People often think that, there is no real difference between a sign, a signal and a barricade. But this myth can be banished, with the help of these definitions:
* A barricade is defined as an obstruction that is present to deter the passage of vehicles or persons.
* A hazard sign can be defined as a warning message that is either permanently or temporarily fixed at locations where hazards exists.
* Tags can be defined as temporary signs that may be either attached to a structure or a piece of equipment, in order to warn people of the existing dangers or risks.
Every construction site is a hazardous environment. But in order to make workers and employees, more aware of these specific construction site hazards, the International Safety Organization has developed and designed a series of safety signs.
Each and every hazard sign is made up of four basic components, they are:
1) The signal word,
2) The background color,
3) The text,
4) The pictorial message.
Furthermore, there are three primary signal words that every construction worker must be familiar with, they are:
Danger: This word usually indicates an immediate dangerous or hazardous situation, which if not avoided, may either result in death or serious injury. The word danger is always indicated by a white text and a red background. After all, the color 'red' is the universal symbol for alertness and danger.
Warning: This word usually indicates a potentially dangerous or harmful situation, which once again if not avoided, may either result in death or serious injury. The word warning is always indicated by a black text with an orange background.
Caution: Finally, this sign, indicates any potentially hazardous or harmful situation, which if not avoided, may either result in moderate or minor injury. This sign may also be used to bring attention to certain, unsafe practices. The word caution is always in black text, with a yellow background.
Sometimes, these signs may also include some explanatory texts that are usually intended to provide some additional safety information, whereas, some signs may be designed to convey certain personal safety messages. For instance, a sign may suggest the use of safety glasses, when in a particular area.
These personal safety signs usually appear as pictorial messages, but sometimes they are combined with an explanatory text. This is done, so that the message can be passed on to people who don't understand the local language or are illiterate.
This is just a brief introduction however, the OSHA safety training courses provide students with a greater in sight, into the world of signs, barricades and tags.
About the Author :
At OSHA 30 Hour Trainings, we provide online safety training that can help you to embed a safe environment in your work place, thus minimizing the risks and hazards involved in the work site and increase the work profits. Visit us at: www.osha30hourtrainings.com
