additional languages for safety signs is an extremely complex issue. Experts suggest
that nearly 150 languages are spoken in the United States and millions of Americans speak a language
other than English in their homes. If it is determined that additional languages are desired on a safety
sign, the following formats should be considered. In all examples, the use of symbols is strongly
encouraged in order to better communicate the sign’s hazard information across language barriers. White
type on a black background is used in these examples only to differentiate the placement of safety
symbol and word message panels.

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B5.1 Vertical formats

The vertical bilingual format shown in Figure B24 can be modified to include a longer word message by
lengthening the word message panels.
B5.2 Horizontal formats
Figures B25 and B26 illustrate horizontal formats for bilingual safety signs. In Figure B25, the English
word message and signal word may appear on either the right or left side. The text and signal word
panels may be widened to accommodate longer word messages.

Figure B25
Long Message, Horizontal Format

Figure B26
Figure B24 Short Message Format
Long Message, Vertical
Format

B5.3 Signal word panel arrangement

The safety alert symbol and signal word should be positioned close together and centered in each signal
word panel of a bilingual safety sign (see Section B2).
B6 Multi-hazard formats
If multiple hazards exist at one location on a product or if there is only enough space for a single safety
sign, a multi-hazard sign may need to be considered. The use of symbols in multi-hazard formats is
optional but encouraged. Additional symbols can be added to these formats as needed. The signal word
corresponding to the hazard with the greatest seriousness level should be used. The hazard with the
greatest seriousness level should be ordered first in the word message. White type on a black
background is used in these examples only to differentiate the placement of safety symbol and word
message panels. The following options can be considered when designing multi-hazard signs.

25
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B6.1 Three-panel formats

Use one of the standard three-panel formats (see Figures 3, 5, 9, 10 and 11) and use a single symbol to
communicate the most important hazard. Use the outline format to separate the various hazard word
messages (see Section B3.3.7).
B6.2 Two-panel formats
Use the two-panel signal word / word message formats (see Figures 4, 6, 7, 8 and 12). Use the outline
format to separate the various hazard word messages (see Section B3.3.7).
B6.3 Multi-symbol formats
Use one of the multi-symbol formats shown in Figures B27 through B31. In the formats in Figures B27
and B28, place the most important hazard symbol in the upper left panel so that it is “read” first and order
the word message segments so they correspond to the order of the symbol (“reading” the symbols from
left to right or top to bottom). If the format shown in Figure B28 is used, arrange the word message
segments so they line up opposite the appropriate symbol panel.

Word message
with portions
separated by
Word message bullets and/or
with portions additional lines
separated by
Word message with bullets and/or
portions separated by additional lines
bullets and/or additional
lines

Figure B27 Figure B28 Figure B29

Multiple Symbols Multiple Symbols Two-Symbol Alternative Format
on Top on Left

Figures B30 and B31 illustrate the multi-hazard/multi-signal word formats. In these formats, each hazard
is ordered according to its seriousness level and placed below the appropriate signal word. Additional
pictorials or word messages may be located under each signal word as needed. Use the outline format to
separate portions of the word message with additional lines and/or bullets (see Section B3.3.7).

Figure B30 Figure B31

Symbols on Left Symbols on Right

26
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B7 Safety instruction sign formats

When designing hazard alerting signs, there are times when it is desirable to separate lengthy procedures
or instructions from essential “need to know quickly” hazard-related safety information. A safety
instruction sign is useful for this purpose, thereby allowing the message panel of a hazard alerting sign to
remain short and concise.
B7.1 Specific wording for the instructional signal word
The signal word classification “SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” or similar words (Section 4.11.5) encourages
the use of more definitive words where practical. More definitive words are intended to briefly identify the
type of information in the safety instruction panel, much like a headline for a news article. Examples of
more descriptive word choices include:
SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES
BOILER SHUTDOWN PROCEDURE
LOCKOUT PROCEDURE
SAFE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN INSTRUCTIONS
B7.2 Format Options
Separating instructional safety information can be accomplished in one of two ways:
a. Separate safety instruction sign (see Figure B32);
b. A safety instruction sign included as part of a hazard alerting sign. (see Figure B33).
--``,,,`,`,```,`,,`,,``,`,`,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Figure B32 Figure B33

