October Tool Box Talk: Barricade Tape

OSHA defines "barricade" as "an obstruction to deter the passage of persons of vehicles." Exposed wires, moving machinery and open excavations are just a few of the potential hazards requiring barricades.
Barricade tapes allow us to demarcate and restrict access to job site hazards, but did you know that OSHA and ANSI regulations specify color coding of barricade tapes?
The graphic below shows OSHA-specified tape colors.

OSHA does not specify requirements for the size or weight of the tape, nor does it dictate the wording on the tape.

ANSI specifies colors and usage of barricade tapes as follows:
1. Yellow/Black Barricade Tape serves as CAUTION and POTENTIAL HAZARD from:

• Excavation less than 1.2 meters (4 feet) in depth
• Identification of trip hazards and low hanging objects
• Material storage on site

2. Red Barrication Tape indicates DANGER and SERIOUS HAZARD from:

• Overhead work
• Live electrical components
• Scaffold under construction
• Around swing radius of equipment with a rotating superstructure

3. Magenta (Purple)/Yellow Tape denotes DANGER and POSSIBLE RADIATION EXPOSURE