{"id":1737,"date":"2018-04-11T04:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-04-11T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/blog\/whats-difference-between-ansi-and-osha-signs\/"},"modified":"2025-06-30T15:50:37","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T19:50:37","slug":"whats-difference-between-ansi-and-osha-signs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/blog\/whats-difference-between-ansi-and-osha-signs\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s the Difference Between ANSI and OSHA Signs?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Choosing the right message with the right header has a ton of benefits! But do you know the difference between ANSI and OSHA signs?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In every industry, safety training will help your workers recognize hazards in the immediate workspace. But without effective safety identification – like ANSI and OSHA signs – the safety message you taught them is only a faint echo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The truth is, printed safety messages reinforce the importance of safety requirements.\u00a0Imagine a world without safety signs <\/a>and you\u2019ll see people getting injured – even death – at every corner. Safety signs are the first line of defense and they\u2019re critical for every workplace, job site, construction zone, and every place in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what sign do you select?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

OSHA and ANSI signs are regulated by OSHA, as indicated in ANSI Z535 and 29 CFR OSHA 1910.145<\/a> for specifications for accident prevention signs and tags. Although both style signs are after the same goal \u2013 to keep workers safe and informed –\u00a0it\u2019s important to recognize what makes them different. When selecting your safety sign, choose a consistent header style to keep your messages effective and easy to recognize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most obvious difference between ANSI and OSHA signs is the header style. ANSI signs have an exclamation point inside (also known as a safety and alert symbol) followed by a large symbol or pictogram in the center of the sign, left justified, and upper\/lowercase message lettering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OSHA signs and labels use upper\/lowercase lettering and the message is generally centered underneath the header.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What kind of header do I need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The required specification for accident prevention signs are in this color scheme, as noted by OSHA and ANSI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Danger Signs –<\/strong> The colors red, black, and white should be used.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Caution Signs – <\/strong>The standard color of the background should be yellow; and the panel, black with yellow letters. Any letters used against the yellow background will be black.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Safety Instruction Signs –<\/strong> The standard color of the background must be white; and the panel, green with white letters. Any letters used against the white background will be black. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Warning Signs \u2013<\/strong> Orange, or predominantly orange, with lettering or symbols in a contrasting color. A warning header sign is used to state a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    What\u00a0visible differences do ANSI\u00a0signs have?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Warning workers about specific hazards, such as high voltage, biohazards, and pinch points, rely on consistency and bold, graphical images. With ANSI signs and labels, universally recognized symbols prevent personal injury by visually alerting people to potential hazards. With symbols printed on your sign, it\u2019s also easier to bridge language barriers and meet global compliance objectives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ANSI sign and label formats use a combination of nationally and internationally recognized pictograms, signal words, and a clear and concise message to convey safety messages in today\u2019s workplace. ANSI signs provide more information to make it easier to quickly grab the attention of others and encourage them to make better, safer choices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What\u2019s the significant difference between OSHA and ANSI?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n