NEMA Publishes ANSI Z535.1-2006, American National Standard for Safety Colors


ROSSLYN, VA, February 21: The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published ANSI Z535.1-2006, American National Standard for Safety Colors. This standard sets forth the technical definitions, color standards, and color tolerances for safety colors

The intent of the standard is to establish a Standard for Safety Colors that will alert and inform persons to take precautionary action or other appropriate action in the presence of hazards.

This standard is not a substitute for engineering or administrative controls, including training, to eliminate identifiable hazards.

It is not the intent of this ANSI Z535.1 standard to replace existing standards or regulations, which are uniquely applicable to a specific industry or use. It is the intent to encourage adoption of this standard in subsequent revisions of other standards and regulations.

"People have a natural tendency to associate certain colors with levels of risk. For example, people readily associate red with fire or dangerous situations. The consistent use of colors in a uniform safety alerting system can be a fast and effective way of communicating the level of severity of a hazardous situation. This standard defines the specific colors used in the ANSI Z535 safety alerting system," said Chairman Gary M. Bell, Sauder Woodworking Company.

The new ANSI Z535.1-2006 "Provides the precise color tolerance specifications and test methods for proper color usage in safety signs, labels, tags, tapes, as well as any other application related to safety alerting," he said.

The table of contents and scope of ANSI Z535.1-2006 may be viewed, or a hardcopy or electronic copy purchased for $59.00 by visiting NEMA's website at www.nema.org/stds/z535-1cfm. Copies may also be purchased by contacting IHS at (800) 854-7179 (within the U.S.), (303) 397-7956 (international), or (303) 397-2740 (fax).

NEMA is the trade association of choice for the electrical manufacturing industry. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end-use of electricity. These products are used in utility, medical imaging, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. Domestic production of electrical products sold worldwide exceeds $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing, São Paulo, and Mexico City.

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