Geoffrey Peckham CEO, Clarion Safety Systems

Transcription

1 Presented by: Geoffrey Peckham CEO, Clarion Safety Systems Sponsored By: Tuesday, February 25, :00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Central 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mountain 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pacific This webinar qualifies for Continuance of Certification (COC) credit. CSPs will earn COC points for attending this webinar. For further instruction on COC credit reporting, please visit BLR and HR Hero Business & Legal Resources and HR Hero. All rights reserved. These materials may not be reproduced in part or in whole by any process without written permission.

2 New OSHA/ANSI Safety Sign Systems A New and Better Tool to Reduce Accidents in Today s Workplaces Sponsored by Led the OSHA change

3 A comprehensive justification was developed Our goal: To improve these statistics U.S. Workplace Fatalities

4 They are not statistics; they are people 2012 Dept. of Labor Statistics* 12 workers are killed every day x 365 days = 4, deaths were foreign-born workers Contractors accounted for 16% of all fatalities * The ANSI Z535 Standards The U.S. industry consensus standards for visual safety communication

5 The ANSI Z535 Standards The U.S. industry consensus standards for visual safety communication ANSI Z Safety colors ANSI Z Safety signs for the environment & facilities ANSI Z Safety symbol design and testing ANSI Z Product safety labels ANSI Z Temporary safety tags and barricade tapes ANSI Z Product safety information in manuals The ANSI Z535 sign and tag standards Define the best practices in the United States

6 The 30,000 foot view to improve workplace safety communication. The GHS and ANSI Z535 initiatives The Right to Know The Right to Understand

7 GHS prescribes content and symbols The Beginning: Five points made in 2009

8 But First: A History Lesson But First: A History Lesson

9 The FIRST standard for safety signs: 1941 Committee Members Included: American Society of Safety Engineers Associated General Contractors of America, Inc. Association of American Railroads Edison Electric Institute Industrial Safety Equipment Association International Assoc. of Industrial Accident Boards National Bureau of Standards National Electrical Manufacturers Association National Safety Council U.S. Dept. of Labor U.S. Navy Department U.S. War Department Wisconsin Industrial Commission The first standard for safety signs: 1941

10 1941 Formats on Risk determination

11 Point # 1: 1941,1968 and OSHA got risk Wrong OSHA and the old standards only use immediacy with no regard for severity Today s risk assessment standards: Risk = severity of injury + probability Point # 1: Z535 gets Risk Right ANSI Z535 accurate risk-based signal word definitions Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in serious injury or death.

12 Point # 1: Z535 gets Risk Right ANSI Z535 accurate risk-based signal word definitions Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in serious injury or death. Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death. Point # 1: Z535 gets Risk Right ANSI Z535 accurate risk-based signal word definitions Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in serious injury or death. Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death. Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

13 Point # 2: Symbols ANSI Z535 formats better accommodate symbols Why symbols work

14 Why symbols work Why symbols work!

15 Why symbols work! Human Factors Research People interact with warnings in three phases: 1. They need to see the warning 2. They need to understand the message 3. Only then can they choose to obey it

16 Point # 3: ANSI accommodates added Languages Communication is key in our increasingly diverse culture U.S. society over the past 70 years

17 The Reason for secondary language panels 2012 Dept. of Labor Statistics* 12 workers are killed every day x 365 days = 4, deaths each year are foreign-born workers Contractors accounted for 16% of all fatalities * Point # 4: Overly simplistic Content

18 ANSI Z535.2 gets Content Right The degree of seriousness The nature of the hazard The consequence of interaction How to avoid the hazard Derived from: Case law for what constitutes an adequate warning Human factors research on how people comply with warnings Old to New

19 Old to New Summary of the 4 main points made to OSHA The old sign formats fail because they: Use signal words definitions that are not in line with today s risk assessment methods (severity of injury & probability)

20 Summary of the 4 main points made to OSHA The old sign formats fail because they: Use signal words definitions that are not in line with today s risk assessment methods (severity of injury & probability) Do not enable the use of symbol panels Summary of the 4 main points made to OSHA The old sign formats fail because they: Use signal words definitions that are not in line with today s risk assessment methods (severity of injury & probability) Do not enable the use of symbol panels Do not enable the use of secondary language panels

21 Summary of the 4 main points made to OSHA The old sign formats fail because they: Use signal words definitions that are not in line with today s risk assessment methods (severity of injury & probability) Do not enable the use of symbol panels Do not enable the use of secondary language panels Do not convey enough substantive information The 5th and last point for the OSHA change:

22 Consistency is key to safety communication The overall objective of OSHA s acceptance of ANSI Z535: Workplace safety signs will share formatting characteristics with workplace equipment safety labels Workplace safety signs will share formatting characteristics with consumer product safety labeling Achieve a national uniform system for hazard recognition The 5-points letter was Since then..

