For OSHA construction safety, the rules on flaggers, traffic control and safety signs at a job site are in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart G, Signs, Signals, and Barricades. This explainer reads its two sections as they stand in the eCFR: 1926.200, Accident prevention signs and tags, and 1926.201, Signaling. These sections are part of OSHA's construction standards (Part 1926). This post explains the current text; it does not describe a rule change.
What does OSHA require for flaggers?
OSHA's own text on flaggers is one sentence. 1926.201(a) states: "Signaling by flaggers and the use of flaggers, including warning garments worn by flaggers, shall conform to Part 6 of the MUTCD (incorporated by reference, see § 1926.6)."
Because OSHA incorporates Part 6 of the MUTCD by reference, the detailed rules on signaling by flaggers, the use of flaggers and their warning garments are in the MUTCD, not in the words of 1926.201. This post does not summarize the MUTCD itself.
What about traffic control on the site?
1926.200(g) covers traffic control signs and devices. Paragraph (g)(1) states: "At points of hazard, construction areas shall be posted with legible traffic control signs and protected by traffic control devices."
Paragraph (g)(2) points to the same manual as the flagger rule: "The design and use of all traffic control devices, including signs, signals, markings, barricades, and other devices, for protection of construction workers shall conform to Part 6 of the MUTCD (incorporated by reference, see § 1926.6)." Again, the detailed rules for those devices are in the MUTCD.
When must signs be posted, and when do they come down?
1926.200(a) sets the general rule: "Signs and symbols required by this subpart shall be visible at all times when work is being performed, and shall be removed or covered promptly when the hazards no longer exist."
What is the difference between a danger sign and a caution sign?
The two signs have different uses and colors.
- Danger signs: under (b)(1), "Danger signs shall be used only where an immediate hazard exists". Under (b)(2), they "shall have red as the predominating color for the upper panel; black outline on the borders; and a white lower panel for additional sign wording."
- Caution signs: under (c)(1), "Caution signs shall be used only to warn against potential hazards or to caution against unsafe practices". Under (c)(2), they "shall have yellow as the predominating color; black upper panel and borders: yellow lettering of “caution” on the black panel; and the lower yellow panel for additional sign wording." The same paragraph adds: "Black lettering shall be used for additional wording."
Both paragraphs also point to ANSI standards for the sign specifications (ANSI Z35.1-1968 or ANSI Z535.2-2011, incorporated by reference in § 1926.6).
What do exit, safety instruction and directional signs look like?
- Exit signs, under (d): "Exit signs, when required, shall be lettered in legible red letters, not less than 6 inches high, on a white field and the principal stroke of the letters shall be at least three-fourths inch in width."
- Safety instruction signs, under (e): "Safety instruction signs, when used, shall be white with green upper panel with white letters to convey the principal message."
- Directional signs, under (f): directional signs other than automotive traffic signs "shall be white with a black panel and a white directional symbol."
For safety instruction and directional signs, "Any additional wording on the sign shall be black letters on the white background."
When are accident prevention tags used?
Only as a temporary warning, never as a replacement. 1926.200(h)(1) states: "Accident prevention tags shall be used as a temporary means of warning employees of an existing hazard, such as defective tools, equipment, etc. They shall not be used in place of, or as a substitute for, accident prevention signs." Under (h)(2), tags follow specifications similar to those in ANSI Z35.2-1968 or ANSI Z535.5-2011.
Does Subpart G cover crane signals?
It points elsewhere. 1926.201(b) states: "Regulations for crane and hoist signaling will be found in applicable American National Standards Institute standards."
Crane material on goraedu is in our separate OSHA crane operator cluster.
Are there rules beyond the text of 1926.200?
Yes. Under 1926.200(i), the incorporated ANSI standards "contain rules in addition to those specifically prescribed in this subpart", and "The employer shall comply with ANSI Z35.1-1968 or ANSI Z535.2-2011, and ANSI Z35.2-1968 or Z535.5-2011, with respect to such additional rules."
Where to study this
The construction general safety rules, such as the employer's accident prevention program and frequent inspections by competent persons, are in our OSHA construction general safety study guide, with a practice test. For all of our OSHA material, start at the OSHA overview.