What Color Should Warning Signs Be?

When there are clear and known hazards in the workplace or public spaces, it’s the property owner’s responsibility to warn people and keep them safe.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has established clear guidelines on how warning signs should look, including the colors assigned to different safety messages.

Warning signs use specific colors depending on the type of hazard. For example, a wet floor sign is typically bright yellow with black text, while fire hazard signs are often red.

ANSI Warning Sign Color Classifications

According to ANSI guidelines, warning sign colors should be classified as:

• Red: Fire hazards, danger, and emergencies, indicating the need to stop immediately.
• Yellow: Caution signs and warnings of physical dangers, such as slip and falls.
• Orange: Warnings about electrical hazards or machine-related dangers.
• Green: Safety equipment and safe conditions (except for firefighting equipment).
• Purple: Radiation hazards.
• Blue: General safety information and instructors.

To some degree, the color designations are based on the level of risk.

Red signs are the most eye-catching and are also used for immediate and possibly life-threatening dangers. Blue signs blend in more, but they don’t warn of a threat in such close proximity, just providing more general assistance. Purple signs are the least common, but they also warn of a high level of risk that could be fatal.

Why Colors Matter on Warning Signs

Color is one of the fastest ways to catch someone’s attention.

A bright right sign signals immediate danger in a way that blue or green never could. That’s why the ANSI uses color coding to quickly communicate risk levels and guide safe behavior.

People can get hurt if warning signs are missing, unclear, or improperly used. In some cases, failing to use the right color warning sign can even lead to liability claims against the property owner.

Were You Injured Because of Missing or Inadequate Signage?

If you were injured on someone else’s property in a way that could have easily been avoided with the right signage, you may be entitled to compensation. If so, it’s important that you know what legal options are open to you.

Call us at 855-385-9532, locally 502-589-5600, or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation or for more information.