Danger Signs

Q: "What does a danger sign mean?"

"A danger sign indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. Under the ANSI Z535 standards it is the most severe signal word and is limited to the most extreme situations."

Q: "What colors are OSHA danger signs?"

"Danger signs use red, black and white. 29 CFR 1910.145 specifies these colors, and ANSI Z535.1 defines the exact safety red used in the DANGER header."

Q: "When does OSHA require a danger sign?"

"OSHA requires danger signs only where an immediate hazard exists. For permit-required confined spaces, 29 CFR 1910.146 specifically identifies danger signs as a means of informing employees of the hazard."

OSHA 1910.145 Compliant Signs for High Voltage, Confined Spaces and Severe Hazards

Workplace Safety Signs

Danger Signs for the Most Severe Workplace Hazards

Danger signs are reserved for the most severe hazards in your facility: hazardous situations that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.145 requires danger signs only where an immediate hazard exists, which makes correct use of this signal word essential to a credible sign system. Clarion Safety's danger signs pair the red, black and white OSHA color scheme with ANSI Z535.2 formatting and ISO-standardized symbols so the severity of the hazard is unmistakable. If you need a message specific to your operation, our custom sign services can produce it quickly, including translated and multi-lingual versions.

Where Danger Signs Are Required

Danger signs mark the hazards with the most serious consequences, including:

High voltage equipment and exposed energized parts - see our full range of electrical hazard signs
Permit-required confined spaces, where OSHA specifies danger signage - see confined space signs
Areas with explosive or highly flammable atmospheres
Restricted areas where entry exposes people to an immediate hazard

Danger vs. Warning: Matching the Signal Word to the Risk

DANGER is the highest severity level in the ANSI Z535 signal word hierarchy and should be limited to the most extreme situations. When a hazard could result in death or serious injury but the risk is not as immediate or certain, a warning sign is the correct choice. Hazards limited to minor or moderate injury call for a caution sign, and non-injury messages belong on a notice sign. Overusing DANGER dilutes its impact; our resource on the ANSI Z535 standards explains how the hierarchy protects the meaning of each signal word.

Is DANGER the right severity level? Clarion's standards experts can review your hazards and confirm the correct signal word. Contact our team to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions About Danger Signs

What does a danger sign mean?

A danger sign indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. Under the ANSI Z535 standards it is the most severe signal word and is limited to the most extreme situations.

What colors are OSHA danger signs?

Danger signs use red, black and white. 29 CFR 1910.145 specifies these colors, and ANSI Z535.1 defines the exact safety red used in the DANGER header.

When does OSHA require a danger sign?

OSHA requires danger signs only where an immediate hazard exists. For permit-required confined spaces, 29 CFR 1910.146 specifically identifies danger signs as a means of informing employees of the hazard.