Effective Signaling Systems: Functions, Classifications, and Safety Colors
Signaling
The origin of signs as a formal discipline arises from the need to create an efficient system of informative and preventive signs to guide people. This type of signaling uses icons, symbols, and graphic images because the human brain recognizes images faster than text. Colors and images identify risks or cautions.
Basic Functions of Perception and Information
Entry Information
This is one form necessary to achieve the desired result. Input information can be delivered as messages, objects, color, electricity, etc. In other words, the input is the stimulus.
- Direction: Receiving and perceiving information through bodily senses such as vision and hearing.
- Storage of Information: Learning or memory, stored for later use.
- Decision-Making: Processing information for various transactions. This can be simple or complex and results in a decision to act or not act.
- Control of Action: Actions or transactions resulting from decisions, which can be:
- Physical Control: Movement, modification, or alteration of materials or objects.
- Communication: Voice, signals, etc.
- Output: The result or consequence of the system, or the response to a stimulus.
Signaling: A set of stimuli influencing behavior, addressing specific situations. Signage provides technical and preventive guidance through various means:
- Optical Signaling
- Audible Signals
- Olfactory Signaling
- Tactile Signage
Safety Signs: Signaling means security, object, activity, or situation that provides an obligation or indication by a light signal, sound, gesture, or sign.
Decree N° 594, Art. 37: Public or private establishments must have visible and permanent markings for danger zones, indicating the agent and/or risk status, escape routes, and safety zones. They must also clearly indicate the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.
Classification of Signs
Danger Signs
Indicate immediate danger or high risk, requiring special precautions due to a high probability of damage or injury.
Warning Signs
Used for blocking or freezing large equipment or machinery where card locks are unsuitable. Indicates a potential risk that can cause injury or serious damage if not eliminated.
Caution Signs
Used to prevent potential risks or unsafe acts. Indicates a warning signal or risk that may result in minor damage. Not used when there is a likelihood of serious harm.
Instruction Signs
Provide safety instructions, often headed with “REMEMBER,” delivering messages, slogans, or statements to motivate proper job performance.
Radiation Signs
Headed with “RADIATION” to warn and indicate risks due to ionizing radiation. Indicates the risk of radiation exposure, which can cause injury or health damage.
Notice Signs
Communicate general instructions directly or indirectly related to risk control and safety measures.
Directional Signs
Indicate the access and location of exits, fire escapes, ladders, first aid posts, etc.
Safety Colors
A safety color has specific properties and is given a meaning or message related to safety.
Contrast Color: A neutral color (white or black) used to highlight safety colors.
Purpose of Safety Colors: To identify and warn of hazardous conditions, identify equipment, machinery, vehicles, work surfaces, and demarcate transit areas, locate emergency equipment (firefighting, first aid, safety areas, exits, escape routes, etc.), inform workers of preventive measures, PPE requirements, right of way, and location of posts.
Colors
- Orange: Dangerous parts of machinery that can crush, cut, shock, or injure. Used indoors for protecting gears, pulleys, or chains.
- Yellow: Indicates caution and physical hazards such as falls or blows.
- Green: Indicates safety, used on safety boards, first aid kits, and emergency showers.
- Blue: Designates caution and calls attention to equipment under repair.
- Purple: Indicates radiation risks, used for storage of radioactive waste.
- Red: Danger, firefighting equipment, means detention.
- Black and White: White is used for free transit or one-way directions, applied to cans, trash containers, and soil markings.