23 Safety sign failure in 4 of the top 10 OSHA fines OSHA takes on the challenge of another societal change

24 Deaths: Temporary workers/contractors 2012 Dept. of Labor Statistics* 12 workers are killed every day x 365 days = 4, deaths were foreign-born workers Contractors accounted for 16% of all fatalities * An expanded role for OSHA/ANSI safety signs To reinforce safety training for all employees, including temporary workers. To visually remind people about safety processes, procedures and PPE requirements. To defend employers should accidents occur.

25 Proof the new warnings technology works 50+ million Signs and labels sold 10,000+ Clients 180+ Industries 25 Years in business 0 lawsuits Practical Considerations: The Double-Reference

26 Practical Considerations: Sign reduction New sign programs usually lessen the number of signs in a facility: 1.Combine sign messages 2.Eliminate unnecessary signs 3. Place in appropriate location Practical Considerations: Sign durability All the work is for nothing if the sign is not made with durable materials.

27 Practical Considerations: Wrong sign content Using the wrong sign elements block the goal. Practical Considerations: Sign Content The right symbols and text must be used and tailored to meet specific needs

28 The Goal: Not more signs, more effective signs To protect people from harm in the workplace. Contact Information Geoffrey Peckham CEO, Clarion Safety Systems Chair, ANSI Z535 Committee Chair, U.S. ANSI TAG to ISO/TC , Clarion Safety Systems. All rights reserved

29 Disclaimers *This webinar is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information about the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. *This webinar provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship has been created. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. We recommend that you consult with qualified local counsel familiar with your specific situation before taking any action BLR Business & Legal Resources. All rights reserved. 55

30 Geoffrey Peckham Geoffrey Peckham, CEO of Clarion Safety Systems, has more than two decades of experience in actively advancing safety communications. He has led and continues to lead both the U.S. and international efforts to harmonize standards in the area of safety signs, labels and markings; this includes contributing to the leadership and direction of ANSI, ISO, OSHA and NFPA safety codes. Peckham serves as chair of the ANSI Z535 Committee for Safety Signs and Colors and chair of the U.S. TAG to ISO/TC 145 Graphical Symbols. He has also been selected as a member of the U.S. TAG to ISO/PC 283, an ISO committee writing a new Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems standard that will, when finished, define global best practices for workplace safety. Over the last four years, Peckham spearheaded the effort to update OSHA standards to align them with the latest advances in safety sign technology. Together with NEMA, he lobbied OSHA to recognize the new ANSI Z535 standards and reference them in federal regulations. The OSHA safety sign standards update took place in the fall of 2013, providing workplace safety professionals with the ability to use the ANSI Z535 standards to better protect people from harm.

31 Clarion Safety Systems is the leading designer and manufacturer of visual safety solutions that help customers worldwide to make products and premises safer, including safety signs, labels, tags and markings.

32 New OSHA/ANSI Safety Sign Systems FOR TODAY S WORKPLACES A CLARION IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE Best Practice Visual Safety Communications Signs Labels Tags Markings Design

33 Introduction The Role of Safety Signs Environmental, health and safety professionals know that it s critical to effectively communicate safety. Safety signs, labels, tags and markings play a key role in achieving this objective; they are the visual tools you use to: Remind people of potential hazards and how to avoid them Point people to the location of emergency equipment Direct people s path to safety in an emergency situation Reinforce safety training programs Inform people of security and limited access policies Your safety sign system is a direct reflection of your company s safety culture. Taken together, your sign system visually demonstrates your care and concern for the health and safety of your employees, guests, visitors, subcontractors and temporary workers. The Goal: Zero Fatalities, Zero Injuries 0 Table of Contents Introduction... p.2 The New OSHA/ANSI Sign Explained... p.3 Why Use the New OSHA-Approved Formats?... p.4 The Evolution of Sign Technology... p.6 Hazard Alerting Signs & Tags...p.6 Security & General Policy Safety Signs...p.7 Safety Instruction & Equipment Location Signs...p.8 Fire Equipment Location Signs...p.9 Egress Pathmarking Signs...p.10 Building Your New Sign System... p.11 Step 1: Assess What You Have...p.11 Step 2: How To Select the Right Signs...p.12 Step 3: Choose the Right Location, Size and Style...p.14 Step 4: Choose the Right Materials...p.15 References... p.16 About Clarion... p.17 The Purpose of This Guide In the fall of 2013, the Occupational Safety and Health Reducing Risk, Protecting People Administration (OSHA) endorsed the latest best practices related to safety sign and tag technology by incorporating the 2011 ANSI Z535 safety sign and tag standards into its regulations. This guide will: Provide a clear understanding of the OSHA change and what it means to you and your organization Define the key steps to implement a new, OSHA/ANSI best practice safety sign system to better reduce risk and protect people from harm Clarion Safety Systems (800) ClarionSafety.com info@clarionsafety.com 2013 Clarion Safety Systems. All rights reserved. 2

