ANSI Z535.

1-2016
Revsion of ANSI Z535.1-2006

American National Standard

Safety Signs

ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

ANSI Z535.1-2016
Revision of
ANSI Z535.1-2006

American National Standard

Safety Colors

Secretariat:

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Approved XXX XX, 201x
Published XXX XX, 201x

American National Standards Institute, Inc.

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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

DISCLAIMER
The information in this publication was considered technically sound by the consensus of persons
engaged in the development and approval of the document at the time it was developed. Consensus does
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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

AMERICAN
NATIONAL
STANDARD

Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by

ANSI that the requirements for due process, consensus, and other
criteria for approval have been met by the standards developer.
Consensus is established when, in the judgment of the ANSI Board of
Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly
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concerted effort be made toward their resolution.
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purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not conforming
to the standards.
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and will in no circumstances give an interpretation of any American
National Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority
to issue an interpretation of an American National Standard in the name
of the American National Standards Institute. Requests for
interpretations should be addressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose
name appears on the title page of this standard.
This American National Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any
time. The procedures of the American National Standards Institute
require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw
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National Standards Institute.

Published by

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

1300 North 17th Street, Rosslyn, VA 22209

Copyright 2016 by National Electrical Manufacturers Association

All rights reserved including translation into other languages, reserved under the Universal
Copyright Convention, the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works,
and the International and Pan American Copyright Conventions.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America.

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1

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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

This page intentionally left blank.Contents

Page

Foreword......................................................................................................................................................
1

Introduction.....................................................................................................................................

Scope and purpose.........................................................................................................................

2.1

Scope.................................................................................................................................

2.2

Purpose..............................................................................................................................
2.2.1

Existing American National Standards..................................................................

Application and exceptions.............................................................................................................

3.1

Applications........................................................................................................................

3.2

Exceptions.........................................................................................................................

Specifications..................................................................................................................................
4.1

General..............................................................................................................................

4.2

Testing specifications.........................................................................................................

Terms and definitions......................................................................................................................

Safety Colors..................................................................................................................................
6.1

Safety colors - ordinary surface colors...............................................................................

6.2

Safety white........................................................................................................................

6.3

Safety black........................................................................................................................

6.4

Daylight fluorescent safety colors.......................................................................................

Optimum visibility............................................................................................................................

Surface finish..................................................................................................................................

External illumination of safety colors...............................................................................................

10

Safety color stability........................................................................................................................

11

Tables and Figures..........................................................................................................................

12

Normative References..................................................................................................................

Annex A (informative) Chromaticity diagram for safety yellow...................................................................

Annex B (informative) Color region comparison between ANSI Z535.1 and ISO 3864-4...........................
Annex C (informative) Safety color cross-reference chart..........................................................................
Annex D (informative) ISO information......................................................................................................
D1

ISO 3864-4:2011, Annex E...............................................................................................

D2

ISO references for safety orange.....................................................................................

Annex E (informative) Munsell information................................................................................................

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Figures
Figure 1 Section of the CIE 1931 Chromaticity Diagram Showing Green, Yellow-to-Red Region, and
Chromaticity Specification Boundaries for ANSI Z535.1 Fluorescent Safety Colors..................................12
Figure 2 CIE 1931 Chromaticity Diagram of Color Regions for ANSI Z535.1 Safety Colors......................13
Figure 3 Enlarged View of the CIE 1931 Chromaticity Diagram Showing Neutral Limits for Safety White
and Safety Black........................................................................................................................................ 14
Figure A1 Enlarged View of the CIE 1931 Chromaticity Diagram Showing the Color Region for Safety
Yellow........................................................................................................................................................ 16
Figure B1 ANSI Z535.1 Safety Colors Using Illuminant C and ISO 3864-4 Safety Colours Using Standard
Illuminant D65............................................................................................................................................ 17
Figure E1 Munsell Hue Circle.................................................................................................................... 22
Figure E2 Munsell Hue, Value, Chroma..................................................................................................... 23

