Safety Signals - Recommended Colors

American National Standards Institutes schedule for safety colors marking physical hazards. Recommended use of colors with additional information about piping, duct-work, and plant equipment.

Safety ColorHex CodePrimary ApplicationsStandards
RED#FF0000Fire protection equipment, extinguishers, hydrants, hoses, alarm boxes, exit signs, safety containersANSI Z535.1, ISO 3864
YELLOW#FFFF00Caution warning, locomotive front ends, dangerous parts identificationANSI Z535.1, ISO 3864
PURPLE#800080Radiation hazardsANSI Z535.1, ISO 3864
ORANGE#FFA500Dangerous machinery parts (cut, crush, shock hazards), exposed pulleys, gears, rollers, cutting devicesANSI Z535.1, ISO 3864
BLUE#0000FFWarning against starting or moving equipment under repairs, ladders, scaffolding, electrical controls, boilersANSI Z535.1, ISO 3864
GREEN#008000Safety location designation, first aid equipment, gas masks, stretchers, safety showers, safety instruction signsANSI Z535.1, ISO 3864

Safety Standards Referenced

  • ANSI Z535.1 - American National Standard for Safety Colors
  • ISO 3864 - Graphical symbols -- Safety colors and safety signs

Key Safety Applications

Equipment Categories

  • Fire Protection: Blanket boxes, buckets, extinguishers, hose locations, hydrants, sirens
  • Machinery Hazards: Pulleys, gears, rollers, cutting devices, power jaws, safety starting buttons
  • Structural Hazards: Hand rails, exposed edges, guardrails, pillars, columns, low beams, doorway projections
  • Material Hazards: Flammable liquids, poisonous gases, corrosive liquids, high temperature/pressure systems
  • Safety Equipment: First aid dispensers, gas masks, stretchers, safety showers, safety instruction signs

Pipe Identification

  • RED: Fire protection and sprinkler piping with post indicator valves
  • YELLOW/ORANGE: Dangerous materials (flammable liquids, poisonous gases, corrosive liquids)
  • GREEN: Materials low in temperature/pressure, non-poisonous, non-flammable
  • BLUE: Protective materials for preventing or reducing hazards