34 The New OSHA/ANSI Sign Explained Bale strapping can injure. Wear face shields when cutting or handling bale strapping. The new OSHA/ANSI sign and tag formats use nationally and internationally standardized elements to better convey safety messages in today s workplace. The New Components: Safety Alert Symbol Indicates a potential personal injury hazard exists. It is only used on DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION signs, labels and tags. Signal Words for Hazard Alerting Safety Messages DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in serious injury or death. Its use should be limited to the most extreme situations. WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death. CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury. Signal Words for Non-Hazard Alerting Safety Messages NOTICE indicates information considered important but not directly hazardrelated (e.g. security, hygiene, equipment or property damage). NOTICE Signal Words for Instructional Safety Messages SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS is the signal word used to provide explanatory information like procedures and instructions. More definitive words can be used in this signal word Reducing panel (e.g. Risk, SAFE Protecting BOILER People SHUTDOWN PROCEDURE, LOCKOUT PROCEDURE). SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Symbols Graphical symbols are used to bridge language barriers and draw attention to the safety message. Specific shape, color and design principles are used to meet global compliance objectives. Text Messages Carefully crafted text is used to convey the safety message to the intended audience in a clear, concise manner. Clarion Safety Systems (800) ClarionSafety.com info@clarionsafety.com 2013 Clarion Safety Systems. All rights reserved. 3

35 Why Use the New OSHA-Approved Formats? REASON 1: TO BETTER PROTECT PEOPLE FROM HARM The first reason to adopt the new OSHA/ANSI sign system is that it more effectively communicates safety by: Using globally communicative symbols to overcome language barriers, drawing attention to the sign, making it stand out from all of the other posted signage people see on a daily basis Containing more substantive content that explains hazards and how to avoid them By visually reinforcing safety training and better communicating safety to guests, subcontractors and temporary workers, the OSHA/ANSI signs are aimed at helping achieve fewer workplace accidents and injuries. The new OSHA/ANSI signs and tags reflect the high value OSHA is placing on global sign standardization initiatives like GHS for hazardous chemical labeling. The new ANSI safety sign technology does the same thing GHS does, which, in OSHA s words, is to give people more than just the right to know about a hazard; they fulfill the right people have to understand a hazard and how to properly avoid it. OSHA s new 2013 sign regulations are here and they re ready for immediate implementation. Learn about how Clarion s safety signs, tags and markings help companies protect people and better meet today s ever-increasing regulatory and liability climate. Reducing Risk, Protecting People Visit clarionsafety.com/newosha Clarion Safety Systems (800) ClarionSafety.com info@clarionsafety.com 2013 Clarion Safety Systems. All rights reserved. 4

36 Why Use the New OSHA-Approved Formats? REASON 2: TO BETTER PROTECT YOUR COMPANY FROM LITIGATION The second reason to adopt the OSHA/ANSI formats is that they represent the state-of-the-art for visual safety communication technology. Properly using them will provide your company with a better defense in court should an accident occur and a lawsuit arise. Unlike the older sign and tag formats, the new formats are based on design principles derived from: EXIT Emergency Shower U.S. case law concerning the legal criteria for the content of adequate warnings Human factors research on what makes a safety sign effective and what information needs to be conveyed to better motivate people to obey safety messages FIRST AID Fire Extinguisher Burn hazard. Hot surfaces. Do NOT touch. Current standards-based risk assessment methods that use carefully defined, severity-ranked, color-coded signal words on safety signs and tags EYEWASH For the time being, OSHA is allowing continued use of the older, out-of-date formats. But organizations need to understand this: legal theories attached to premises liability are creating the duty to warn in public areas and workplaces, especially when subcontractors, temporary workers, and guests are increasingly found in today s more diverse work environments. If an accident occurs and a non-employed person is injured, the risk of litigation is high. The new OSHA/ ANSI safety sign systems will help your organization to meet this new standard of care to provide adequate warnings. 1 THINK SAFETY FIRE ALARM FIRST AID KIT First Aid Station Hazardous voltage. Contact will cause electric shock or burn. Follow lockout procedure before servicing this equipment. Reducing Risk, Protecting People On The Next Pages... There are five distinct categories of safety signs. The following pages describe each type of sign and how they have evolved over time. 1 According to insurance industry research, inadequate warnings and failure to warn are two of the most common allegations found in liability lawsuits filed in U.S. courts. Clarion Safety Systems (800) ClarionSafety.com info@clarionsafety.com 2013 Clarion Safety Systems. All rights reserved. 5

