COLOR CODING
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IN HSE
PREPARED BY:
Deepak Chhoker
DEFINATION
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Color Coding is an essential visual tool in HSE to ensure
safety, prevent accidents and enhance awareness in
the workplace. The construction worker in relies on
standardized color codes for hazard communication,
safety signs, equipment identification and work zone
demarcation.
1. Safety Sign Colour (As per
International Standards like ISO
7010, OSHA and ANSI
Red- Danger, Prohibition and Fire
Safety
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Red is associated with
immediate danger,
prohibitions and
firefighting equipment. It
is used to indicate that
specific actions are
prohibited or to mark fire-
related safety equipment.
Examples:
Prohibition Signs: “No
Smoking,” “No Entry,” “Do
Not Operate”
Firefighting Equipment: Fire
extinguishers, hose reels,
alarms, fire hydrants
Emergency Stop Buttons:
Machinery stop buttons,
emergency shutdown
controls
Yellow/Amber- Caution and
Warning
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Yellow (or amber) is used
to indicate general
hazards and warnings. It
alerts workers about
potential dangers that
may cause injuries if
precautions are not taken.
Examples:
Warning Signs: “Caution:
Slippery Floor,” “High
Voltage Area,” “Falling
Objects”
Trip & Fall Hazards:
Uneven surfaces, step
edges, trenches
Moving Vehicles &
Equipment: Forklift
operation zones,
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Blue- Mandatory Actions
Blue indicates mandatory
actions that workers must
follow to ensure safety.
These signs provide
specific instructions or
requirements for PPE and
safe operations.
Examples:
PPE Requirements: “Wear
Safety Helmets” “Use Ear
Protection,” “Eye Protection
Required”
Workplace Safety
Instructions: “Only
Authorized Personnel
Allowed,” “Keep Clear of
Machinery”
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Green- Safety and Emergency
Escape
Green is used to indicate
safety, emergency exits
and first aid stations. It
reassured workers about
safe conditions and
directions for evacuation.
Examples:
First Aid Stations: First Aid
Kits, medical rooms
Workplace Safety
Instructions: Exit routes,
emergency assembly points
Safety Equipment
Locations: Emergency
showers, eyewash stations
2. Colour Coding for Pipes and
Equipment Identification
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In construction and industrial sites, pipes and
machinery are colour coded for easy identification of
contents and potential hazards.
Colour Application
Red Fire Protection systems (sprinklers, hydrants)
Yellow Flammable gases, acids and hazardous chemicals
Blue Compressed air
Green substances (e.g., potable water)
Black Oil and waste lines
White Steam
Purple Radioactive materials
3. Electrical Safety and Lockout
Tagout (LOTO) Colour Coding
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Electrical Safety and energy isolation procedures also
follow specific colour codes.
Colour Meaning
Danger-- Do not operate (LOTO tags, high-risk electrical
Red
hazards)
Caution - Restricted operation (e.g., machinery under
Yellow
maintenance)
Green Safe- Equipment is operational and safe to use
Black General electrical hazards
4. Workplace Zoning and Floor
Markings
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Construction sites and workplaces use floor markings
and zone demarcation for safe movement and hazard
awareness.
Colour Usage
Red Restricted areas, fire lanes
Yellow Caution areas, pedestrian walkways
Green Safe walkways, exit points
Black/
Work zones, caution markings
White strips
Conclusion
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Using colour codes effectively in HS improves safety
awareness, reduces workplace accidents and ensures
compliance with safety regulations. Construction
professionals should be trained to recognize and
respond to colour-coded safety signals to maintain a
safe work environment.
