OSHA vs ANSI: Safety Signage Compliance Guide | ZING

Posted by S. Wright on Oct 20th 2025

OSHA vs. ANSI Safety Signage: What You Need to Know

Understand 29 CFR 1910.145, the ANSI Z535 series, and MUTCD—then pick the right materials and formats for your facility.

Safety signs save time and prevent injuries when they’re easy to see and understand. OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.145 is the mandatory baseline for accident prevention signs and tags; the ANSI Z535 series refines the design so messages land fast. For traffic and parking, use the MUTCD 11th Edition (FHWA).

Aspect	OSHA 29 CFR 1910.145	ANSI Z535.1–Z535.6
Authority	Mandatory federal regulation	Voluntary consensus standards (best practice)
Primary Focus	When/where to use signs & tags; required signal words	How to design for clarity—colors, symbols, layout
Headers / Signal Words	Danger, Warning, Caution, Notice, Biohazard	Color specs (Z535.1) + layout guidance (Z535.2–.5)
Scope Exceptions	Excludes highways/railroads & safety posters	Product labels, tags, environment signs, manuals
Traffic/Parking	Defers to MUTCD (FHWA)	Use MUTCD for roadway/parking devices

OSHA’s Six Steps to Compliant Signage

1) Risk Assessment
Identify hazards and tasks that require signage.

2) Select Signs
Match hazard to header and message.

3) Ensure Design
Use OSHA headers; apply ANSI layout for clarity.

4) Place Effectively
Visible line-of-sight; right height; adequate lighting.

5) Train Employees
Teach meanings, symbols, and response steps.

6) Maintain/Update
Replace faded/damaged signs; audit annually.

Choosing the Right Sign Type & Material

Safety Signs (OSHA/ANSI)

Use OSHA headers (Danger/Warning/Caution/Notice/Biohazard). ANSI improves color/symbol clarity.

Materials: Plastic, Aluminum, Adhesive, Magnetic, Expanded PVC
Formats: Flat, V-shape, L-shape, Corner
Sizes: Choose for viewing distance

Facility Signs

Wayfinding & equipment ID: No Exit, No Smoking, Fire Extinguisher, First Aid, Green@Work.

Indoor durability; consistent iconography
Adhesive labels for panels & doors

Traffic & Parking Signs

Follow MUTCD 11th Edition for layout, reflectivity, thickness, and mounting.

Retroreflective: Engineer-Grade / HIP / Diamond
Aluminum thickness matched to wind & exposure

ZING Eco Advantage Sustainable substrates, recyclable content, UV-resistant low-VOC inks, and USA manufacturing — without compromising durability or clarity.

Traffic/Parking Tip: Use MUTCD-conforming reflective aluminum outside; pick reflectivity by approach speed and lighting (Engineer-Grade for lots, HIP/Diamond for road-adjacent lanes).

Ready to upgrade your signage? Choose OSHA/ANSI-aligned signs by application, material, and format.

Shop Safety Signs Shop Facility Signs Shop Traffic & Parking

Combine OSHA’s legal requirements with ANSI’s design guidance to produce signs workers notice, understand, and trust. For outdoor routing and vehicle control, align with MUTCD. ZING helps you do all three—clearly and sustainably.