Construction sites obviously present a variety of different hazards. But certain areas of a job site are more hazardous than others such as excavations and trenches, Controlled Access Zones (CAZs), areas with high silica dust exposure, live electrical components etc. To make workers aware of these hazards, barricading and signage is often used to provide a visual barrier or notification to those in or around the work area. It is important that all employees understand the different types of barricades and signage and the hazards they indicate.

Barricading

     There are typically three types of barricade tape that are used on construction sites. Yellow, red, and purple/orange and yellow tape. Each of these communicates a different level of severity. Barricade tape does not offer physical protection for floor edges, roof edges, floor openings, etc., and should not be used for physical protection.

Yellow Barricade Tape

     Yellow barricade tape is used to indicate “CAUTION” and that a potential hazard exists. Employees can cross this tape without permission, but should still take caution in doing so.

Usage Examples:

• Excavations that are unattended or in high traffic areas.
• Identifications of trip hazards, low hanging objects, etc.
• Material storage areas.
• etc.

Red Barricade Tape

     Red barricade tape is used to indicate “DANGER” and that a serious hazard may be present. Employees should not cross red barricade tape without receiving permission from the contractor that erected it.

Usage Examples:

• Active overhead work.
• Live electrical components.
• Scaffold under construction.
• Around the swing radius of equipment such as an excavator.
• etc.

Purple/Orange and Yellow Barricade Tape

     This type of barricade tape is used to indicate “DANGER – RADIATION,” and that possible radiation exposure may be present. It should be treated the same as red barricade tape and should be used in conjunction with signage. The colors of this kind of barricade tape may vary.

Typically this will be used on construction sites to indicate areas where radiography is used to conduct non-destructive testing on objects such as concrete pads or welds.

Signage

     Signage is sometimes used in conjunction with barricade tape, but also may be required for hazards that are not barricaded.

Usage Examples:

• Areas where silica dust exposure is present and effective control methods are not currently feasible.
• Electrical hazards.
• Overhead work.
• Blasting areas.
• Areas where heavy equipment is being operated.
• etc.