37 Clarion Safety Systems, LLC clarionsafety.com Reorder No. F1124-BESW1 Clarion clarionsafety.com The Evolution of Sign Technology HAZARD ALERTING SIGNS & TAGS Purpose Hazard alerting signs are used to provide awareness of potential personal injury hazards. Today s signs embody the latest human factors research, proper risk level signal words and U.S. court-driven principles that define the content of a proper warning. Timeline In the beginning, in 1914, DANGER and arrow signs were used in the workplace to point to hazards. In 1941, the first U.S. safety sign standard replaced this with DANGER and CAUTION signs that contained a short text message to identify the hazard. In 2002, the ANSI standards added the option to include symbols and content on the consequence of interaction with the hazard and how to avoid the hazard. In 2013, OSHA integrated the ANSI standards into its regulations Worker s Comp Guide 1941 ASA Z35.1 Standard 1971 OSHA Flying debris hazard. Wear face shield ANSI Z535.2 Standard 2004-Now ISO-Formatted Symbols Hazardous voltage. Contact will cause electric shock or burn. Follow lockout procedure before servicing this equipment. Burn hazard. Hot surfaces. Do NOT touch OSHA/ANSI Best Practices A Closer Comparison OLD OSHA Signs & Tags Lack substantive information Do not contain symbols Use 1941-era formats Reducing Risk, Protecting People Often use signal words inappropriate to the level of risk NEW 2013 OSHA/ANSI Signs & Tags Contain more information, helping people to make better, safer decisions Contain graphical symbols to communicate across language barriers Use the new, colorful ANSI formats to attract attention Use proper risk level signal words HIGH VOLTAGE This Lock/Tag may only be removed by: Name: Date: Dept: Expected Completion Date: Hazardous voltage. Will cause electric shock or burn. Disconnect power before servicing. Electrocution hazard. Do NOT throw switch. Circuit under repair. This Lock/Tag may only be removed by: Name: Date: Dept: Expected Completion Date: Clarion Safety Systems (800) ClarionSafety.com info@clarionsafety.com 2013 Clarion Safety Systems. All rights reserved. 6

38 The Evolution of Sign Technology SECURITY & GENERAL POLICY SAFETY SIGNS Purpose Security signs define access rules to certain areas of a property or facility. General policy safety signs inform and remind people of a company s expectations for safe behavior. Many security and company policy notices go unnoticed because they re text-based and fail to stand out. New, best practice signs use eye-catching graphical symbols that are noticed and understood at a glance. Timeline Do NOT enter. Authorized personnel ONLY. In 1959, blue header NOTICE signs first appeared as the type of sign used to convey informational messages. In 2011, the ANSI Z535.2 standard clarified that NOTICE signs are used to indicate non-personal injury-related messages and for security signs. The addition of ISOformatted symbols now represents the state-of-the-art for this type of sign. In 2013, OSHA integrated the ANSI standards into its regulations ASA Z35.1 Standard 2002 ANSI Z535.2 Standard 2004-Now ISO-Formatted Symbols Do NOT enter. Authorized personnel ONLY ANSI Z535.2 Standard Visitor entrance. ALL visitors MUST sign in and out OSHA/ANSI Best Practices A Closer Comparison OLD NOTICE Signs Do not contain symbols Use 1959-era formats NEW 2013 OSHA/ANSI NOTICE Signs Establish a standard format for security messages to bring heightened awareness to these important signs Contain graphical symbols to communicate across language barriers Reducing Risk, Protecting People Clarion Safety Systems (800) ClarionSafety.com info@clarionsafety.com 2013 Clarion Safety Systems. All rights reserved. 7