Example of Safety Example of Safety Instruction Sign as Part of Hazard
Instruction Sign Alerting Sign

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

Annex C
Previous Formats for Signal Word Panels
(informative)

The following formats for signal word panels were used in earlier editions of this standard and were
included as an alternate to the preferred panel format in the 1998 edition. They were not included in the
2002 and 2007 versions of this standard, nor are they included in this edition. Existing signs in use that
use the older format may continue to be used.

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

Annex D
Risk Estimation and Signal Word Selection
(informative)

D1 Scope
Signal words for hazard alerting signs are selected based on the risk that results from not following the
safety message. The level of risk determines signal words and safety colors. This annex provides
guidance for estimating risk and selecting signal words.
D2 Definitions
D2.1 Accident: An incident that results in harm, property damage, or both.
D2.2 Harm: Any degree of physical injury, including death.
D2.3 Hazard: A potential source of harm.
D2.4 Hazardous Situation: A condition or act that is contrary to the implicit or explicit instructions of a
safety sign and that produces an increased risk of harm. The presence of the condition or performance of
the act may be intentional or unintentional. However, conditions or acts that are implemented with the
intention of causing harm are not considered hazardous situations within the scope of this standard.
D2.5 Incident: An unintended or undesired event.
D2.6 Risk: A combination of the probability of occurrence of harm and the severity of that harm.
D3 Risk estimation
D3.1 General
Risk estimation involves (a) considering the probability and severity of outcomes that can result from a
hazardous situation and (b) combining these estimates to determine the risk. While quantitative risk
assessment is possible in certain limited circumstances, only qualitative risk estimates are possible in
most cases. For the purpose of hazard alerting classification (i.e., assigning a signal word and safety
color), qualitative risk estimation is commonplace and generally appropriate.
There are numerous methods for estimating the risk posed by a hazardous situation. This section outlines
one method that is specifically designed to assist in assigning signal words according to the definitions in
this standard. For information about other risk estimation methods or models, see the references at the
end of this annex.
D3.2 Hazardous situation
Hazard alerting signs provide instructions, explicit or implicit, regarding how to avoid hazardous
situations. In order to select the appropriate signal word, risk must be estimated for the particular
hazardous situation or situations.
Note that, for the purposes of signal word selection, it does not matter why a hazard alerting sign might
not be followed (e.g., failure to read the sign, conscious decision to ignore the sign); the hazardous
situation associated with a sign is the same, regardless of why the sign is not followed.
When a safety sign addresses more than one hazardous situation, the risk associated with each
hazardous situation should be estimated. In these cases, the signal word corresponding to the greatest
risk level is used.
D3.3 Model of events resulting from a hazardous situation
Figure D1 shows the possible results of a hazardous situation.

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

Hazardous
Situation

Accident No Accident

Death or
Moderate or Property
Serious
Minor Injury Damage
Injury

Harm

Figure D1
Model of the Possible Results of a Hazardous Situation

The hazardous situation (i.e., the result of not following a sign) either results in an accident or in no
accident. If an accident occurs, it can result in harm. The harm can be classified by severity.
D3.4 Severity
D3.4.1 Classification of severity
As shown in the model above, in the selection of signal words, there are two classifications for severity of
harm.
D3.4.1.1 Death or serious injury: Injury to humans that is more severe than minor or moderate injury.
Serious injuries typically have one or more of the following characteristics:
a. results in permanent loss of function or significant disfigurement
b. requires substantial and prolonged medical treatment
c. involves long periods of disability
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d. involves considerable pain and suffering over long periods of time

Examples of serious injuries include amputations, severe burns, and loss or impairment of vision or
hearing.
D3.4.1.2 Moderate or minor injury: Injury to humans, not including death or serious injury.
Minor or moderate injuries do not typically result in permanent disability or significant disfigurement or
pain. Examples of minor or moderate injuries include cuts, scratches, and irritation.
D3.4.2 Hazardous situations resulting in multiple harms
When the outcome of an event includes results falling into more than one of the severity classifications,
the most severe classification should be used. For example, an event that results in both minor injury to
one body part and serious injury to another should be classified as “serious injury or death.”

