Safety Labels
Warning Labels & Signs

Warning signs are used to identify a hazard level that is more serious than CAUTION, but not as serious as DANGER. Warning labels and signs identify a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

There is not a mandated design for warning labels and signs. They most frequently are orange with a black header or white with an orange header. The word WARNING is boldly printed across the top. A description of the hazard or the requirements to mitigate the hazard is printed on the lower portion of the label. This description may include graphics, text, or both.

There are no size standards for warning signs and labels can be any size. The size should be such that it can be noticed and easily read from a safe distance. They must be sufficiently large enough to communicate the warning information before someone enters a dangerous area or performs a harmful action.

The labels shown on this page illustrate some of the possibilities for warning label designs. Although there are no required standards, you should select a design for your facility and make all warning labels and signs conform to that standard.

No other types of labels or signs should have a design similar to that of the design of your warning labels and signs--for example, do not use orange as the color for directional signs. This will help ensure that warnings are immediately recognized.