39 The Evolution of Sign Technology SAFETY INSTRUCTION & EQUIPMENT LOCATION SIGNS Purpose Safety instruction signs define specific rules or procedures to follow to avoid causing a hazardous situation. Old signage containing overly simplified messages, like Think - Safety First, are now considered marginal in terms of substance. The latest best practice safety equipment location signs now use global ISO graphical symbols and safety-grade photoluminescent materials so equipment can be quickly found in the event of an emergency and/or power-out conditions. Timeline In 1914, green, circular SAFETY signs indicated the nature of the safety in as brief a form as possible. In 1941, these signs began using two panels. In 2002, the ANSI standards recognized the need to communicate more detailed information using SAFETY INSTRUCTION signs. In 2004, ISO began standardizing safety equipment symbols. ISO symbols are integrated into today s best practice safety equipment location signs. A Closer Comparison SAFETY FIRST FIRST AID KIT FIRST AID THINK SAFETY 1914 Worker s Comp Guide FIRST AID KIT 1941 ASA Z35.1 Standard FIRST AID KIT 1971 OSHA SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS LOCKOUT PROCEDURE 1. Announce lockout to other personnel. 2. Turn power OFF at main panel. 3. Lockout power in OFF position. 4. Put key in pocket. 5. Clear machine of all personnel. 6. Test lockout by hitting RUN button. 7. Block, chain or release stored energy sources. 8. Clear machine of personnel before restarting machine. 9. Take key from pocket. 10. Unlock the lockout device. 11. Turn power on at main panel. 12. Announce machine is ON to other personnel. EYEWASH 2002 ANSI Z535.2 Standard NEW 2013 OSHA/ANSI Signs Contain graphical symbols to communicate OLD OSHA Signs Reducing Risk, Protecting People across language barriers Do not contain symbols Use the new, colorful ANSI formats to attract Use 1941-era formats attention Instructional messages are overly Contain more information, helping people to simplistic make better, safer decisions 2004-Now ISO Symbols First Aid Station SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS LOCKOUT PROCEDURE 1. Announce lockout to other personnel. 2. Turn power OFF at main panel. 3. Lockout power in OFF position. 4. Put key in pocket. 5. Clear machine of all personnel. 6. Test lockout by hitting RUN button. 7. Block, chain or release stored energy sources. 8. Clear machine of personnel before restarting machine. 9. Take key from pocket. 10. Unlock the lockout device. 11. Turn power on at main panel. 12. Announce machine is ON to other personnel. First Aid Station Emergency Shower Emergency Eyewash 2013 OSHA/ANSI Best Practices SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS LOCKOUT PROCEDURE 1. Announce lockout to other personnel. 2. Turn power OFF at main panel. 3. Lockout power in OFF position. 4. Put key in pocket. 5. Clear machine of all personnel. 6. Test lockout by hitting RUN button. 7. Block, chain or release stored energy sources. 8. Clear machine of personnel before restarting machine. 9. Take key from pocket. 10. Unlock the lockout device. 11. Turn power on at main panel. 12. Announce machine is ON to other personnel. Clarion Safety Systems (800) ClarionSafety.com info@clarionsafety.com 2013 Clarion Safety Systems. All rights reserved. 8

40 The Evolution of Sign Technology FIRE EQUIPMENT LOCATION SIGNS Purpose Fire safety signs inform employees and fire intervention forces about fire lanes and the location of fire fighting equipment, emergency phones, risers, valve shutoffs, and disconnects. In contrast to older signage, latest best practice signs use global NFPA/ISO graphical symbols and safety grade photoluminescent materials so fire safety information can be more effectively communicated during times of crisis. Timeline The field of symbol-based fire safety signs in the U.S. began with the 1991 publication of NFPA 170. This standard defined a set of fire safety symbols to be used on signs to locate fire equipment and exit routes. In a move towards international harmonization, in 2006 NFPA replaced many of NFPA 170 s symbols with the ISO symbols for the same meanings. In 2011, the ANSI Z535.2 safety sign standard referenced the ISO/NFPA symbols and provided ISO-harmonized formats for their incorporation into signs. Today s best practice signs use this new approach to globally communicate this critical information NFPA 170 Standard Fire Extinguisher 2002 ANSI Z535.2 Standard 2006 ISO/NFPA Symbols Fire Alarm Fire Extinguisher 2011 ANSI Z535.2 Standard Wet Riser Fire Phone Fire Extinguisher Fire Alarm Fire Hose 2013 ANSI/NFPA/ISO Best Practices A Closer Comparison OLD NFPA Signs Reducing Risk, Protecting People Are text-based and do not contain symbols Use non-standard formats Lack global communication capability NEW 2013 NFPA/ISO Signs Contain graphical symbols to communicate across language barriers Use the new colorful NFPA/ISO formats to attract attention Use the universal ISO flame graphic element and red background color to achieve global fire safety sign understanding FIRE ALARM Fire Alarm Fire Extinguisher Clarion Safety Systems (800) ClarionSafety.com info@clarionsafety.com 2013 Clarion Safety Systems. All rights reserved. 9