Tables
Table 1 Specifications for Color Tolerance Charts for use with Labels and Placards Surfaced with Paint,
Lacquer, Enamel, Plastic, other Opaque Coatings, or Ink 1..........................................................................6
Table 2 Specifications for Color Tolerance Charts for Use with Labels and Placards Surfaced with Ink......7
Table 3 Specification for Colors for Use with Labels Printed on Packaging Surfaces................................10
Table 4 Specification for Fluorescent Safety Colors Recommended Limits of Fluorescent Colors in Terms
of CIE Recommendations No. 39-2, 1983 for Surface Colors for Visual Signalling...................................10
Table 5 (x, y) Chromaticity coordinates of the corners of the recommended limits for fluorescent safety
colors specified in Table 4, in terms of the CIE 1931 Standard Colorimetric System, measured with 45/0
geometry, and evaluation with CIE Standard Illuminant D65.....................................................................11
Table 6 Specifications for Safety White and Safety Black..........................................................................11
Table C1 ANSI Z535.1 Safety Colors - Cross-Reference Chart.................................................................18
Table D1 [ISO 3864-4:2011] Table E.1 Ordinary materials: examples for object colours that fall within the
specified chromaticity coordinates and luminance factor for the colour region..........................................20
Table D2 ISO References for Colour Order Systems for Safety Colour Orange........................................22

4
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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

Foreword
In 1979, the ANSI Z53 Committee on Safety Colors was combined with the ANSI Z35 Committee on
Safety Signs to form the ANSI Z535 Committee on Safety Signs and Colors. The Z535 Committee has
the following scope:
To develop standards for the design, application, and use of signs, colors, and symbols
Intended to identify and warn against specific hazards and for other accident prevention
purposes.
While the basic mission and fundamental purpose of the ANSI Z535 Committee is to develop, refine,
and promote a single, uniform graphic system used for communicating safety and accident prevention
information, the Z535 Committee recognizes that this information can also be effectively communicated
using other graphic systems.
The Z535 Committee created subcommittees to update the Z53 and Z35 standards and to write new
standards. To date, the following six standards comprise the ANSI Z535 series:
ANSI Z535.1

Safety Colors [ANSI Z53.1-1979 was updated and combined into this standard
in 1991]

ANSI Z535.2

Environmental and Facility Safety Signs [ANSI Z35.1-1972 and Z35.4-1972

were updated and combined into this standard in 1991]

ANSI Z535.3

Criteria for Safety Symbols [new in 1991]

ANSI Z535.4

Product Safety Signs and Labels [new in 1991]

ANSI Z535.5

Safety Tags and Barricade Tapes (for Temporary Hazards) [ANSI Z35.21974 was updated and combined into this standard in 1991]

ANSI Z535.6

Product Safety Information in Product Manuals, Instructions, and Other

Collateral Materials [new in 2006]

Together, these six standards contain the information needed to specify formats, colors, and symbols for
safety signs used in environmental and facility applications, product and product literature applications,
and temporary safety tag and barricade tape applications.
Published separately is the ANSI Z535 Safety Color Chart. This chart gives the user a sample of each of
the safety colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, white, and black. It also describes each colors

ink formulation and closest PANTONE color.

This ANSI Z535.1 standard was prepared by the Z535.1 Subcommittee on Safety Colors. The foreword
and all annexes are considered to be informative; the body is considered normative. In the vocabulary of
writing standards, the word informative is meant to convey that the content presented is for
informational purposes only and is not considered to be mandatory in nature. The word "normative" is
meant to convey that the content is considered to be mandatory or prescriptive.
The 2011 edition of this standard is the eighth revision of the American War Standard, developed at the
request of the War Department and approved by the American Standards Association (ASA) on July
16,1945. The ASA was reconstituted as the USA Standards Institute (USASI) in August 1966, and as the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in October 1969. Peacetime work on revising the American
War Standard containing the Safety Color Code began in 1946 under committee procedures of the ASA,
with the National Safety Council serving as sponsor of the project. The Sectional Committee on the
Safety Color Code, Z53, reviewed the War Standard and enlarged its application to include the colors
orange, blue, and purple. The committee also approved standard definitions and limits for the colors.
The revised standard was approved by the ASA on September 11, 1953. In the 1971 revision, the
Z53 committee deleted the color blue and modified the application of the color yellow, due to
conflicts with other American National Standards.

