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ANSI Z535.5-2002
Revision of
ANSI Z535.5-1998

American National Standard

Safety Tags and Barricade Tapes (for Temporary Hazards)

Secretariat:

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Approved July 17, 2002

American National Standards Institute, Inc.

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NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

The information in this publication was considered technically sound by the consensus of
persons engaged in the development and approval of the document at the time it was
developed. Consensus does not necessarily mean that there is unanimous agreement
among every person participating in the development of this document.

NEMA standards and guideline publications, of which the document contained herein is one,
are developed through a voluntary consensus standards development process. This process
brings together volunteers and/or seeks out the views of persons who have an interest in the
topic covered by this publication. While NEMA administers the process and establishes rules
to promote fairness in the development of consensus, it does not write the document and it
does not independently test, evaluate, or verify the accuracy or completeness of any
information or the soundness of any judgments contained in its standards and guideline
publications.

NEMA disclaims liability for any personal injury, property, or other damages of any nature
whatsoever, whether special, indirect, consequential, or compensatory, directly or indirectly
resulting from the publication, use of, application, or reliance on this document. NEMA
disclaims and makes no guaranty or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or
completeness of any information published herein, and disclaims and makes no warranty that
the information in this document will fulfill any of your particular purposes or needs. NEMA
does not undertake to guarantee the performance of any individual manufacturer or seller’s
products or services by virtue of this standard or guide.

In publishing and making this document available, NEMA is not undertaking to render
professional or other services for or on behalf of any person or entity, nor is NEMA
undertaking to perform any duty owed by any person or entity to someone else. Anyone
using this document should rely on his or her own independent judgment or, as appropriate,
seek the advice of a competent professional in determining the exercise of reasonable care in
any given circumstances. Information and other standards on the topic covered by this
publication may be available from other sources, which the user may wish to consult for
additional views or information not covered by this publication.

NEMA has no power, nor does it undertake to police or enforce compliance with the contents
of this document. NEMA does not certify, test, or inspect products, designs, or installations
for safety or health purposes. Any certification or other statement of compliance with any
health or safety–related information in this document shall not be attributable to NEMA and is
solely the responsibility of the certifier or maker of the statement.

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Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by

AMERICAN ANSI that the requirements for due process, consensus, and other
NATIONAL criteria for approval have been met by the standards developer.

STANDARD Consensus is established when, in the judgment of the ANSI Board of

Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly
and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much
more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus
requires that all views and objections be considered, and that a
concerted effort be made toward their resolution.

The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their

existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether he has
approved the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing,
purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not conforming
to the standards.

The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards

and will in no circumstances give an interpretation of any American
National Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or
authority to issue an interpretation of an American National Standard in
the name of the American National Standards Institute. Requests for
interpretations should be addressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose
name appears on the title page of this standard.

Caution Notice: This American National Standard may be revised or

withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National
Standards Institute require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm,

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revise, or withdraw this standard. Purchasers of American National
Standards may receive current information on all standards by calling or
writing the American National Standards Institute.

Published by

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

1300 North 17th Street, Rosslyn, VA 22209

 Copyright 2002 by National Electrical Manufacturers Association

All rights reserved including translation into other languages, reserved under the Universal Copyright
Convention, the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, and the
International and Pan American Copyright Conventions.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

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Contents
Page

Foreword .......................................................................................................................... v

1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1

2 Scope and purpose ........................................................................................................1

2.1 Scope .............................................................................................................1

2.2 Purpose.............................................................................................................2

3 Definitions ......................................................................................................................2

4 Safety tags and barricade tape classifications...............................................................3

4.1 DANGER tags and tape....................................................................................3

4.2 WARNING tags and tape..................................................................................4

4.3 CAUTION tags and tape ...................................................................................4

4.4 NOTICE tags and tape......................................................................................4

5 Tag and tape format and color criteria ...........................................................................4

5.1 Color .............................................................................................................4

5.2 Safety alert symbol............................................................................................4

5.3 Signal word panel..............................................................................................4

5.4 Message panel..................................................................................................6

5.5 Tag and tape design/layout...............................................................................7

6 Tag location, attachment methods, life expectancy, authorization ................................8

6.1 Tag location.......................................................................................................8

6.2 Barricade tape placement .................................................................................8

6.2.1 Placed to alert and inform the viewer ..................................................8

6.2.2 Placed to be legible, non-distracting, and not hazardous....................8

6.3 Safety tag attachment methods ........................................................................8

6.4 Life expectancy .................................................................................................9

6.5 Safety tag authorization ....................................................................................9

7 Letter style, viewing distance, tag size and shape.........................................................9

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7.1 Letter style.........................................................................................................9

7.2 Letter size..........................................................................................................9

7.2.1 Letter height for barricade tape..........................................................10

7.2.2 Viewing distance/letter height ............................................................10

7.3 Tag size and shape.........................................................................................10

8 Safety symbols.............................................................................................................10

8.1 General ...........................................................................................................10

8.2 Symbol use .....................................................................................................10

9 References...................................................................................................................10

Figures

1 Format for the safety alert symbol –

equilateral triangle surrounding an exclamation mark.....................................................3

2 Format for the DANGER signal word panel –

white letters on safety red background, safety red exclamation mark. ...........................4

3 Format for the WARNING signal word panel –

black letters on safety orange background, safety orange exclamation mark. ...............5

4 Format for the personal injury CAUTION signal word panel –

black letters on safety yellow background, safety yellow exclamation mark...................5

5 Format for the property damage only CAUTION signal word panel –
black letters on safety yellow background.......................................................................5

6 Format for the NOTICE signal word panel –

white italic letters on safety blue background..................................................................6

7 Format for tag borders.....................................................................................................7

8 Safety tag illustration. ......................................................................................................7

9 Barricade tape illustration ................................................................................................8

Annexes

A Principles and Guidelines

for the Design of Safety Tags and Safety Barricade Tapes.........................................13
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B Previous Formats for Signal Word Panels ...................................................................20

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 ANSI Z535.5-2002

Foreword (Neither this foreword nor any of the informative Annexes is a part of American National Standard Z535.5-2002.)

