OSHA Safety Signs

This blog is primarily about making safety labels, with a focus on labeling that is required by OSHA, although we also cover a range of other somewhat related topics. We have another blog that is loosely targeted at OSHA Safety Signs. It's the place to visit for information about DuraLabel sign printers and sign making supplies.

What's the difference between a sign and a label?

The first thing that comes to mind is the size. Signs are larger and labels are smaller. But, although in general that is typically true, that's not the difference.

The difference is in how it is used. Let's take a 7" x 10.5" arc flash _____ (shown to the right). For now I'll leave it blank what we'll call this.

Here is the definition:

When used to supply information about the object to which it has been applied, then it is called a label.

When supplying information about something other than what it is applied on, then it is a sign.

For example, when applied to a device that presents an arc flash hazard, then the above is called a label, even though it is 7" x 10-1/2" in size. It is a BIG label, but it still is a label.

If it was applied to a door, warning about arc flash hazards within a room, then it would be called a sign, even though it is the same 7" x 10-1/2" size.

However, whether you call it a sign or label is not critically important. What is important is that it deliver the needed information... and that it do that reliability, clearly and durably. To accomplish that you need a DuraLabel printer, the industrial label and sign printers that get the job done... and get it done right.