When it comes to protecting employees, visitors, and the public, safety signs and symbols are more than just helpful, they’re essential. The right signage not only communicates vital information but also helps facilities comply with federal regulations, avoid accidents, and foster a culture of awareness and prevention.
But what is a safety sign, and how do you know which ones you need for your facility? Whether you’re managing a public park, industrial warehouse, utility site, or transportation hub, navigating the various signage requirements (plus the options for design, materials, and mounting) can be overwhelming.
This guide will walk you through:
- The different types of safety signs and symbols
- What safety signs you need based on location and risk
- How to ensure OSHA and ANSI compliance
- What design, size, and mounting options are available
- Where to buy safety signs that will last
We’ll also explore why Pannier Graphics’ Fiberglass Embedded safety signs offer unmatched durability and how our online sign shop simplifies the buying process.
What is a Safety Sign?
At its core, a safety sign is a visual communication tool designed to convey warnings, instructions, or notices that protect individuals from harm. These signs are often color-coded and symbol-based to ensure quick understanding, even across language barriers.
There are five primary categories of safety signs you’ll encounter:
1. Danger Signs
- Color: Red, black, and white
- Purpose: Indicate an immediate hazard that will result in serious injury or death if not avoided
- Examples: Danger – High Voltage, Danger – Confined Space
2. Warning Signs
- Color: Orange and black
- Purpose: Signal potential hazards that could cause serious harm
- Examples: Warning – Tripping Hazard, Warning – Explosive Materials
3. Caution Signs
- Color: Yellow and black
- Purpose: Warn against hazards that could result in minor or moderate injury
- Examples: Caution – Watch Your Step, Caution – Forklift Traffic
4. Notice Signs
- Color: Blue and white
- Purpose: Communicate non-hazard-related information
- Examples: Notice – Authorized Personnel Only, Notice – Not an Exit
5. Instructional Signs
- Color: Varies
- Purpose: Offer general guidance or procedural information
- Examples: Clean Up After Your Pet, Park Closed at Sunset
Why Are Safety Signs Important?
The importance of safety signage goes beyond compliance. Here’s why signs matter:
- Prevent Injuries: Safety signs reduce the risk of workplace accidents by alerting people to hazards before they encounter them.
- Improve Efficiency: Clear signage helps people navigate spaces, follow procedures, and avoid mistakes.
- Support Legal Compliance: OSHA mandates that employers must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards. Signage is part of that effort.
- Reduce Liability: In the event of an incident, proper signage can demonstrate due diligence and help protect your organization legally.
- Promote Public Safety: In parks, trails, and public facilities, signs ensure visitors understand rules, restricted areas, and emergency procedures.
What Safety Signs Do I Need?
The safety signage you need depends on your environment and the type of risks present. Use this checklist to begin narrowing down your needs:
Industrial/Manufacturing Sites
- Danger and warning signs for machinery, electrical, or chemical hazards
- Caution signs for wet floors, steps, or forklift traffic
- Notice signs for restricted areas or procedures
Public Parks and Trails
- Instructional signs for pet cleanup, trail closures, or quiet zones
- Danger signs for cliffs, wildlife, or deep water
- Custom signage for unique guidelines (e.g., drone-free zones)
Construction or Utility Sites
- High-visibility warning and danger signs for excavation, overhead work, or electrical lines
- Caution signage for PPE requirements
- Emergency exit or directional signs
If you’re unsure where to start, contact our team. We’ll walk through your environment and regulations to help determine the specific safety signs you need.
What Are the OSHA Safety Colors
OSHA and ANSI specify color guidelines to standardize safety signage. Here's a quick reference:
| Color | Meaning | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Danger, Emergency | Fire hazards, immediate danger |
| Orange | Warning | Moderate risk hazards |
| Yellow | Caution | Minor hazard risks |
| Blue | Notice / Mandatory Action | General information, procedures |
| Green | Safety Instructions | First aid, emergency exits |
Choosing signs that follow these color conventions is critical to meeting compliance standards and ensuring clarity for users.
Design Options: Customizing Your Signage
Once you’ve identified the messages you need to communicate, you’ll want to determine how your signs should look and function.
Size Options
Pannier offers safety signage in a range of sizes to suit your needs.