The ANSI Z35 Committee on Safety Signs and ANSI Z53 Committee on Safety Colors were combined in
1979 to form the ANSI Standards Committee Z535 on Safety Signs and Colors. This Committee has the
following scope:

To develop standards for the design, application, and use of signs, colors, and symbols intended
to identify and warn against specific hazards and for other accident prevention purposes.

This standard is one of five standards in the series maintained and revised by the ANSI Z535 Committee.
Those five standards are:

• ANSI Z535.1, Safety Color Code

• ANSI Z535.2, Environmental and Facility Safety Signs
• ANSI Z535.3, Criteria for Safety Symbols
• ANSI Z535.4, Product Safety Signs and Labels
• ANSI Z535.5, Safety Tags and Barricade Tapes (for Temporary Hazards)

This standard was prepared by the Subcommittee Z535.5 on Safety Tags and Barricade Tapes (for
Temporary Hazards).

The standards in this series are intended to provide a consistent visual alerting system to aid in identifying
potential hazards that may lead to an accident. The ANSI Z535.1 Standard and the ANSI Z535.3
Standard contain requirements and guidelines for safety colors and safety symbols. Although intended to
provide specifications for these features when used in conjunction with the other Standards in this series,
ANSI Z535.1 and ANSI Z535.3 may also be widely applied to other safety related standards.

ANSI Z535.2 and ANSI Z535.4 address requirements and guidelines for hazard alerting in two broadly
different applications. The first application involves safety alerting in buildings, facilities and the general
environment (ANSI Z535.2). The second involves safety alerting used for product safety applications
(ANSI Z535.4).

The expectations and needs involved with providing adequate safety alerting information differ between
these two applications. While attempting to maintain visual consistency, there are subsequently different
requirements contained in the particular Standard addressing each application.

The first version of the ANSI Z535.5 Standard was made available to the public in 1992. It recognized the
differences between these two broad application areas. The Standard focused on how to carry forward
the requirements for hazard alerting stated in both the ANSI Z535.2 Standard and the ANSI Z535.4
Standard through the media of safety tags.

In both the 1998 revision and this, the 2002 revision, a notable change has been the evolution in the
format of the signal word panels. The format of these panels is now uniform across the ANSI Z535.2,
ANSI Z535.4, and ANSI Z535.5 Standards and most closely resembles the format originally used in ANSI
Z535.4.

The most significant change in this version of the ANSI Z535.5 Standard is the introduction of
requirements and guidelines for safety barricade tapes. The Standard continues to focus on carrying
forward the requirements for hazard alerting addressed in ANSI Z535.2 and ANSI Z535.4 through the
media of safety tags, and now also barricade tapes.

It is desirable that new safety tags and barricade tapes specified after the approval of this standard
comply with the standard.

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 ANSI Z535.5-2002

This Standard is comprised of sections that are to be considered either “normative” or “informative.” In
the vocabulary of writing standards, the term normative refers to the portions of the standard considered
mandatory. The body of this standard is normative. The word “informative” is meant to convey that the
information presented is for informational purposes only and is not considered to be mandatory. This
Foreword and all of the Annexes are considered to be informative.

This standard was processed and approved for submittal to ANSI by the Accredited Standards
Committee on Safety Signs and Colors, ANSI Z535. Committee approval of this standard does not
necessarily imply that all committee members voted for its approval. At the time it approved the 2002
standard, the Z535 Committee had the following members:

Gary M. Bell, Chairperson

Richard Olesen, Vice Chair
Carin Bernstiel, Secretary

Organization Represented: Name of Representative:

Alliance of American Insurers Stephen Young

Am. Society of Safety Engineers J. Paul Frantz

Thomas F. Breshnahan (Alt.)
Howard A. Elwell (Alt.)

American Welding Society August F. Manz

Assoc. for Manufacturing Technology David Felinski

Association of Equipment Manufacturers Richard A. Dressler

Bernie McGrew (Alt.)

Brady U.S.A., Inc. Susan Larson

Tom Dragotta (Alt.)
Robin Kressin (Alt.)

Dorris & Associates, Inc. Alan Dorris

Nathan T. Dorris (Alt.)

Edison Electric Institute David C. Young

Janet Fox (Alt.)

Hale Color Consultants William N. Hale

Hazard Communication Systems, Inc. Geoffrey Peckham

Human Factors & Ergonomics Society Michael S. Wogalter

Kenneth R. Laughery (Alt.)

Human Factors & Safety Analytics, Inc. Jay Martin

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Industrial Safety Equip. Assoc. Linda Moquet

Richard Fisk (Alt.)
Russel Goldman II (Alt.)

Industrial Services Group Will M. Garth

James Moore (Alt.)

Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers Al Clapp

Sue Vogel (Alt.)

International Staple, Nail, and Tool Assoc. John Kurtz

Inter-Society Color Council Norbert L. Johnson

L. Dale Baker & Associates L. Dale Baker

Lab Safety Supply, Inc. Jim Versweyveld

Marhefka & Associates Russell E. Marhefka

National Electrical Mfrs. Assoc. James F. McElwee

National Spa & Pool Institute Carvin DiGiovanni

National Spray Equipment Mfrs. Assoc. Don R. Scarbrough

Nuclear Suppliers Assoc. Blair Brewster

Pfizer, Inc Charles Geraci

Power Tool Institute George Whelchel

Charles M. Stockinger (Alt.)

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Rural Utilities Service Trung Hiu

Safety Behavior Analysis, Inc. Shelley Waters Deppa

Sauder Woodworking Gary Bell

Scaffold Industry Assoc. Dave Merrifield

Society of Environmental Graphic Designers Tonya Smith-Jackson

Society of the Plastics Industry, Machinery Div. Loren Mills

Walter Bishop (Alt.)
Drew Winsted (Alt.)

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 ANSI Z535.5-2002

Standard Register Corporation Amy Martin

Pat Konkol (Alt.)