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5

In the fourth revision, a significant step forward was made toward increased safety through uniformity in
safety color coding. The safety colors formerly used in this standard were combined and adjusted to give
the best feasible discrimination for observers with either normal or color-deficient (colorblind) vision. For
the first time, safety color tolerance charts were available for use with this standard (see Section 8,
Reference 17). Each color tolerance chart shows the standard color and six color tolerances illustrating
acceptable ranges in hue, value (lightness), and chroma (saturation). Each color tolerance chart also lists
the Munsell notation and equivalent CIE specifications (x, y, Y) for each standard color and tolerance
sample. The colors brown, blue, and gray were added, and Table 1 was expanded to include the same
information on most of the levels of the Universal Color Language (UCL) for the tolerance samples as for
the standard or central sample of each Safety Color. Sections 1 to 6 of the present standard contain
material similar to the fourth revision (Z53.1, 1979).
The intent of the fifth revision (1991) of the safety color standard was to provide a series of visually
distinguishable safety colors, each with specific uses. The sixth revision in 1998 incorporated corrections
and additions that helped to clarify the use of the standard in conjunction with the other Z535 standards.
Annex A was also added at this time to explain how to relate the CIE safety color specifications contained
in Table 1 with the CIE chromaticity diagrams illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 3.
The seventh revision of the ANSI Z535.1 Safety Color Code, in 2002, had two major changes. The first is
the deletion of information concerning the application of the safety colors. The intention in making this
change was to maintain Z535.1 as the standard that defines the safety colors in terms of their color
tolerances. The application of the colors (i.e., how they are to be used) properly belongs to the other
standards in the ANSI Z535 series as well as to other standards that include uses for safety colors. The
second change was to include the closest PANTONE color number for all of the safety colors on the
Safety Color Chart that did not have a PANTONE color reference. This was a practical addition that
makes it easier for those needing to specify a safety color using the PANTONE color matching system.
It is important to note that the color-rendering characteristics of several types of modern, high-efficiency
light sources differ markedly from those of the average daylight source (CIE Source C) specified in
Table 1. It is therefore essential that candidate safety colors be examined under the actual light sources to
be used in order to ensure that they can be suitably differentiated and individually identified with their
assigned color names.
The limited color gamut and aging characteristics of fluorescent colorants combine to restrict the number
and chromaticities of fluorescent safety colors. For this reason, categories of unrestricted red-orange and
unrestricted yellow fluorescent colors were added in 1998 to supplement the restricted specifications that
are equivalent to CIE international standards. The unrestricted specifications may be used when no more
than three distinguishable fluorescent safety colors are required for outdoor use for up to two years.
Recent research is providing conclusive evidence that highly chromatic colors, in some chromaticities,
serve to increase or decrease the perception of lightness (for reflective materials) and brightness (for selfluminous objects). The effect is more dramatic in the case of colored lights and colored retroreflective
materials. Future revisions of this standard might consider opportunities for improving the visibility of
safety signs, colors, and symbols through the selective use of vividly colored retroreflectors as well as
include test methods and color specifications for retroreflective and self-luminous materials.
The 2006 version of this standard was nearly identical to the ANSI Z535.1-2002 version, with an updated
reference section and a new title, reflecting that the standard is meant to be used as a reference to define
specific colors, not to set forth or codify the uses of these colors for specific purposes.
In 2010, the Z535.1 Subcommittee reviewed ANSI Z535.1-2006 and, not identifying any technical
changes, recommended reaffirmation of the standard to the Z535 Committee. In its review, however, the
Z535.1 Subcommittee made the following corrections:
In Table 1, corrected the following for Safety Orange:
Value + changed from
Value changed from
Chroma + changed from

6
permission.

5.0YR 6.0/15 to 5.0YR 6.5/15

5.0YR 6.5/15 to 5.0YR 5.5/15
5.0YR 5.5/15 to 5.0YR 6.0/16;

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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

