Subparts G–H: Signs, Signals, Barricades, and Material Handling
Subpart G: signs, signals, barricades
1926.200 requires accident prevention signs and tags where hazards exist. Standard colors: red for danger, yellow for caution, and green for exit/safety instruction. 1926.201 covers signaling, including flaggers and hand signals. 1926.202 covers barricades for traffic control and protection. Signs do not replace physical guards; they warn about hazards that remain.
Subpart H: materials handling and storage
1926.250 requires stable storage, clear aisles and exits, and protection against sliding or collapse. Stored materials must not obstruct exits or electrical equipment. Employees may not be under suspended loads. 1926.251 requires rigging equipment-slings, shackles, hooks-to be inspected, marked with capacity, and used within rated loads. 1926.252 requires prompt disposal of waste and debris.
Worked example
A crew stacks 20-foot steel pipe on a job site. The pipes must be blocked or interlocked to prevent rolling, the stack must not block an exit, and no worker may stand downhill of the stack while it is being moved. Slings used to lift the pipe must be inspected before use and have a legible capacity tag.
Traps
Barricades and signs are not interchangeable: barricades provide a physical or traffic barrier; signs warn. Rigging inspections are not annual only; damaged slings must be removed from service immediately. “No employees under loads” applies to cranes and hoists, not just to overhead work.