System Safety Society Robert Cunitz

World Kitchen, Inc. William P. Whitney

Underwriters Laboratories Richard Olesen

3M Company David Burns

Subcommittee Z535.5 on Safety Tags and Barricade Tapes, which developed the standard, had the
following members:

B. Brewster, Chairperson
C. Bernstiel, Secretary

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L. Dale Baker
Gary Bell
Ray Hunter
Don Meeker
Loren Mills
Linda Moquet
Jim Versweyveld
Jeffrey B. Wolfrom

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 ANSI Z535.5-2002

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD ANSI Z535.5-2002

Safety Tags and Barricade Tapes (for Temporary Hazards)

1 Introduction
Safety tags and barricade tapes are a means of alerting persons to temporary hazards often associated
with construction, equipment installation, maintenance, repair, lockout, or other transient conditions. This
standard provides guidance for the design, completion, and installation of accident prevention tags and
the design of barricade tapes. It employs the graphic principles set forth in ANSI Z535.4-2002, Product
Safety Signs and Labels and ANSI Z535.2-2002, Environmental and Facility Safety Signs.

Sometimes the actions required to avoid the hazard or the consequences of not avoiding the hazard are
not obvious to the viewer from the context in which the tag or tape is used. In such situations training,
additional messages, or the use of safety symbols on the tag or tape should be used to provide this
information. To achieve these objectives, it is most important to have an easily recognizable and highly
conspicuous hazard alerting system such as is presented in this document.

The diversity of culture and background in the American society increases the need to standardize a
visual alerting identification system for safety tags, tapes, labels, and signs. The great need to eliminate
accidents and suffering among individuals who may be exposed to hazards requires the use of standard
formats, sizes, colors, shapes, and a firm understanding of the degree of hazard. This document contains
the elements that designate a separation between levels of hazard severity.

This standard sets forth a hazard alert system that uses different signal words and colors to distinguish
between levels of hazards. Use of this standard will allow observers of safety tags and tapes to determine
the type and degree of hazards and take appropriate actions to avoid injury.

The ultimate application of the visual alerting messages will be up to those responsible for affixing these
messages. This standard is intended to provide specifications for safety tags and barricade tapes to
convey a safety alert message that is clearly and rapidly understood regardless of the viewers’

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background. In certain areas of the country where other languages are used, consideration may need to
be given to providing messages in other languages.

This standard sets forth a hazard communication system that is designed to complement the ANSI
Z535.4-2002 and ANSI Z535.2-2002 standards. While all of these standards are similar in many respects,
they each address different physical and visual requirements.

2 Scope and purpose

2.1 Scope

Safety tags and barricade tapes shall be used to identify a temporary hazard. They shall be used only
until such time as the identified hazard is eliminated or the hazardous operation is completed. For
example, a safety tag would be appropriate for use during lockout/tagout procedures or use on a
damaged tool until the tool can be properly removed from the work area. A barricade tape would be
suitable to mark an area affected by a chemical spill or an open and temporary trench. Safety tags or
barricade tapes shall not be used in place of a permanent sign or label intended for hazards in normal
use, operation, or maintenance. If a permanent sign or label is presented in a tag configuration, it shall
comply with the provisions of ANSI Z535.4-2002, or ANSI Z535.2-2002.

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2.2 Purpose

The purpose of this standard is to define the requirements for the design and use of safety tags and
barricade tapes. No other tag or tape types are addressed by this standard. Underground tapes,
permanent tapes, striped tapes and non-skid tapes, for example, are not covered by this standard.

2.2.1 Existing American National Standards

There are a number of existing American National Standards which are recognized for particular
industries or specific use. Compliance with these standards may be considered for such particular
industries or uses. It is not the intent of this ANSI Z535.5-2002 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.

3 Definitions
3.1 accident: An occurrence in a sequence of events that produces unintended death, injury, or
property damage.

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3.2 barricade tape: A visual alerting device in the form of a tape for alerting persons to the presence
of a temporary hazard or hazardous condition. It may also provide other directions to eliminate or reduce
the hazard and may advise of the probable consequences of not avoiding the hazard. Barricade tapes are
typically made of polyethylene or vinyl and may be reusable.

3.3 colors: Colors specified in this standard shall conform to ANSI Z535.1-2002.

3.4 hazard: A source of potential injury to a person or to property.

3.5 intent

3.5.1 may: This word is understood to be permissive.

3.5.2 shall: This word is understood to be mandatory.

3.5.3 should: This word is understood to be advisory.

3.5.4 informative: Refers to those portions of this standard provided only for purposes of clarification,
illustration, and general information. Those portions of the standard considered informative do not contain
mandatory requirements. The Forward and all of the Annexes are considered informative.

3.5.5 normative: Refers to those portions of the standard containing the mandatory requirements
(shall), as well as recommended practices (should). The body of this standard is considered normative.

3.6 panel: Area of the safety tag or barricade tape that is clearly delineated and contains a specific
type of information. There are four (4) types of panels a safety tag may use: signal word, message,
signature block, and safety symbol. There are three (3) types of panels that a barricade tape may use:
signal word, message, and safety symbol.

3.6.1 signal word panel: Area of the safety tag or barricade tape that contains the signal word or
words. For personal injury hazards, the signal word panel also contains the safety alert symbol (see
Figure 1).

3.6.2 safety symbol panel: Area of a safety tag or barricade tape that contains the safety symbol.

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3.6.3 message panel: Area of the safety tag or barricade tape that indicates in written text, symbolic
form, or both written and symbolic form, the specific hazardous condition or the instruction to be
communicated.

3.6.4 signature block: Area of a temporary tag used for contemporaneously inscribed information
such as the worker’s name, activity starting date, expected completion date, job-specific notes and
signature. The signature block information may be completed by the user in the field.

3.7 permanent facility/environmental safety sign: Signs used at fixed locations, such as industrial
facilities, to warn against exposure to hazards in the environment. The sign is permanently attached so
that it cannot be easily removed.

3.8 permanent product safety sign or label: Information affixed to a product to warn against
potential exposure to hazards inherent in the normal use of the product, or which might be created during
reasonably anticipated product use or misuse. The sign or label is permanently attached to the product so
that it cannot be easily removed.