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

D3.4.3 Worst credible severity

A hazardous situation can result in a variety of outcomes, each with varying likelihood. When selecting a
signal word, it is necessary to determine the worst credible severity that can result from a hazardous
situation. Only outcomes that are credible possibilities should be considered.
D3.5 Probability of harm
For the purpose of signal word selection, probability includes the probability of an accident and the
probability of the worst credible severity occurring if there is an accident.
The probability of the safety sign not being followed should not be included in an estimate of risk for the
purpose of signal word selection.
D3.5.1 Probability of accident
The probability of an accident if a hazardous situation exists (i.e., if the safety sign is not followed) should
be estimated. The probability of an accident includes the probability of accidents of any severity.
D3.5.2 Probability of worst credible severity
The probability of the worst credible severity occurring if an accident occurs should be estimated. To
estimate the probability of the worst credible severity, it is necessary to include not only the likelihood of
the worst credible severity, but also the likelihood of all other outcomes that fall within the worst credible
severity category (e.g., if the worst credible severity is death, then include all outcomes that are in the
category of death or serious injury).
D3.5.3 Estimating Probability
For the purposes of assigning signal words, probability need not be determined quantitatively or with
great precision. Signal words are assigned based on estimates of probability using two qualitative
categories:
D3.5.3.1 Will: Indicates an event that is expected to happen with near certainty.
D3.5.3.2 Could: Indicates an event that is possible but not nearly certain.
D4 Signal word selection
For hazard alerting signs, the signal word is selected according to the risk presented by the hazardous
situation that the safety sign addresses. That is, signal word selection is based on the risk posed if the
safety sign is not followed.
The risk is determined based on:
a. worst credible severity if an accident occurs;
b. probability of an accident if the hazardous situation occurs (i.e., if the safety sign is not followed);
c. probability of the worst credible severity occurring.
D4.1 Signal word selection matrices
The following matrices show the signal words, colors, and presence or absence of a safety alert symbol
that are assigned for each combination of accident probability, worst credible harm, and probability of
worst credible harm.

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

If the worst credible severity is death or serious injury:

Probability of Accident if
Hazardous Situation is Not Avoided
Will Could

Will
Probability of Death
or Serious Injury if
Accident Occurs
Could

If the worst credible severity is minor or moderate injury:

For all Probabilities

If there is no credible risk of physical injury:

For all Probabilities

32
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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

D4.2 Signal word selection process

No
Is physical injury a credible Use "NOTICE"
possibility?

Yes

No
Is death or serious injury a Use "CAUTION"
credible possibility?

Yes

If hazardous situation Possible

occurs, how likely is an
accident?

Almost certain

Possible
If accident occurs, how likely Use "WARNING"
is death or serious injury?

Almost certain

Use "DANGER"

Figure D2
Signal Word Selection Process

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

Annex E
Informative References
(informative)

