Ways to Meet OSHA Requirements for Safety Signage

Transcription

1 Safety Sign Training Ways to Meet OSHA Requirements for Safety Signage References: 29 CFR and ANSI Z535 Standard This material was developed by MCLBA, Risk Management. It does not necessarily reflect all of the policies mandated by OSHA to comply with the OSHA & ANSI Sign classification requirements. This training simply provide information on increasing OSHA Safety Signs Compliance in the work areas and to get employees involve in accomplishing MCLBA Command Safety Program Goal #2 (Improve Safety Signs).

2 AGENDA Purpose Background Safety Signage Primary Hazard Classifications Secondary Hazard Classifications Sign Determination Flow Chart Safety Sign Survey Summary

3 Purpose In accordance with the established objectives in CY18 Command Safety Program Goal #2, this training is provided to familiarize you with safety signs (Objective 1) and provide you with the tool to complete a sign survey in your work area (Objective 2).

4 Background OSHA regulates signs that identify hazards, outline design requirements and specify when safety signs must be used. Design elements are expanded upon in the ANSI Z535 standard, which uses alert symbols and pictograms to communicate hazards. Over the past three years, there was an average of 14 safety sign deficiencies discovered during MCLB Albany routine workplace inspections.

5 Safety Signage Safety signage in the workplace is to identify, alert, and inform workers who may be exposed to hazards in the workplace. Safety signs can assist in the communication of important instructions, reinforce safety messages and provide instruction for emergency situations. For example, a safety sign may indicate who is permitted to enter designated areas or locations, which may be included on a warning or caution sign or any other sign.

6 Safety Signage OSHA does not specify safety sign design requirements for sign size, text size, text placement, or location. Only ANSI provides these standards to help improve hazard recognition and reduce workplace injuries. 29 CFR Scope: These specification apply to the design, application, and use of signs or symbols intended to indicate and, insofar as possible, to define specific hazards of a nature such that failure to designate them may lead to accidental injury to workers or the public, or both, or to property damage. These specifications are intended to cover all safety signs except those designed for streets, highways, and railroads. These specifications do not apply to plant bulletin boards or to safety posters.

7 Primary Hazard Classifications There are three primary hazard classifications OSHA and ANSI have established for safety signs. These are danger, warning, and caution. ANSI is responsible for creating and standardizing the majority of secondary sign classifications. These signs include notice, safety signs, and fire safety. OSHA and ANSI set general standards for biological hazard signs.

8 Primary Hazard Classifications Danger Signs Indicate immediate hazards that will result in injury or death if not avoided. Warning Signs Indicate a hazard level that falls somewhere between caution and danger, indicating a risk that could result in serious injury or death if not avoided. Caution Signs Represent the lowest hazard level, indicating potentially hazardous situations that may result in minor to moderate injury if not avoided.

9 Primary Hazard Classifications DANGER Sign Safety Alert Symbol Safety Symbol Signal Word Safety Message Signal word is printed in white letters and red background Preceded by the safety alert symbol Often, safety message is printed in black or red letters over a white safety panel. However, safety message may appear in various colors, depending on the color of the signal word panel Safety symbols (pictograms) may be included on the safety panel to help workers recognize hazards sooner and from safe distances

10 Primary Hazard Classifications Warning Sign Safety Alert Symbol Safety Symbol Signal Word Safety Message Signal word is printed in black letters and Orange background header Preceded by the safety alert symbol Text in the message panel may be printed in white letters on a black message panel, or black letters on a white message panel One hazard level below the danger signs

11 Primary Hazard Classifications Caution Sign Safety Alert Symbol Signal Word Signal word is printed in black letters and Yellow background Preceded by the safety alert symbol, except when used for a non-personal injury Caution against unsafe practices Safety Symbol Safety Message

12 Secondary Hazard Classifications ANSI is responsible for creating and standardizing the majority of secondary sign classifications. These signs include: biological hazard signs general safety signs fire safety signs and notice signs OSHA and ANSI set general standards for biological hazard signs.

13 Secondary Hazard Classifications Biological Hazard Signs Used to indicate either the actual or potential presence of a biohazard, identifying objects (tools, equipment, containers, etc.) that either are or could possibly be contaminated with viable hazardous agents that pose a risk or potential risk to a person s well-being.

14 Secondary Hazard Classifications General Safety Signs Used to provide notices of general facility practice, rules relating to health, first aid, medical equipment, sanitation, housekeeping, and suggested general safety measures. The background is white; most have a green panel with white letters.

15 Secondary Hazard Classifications Fire Safety Signs Indicate the location of emergency firefighting equipment. Unlike other signs, they do not have a signal word. The safety symbol is printed in red on a white background, or in white on a red background. The safety message must be in red letters on a white background. Because these signs do not indicate an injury hazard, the safety alert symbol must not be used. These signs are near or on fire equipment.

16 Secondary Hazard Classifications Notice Signs Provide general information that is important or relevant to a building, an area, a machine or equipment. Notice signs address practices not related to personal injury. These signs are blue.

17 This flow chart can help you determine an appropriate signal word. Sign Determination Flow Chart

18 The rest of this presentation provides information to meet the requirements for CY18 Command Safety Program Goal Objective (2).

19 Facility Sign Survey Many areas in and around MCLB Albany require visual safety communication. Depending on the size and layout of your work area, this can be a large task. However, by incorporating employee involvement in surveying your work areas for safety sign compliance, this task can be easily accomplished. You must start by: Identifying all of your existing safety signs in your area of responsibility and ensuring they are OSHA/ANSI compliant. Look for locations where a safety sign would benefit workers by improving safety awareness, reducing injuries, and improving workplace efficiency.

20 Facility Sign Survey Document the condition and content of existing safety signs. This will help you remember safety sign locations and reduce safety sign inspection time. Look for signs that are no longer needed. Once existing facility signage is documented using the Safety Sign Request Form and reviewed by your unit safety officer, record sign deficiencies (missing, unnecessary, faded, non-compliant) into ESAMS.

21 Facility Sign Survey Incorporate the following into the sign surveys Are signs and labels consistent throughout your work area? Are they legible? (damaged, deteriorated, etc.) Are they accurate? (name, label color, etc.) Do they meet current OSHA and/or ANSI standards? Are they visible and readable from a safe distance? Do they effectively communicate the message?

22 Facility Sign Survey Areas where directional signs are needed Are workers directed to the correct location? Is there clear direction to safety and fire equipment? Is the fire exit clearly marked? Are emergency eye wash station marked? Are there areas where redirection is necessary? Newly established areas not previously inspected Areas requiring safety signs that are not clearly posted

23 Facility Sign Survey Areas where maintenance is performed Areas where temporary signs are needed New equipment and machinery High traffic areas

24 SUMMARY By now you should have a basic understanding of what safety signs are, how to determine the appropriate sign classification, and how to best help your organization improve safety signs compliance. Keep in mind, by working with your supervisor and unit safety officer, they will help ensure that OSHA and ANSI sign standards is compliant.

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