41 TM NOTICE MAXIMUM VIEWING DISTANCE, 50 FEET. Min 5 fc fluorescent light on sign face at all times of building occupancy. TM TM PATENT PENDING NOTICE MAXIMUM VIEWING DISTANCE, 50 FEET. Min 5 fc fluorescent light on sign face at all times of building occupancy. NOTICE MAXIMUM VIEWING DISTANCE, 50 FEET. Min 5 fc fluorescent light on sign face at all times of building occupancy. PATENT PENDING PATENT PENDING The Evolution of Sign Technology EGRESS PATHMARKING SIGNS Purpose Egress pathmarking signs guide people in buildings to safety and assist rescue intervention forces to locate handicapped people in emergency situations. Many of the new best practice safety signs are made with high-tech photoluminescent materials that can glow brightly in the dark for long periods of time. Low-located components perform their life-saving function in smoke conditions. Timeline In 1914, the Worker s Compensation Bureau guide correctly included EXIT signs as a necessary part of a facility safety sign system. The 1941 safety sign standard copied the 1929 NFPA Exit Code standard; prescribing signs with directional arrows to point people to exit doors and rectangular green EXIT signs posted over doors. In 1971, OSHA included EXIT and Not an Exit signs into its regulations. Two new technologies converged after 9/11: safety-grade photoluminescent materials and human factors research on how people behave in crisis. Both were used to further develop egress pathmarking systems. Photoluminescent markings and symbol-based low-located exit signs were added to NFPA and ISO standards between 2006 and EXIT 1914 Worker s Comp Guide EXIT 1929 ASA/NFPA Exit Code EXIT 1941 ASA Z35.1 Standard NOT AN EXIT 1971 OSHA 1991 NFPA Standards 2006 ISO/NFPA Symbols NOT AN EXIT Safe Area Assembly Point 2013 NFPA/ISO Best Practices NO ROOF ACCESS A Closer Comparison NEW 2013 NFPA Signs Low-located directional signs contain graphical symbols and arrows OLD OSHA Signs to communicate route direction across language barriers Do not contain symbols Reducing Risk, Protecting People Combine U.S. and international formatting for global compliance Use 1941-era formats High-located signs use traditional EXIT format to locate doors Do not take advantage of fail-safe Both high and low-located signs use photoluminescent materials to photoluminescent materials provide directional information in power-out and smoke conditions Clarion Safety Systems (800) ClarionSafety.com info@clarionsafety.com 2013 Clarion Safety Systems. All rights reserved. 10

42 Building Your New Sign System Step 1: Assess What You Have Walk through your facility, both inside and outside, and note the location and purpose of all existing safety signs, labels, tags and markings. This exercise will be useful in planning your new sign system. Such a survey often reveals the following: Sign clutter. This is the situation where multiple safety signs have been posted in one location. A review of their content tells you that some are no longer needed and others could be combined. Your new sign system will solve this problem by eliminating unnecessary signs and combining messages where appropriate. Missing/damaged signs. You may see that some of your safety signs are missing or damaged. Note your needed durability requirements for each area of your facility. Missing equipment. You may note that for some of your safety signs, the actual equipment they were pointing to is missing. This will be a good time to either replace the equipment or remove the sign. Taped up messages. Often safety messages are temporarily printed on paper and taped to walls and doors with the intention of posting a real sign in the future. Your new sign system will give you the opportunity to update these messages, combine them onto one sign when appropriate, and eliminate the haphazard look and lack of permanence of posting paper notices of important safety information. Out-of-date signs. Now that you are aware of the new OSHA/ ANSI signage, you will notice that the majority of your existing safety signs, labels and tags fail to use the latest formats, colors, content, and symbols. Your new system of signage will solve Reducing Risk, Protecting People these issues by bringing every sign component up-to-date with current standards. New needs. With an awareness of the communication possibilities of the new signs, you will see how your company s safety and security policies can be effectively visually reinforced with properly designed, OSHA/ANSI graphic-based safety signs, labels and tags. Clarion Safety Systems (800) ClarionSafety.com info@clarionsafety.com 2013 Clarion Safety Systems. All rights reserved. 11

43 Building Your New Sign System Step 2: How To Select the Right Signs Now it s time to build your new sign system. The text and illustrations in this step show you the basic OSHA/ANSI categories of signs, and how the new OSHA/ANSI signs replace old signs to create a system of best practice visual safety communication. Hazard Alerting Sign Selection When people think of safety signs, they usually think of hazard alerting signs. This is the category of signs that alert people to hazards that could cause personal injury or death. The new OSHA/ANSI signs use a color-coded signal word panel with the safety alert symbol and the signal word DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION to indicate the hazard s risk severity level. When specifying hazard alerting signs, choose the signal word that best fits the injury/probability decision matrix illustrated below. IMPORTANT: From a best practices perspective, your new OSHA/ANSI hazard alerting signs should use one or more symbols and a text message to communicate: The nature of the hazard The consequence of interaction with the hazard, and How to avoid the hazard Choosing the Right OSHA/ANSI Signal Word to Match Risk Level Old EAR AND EYE PROTECTION REQUIRED IN THIS AREA LOW CLEARANCE New Hazardous voltage. Contact will cause electric shock or burn. Follow lockout procedure before servicing this equipment. Loud noise and flying debris hazards. Ear and eye protection required beyond this point. Low clearance. Watch your head. Is physical injury a credible possibility? No NOTICE Yes Is death or serious injury a credible possibility? Reducing Risk, Protecting People No Does long, instructional information need to be presented? Yes If the hazardous situation occurs, how likely is death or serious injury? Almost Certain Possible Yes SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Clarion Safety Systems (800) ClarionSafety.com info@clarionsafety.com 2013 Clarion Safety Systems. All rights reserved. 12