th

In Annex A, 6 paragraph, after "CIE 1931," replaced the box

symbol with a degree symbol;
In Figure 1, the centroid for each color was checked and relocated
as necessary.
In 2012, the Z535.1 Safety Colors subcommittee recommended that the entire standard be revised and
references to Hazardous Materials Label and Placard Color Tolerance Charts be minimized due to their
limited availability. These charts are no longer being produced or offered for sale, but are on
display in the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety, Office of Hazardous Materials Standards,
Washington, DC.
ANSI Z535.1 Safety Colors is harmonizing with the Code of Federal Regulations. Tables 1, 2, and 3 from
Title 49 Transportation, 172.407, Appendix A will replace Table 1 in the Z535.1 standard. Tables 2 and 3
allow for differences in production methods and will help to ensure safety colors remain within their
recommended tolerances. The Munsell Notations and chromaticity coordinates are identical in both the
CFR Table 1, and ANSI Z535.1, the exception is how color is described. The new Table 1 is more
understandable to persons unfamiliar with the Munsell Color System. An adjustment was made to the new
Table 1 to include the original Munsell description of hue, value, and chroma into the Munsell Notation
column.
The normative body of the standard has been simplified and designed as a tool for specifying safety
colors consistently. Definitions or terms have been included so readers have a basic understanding to
references made within the standard. More emphasis has been placed on what can affect a safety colors
appearance and cause it to fall outside the acceptable tolerance limits rather than the technical
measurement of safety colors which is beyond the scope of this standard. Fluorescent safety color
information has been updated and expanded.
Realizing the need to make this standard more user friendly and understandable several new Annexes
have been added. Annex A clarifies the color boundaries for Safety Yellow. Annex B illustrates ANSI safety
color boundaries and ISO safety colour boundaries together on a chromaticity diagram so one can see
where ANSI safety colors plot in comparison to ISO safety colours. Annex C contains a color crossreference chart which includes the Munsell notation, a PANTONE number, C-M-Y-K percentages, and a
RGB formula for each safety color. To harmonize with ISO, Annex D has been added, ISO safety colours
and contrast colors of ordinary materials is shown in Table D-1. Annex E illustrates the Munsell Hue Circle
and provides a visual detail of Hue, Value, and Chroma.
Safety Gray and Safety Brown have been eliminated from Table 1. These colors are in use by other
signage systems, but are not considered as hazard alerting colors for accident prevention. The
PANTONE colors originally specified for the Safety Color Chart have been changed to harmonize with
the PANTONE colors specified in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49 Transportation,
172.407, section 5.
The following color standards in the PANTONE formula guide coated/uncoated may be used to achieve
the required colors on markings and hazard warning labels and placards:
For Red Use PANTONE 186 U
For Orange Use PANTONE 151 U
For Yellow Use PANTONE 109 U
For Green Use PANTONE 335 U
For Blue Use PANTONE 285 U
For Purple Use PANTONE 259 U
The original PANTONE colors referenced on the 2011 Safety Color Chart are acceptable for use as
these colors are within safety color tolerances given in Table 1. Specification of the PANTONE colors

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7

Geoffrey Peckham, Chair

J. Paul Frantz, Vice Chair
Greg Winchester, Secretary
Organization Represented:

Name of Representative:

American Society of Safety Engineers

J. Paul Frantz
Thomas F. Breshnahan (Alt.)
Timothy Rhoades (Alt.)

American Welding Society

August F. Manz

Applied Materials

Carl Wong

Applied Safety and Ergonomics

Steve Hall
Stephen Young (Alt.)

Association for Manufacturing Technology

David Felinski

Association of Equipment Manufacturers

Michael Weber
Daniel Taylor (Alt.)

Browning Arms Company

Larry D. Nelson

Caterpillar, Inc.

Charles Crowell
Mark Steffen (Alt.)

Clarion Safety Systems, LLC

Geoffrey Peckham
Phillip Peckham (Alt.)

Dorris and Associates International, LLC

Nathan T. Dorris
Eric Boelhouwer (Alt.)
Alan L. Dorris (Alt.)

Eagle Crusher Co.

Ryan Parsell

Edison Electric Institute

David Young

Human Factors & Ergonomics Society

Michael Kalsher
H. Harvey Cohen (Alt.)

Human Factors & Safety Analytics, Inc.

B. Jay Martin

IEEE

Sue Vogel

International Safety Equipment Association

Christine Fargo

International Staple, Nail, and Tool

Association

John W. Kurtz
Thomas Siwek (Alt.)

Law Office of Mathew Kundinger

Mathew Kundinger

Marhefka & Associates

Russell E. Marhefka

National Association of Graphic and Product

Identification Manufacturers

Russ Butchko
Donna Ehrmann (Alt.)

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Bill Pratt
David Werba (Alt.)

8National Marker Company

permission.

Michael Black DRAFT Do not quote or circulate without

Alice Campbell (Alt.)
Marianne Pepin (Alt.)

listed above will be

encouraged as they will
replace the original
PANTONE colors on
the 2011 Safety Color
Chart.
Proposals
for
improvement of this
standard are welcome.
Information concerning
submittal of proposals
to the ANSI Z535
Committee
for
consideration can be
found at the back of this
standard.
This
standard
was
processed
and
approved for submittal
to
ANSI
by
the
Accredited Standards
Committee Z535 on
Safety
Signs
and
Colors.
Committee
approval
of
this
standard
does
not
necessarily imply that
all committee members
voted for its approval At
the time it reaffirmed
this standard, the Z535
Committee had the
following members:

