scope:

This standard establishes requirements for a uniform visual system of identification related to potential hazards in the environment. It provides for the design, application and use of signs and placards employing this visual alerting system.

Purpose

The primary purpose of this standard is to provide an effective means of communicating information concerning environmental hazards to the observer, so that injury resulting from the hazard(s) can be avoided. To this end, this standard establishes a uniform and consistent visual layout intended to limit proliferation of safety sign designs and achieve a national system to promote recognition and avoidance of hazards. In addition, communication of other important information for the safety and well-being of the observer is also included. To do this effectively, it is necessary to minimize the number of layouts and design formats while providing flexibility to meet individual consumer needs and situations.

This standard covers safety signs used at fixed locations in the environment such as industrial facilities, as well as larger, movable signs that may be used on a temporary basis. For the requirements of accident prevention tags, safety alerting tapes, etc., used with temporary hazards, see ANSI Z535.5-2002 Safety Tags and Barricade Tapes (for Temporary Hazards).

There are a number of existing American National Standards which are recognized for particular industries or specific uses. Compliance with these standards may be considered for such particular industry or use. It is not the intent of this ANSI Z535.2 standard to replace existing standards or regulations, which are uniquely applicable to a specific industry or use. It is the intent to encourage adoption of this standard in subsequent revisions of other standards and regulations.

This standard is issued with the objective of minimizing the proliferation of non-standard hazard alerting devices and achieving application of a national uniform system for the recognition of hazards in the environment. Where portions of other standards and regulations can be modified to reflect the concepts of this standard, such modifications should be made.