- Small (10"x7") – for equipment or close-range warnings
- Medium (14"x10", 20"x14") – for interior walls or workspaces
- Large (24"x18", 36"x24", 48"x36") – for wide-open areas, exteriors, or long-distance readability
- Custom sizes (up to 180"x70")
At Pannier, we can create any sign size you want. We've done as big as 180"x70" (in one piece!), but there are lots of options to customize the perfect sign for your needs.
Mounting Options
We offer a variety of mounting configurations depending on where your signs will be placed:
- Pre-drilled holes for screws
- Grommets for zip ties
- Adhesive backing for smooth indoor surfaces
- Compatibility with custom posts and exhibit bases
Posts and Bases
Need a free-standing option? Pannier’s durable posts and exhibit bases are ideal for:
- Parks and trails
- Utility corridors
- Remote job sites
These can be installed in-ground or on hard surfaces and are built to last in extreme environments.
Color and Visibility
While most safety signs follow strict OSHA color codes, there is still room for thoughtful customization. Ensure:
- High contrast between text and background
- Matte finishes to reduce glare outdoors
- Fonts and symbols that are easy to read from a distance
Understanding OSHA and ANSI Signage Standards
When choosing signage, it’s vital to make sure your selections meet applicable codes:
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.145: General signage rules for workplace safety signs
- ANSI Z535 Series: Formatting, layout, pictograms, and message clarity
If your signage will be used in regulated settings, it's important to follow all federal and industry-specific standards for messaging and formatting. When you hire us for design, we’ll ensure your signs are fully compliant.
Making the Final Decision
With all this information in mind, it’s time to finalize your signage selections. When finalizing your choices, ask:
- Is this sign OSHA compliant?
- Will it be visible and understandable?
- Is it durable enough for my conditions?
- Does it need to be customized?
If the answer to any of these questions leads to uncertainty, that’s where we come in. Our team is available to help you review your space, recommend the right products, and customize signs to meet every unique requirement.
Where to Buy Safety Signs That Last
You can find standard safety signs from hundreds of online sellers—but they’re not all created equal.
At Pannier Graphics, we specialize in Fiberglass Embedded safety signage that is:
- Weatherproof: Designed for harsh environments, indoors or out
- UV-resistant and fade-resistant: Maintains legibility and color for years
- Low maintenance: No flaking, peeling, or rusting like other sign materials
- Backed by a 10-Year Warranty: We stand behind every sign we make
Our Online Sign Shop offers:
- Ready-to-order safety signs across all categories
- Customizable designs where you can edit messages, choose sizes, and preview in real time
- Fast turnaround and shipping across the U.S.
Visit the Pannier Graphics Online Sign Shop to explore options or start designing today.
What to Expect from Pannier: Durability & Delivery
When you order from Pannier, you’re working directly with the people who design, manufacture, and ship your signs from our facility in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania.You can expect:
- Rapid quoting and order processing
- Clear communication from your single point of contact
- High-quality craftsmanship with every sign
- Reliable delivery timelines, even for custom orders
Why Choose Pannier Graphics
With more than 45 years of experience serving both commercial facilities and interpretive sites across the country, Pannier is more than a signage vendor. We’re your project partner.
- Family-owned and operated
- Manufactured entirely in-house
- Unmatched durability and clarity
- A team that works with you, every step of the way
Whether you need 10 signs or 10,000, you’ll get the same care, service, and quality that have defined our work for decades.
Get Started Today
Ready to upgrade your facility’s signage? Visit our Online Safety Sign Shop to browse ready-to-order safety signs or design your own with our easy customization tool.
Need help deciding? Contact our team ...we’re happy to guide you through every step!
FAQs
Can I order a custom size or design?
Absolutely. Our online shop lets you input custom messages, sizes, and specifications—or contact us for bulk or specialty orders.
Do your signs meet OSHA and ANSI requirements?
Yes. All standard safety messages follow required formats. If you're unsure, we can help interpret your compliance needs.
How long do your signs last?
Thanks to our Fiberglass Embedment process, our signs are built to last 10 years or more in any climate, with zero maintenance.
Do you ship nationwide?
Yes. We ship across the U.S. with careful packaging to ensure your signs arrive safely and on time.
Do you offer volume pricing for large orders?
We do. Contact our team for a custom quote on bulk safety signage.