At the time it prepared

this standard for Z535
Committee
vote,
Subcommittee Z535.1
on Safety Colors had
the following members:
Donna
Chair
Greg
Secretary

Ehrmann,
Winchester,

Donna

Ehrmann
National
Association of Graphic
and
Product
Identification
Manufacturers

ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

Judi Isaacson
Mike Kalsher
Karen Stetler

Applied Safety and Ergonomics

Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Travelers Insurance

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AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

ANSI Z535.1-2016

For Safety Colors

1

Introduction

Safety colors used on signs, labels, tags, or safety markings for emergency equipment often suffer from a
lack of uniformity. Inconsistent safety colors can send mixed messages as to their meaning. As a result,
employees who move from workplace to workplace may be confused during times of an emergency when
real viewing conditions can rapidly change, and risk of injury increases.
Safety colors are effective tools that supplement a word message, thus, they need to be consistent so
their meaning is instantly recognized, and immediate action can be taken to prevent harm.
Standardized safety colors eliminate the need for lengthy descriptions about existing hazards, and
facilitate communication when an emergency arises. Safety colors do not replace proper training in
accident prevention. Employees need to be informed as to the meaning of each safety color and what
actions are required to avoid the hazard and potential harm.
The safety colors specified in ANSI Z535.1, are the same as those used by:
ANSI Z535.2

Environmental and Facility Safety Signs,

ANSI Z535.3

Criteria for Safety Symbols,

ANSI Z535.4

Product Safety Signs and Labels,

ANSI Z535.5

Accident Prevention Tags (for Temporary Hazards),

ANSI Z535..6

Product Safety Information in Product Manuals and Instructions and Other Collateral
Materials

1
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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

Scope and purpose

2.1

Scope

This scope provides a system for specifying safety colors, in terms of Munsell notations, CIE colorimetric
data, defined chromaticity regions, and color formulas for each safety color used on safety signs, labels,
and tags.
2.2

Purpose

The purposes of this standard is to:

a. implement a uniform system for specifying safety colors
b. include safety color formulas for a variety of applications and media, (Annex C),
c.

harmonize with safety colors specified in the Code of Federal Regulations, 49 CFR, 172.407
(Subpart E), (Tables 1-3), 49 CFR, 172.407 Label Specifications (5).

d. harmonize with ISO 3864-4, Graphical symbols Safety colours and safety signs Part 4:
Colorimetric and photometric properties of safety sign materials, (Annex D).
2.2.1

Existing American National Standards

There are a number of existing American National Standards, which are recognized for particular
industries or specific uses. Compliance with these standards may be considered for the particular industry
or use. It is not the intent of ANSI Z535.1 Safety Colors to replace existing standards or regulations, which
are uniquely applicable to a specific industry or use.

Application and exceptions

3.1

Applications

This standard sets forth Munsell notations, CIE coordinates, and color formulas for each safety color to
facilitate designers and producers of safety signs, labels, and tags. These colors are prescribed for a wide
range of materials as possible, and allow for differences in production methods and viewing conditions.
Safety colors not conforming to their Munsell notations or CIE coordinates in Tables 1, 2, and 3, or color
formulas in Annex C, should not be used for safety signs, labels, and tags.
3.2

Exceptions

3.2.1 Should any of the requirements of this standard conflict with federal, state, or municipal
regulations such conflicts shall not invalidate other sections of this standard.
3.2.2 Safety color formulas and CIE color measurements in this standard are not applicable to selfluminous signs, phosphorescent materials, or signs requiring an artificial light source. Safety color
formulas and CIE data in this standard apply to safety signs, labels and tags, comprised of ordinary
materials, viewed in an environment with normal lighting or natural daylight.
3.2.3 It is beyond the scope of this standard to define procedures for color measurement or color
testing.
3.2.4

It is beyond the scope of this standard to address safety sign, label, or tag substrates.

3.2.5 The colors displayed in this standard are for illustrative purposes only, and are not to be used for
color matching.

Specifications

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2

4.1

General

Safety color specifications are in terms of a Munsell notation and the CIE 1931 standard colorimetric
observer (2 degree) equivalent data.
4.2

Testing specifications

If a visual judgment indicates the safety color may be outside allowable tolerances listed in Tables 1, 2
and 3, a spectrophotometer or other instrumentation may be required to ensure compliance. When testing
ordinary safety colors, the chromaticity coordinates for each safety color shall fall within the relevant color
boundary illustrated in Figure 2. To instrumentally test an ordinary safety color, compute the data using
the daylight simulator, Illuminant C, and the CIE 1931 standard colorimetric observer (2 degree).