3.9 safety tag (lock-out tag, accident prevention tag): a device usually made of plastic, card
stock, paper, paperboard, or other material on which letters, markings, symbols, or combinations thereof,
appear for the purpose of alerting persons to the presence of a temporary hazard or hazardous condition
created by situations such as electrical maintenance, shipment, setup, service, or repair. The tag shall be
removed when the hazard or hazardous condition no longer exists.

3.10 safety alert symbol: A symbol which indicates a potential personal injury hazard. It is composed
of an equilateral triangle surrounding an exclamation mark. The safety alert symbol should not be used to
alert persons to property damage only accidents.

Figure 1— Format for the safety alert symbol –

equilateral triangle surrounding an exclamation mark.

3.11 safety symbol: A graphic representation intended to convey a message without the use of
words. It may represent a hazard, a hazardous situation, a precaution to avoid a hazard, the result of not
avoiding a hazard, or any combination of these messages. (See ANSI Z-535.3- 2002, Criteria for Safety
Symbols)

3.12 signal word: The word or words that call attention to the safety tag or barricade tape and
designate a degree or level of hazard seriousness. The signal words for safety tags and barricade tapes
are DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTICE.

3.13 tag border: Outside area of potentially both sides of the tag used to draw attention to the tag.

4 Safety tags and barricade tape classifications

4.1 DANGER tags and tape: DANGER tags and tape indicate an imminently hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. The signal word DANGER is to be limited to the
most extreme situations. DANGER tags may be used for lock-out/tag-out situations when used with the

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 ANSI Z535.5-2002

intention of preventing death or serious injury. DANGER tags or tape should not be used for property
damage hazards unless personal injury risk appropriate to these levels is also involved.

4.2 WARNING tags and tape: WARNING tags indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. WARNING tags or tapes should not be used for
property damage hazards unless personal injury risk appropriate to this level is also involved.

4.3 CAUTION tags and tape: CAUTION tags or tapes indicate a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. CAUTION tags or tapes may also be used to
alert against unsafe practices that may cause property damage.

4.4 NOTICE tags and tape: NOTICE tags and tape are used to indicate a statement of company
policy directly or indirectly related to the safety of personnel or protection of property. This signal word
should not be associated directly with a hazard or hazardous situation and shall not be used in place of
“DANGER,” “WARNING,” or “CAUTION.”

5 Tag and tape format and color criteria

5.1 Color
Tag and tape colors shall conform to ANSI Z535.1-2002, Safety Color Code.

5.2 Safety alert symbol

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5.2.1 Color

The solid triangle portion shall be the same color as the signal word lettering and the exclamation mark
portion shall be the same color as the signal word panel background.

5.2.2 Format

The safety alert symbol shall precede the signal word. The base of the symbol shall be on the same
horizontal line as the base of the letters of the signal word. The height of the safety alert symbol shall be
equal to or exceed the signal word letter height.

5.3 Signal word panel

All safety tags and barricade tapes shall contain a signal word which designates a degree or level of
hazard seriousness. The signal word shall be either DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. NOTICE is used
to convey a company policy statement related to the safety of personnel or the protection of property. For
tags, the signal word panel shall be located near the top of the tag, above the message panel. For tapes,
the signal word panel shall be located adjacent to the message or symbol panel. No other word or symbol
shall be used within these specified shapes or color arrangements.

5.3.1 DANGER tags and tapes

5.3.1.2 Signal word panel

Danger tags and tape shall have the signal word “DANGER” in safety white letters on a rectangular safety
red background.

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Figure 2—Format for the DANGER signal word panel –

white letters on safety red background, safety red exclamation mark.

The previous format for the signal word panel of a danger tag shown in Annex B shall not be used for new
tag or tape procurement. However existing stocks may be used.

5.3.2 WARNING tags and tapes

5.3.2.1 Signal word panel

Warning tags and tapes shall have the signal word “WARNING” in safety black letters on a rectangular
safety orange background.

Figure 3—Format for the WARNING signal word panel –

black letters on safety orange background, safety orange exclamation mark.

The previous format for the signal word panel of a warning tag shown in Annex B shall not be used for
new tag or tape procurement. However existing stocks may be used.

5.3.3 CAUTION tags and tapes

5.3.3.1 Signal word panel

Caution tags and tapes shall have the signal word “CAUTION” in safety black letters on a rectangular
safety yellow background.
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Figure 4—Format for the personal injury CAUTION signal word panel –
black letters on safety yellow background, safety yellow exclamation mark.

The previous format for the signal word panel of a warning tag shown in Annex B shall not be used for
new tag or tape procurement. However existing stocks may be used.

5.3.4 CAUTION tags — property damage only

5.3.4.1 Signal word panel

The safety alert symbol is omitted on Caution tags and tapes used to indicate property damage only
accidents. These tags and tapes have the signal word “CAUTION” in safety black letters on a rectangular
safety yellow background.

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 ANSI Z535.5-2002

Figure 5—Format for the property damage only CAUTION signal word panel –
black letters on safety yellow background.

5.3.5 NOTICE tags and tapes

5.3.5.1 Signal word panel

These tags and tapes shall have the signal word “NOTICE” in white italic letters on a safety blue
background.

Figure 6—Format for the NOTICE signal word panel –

white italic letters on safety blue background.

5.4 Message panel

5.4.1 All safety tags and barricade tapes

All safety tags and barricade tapes shall contain a message panel which indicates the specific hazardous
condition or the instruction to be communicated or both. The message may be presented using written
text or using both written text and symbols. (See section 8.1.) The message should be concise and
readily understood.

5.4.2 A single tag or length of tape

A single tag or length of tape shall address one topic only. The signal word panel should be reproduced
on both sides of the tag. A translated signal word panel may be used on the second side of a bilingual
tag. Either the message panel, or general support information, may be printed on the back of the tag.
Examples of general support information are: “Do not remove - see reverse”, or “Contact supervisor
before removing,” or “See other side.”

