Understanding Signs, Signals and Barricades in Construction
Written by Staff Writer
Safety on construction sites is of the utmost importance. One of the key ways to communicate hazards, warnings and guidelines to workers, equipment operators and pedestrians is through signs, signals and barricades.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) set strict requirements for designing, placing and using these safety measures to ensure that every construction site operates safely and competently. Knowing when they should be used and what these indicators mean can be a key part of protecting workers and those around them.
Signs, Signals and Barricades
Signs, signals and barricades are vital tools for ensuring safety on construction sites. These elements act as primary methods of communication, alerting workers and equipment operators to potential hazards. OSHA's Subpart G outlines the standards for the visibility, durability and placement of safety signage to minimize accidents and prevent injuries.
Danger Signs
Danger signs warn of immediate hazards that could lead to serious injury or death. They are typically red, black and white to ensure maximum visibility. OSHA mandates that these signs be used when there is a direct threat to workers' safety, such as electrical hazards or toxic chemicals.
Caution Signs
Caution signs are yellow and black and indicate hazards that may not be immediately life-threatening but still present significant risks. These might include slippery surfaces, falling debris or moving equipment nearby.
Exit Signs
Exit signs are crucial for identifying escape routes in an emergency. They must always be visible and compliant with OSHA regulations to guide workers quickly and safely to the nearest exit.
Safety Instruction Signs
Safety instruction signs provide specific guidance on how workers should behave or the precautions they must take in certain areas. These can include instructions for wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) or locations of first aid stations.
Accident Prevention Tags
Tags warn of potential hazards associated with equipment. These temporary signs alert workers that machinery is unsafe until it's repaired or inspected.
Signal Operations
Signal operations are an integral part of construction site safety. Hand, voice, audible and mechanical signals help to coordinate and safely guide workers and equipment. These signals ensure that workers understand when to act or stop to prevent accidents.
Applicable Standards
Safety signals on construction sites must conform to OSHA standards and the MUTCD, which provide national guidelines for traffic control devices and signal use.
Hand Signaling
Hand signaling is used in conditions where it may be hard for workers to read a sign or hear spoken communication. OSHA specifies the hand signals to be used for safe communication between workers and equipment operators.
Flagger Equipment
Flaggers must wear high-visibility gear and use appropriate signaling tools like flags or paddles to direct traffic and workers safely through construction zones.
Key Definitions
- Barricade: A physical structure that restricts or blocks access to certain construction site areas to prevent accidents
- MUTCD: The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, a nationwide guide that establishes the standards for signs, signals and traffic control on roadways, including at construction sites
- Sign: A visual display that provides warnings, instructions or information about specific hazards
- Signal: A visual or audible communication to direct or inform workers about safety measures
- Tag: A temporary warning label identifying dangerous or restricted equipment or areas
Road Signs and Symbols
- Stop Signs: Stop signs are among the most basic indicators used to keep people safe.
- Traffic Signs and Signals: The color of a sign can tell you a lot about its purpose.
- Iowa Guide to Road Signs: Read this thorough guide to learn about all of the different signs you might encounter while driving.
- Functions and Types of Traffic Signs: Guide, warning and regulatory signs help to protect people on the road and make sure they arrive at their OSHA training safely.
- Construction Signs: Orange signs indicate that construction is occurring and only people with the appropriate site safety training should come near the area.
- Road Signs: Learn more about the shapes, colors and symbols found on road signs and what they mean.
- Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings: Red is often used to mean "no," and that's also true on many road signs.