13.3: Signs, Signals and Barricades
Signs, Signals and Barricades
General
Signs and symbols shall be visible at all times when work is being performed, and shall be removed or covered promptly when the hazards no longer exist.
Danger signs
Danger signs shall be used only where an immediate hazard exists. Danger signs shall have red as the predominating color for the upper panel; black outline on the borders; and a white lower panel for additional sign wording.
Caution signs
Caution signs shall be used only to warn against potential hazards or to caution against unsafe practices. Caution signs shall have yellow as the predominating color; black upper panel and borders: yellow lettering of "caution" on the black panel; and the lower yellow panel for additional sign wording. Black lettering shall be used for additional wording.
Exit signs
Exit signs, when required, shall be lettered in legible red letters, not less than six inches high, on a white field and the principal stroke of the letters shall be at least three-fourths inch in width.
Safety instruction signs
Safety instruction signs, when used, shall be white with a green upper panel with white letters to convey the principal message. Any additional wording on the sign shall be black letters on the white background. Directional signs, other than automotive traffic signs, shall be white with a black panel and a white directional symbol. Any additional wording on the sign shall be black letters on the white background. Construction areas shall be posted with legible traffic signs at points of hazard.
Accident prevention tags
Accident prevention tags shall be used as a temporary means of warning employees of an existing hazard, such as defective tools, equipment, etc. They shall not be used in place of, or as a substitute for, accident prevention signs.
Signaling Operations
General
When operations are such that signs, signals, and barricades do not provide the necessary protection on, or adjacent to a highway or street, flagmen or other appropriate traffic controls shall be provided.
Applicable standards
Signaling directions by flagmen shall conform to American National Standards Institute 06.1- 1971, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways.
Hand signaling
Hand signaling by flagmen shall be by use of red flags at least 18 inches square or sign paddles and red lights in periods of darkness.
Flagmen required equipment
Flagmen shall be provided with and shall wear a red or orange warning garment while flagging. Warning garments worn at night shall be reflectorized material.
Definitions
Definitions for the purpose of Subpart G are as follows:
Barricade: An obstruction to deter the passage of persons or vehicles.
Signs: The warnings of hazard, temporarily or permanently affixed or placed, at locations where hazards exist.
Signals: Moving signs, provided by workers, such as flagmen, or by devices, such as flashing lights, to warn of possible or existing hazards.
Tags: Temporary signs, usually attached to a piece of equipment or part of a structure, to warn of existing or immediate hazards.
MUTCD: Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways