1910.145(c)(1): Danger Signs
Signs posted to warn of specific dangers and radiation hazards must not vary in design. All employees must be taught that danger signs mean immediate danger and that special precautions are needed.
Key takeaways
- 1910.145(c)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 13 inspections, with $85,496 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NJ (3), TX (2), VT (1).
- Related part: 1910.145(c) Classification of signs according to use (227 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.145(c)(1) ("Danger signs") is one requirement inside 1910.145 Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). It includes 2 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(1) Danger signs. 13 citations
(i) There shall be no variation in the type of design of signs posted to warn of specific dangers and radiation hazards. 2 citations
(ii) All employees shall be instructed that danger signs indicate immediate danger and that special precautions are necessary. Open (c)(1)(ii) 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.145.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: NJ (3), TX (2), VT (1), PA (1), MO (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HOWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. | LAUREL, MS | $16,550 |
| WESTWAY FEED PRODUCTS LLC | DIMMITT, TX | $10,214 |
| CUDD PRESSURE CONTROL, INC. | BIG LAKE, TX | $10,214 |
| CKS PACKAGING, INC. | KANSAS CITY, MO | $9,679 |
| CAMBRIDGE PAVERS INC | LYNDHURST, NJ | $8,066 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.145(c)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.145(c)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.145(c) Classification of signs according to use 227 citations
- 1910.145(c)(3) Safety instruction signs 136 citations
- 1910.145(c)(2) Caution signs 78 citations
- 1910.145(c)(2)(i) 66 citations
- 1910.145(c)(1)(ii) 10 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Can danger sign designs vary?
No. There shall be no variation in the type of design of signs posted to warn of specific dangers and radiation hazards.
What must employees be told about danger signs?
That danger signs indicate immediate danger and special precautions are necessary.
Who must be instructed?
All employees.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.145 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-21
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.