5.4.3 Message panel color

The message panel for tags should be safety white for high contrast and for good legibility of information.
Lettering, or symbols, or both should be safety black. Other high contrast color pairs may be used for
symbolic representations.

5.4.4 Formats for tag borders

The message panel may be surrounded by a tag border panel. The tag border should offer a contrast to
the background color of the message panel and use the same colors shown on the tag signal word panel.
(See Figure 7 below.) If necessary to achieve better contrast, the border may be white.
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ANSI Z535.5-2002

Figure 7— Formats for tag borders

5.5 Tag and tape design/layout

Tag and tape formats shall be as illustrated below. Actual size, layout, and proportions may vary
depending on application requirements. The signature block may be omitted on tags used for product
safety related applications.

5.5.1 Safety tags shall be as illustrated in Figure 8

Figure 8—Safety tag illustration

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5.5.2 Tape layout

Barricade tapes shall be as illustrated in Figure 9.

Figure 9—Barricade tape illustration

The back side of the tape may be blank or a repeat of the signal word panel, the message panel and the
symbol panel on the front of the tape.

6 Tag location, attachment methods, life expectancy, authorization

6.1 Tag location

Safety tags shall be affixed as close as safely possible to their respective hazards, or at the switches,
levers or other points of control that would activate the hazards, and be readily visible to the intended
user. Where other tags are used in addition to a safety tag, they should not detract from the impact or
visibility of the signal word and major message panel of the safety tag.

6.2 Barricade tape placement

6.2.1 Placed to alert and inform the viewer

Barricade tapes shall be so placed to alert and inform the viewer in sufficient time to take appropriate
evasive actions to avoid the potential harm from the hazard.

6.2.2 Placed to be legible, non-distracting, and not hazardous

Barricade tapes shall be so placed that they are legible, non-distracting and not hazardous in themselves.

6.3 Safety tag attachment methods

Safety tags shall be affixed by a positive means such as nylon tie wrap, string, wire, adhesive or other
connecting means that reduce the likelihood of loss or unintentional removal. Lock-out tags should be
attached by means of a one-piece, all environment tolerant nylon cable tie.

8
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All safety tags should be strong enough to prevent accidental removal. When used with locks, safety tags
should have a reinforced hole that is big enough to accept a lock shank.

6.4 Life expectancy

The safety tag or barricade tape shall be capable of withstanding the environment to which it is exposed
for the maximum period of time that the temporary hazard is expected to exist.

6.5 Safety tag authorization

Safety tags should include a provision for identifying and contacting the person authorizing or applying
the tag. Tags used for product safety do not require this provision. This information should be completed
in a legible, durable, and timely manner. Both computer printed information and hand-written text are
acceptable. Adequate guidelines on which fields to complete along with sufficient spacing should be
provided to accommodate hand written text.

NOTE—For additional reference on hand written tag forms and the signature block, see Annex A.

7 Letter style, viewing distance, tag size and shape

NOTE—For additional reference on letter style and size, see Annex A.

7.1 Letter style

7.1.1 Signal words

Signal words shall be in Sans Serif letters in upper case only.

7.1.2 Message panel lettering

Message panel lettering should be a combination of upper and lower case letters either in sans serif or
serif. Serif lettering may be used for longer text messages on safety tags. Upper case only lettering may
be used for short messages or emphasis of individual words.

7.1.3 Examples of acceptable sans serif type faces

Examples of acceptable sans serif type faces are: Arial, Bell Contennial, Clearview, Folio Medium,
Franklin Gothic, Helvetica, Meta, New Gothic, Spartan Classified and Univers. Examples of acceptable
serif type faces include Garamond and Times New Roman.

7.1.4 Handwritten tags

Handwritten tags should be legibly printed. If tags have preprinted lines to guide the location of
handwritten text at least ¼ inch should exist between lines. Preprinted lines should not obscure the
handwritten text and should only be guides. If text boxes are used, they should also be of sufficient size to
accommodate handwritten text.

Computer printed text shall be legible under the intended light conditions and should be no smaller than 7
point text.

7.2 Letter size

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Balance and legibility shall be determined by the combination of the signal word, message panel length
and the size of a symbol, if used. Legibility is influenced by letter height, width, the ratio of letter height to
stroke width and spacing between letters, words, and lines. The overall size of the lettering shall be

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 ANSI Z535.5-2002

determined by the distance from which the tag or tape can be safely and easily read. The message
should be as concise as practical. Letters shall be adequately spaced and not crowded.

7.2.1 Letter height for barricade tape

Minimum letter height shall be one unit in height for every 150 units of safe viewing distance from the
hazard alerting device for signal words and one unit in height for every 300 units viewing distance for the
majority of other words contained on the word message panel. The safe viewing distance will be
determined for each specific case where a Barricade Tape is needed. The message panel text shall meet
the legibility criteria at the determined safe viewing distance.

7.2.2 Viewing distance/letter height

The tag signal word shall be legible under normal viewing conditions at a distance of 5 feet (1.52 m) or
such greater distance as warranted by the hazard. Minimum signal word letter height should be 3/8 inch
(.95 cm). Message panel text shall be legible under normal viewing conditions.

7.3 Tag size and shape

The tag should have a rectangular shape. The corners may be square cut, chamfered or rounded.

8 Safety symbols
8.1 General

8.1.1 Safety symbols

Safety symbols are graphic representations chosen to clearly convey a specific safety alerting message.

8.1.2 Conveyed message

The conveyed message of a symbol is to describe the type of hazard, potential consequences of the
hazard, or evasive/avoidance actions to be taken. When used, the symbol must be compatible with the
word message(s).

8.2 Symbol use

Safety symbols may be used to clarify, supplement or substitute for a portion or all of a word message
found in the message panel. A symbol may only be used to substitute for a portion or all of a word
message if it has been demonstrated to be satisfactorily comprehended (e.g., Annex B of ANSI Z535.3)
or there is a means (e.g., instructions, training materials, manuals, etc.) to inform people of the symbol’s
meaning.

