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Colour Coding

Color coding is a vital visual tool in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) for hazard communication, safety signs, and equipment identification. Different colors represent specific meanings, such as red for danger, yellow for caution, blue for mandatory actions, and green for safety. Effective use of color codes enhances safety awareness and compliance in the workplace, reducing accidents.

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25 views

Colour Coding

Color coding is a vital visual tool in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) for hazard communication, safety signs, and equipment identification. Different colors represent specific meanings, such as red for danger, yellow for caution, blue for mandatory actions, and green for safety. Effective use of color codes enhances safety awareness and compliance in the workplace, reducing accidents.

Uploaded by

agashveeramani
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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COLOR CODING

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IN HSE
PREPARED BY:
Deepak Chhoker
DEFINATION
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Color Coding is an essential visual tool in HSE to ensure


safety, prevent accidents and enhance awareness in
the workplace. The construction worker in relies on
standardized color codes for hazard communication,
safety signs, equipment identification and work zone
demarcation.

1. Safety Sign Colour (As per


International Standards like ISO
7010, OSHA and ANSI
Red- Danger, Prohibition and Fire
Safety
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Red is associated with


immediate danger,
prohibitions and
firefighting equipment. It
is used to indicate that
specific actions are
prohibited or to mark fire-
related safety equipment.
Examples:

Prohibition Signs: “No


Smoking,” “No Entry,” “Do
Not Operate”

Firefighting Equipment: Fire


extinguishers, hose reels,
alarms, fire hydrants

Emergency Stop Buttons:


Machinery stop buttons,
emergency shutdown
controls
Yellow/Amber- Caution and
Warning
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Yellow (or amber) is used


to indicate general
hazards and warnings. It
alerts workers about
potential dangers that
may cause injuries if
precautions are not taken.
Examples:

Warning Signs: “Caution:


Slippery Floor,” “High
Voltage Area,” “Falling
Objects”

Trip & Fall Hazards:


Uneven surfaces, step
edges, trenches

Moving Vehicles &


Equipment: Forklift
operation zones,
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Blue- Mandatory Actions

Blue indicates mandatory


actions that workers must
follow to ensure safety.
These signs provide
specific instructions or
requirements for PPE and
safe operations.
Examples:

PPE Requirements: “Wear


Safety Helmets” “Use Ear
Protection,” “Eye Protection
Required”

Workplace Safety
Instructions: “Only
Authorized Personnel
Allowed,” “Keep Clear of
Machinery”
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Green- Safety and Emergency


Escape

Green is used to indicate


safety, emergency exits
and first aid stations. It
reassured workers about
safe conditions and
directions for evacuation.
Examples:

First Aid Stations: First Aid


Kits, medical rooms

Workplace Safety
Instructions: Exit routes,
emergency assembly points

Safety Equipment
Locations: Emergency
showers, eyewash stations
2. Colour Coding for Pipes and
Equipment Identification
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In construction and industrial sites, pipes and


machinery are colour coded for easy identification of
contents and potential hazards.

Colour Application

Red Fire Protection systems (sprinklers, hydrants)

Yellow Flammable gases, acids and hazardous chemicals

Blue Compressed air

Green substances (e.g., potable water)

Black Oil and waste lines

White Steam

Purple Radioactive materials


3. Electrical Safety and Lockout
Tagout (LOTO) Colour Coding
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Electrical Safety and energy isolation procedures also


follow specific colour codes.

Colour Meaning

Danger-- Do not operate (LOTO tags, high-risk electrical


Red
hazards)

Caution - Restricted operation (e.g., machinery under


Yellow
maintenance)

Green Safe- Equipment is operational and safe to use

Black General electrical hazards


4. Workplace Zoning and Floor
Markings
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Construction sites and workplaces use floor markings


and zone demarcation for safe movement and hazard
awareness.

Colour Usage

Red Restricted areas, fire lanes

Yellow Caution areas, pedestrian walkways

Green Safe walkways, exit points

Black/
Work zones, caution markings
White strips
Conclusion
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Using colour codes effectively in HS improves safety


awareness, reduces workplace accidents and ensures
compliance with safety regulations. Construction
professionals should be trained to recognize and
respond to colour-coded safety signals to maintain a
safe work environment.

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