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Signage: Finding Your Message

Signage: Finding Your Message

Signage is present everywhere we go. For our purposes, the point of signage is to communicate clearly what hazards may be present or what rules need to be followed. Sometimes these signs are speaking to employees within a workplace, sometimes they are meant for customers or general public, some are there to communicate to first responders in an emergency, and the list goes on. This is why the first step in selecting a sign, as laid out by Safehouse Signs, is understanding your message. 

ANSI sets the standard for the big four “signal words” for hazard alerting very clearly. They include, “Warning”, “Danger”, “Caution”, and “Notice”. You have likely come across all of these in your day to day life and, many of you, could likely already name them. The specific requirements for the layout and design are understood and met by our sign vendor according to ANSI Z535.4-2023, but you can find more information on that here if you would like!

What is most important for you to understand is what each of these signs is communicating to the reader.

Warning Signs

Warning signs indicate potential hazards, obstacles, or conditions requiring special attention. These signs are used to alert the reader to a situation which could result in death or serious injury if not avoided.

Danger

Like the warning sign, danger signs alert to hazardous situations which could lead to death or serious injury if not avoided.

Caution

Caution signs should be utilized in situations where the hazard leads to a risk of minor or moderate injury.

Notice

Notice signs should be posted for practices which are not related to physical injury

Each of these signs serves an important purpose, and it is essential when selecting a sign that the risk of injury is considered. “No Smoking” signs are a great example of this. You may need a notice sign for this message if you are simply communicating a non-smoking area of your campus for general use. But a danger sign is required when smoking may cause a high risk of injury due to use of oxygen or other highly flammable materials. In one case, you are clearly communicating a rule or expectation that is not an immediate safety risk, but in the other you are ensuring that major injuries or deaths do not occur. In both cases, you are utilizing a commonly understood signal word to communicate risk level immediately upon viewing the sign, ensuring a quick understanding on the part of the reader.

Unsure where your message falls in this spectrum? We are always happy to talk it through with you. Give us a call at 919-602-2503 or email us at marketing@safetypackonline.com with any questions you may have!

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