9 References
See the following documents for reference and information.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Safety Color Code. ANSI Z535.1-2002.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Environmental and Facility Safety Signs. ANSI Z535.2-
2002.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Criteria for Safety Symbols. ANSI Z535.3-2002.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Product Safety Signs and Labels. ANSI Z535.4-2002.

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American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Radio Frequency Radiation Hazard Warnings
Symbol. ANSI C95.2-1982 (R1999).

American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Radiation Symbol. ANSI N2.1-1989.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Standard for Hazardous Industrial Chemicals -
Precautionary Labeling. ANSI Z129.1-2000.

National Fire Protection Association. National Electrical Code. ANSI/NFPA 70 (1990).

National Fire Protection Association. Symbols for Fire Fighting. NFPA 178-1986.

International Organization for Standardization. Safety Signs and Colors. (ISO) 3864. ISO:
Geneva, Switzerland, 1984-03-01.

Collins, B.L., Kuo, B.Y., Mayerson, S.E., Worthey, J.A., and Howett, G.L., Safety Color Appearance
Under Selected Light Sources, NBSIR 86-3493, December 1986.

Department of Health and Human Services, FDA, (1993). Write it Right: Recommendations for
Developing User Instructions for Medical Devices Used in Home Health Care, HHS Publication FDA
93-4258.

FMC Corporation, Product Safety Sign and Label System, FMC, Santa Clara, CA, 1985.

Grund, E.V., (1995). Lockout/Tagout, The Process of Controlling Hazardous Energy. National Safety
Council.

Hall, G., The Failure to Warn Handbook. Hanrow Press, Columbia, MD, 1986.

Howett, Gerald L., Size of Letters Required for Visibility as a Function of Viewing Distance and Observer
Visual Acuity. National Bureau of Standards, 1983.

Miller, J.M., Lehto, M.R., Frantz, J.P. Instructions & Warnings, The Annotated Bibliography, Fuller
Technical Publications, 1990.

O’Connor, C.J., Lirtzman, S.I. (1984). Handbook of Chemical Industry Labeling, Noyes Publications,
Park Ridge, NJ.

Peters, G.A. and Peters, B.J., Warnings, Instructions, and Technical Communications. Lawyers and
Judges Publishing Co., Inc., 1999.

Smith, S.L., Letter Size and Legibility. Human Factors, 1979, 21, 661-670.

Spiekermann, E., Ginger, E.M., Stop Stealing Sheep & Find out How Type Works. Adobe Press,
1993.

Tufte, E.R. (1990). Envisioning Information. Chesire, CT: Graphics Press.

Wogalter, M.S., Brelsford, J.W., DeJoy, D.M., Laughery, K.R., (1995). Warnings & Risk Communication.
Taylor & Francis.

Zwaga, H.G., Boersema, T., Hoonhout, H.C.M., Public Graphics, Visual Information for Everyday
Use. Proceedings, Lunteren, The Netherlands, 1994.

11
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Annex A
(Informative)
Principles and Guidelines for the Design of Safety Tags
and Safety Barricade Tapes

A1 Scope
Good, consistent visual design helps to effectively communicate hazard information. The purpose of this
annex provides the designer with information on widely recognized principles that can aid in the
development of effective safety tags and barricade tapes.1

A2 Signal word panel arrangement

For those signal words that require the use of the safety alert symbol (i.e. DANGER, WARNING, and
CAUTION, the safety alert symbol and signal word should be positioned close together and centered in
the signal word panel. See Figures A1 and A2. For those signal words that do not require the safety alert
symbol (i.e. NOTICE, CAUTION, etc.), the signal word should be positioned in the center of the signal
word panel. For property damage-only tags or tapes, the signal word CAUTION is used without the safety
alert symbol.

Figure A1—Examples of correct Figure A2—Examples of incorrect

signal word and safety alert symbol signal word and safety alert symbol
placement. placement.

A3 Developing the word message

A.3.1 The content of the word message

The word message on a tag or tape typically communicates information to an observer on the type of
hazard, the consequence of not avoiding the hazard, and how to avoid the hazard and, for tags, work
instructions and personal information. Many factors must be considered when determining whether to
omit consequence, avoidance or type of hazard information or the level of instructional detail in the word
message. Factors to consider include whether the message can be inferred from a symbol, other text
messages, user training or the context in which the safety sign tag or tape is used.
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A.3.2 Ordering the content of the word message

1
Note: Every safety tag or barricade tape must be considered on its own terms. Limitations on space or other unique conditions
may justify variance from these principles. Examples of word messages are provided to illustrate how principles related to
grammatical structure, writing style and print layout can enhance the safety tag or barricade tape. These examples are not intended
to prescribe standardized word messages for the hazards mentioned in the examples.

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The order in which the content appears in the message panel is flexible. Factors to consider when
determining the order of a word message’s content include the target audience’s degree of prior
knowledge of the hazard and the reaction time required to avoid the hazard.

The information required on a tag should be arranged to provide the most important information first.
Where reaction time is an issue, the action statement will be the most important portion of the word
message and should be placed first. In other cases, the hazard description statement will be the most
important information to communicate first. The statement concerning the consequences of interaction
with the hazard is generally best understood when placed after the hazard description statement, or used
integrally with the hazard description statement. As a general rule, the hazard message should come first
when there are many feasible action/avoidance alternatives. However, action/avoidance messages
should come first when there are few avoidance alternatives.

Figure A3 illustrates a word message for a tag that explains the type of hazard and consequences of
interaction with the hazard before it describes the hazard avoidance information. Placing the information
in this order would be appropriate if it is found that the audience needs to know what the hazard is before
they would follow the avoidance information presented on the sign tag. This format assumes that there is
time to read the entire word message and still avoid the hazard.

Figure A4 illustrates a word message that places the hazard avoidance information first. Ordering the
word message in this way would be appropriate if a person needs to immediately follow the avoidance
information in order to prevent interaction with the hazard.

Type of Hazard and Energized Equipment. Do Not Throw Avoidance Statement

Consequence Statement My Life is on the Line. Switch
Type of Hazard
Do Not Start Current On Statement
Avoidance Statements
Lockout power before My Life is on the
Consequence Statement
entering. Line.

