Navigating our campus safely starts with understanding the visual language around you. Our signage follows standardized color and shape protocols (ANSI Z535.1/OSHA) to ensure that whether you're in a lab, a hallway, or a construction zone, the message is clear at a glance.
The Safety Color Palette
Think of campus signage like a traffic light: Red means stop/danger, Yellow means slow down/be careful, and Green means "go here for safety."
| Color | Meaning | Risk Level | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red 🔴 | DANGER | High: Immediate threat of death or serious injury. | High voltage, fire equipment, emergency stops. |
| Orange 🟠| WARNING | Medium: Potential for death or serious injury. | Moving machinery, crush hazards, construction. |
| Yellow 🟡 | CAUTION | Low: Potential for minor or moderate injury. | Slippery floors, low ceilings, trip hazards. |
| Blue 🔵 | NOTICE | No Risk: General information or mandatory actions. | Hand washing, "No Smoking," Wi-Fi, elevators. |
| Green 🟢 | SAFETY | Safe Condition: Helpful resources and exits. | Emergency exits, first aid kits, assembly points. |
Anatomy of a Safety Sign
While colors tell you the "intensity," the layout and pictograms tell you the "what." Most signs are broken down into three parts:
- The Header: A colored panel (Red, Orange, Yellow, or Blue) containing the signal word.
- The Pictogram: A simple image (like a lightning bolt or a falling person) so the message is understood instantly, regardless of language. Download GHS pictograms from this link if helpful.
- The Message: Clear, concise text explaining the hazard and how to avoid it.
Technical Standards for Designers
If you are creating internal documentation or ordering custom signage, please use the following standard HEX codes to maintain campus-wide consistency. Need to create a specific sign for your department or lab? Use the templates below if helpful. Click the link to open the Google Slides template. To edit the template please click File > Make a Copy, and then make it your own:
- Danger 🔴 Red:
#FF0000, Link to Danger (Red) Template - Warning 🟠Orange:
#FF6600, Link to Warning (Orange) Template - Caution 🟡 Yellow:
#FFD600, Link to Caution (Yellow) Template - Notice 🔵 Blue:
#0000FF, Link to Notice (Blue) Template - Safety 🟢 Green:
#008000, Link to Safety (Green) Template