1. ANSI Z535.4-2011, American National Standard Product Safety Signs and Labels (American National
Standards Institute, 2011).
2. ANSI Z535.5-2011, American National Standard Safety Tags and Barricade Tapes (for Temporary
Hazards) (American National Standards Institute, 2011).
3. ANSI Z535.6-2011, American National Standard Product Safety Information in Product Manuals,
Instructions, and Other Collateral Materials (American National Standards Institute, 2011).
4. ANSI C95.2-1982 (R1988), Radio Frequency Radiation Hazard Warnings Symbol (American National
Standards Institute, 2011).
5. ANSI N2.1-1989, Radiation Symbol (American National Standards Institute, 1989).
6. ANSI Z400.1 / Z129.1-2010, Hazardous Workplace Chemicals—Hazard Evaluation and Safety Data
Sheet and Precautionary Labeling Preparation (American National Standard Institute, 2010).
7. Federal Highway Administration, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and
Highways,Millennium Edition (U.S. Department of Transportation, 16 December 2009).
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/
8. ANSI/NFPA 70-2005, National Electrical Code (National Fire Protection Association, 2005).
9. ANSI/NFPA 170-2009, Fire Safety and Emergency Symbols (National Fire Protection Association,
2009).
10. ANSI/NFPA 178-1986, Symbols for Fire Fighting (National Fire Protection Association, 1986).
11. ANSI/SAE S276.2, Slow Moving Vehicle Identification Symbol (Society of Automotive Engineers,
June 1968).
12. ISO 3864-1:2011, Graphical symbols—Safety colours and safety signs—Part 1: Design principles for
safety signs in workplaces and public areas (International Organization for Standardization, 2011).
13. ISO 3864-3:2006, Graphical symbols—Safety colours and safety signs—Part 3: Design principles for
graphical symbols used in safety signs (International Organization for Standardization, 2006).
14. ISO 7010:2011, Graphical symbols—Safety colours and safety signs—Safety signs used in
workplaces and public areas (International Organization for Standardization, 2011).
15. Smith, Sidney L., "Letter Size and Legibility," Human Factors, vol. 21(6) (December 1979), pp 661-
670.
16. Collins, B.L., Kuo, B.Y., Mayerson, S.E., Worthey, J.A., and Howett, G.L., Safety Color Appearance
Under Selected Light Sources, (National Bureau of Standards, NBSIR 86-3493, December 1986).
17. Howett, Gerald L., Size of Letters Required for Visibility as a Function of Viewing Distance and
Observer Visual Acuity (National Bureau of Standards, 1983).

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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

2016 Revisions

The ANSI Accredited Standards Committee Z535 plans to issue the next revisions of the Z535 standards
(Z535.1 through Z535.6) in December 2016. In order to meet that deadline, the committee developed the
following tentative timetable:

All proposed changes are due: June 30, 2014

Revisions will be finalized for letter balloting: April 15, 2015
Letter balloting will be completed by: July 15, 2015
Public reviews will be completed by: March 1, 2016
Drafts will be ready to submit to the publisher: May 31, 2016
Published: December 15, 2016

All proposed changes must be submitted by June 30, 2014. Any proposals received after that date
will be deferred to subsequent revisions. In order to facilitate the next revision, proposed changes must
be submitted on a form for that specific purpose, which is on the next page. Please send this form to:

Secretary, ANSI Committee Z535

National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1752
Rosslyn, VA 22209
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 ANSI Z535.2-2011

ANSI Accredited Standards Committee Z535

on Safety Signs and Colors

FORM FOR PROPOSALS

Return to: Secretary, ANSI Committee Z535

National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1752
Rosslyn, VA 22209

Name _________________________________________ Date ______________________

Address ___________________________________________________________________

Representing _______________________________________________________________
(Please indicate organization or self)

E-mail Address ________________________________ Telephone ____________________

1. a. Standard Title _____________________________________________________

b. Section/Paragraph_________________________________________________

2. Proposal recommends (check one): New Text

Revised Text
Deleted Text

3. Proposal (Include the proposed new or revised text, or identify the words to be deleted.
Underline additions and strikethrough deletions.)

4. Statement of the Problem or Reason for the Proposal

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5. Check one. This proposal is original material.

This proposal is not original material; its source is as follows:
____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

This original material is the submitter’s own idea based upon his/her own experience, thought, or research, and to the best of his/her
knowledge, is not copied from another source.

I agree to give NEMA all and full rights, including rights of copyright, in this proposal, and I understand that I acquire no
rights in any standards publication in which this proposal in this or another similar or analogous form is used.

_________________________________________
Signature
Please do not write in the space below.
Date Received: Log #

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