Figure A3 – Word message with hazard Figure A4 – Word message with hazard
description first. avoidance message first.

A3.3 Formatting the word message

There are many issues that must be considered when developing a word message; from sentence
structure to typesetting specifications. The length of the word message depends on the amount of
information that needs to be communicated to a person to allow them to understand and avoid the
hazard. Once this information is determined, it should be written and formatted in a manner that is
concise and easily understood. The following are several principles that can be applied to the word
message to achieve this objective.

A3.3.1 Use headline style

Tags and tapes are intended to communicate appropriate information to the viewer fast enough to allow
the viewer to comprehend the information and take the necessary actions to avoid the hazard. Faster
reaction times are promoted by using succinct statements. Write in a “headline style.” Compare the
sample word messages shown in Figures A5 and A6. The “headline style” example of Figure A5
eliminates nonessential words and omits pronouns (“this,” “that,” “they,”) articles (“a,” “the,” “an,”),
repeated words and forms of the verb “to be” (“is,” “are,” “were”). Avoid hyphenation when at all possible.

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Men are working on this circuit.

Equipment Locked Out Do not remove this lock and tag
Do Not Operate without permission. Don’t operate
this equipment.

Figure A5 –Headline Figure A6 – Non-headline style

style message. message.

A3.3.3 Components of a word message

A3.3.2.1 Action statement

The action statement gives the viewer instructions on how to avoid the hazard. The statement should be
simple, direct, and applicable to the hazard. Figure A7 contains examples of action statements:

Do Not Operate Do Not Reclose Do Not Energize

Do Not Start Do Not Open Do Not Throw Switch
Keep Out! No Smoking Do Not Cross

Figure A7 – Examples of action statements.

A3.3.2.2 Hazard description statement

The hazard description statement identifies the specific hazard in clear, simple language. Where the
desired action and the consequence of not avoiding the hazard are obvious from the hazard description
statement (such as “Slippery when wet”), the action and consequence statements may be omitted. Figure
A8 contains examples of concise hazard description statements:

Live Wire Confined Space

Equipment Locked Out Hazardous Voltage
Construction Area Open Trench

Figure A8 – Examples of concise hazard description statements.

A3.3.2.3 Consequence statement

The consequence statement tells the viewer in clear, simple language what will happen if the warning is
ignored. Figure A9 contains examples of consequence statements:

My Life is on the Line

Will Cut Life Support Equipment
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Figure A9 – Examples of consequence statements.

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A3.3.3 Refer to another source

Given space and legibility constraints, it may be possible to keep only essential hazard-related
information on the tag. If necessary, consideration can be given to referring the viewer to another source
for additional safety information or for permission to proceed. Examples of such sources include company
lock-out procedures and manuals, safety instruction labels, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS),
operation manuals, service manuals, or operating procedures and safety bulletins.

A3.3.4 Text justification and spacing

Left aligned “ragged right” text should be used for all but one-line text messages (which can be either left
aligned or centered). Left alignment aids in readability by creating a vertical line that the eye naturally
locates when searching for the next line of text. Justified text should be avoided because the added
space between words makes the message more difficult to read.

The correct spacing between lines of text, between words, and between letters helps to make a word
message easier to read. The amount of space between lines of text is called leading. Lines of text should
be separated by leading that is approximately 120% of the type point size (e.g. 10 point type should have
12 point leading, 14 point type should have 16.8 point leading, etc.). Additional leading can be added to
separate portions of a word message. The space between words and between letters is called tracking.
For purposes of legibility, it is important to use proper tracking, word and letter spacing when typesetting
the word message. See Figure A10.

This is an example of This is an example of This is an example of

a word message with a word message with
a word message with not enough leading
proper leading and
too much leading and and not enough
word/letter spacing. word/letter spacing.
too much word/letter
spacing.
Example A – Example B- Too Example C – Not
Proper leading and much leading and enough leading and
spacing spacing
spacing
Figure A10 – Examples of correct and incorrect type spacing.

A3.3.5 Letter size

Legibility of the word message at the minimum safe viewing distance determines the proper letter size for
the word messages. The letter size/safe viewing distance guidelines in Table A1 define the type size
required to achieve legibility at the given viewing distance. The height of the capital letter “H” identifies the
type’s letter size. Note that the type sizes shown in column two and column three of Table A1 indicate the
minimum word message letter size for favorable light conditions and the recommended letter size for
unfavorable reading conditions, respectively. Letter size may need to be larger for the various reasons,
including the following:

• to obtain conspicuousness from other information displayed in the area,

• to facilitate legibility under low light, or other unfavorable viewing conditions,
• to warn persons at distances greater than the minimum safe viewing distance,
• to convey special emphasis for portions of the message, and
• to facilitate legibility for populations who have difficulty reading small text (e.g., senior citizens),

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A formatted tag or tape with the selected letter size word messages should be visually examined in the
environments expected for actual use (lighting, background, angle, etc.) and tested for legibility in that
environment by persons representative of the expected viewers. A larger type size may also be desired in
order to warn persons at a distance greater than the minimum safe viewing distance.
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Table A1 – Examples of word message letter heights and minimum safe

viewing distances
Minimum Height for Recommended Letter Height
Minimum Safe FAVORABLE Reading for UNFAVORABLE Reading
Viewing Distance2 Conditions Conditions
[viewing [viewing [viewing [viewing
distance distance distance distance
(ft)/25] (m)/3] (ft)/0.084] (m)/1.43]

(ft) (m) (in) (cm) (in) (cm)

<4 <1.2 .16* 0.4* .336 0.8
6 1.8 .24 0.6 .504 1.3
8 2.4 .32 0.8 .672 1.7
10 3.0 .40 1.0 .840 2.1
15 4.6 .60 1.5 1.26 3.2
20 6.1 .80 2.0 1.68 4.3
30 9.1 1.20 3.0 2.12 6.4
40 12.2 1.60 4.1 3.36 8.5
60 18.3 2.40 6.1 4.24 12.8.
80 24.4 3.30 8.1 6.72 17.1
100 30.5 4.00 10.2 8.40 21.3
125 38.1 5.00 12.7 10.5 26.6
150 45.7 6.00 15.2 12.6 32.0
200 61.0 8.00 20.3 16.8 42.7

2
The minimum safe viewing distance refers to the closest distance a person can be to the tag or
tape and still have time to follow the warning message to avoid the hazard.

