OSHA required that all permanent-based aisles and unique passages within a factory be marked in a consistent, building-wide manner. Failure to adhere to these requirements could result in hefty fees, in terms of identified violations.

According to OSHA, these markings aid in the prevention of injuries and accidents. Floor markings aid in ensuring visual-based organization, uniformity, and offer color schemes that allow your employees to identify designated work areas and potential hazards.

In addition to ensuring safety within your factory, appropriately-colored floor markings will also assist in the enhancement of the workflow that takes place within the building. Continue reading to learn pertinent information pertaining to floor markings so that you may ensure your factory is in full compliance with OSHA.

Basic Color Recommendations for Factories

There is not one set color scheme that is set by law; however, there is a basic color scheme – in terms of floor markings – that most companies utilize in order to identify certain areas withing their factory. It is as follows:

1. Yellow – This color is typically used to identify isles, lanes of traffic, and work areas within a factory.
2. Black – This color is utilized to identify finished goods and/or products within a factory.
3. White – While this color is used to outline an area of production, it may also be used to outline racks, benches, and other types of equipment that does not have a designated color code.
4. Blue – This color usually pertains to an area where work is in progress.
5. Red – This may be used to identify an area where defective pieces or scrap are placed or may be used to identify areas designated as “red tag” within a factory.
6. Green – This may be used to identify both where raw materials are located and locations that have first aid items available to the factory workers.
7. Orange – This is often used for inspection areas or to identify equipment that is considered to be “energized”.
8. Black and Yellow – This color scheme is used to identify areas where there is some type of risk to employees and is used to instruct employees to take extra precaution while in or near the area.
9. Black and White – This particular scheme is used to mark areas designated for operations and does not pertain to safety.
10. Red and White – This represents an area that should be kept clear for safety reasons – such as those around electrical panels and emergency access areas.

Marking Areas

You have two choices when using floor markings in a factory. First, you may paint the area. Second, you may use industrial floor types. Floor paints have the ability to fade over time; that is, if they are placed directly on the flooring.

Many factories are still electing to use paint to identify areas; however, they are placing the paint directly on the concrete and then having a floor covering installed on top to protect the paint. This is considered to be the best strategy for ensuring that the paint remains in place and areas are clearly identified for employees.

We here at Concrete Coatings of the South can quickly assist you with your floor marking process through the means of a factory floor coating. For long-term results, enhanced safety, and reduced costs, contact us today to learn more: 706-249-4131