44 Clarion Safety Systems, LLC clarionsafety.com No. F1005-BJD3K Clarion Safety Systems, LLC clarionsafety.com No. F1052-BJD3K Building Your New Sign System Step 2: (Cont.) Security and Company Policy Safety Sign Selection Security and general policy safety signs use the signal word NOTICE on a blue background. This gives them a readily distinguishable uniform format so they can be easily found among the other signs posted in and around your facility. The sign s symbol and text combine to inform people of your safety and security policies. Old New Do NOT enter. Authorized personnel ONLY. Fire Equipment and Safety Equipment Sign Selection Best practices dictate that these signs use internationally standardized color-coded ISO/NFPA graphical symbols to indicate the location of this important equipment. Use of these symbols will allow people from all over the world to understand their meaning. Panoramic, flag and flat-style formats should be considered to determine optimum visibility from various viewing positions. Photoluminescent sign materials should be considered to enable equipment to be found in power-out emergency conditions. FIRE Fire Extinguisher Egress Pathmarking Signs and Markings Selection These photoluminescent directional exit signs use the internationally standardized color-coded ISO/NFPA graphical symbols to indicate the direction of travel to final exit doors and assembly points. The delineation of these paths with photoluminescent demarcation lines and stair/handrail markings provides a fail-safe means to direct your people to safety in crisis situations. EMERGENCY EYE WASH Emergency Eyewash Reducing Risk, Protecting People Clarion Safety Systems (800) ClarionSafety.com info@clarionsafety.com 2013 Clarion Safety Systems. All rights reserved. 13

45 Clarion Safety Systems, LLC clarionsafety.com No. F1001- Clarion Safety Systems, LLC clarionsafety.com No. F1001F- Clarion Safety Systems, LLC clarionsafety.com No. F1001P- Building Your New Sign System Step 3: Choose the Right Location, Size and Style The following viewer-driven criteria is critical to your new sign system s ability to improve safety and reduce risk. While installation situations vary, general guidelines you can apply include: Flat Flag Panoramic Sign Location and Size Place signs where the viewer will see them Place signs in locations that give people enough time to avoid the hazard Place signs where they will not be obstructed from view Choose signs that can be read from your maximum intended viewing distance Mounting Heights For high-located placement (e.g. fire and safety equipment location signs, high-located EXIT signs), place the sign at least 78 above floor height For medium-located placement, typically, place the sign s center 45 to 66 above floor height For low-located placement (e.g. egress pathmarking signs), the top of the sign should be placed no more than 18 above floor height so the sign can be seen in smoke conditions Fire Extinguisher High-located = 78 + above floor Medium-located = above floor Low-located = 4 to 18 above floor Fire Extinguisher Fire Extinguisher NOT AN EXIT Sign Styles Flat, flag and panoramic signs: Use flat signs when the anticipated viewing angle is straight on or less than 60 from center; use panoramic Reducing Risk, or flag-mounted Protecting styles Peopleto allow the sign to be seen from an angle Directional signs: Directional versions of signs those with a chevron included can be used to help locate objects (such as fire and safety equipment) not immediately in view from a person s position Other considerations: Choosing the right sign size and style should also factor in the anticipated viewing angle and lighting conditions Clarion Safety Systems (800) ClarionSafety.com info@clarionsafety.com 2013 Clarion Safety Systems. All rights reserved. 14

46 Building Your New Sign System Step 4: Choose the Right Materials It s important to choose the right materials because a degraded or partially detached safety sign compromises the legibility and understanding of its message. If your safety signs end up exhibiting the traits shown in the pictures to the right, they ll unnecessarily be putting your company at risk of both people getting hurt and possible litigation for failure to warn or inadequate warnings. Sign and label materials must be matched to your facility s environmental conditions, the intended location of signs, and planned installation methods. The following are some of the critical factors to consider when selecting materials for your new OSHA/ANSI sign system: Indoor vs. outdoor conditions Fade resistance Temperature variations Temperature extremes Lighting conditions Emergency lighting conditions (and the possible need for reflective or photoluminescent materials for particular safety signs and markings so they can be seen in power-out conditions) Graffiti-resistant characteristics (typically for signs exposed to the public) Adhesives that bond to your intended mounting surfaces Contamination issues Reducing Risk, Protecting People Washdown conditions Maintenance and cleaning procedures Your safety sign system is only as good as the materials that go into its manufacture. The importance of selecting the right materials and a sign supplier with proven credentials cannot be overstated. Clarion Safety Systems (800) ClarionSafety.com info@clarionsafety.com 2013 Clarion Safety Systems. All rights reserved. 15