A3.3.6 Minimum letter height calculations

Type size is defined in “points,” a term that was used to describe the space required for lead type
characters. Point sizes measure from the top of the capital letters to the bottom of the lower case letters
with descenders (e.g. the bottom of the letter “g” or “j” etc.). One point equals 0.01384 inches, or
approximately 1/72 of an inch.

Although type faces vary slightly, a practical guide for defining type size is based on using the capital
letter “H” for measurement purposes. Since the character “H” has no descender, it is possible to use a
conversion factor of 0.01 inches = 1 point of type size. Thus, 12 point type yields a capital “H”
approximately 0.12 inches high. For metric purposes, use a conversion factor of 3.9 points =1 mm of
height for a capital “H.”

A3.3.7 Comprehension

The word message should be written so that it can be understood by the target audience (i.e. those who
are expected to be in the vicinity of the hazard). This means choosing words that accurately describe the
specific hazard and avoidance information in terms the intended audience will understand.

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A4 Use of safety symbols or photos

Well designed safety symbols can often communicate hazard information quickly and across language
and literacy barriers. Although the ANSI Z535.5 standard allows word-message-only formats for tags and
tapes, the use of symbols and photos is encouraged whenever practical. See ANSI Z535.3 Criteria For
Safety Symbols for additional information concerning symbol selection, design and testing.

Many plants find that personalized lock-out tags with a photo not only help you find someone, especially
when you have many contractors on a site, but that photos help convey the singular immediacy of the
danger. See Figure A11.

Figure A11

A5 Handwritten tag forms

A5.1 Signature block

Using the prompt, “Name:”, instead of “Signed by:” helps to indicate to the user he or she should write
their name in a way that others can decipher. See Figure A12 for an example of a Signature block. The
tag line, “This Lock/Tag may only be removed by:” helps reinforce the strict language of many lock-out
programs. the word “tag” or “lock” may then be circled or crossed out in the field, if needed. See Figure
A13.
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Figure A12 Figure A13

A5.2 Step-by-step instructions

Many tags require on-site completion. With complex tag forms, it may be helpful to show, in a step-by-
step form, the fields that need to be completed. That way, fields requiring user input may be easier to
follow and vital fields are not missed. See the highlighted steps shown in Figure A14, as an example.

Figure A14
Example of step-by-step procedure.

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A6 Multi-lingual formats
The selection of additional languages for tags and tapes is an extremely complex issue. Experts suggest
that nearly 150 foreign languages are spoken in the United States and over 23 million Americans speak a
language other than English in their homes. If it is determined that additional languages are desired on a
tag or tape, the formats shown in Figure A12 should be considered. In all examples, the use of symbols is
strongly encouraged in order to better communicate the tag’s or tape’s hazard information across
language barriers. See figures A15 and A16.

Figure A15 Figure A16

A7 Back of tag
The back side of the tag should refer to the front side of the tag. Additionally, the back of the tag may be
used to give operating instructions, emergency procedures, emergency telephone numbers or to reinforce
the critical role that the lock-out tag holds within a facility’s lock-out procedures. One of the most blunt
instructions is: “You are Fired if You Remove this Tag Without Approval”. See Figure A17.

Figure A17
Examples of tag backs.

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Annex B
(Informative)
Previous Formats for Signal Word Panels
The following formats for signal word panels were used in earlier editions of this standard and were
allowed as an alternate to the preferred panel format in the 1998 Edition. Existing stocks of safety tags
procured to meet the previous editions may continue to be used and applied. However, these formats
shall not be used for the procurement of new safety tags, safety signs, barricade tapes, or labels.

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 ANSI Z535.5-2002

Revisions 2006
The ANSI Accredited Standards Committee Z535 plans to issue the next revisions of the Z535 Standards
(.1 through .5) in December 2006. In order to meet that deadline, the committee developed the following
tentative timetable:

All proposed changes are due: June 30, 2004

Revisions will be finalized for letter balloting: April 11, 2005
Letter balloting will be completed by: July 18, 2005
Public reviews will be completed by: March 1, 2006
Drafts will be ready to submit to the publisher: May 21, 2006
Published: December 15, 2006

All proposed changes must be submitted by June 30, 2004. Any proposals received after that date
will be deferred to subsequent revisions. In order to facilitate the next revision, proposed changes must
be submitted on a form for that specific purpose, which is on the back of this page. Please send this form
to:

Secretary, ANSI Committee Z535

National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1847
Rosslyn, VA 22209

ANSI Accredited Standards Committee Z535

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On Safety Signs and Colors

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FORM FOR PROPOSALS

Return to: Secretary, ANSI ASC Z535
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1847
Rosslyn, VA 22209

Date________ Name_______________________________ Telephone #__________________

Address_______________________________________________________________________

Representing___________________________________________________________________
(Please indicate organization or self.)

1. a. Standard Title______________________________________________________

b. Section/Paragraph___________________________________________________

2. Proposal recommends (check one): New Text

Revised Text
Deleted Text

3. Proposal (Include the proposed new or revised text, or identify the words to be deleted.)

4. Statement of the Problem or Substantiation for the Proposal

5. Check one. This proposal is original material.

This proposal is not original material; its source is as follows:

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

(This original material is the submitter’s own idea based upon his/her own experience, thought, or research, and to the best of
his/her knowledge, is not copied from another source.)

I agree to give NEMA all and full rights, including rights of copyright, in this proposal, and I understand that I acquire no
rights in any standards publication in which this proposal in this or another similar or analogous form is used.

_______________________________________
Signature
Please do not write in the space below.

Date Received Log #

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