Color Coding for Trainers and Supervisors

Tailgate Safety Training for Landscaping and Horticultural Services

AEX-892.2.10

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Date:

05/25/2018

Agricultural Safety and Health Program

Objective: Use the color code system to identify workplace hazards.

Trainer’s Note

A consistent color system warns of safety hazards. For this module:

Present the colors in the color code system and their meaning.
Lead a tour of your workplace. Have workers point out examples of color coding and the hazards identified.
Ask workers to watch for hazards that are not appropriately color coded.
Review the important points.
Have workers take the True/False quiz to check their learning.

Background

The color coding system increases employee safety. All workers should be familiar with the system. Reassigned workers should learn the codes in their new area.

Below is the standard color code system. A copy of the color code should be easy to find for quick reference. Use clearly printed labels with colors. Signs, tags, and tickets should all follow the same system.

The Standard Color-Code System
Red Should also show the word DANGER	Fire safety equipment Safety containers for flammables Emergency devices Emergency shutoff switches Stop bar Buttons
Orange	Machinery or equipment that can Cut Crush Shock Cause other injury
Yellow Should also show the word CAUTION	Physical dangers Slipping Tripping Falling Caught-between hazards Striking-against hazards
Green	First-aid equipment
Blue	Equipment under repair Do not start equipment Do not move equipment
Magenta and Yellow or Black and Yellow	Radiation hazards
Black, White, or a Combination	Traffic movement cautions Aisles Housekeeping areas Similar areas

Review the Following Points

All workers should know the color codes.
Your workplace codes should be posted and easy to see.
In the standard code, red means DANGER.
In the standard code, yellow means CAUTION.

About These Modules
The author team for the training modules in the landscape and horticultural tailgate training series includes Dee Jepsen, Program Director, Agricultural Safety and Health, Ohio State University Extension; Michael Wonacott, Research Specialist, Vocational Education; Peter Ling, Greenhouse Specialist; and Thomas Bean, Agricultural Safety Specialist. Modules were developed with funding from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Grant Number 46E3HT09.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Department of Labor.