47 References The American Standards Association, ASA Z35.1 Specifications for Industrial Accident Prevention Signs, The American Standards Association, ASA Z35.1 Specifications for Industrial Accident Prevention Signs, The American Standards Association, ASA Z35.1 Specifications for Accident Prevention Signs, The American Standards Association, ASA Z35.1 Specifications for Accident Prevention Signs, The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z535.2 Standard for Environmental and Facility Safety Signs, 1991, 1998, 2002, 2006, The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z535.5 Standard for Temporary Safety Tags and Barricade Tapes, 1991, 1998, 2002, 2006, Building Exits Code, American Standards Association/National Fire Protection Association, Handbook on Warnings, Wolgater, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers, ISO 3864 Graphical Symbols - Safety colours and safety signs - Part 1: Design principles for safety signs and safety markings, 2004, NFPA 170 Fire Safety Symbols, 1991, 1994, 1996, 2002, NFPA 170 Fire Safety and Emergency Symbols, 2006, 2009, OSHA Standards 1910 (general industry) and 1926 (construction), The Bureau of Workers Compensation, NYC, Universal Safety Standards, Workplace Safety Signs, Labels, Tags and Markings Resource Guide, Clarion Safety Systems, Reducing Risk, Protecting People Clarion Safety Systems (800) ClarionSafety.com info@clarionsafety.com 2013 Clarion Safety Systems. All rights reserved. 16

48 Clarion Expertise LEADS OSHA REGULATION UPDATE Clarion s CEO, Geoffrey Peckham, has more than two decades of experience in actively advancing safety communications. He has led and continues to lead both the U.S. and international efforts to harmonize standards in the area of safety signs, labels and markings; this includes contributing to the leadership and direction of ANSI, ISO, OSHA and NFPA safety codes. Peckham serves as chair of the ANSI Z535 Committee for Safety Signs and Colors and chair of the U.S. TAG to ISO/TC 145 Graphical Symbols. He has also been selected as a member of the U.S. TAG to ISO/PC 283, an ISO committee writing a new Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems standard that will, when finished, define global best practices for workplace safety. Over the last four years, Peckham spearheaded the effort to update OSHA standards to align them with the latest advances in safety sign technology. Together with NEMA, he lobbied OSHA to recognize the new ANSI Z535 standards and reference them in federal regulations. The OSHA safety sign standards update took place in the fall of 2013, providing workplace safety professionals the ability to use the ANSI Z535 standards to better protect people from harm. About Clarion Safety Systems Clarion Safety Systems, LLC, is the leading designer and manufacturer of visual safety solutions, helping customers in more than 180 industries to make their products and premises safer. Clarion offers a full range of standard and custom products including: State-of-the-art OSHA/ANSI workplace safety signs, labels, tags and markings OSHA/ANSI 2013 compliant machinery safety labels Pipe and valve identification markings Lockout/tagout products Reducing Risk, Protecting People Safety-grade photoluminescent egress pathmarkings NFPA 704/GHS compliant hazardous chemical signage Design and consulting services Founded in 1990, the company plays a leading role in the development and writing of international and national standards for safety signs, labels, tags and markings. Clarion: 20+ years of experience 10,000+ clients worldwide 180+ industries 50,000,000+ safety signs & labels produced 0 allegations for inadequate warnings or failure to warn Clarion is headquartered at: 190 Old Milford Road in Milford, PA, 18337, and online at All images and sign designs in this guide are 2013 Clarion Safety Systems. All rights reserved. 17

49 OSHA s New 2013 Sign Regulations Are Here AND READY FOR IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION OSHA Yesterday OSHA Today Think your safety signs are adequate and effective? Think again. With OSHA s September 2013 update to incorporate the new ANSI Z535-style signage into the nation s safety standards, it s time to update your signs and tags. Why? Because the new signs better communicate safety in today s diverse and complex workplaces. Continuing to use the old designs can mean the difference between a productive employee or a gravely injured one a thriving business or a company mired in litigation. Clarion s safety signs, tags and markings help companies protect people and better meet today s ever-increasing regulatory and liability climate. For more information, visit: clarionsafety.com/newosha info@clarionsafety.com 2013 Clarion Safety Systems. All rights reserved.