Terms and definitions

These technical terms for describing and understanding color measurements are not formal definitions,
but are meant to provide basic understanding of color references applicable to this standard.
5.1
boundary: A color region's x, and y chromaticity coordinates on the CIE (2 degree)
chromaticity diagram. A colors boundary is the limit for that color.
5.2
chroma: The attribute of a visual sensation, which permits a judgment to be made of the
degree to which a chromatic stimulus differs from an "achromatic" stimulus of the same brightness. [ 1 ]
5.3
chromaticity coordinates: All visible colors can be specified by their chromaticity coordinates
on a two dimensional plane. Chromaticity coordinates are: x = X / (X + Y + Z), y = Y / (X + Y + Z), z
= Z / (X + Y + Z. These are mathematically defined values from equations that simulate the sensitivity
of the three cones in the human retina, and how color is perceived. Chromaticity coordinates specify a
color's hue (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet), and a colors saturation (light green, or dark
red).
5.4
CIE chromaticity diagram: A color map, which the chromaticity of all spectral colors visible to
the human eye, mathematically plotted with x as abscissa, and y as ordinate. Wavelengths ( ) are
indicated in nanometers along the curved boundary called the spectrum locus, the line of purples join
the two points. The CIE diagram removes all intensity information, and uses its two dimensions to
describe hue and saturation. It is a world wide standard for describing colors and color gamut, and for
doing calculations of color sensations. [ 2 ] The CIE chromaticity diagram is also specified in CIE 15:
2004 as the CIE ( x, y ) diagram.
5.5
CIE colorimetric system: A system that provides numerical specifications that are meant to
indicate whether or not pairs of color stimuli match when viewed by a CIE standard colorimetric observer.
The CIE color system is not intended to provide visually uniform scales of color difference or to describe
visually perceived color appearances. [ 3 ]
5.6
CIE Commission Internationale de l'clairage: The International Commission on Light. It is
the worldwide standardizing organization for Photometry and Colorimetry. The CIE system has
standardized how color is perceived by establishing viewing geometry, the illuminant or source, and the
observer.
5.7
CIE Illuminant C: Colorimetric illuminant representing average daylight, bluish in color, with a
correlated color temperature of 6774K. This illuminant does not adequately represent the ultraviolet
region in the spectral distribution of daylight necessary for evaluating fluorescent samples. Illuminant C
does not have the status of a CIE Standard Illuminant, but is still widely used because calculations still
use this illuminant. [ 4 ]
5.8
CIE Standard Illuminant D65: The most commonly used illuminant, having a correlated color
temperature of 6504 K, close to Illuminant C, with a spectral distribution in the ultraviolet region that
plays an important role in the colorimetry of fluorescent colors, based on actual measurements of the
spectral distribution of average daylight. [ 5 ] CIE recommends this standard illuminant be used whenever
possible.
3
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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

5.9
CIE Standard Colorimetric Observer (2 degree): An "idealized" observer representing an
average population with normal color vision, having the skill to consistently match color, and able to
distinguish color differences. A 2 degree field of view was chosen to stimulate the color receptors
(cones) concentrated in the fovea, a small area in the center of the retina. The standard observer
needs to be specified when performing color calculations.
5.10
hue: An attribute of the human visual system by which an object appears to be red, yellow,
green, blue, or purple, the five principal hues defined by Munsell.
5.11
Munsell Color Order System: Developed by Albert H. Munsell in the early part of the twentieth
century. The appearance of color is based on perceptual scaling of three attributes: hue, value, and
chroma. A Munsell notation is written as a combination of letters and numbers by which the color of
an opaque object may be specified by Munsell hue H, Munsell value V, and Munsell chroma C, written
as H V/C.
5.12
normal vision: A person having three functioning color receptors (cones), located in the center
of the retina responsible for color vision.
5.13
tristimulus values: Amounts of three primaries (lights) required to match a perceivable hue,
represented by three parameters X, Y, and Z. Values are calculated by integrating the spectral
power distribution of the illuminant.
5.14
value: A color's lightness or darkness on a scale from 0 (absolute black) to 10 (pure white). Value
can apply to hues (colors) as well as achromatic (neutral) colors.

Safety Colors

6.1

Safety colors - ordinary surface colors

Safety colors in this standard have been chosen for maximum color recognition by observers with normal
color vision, and those with color vision deficiencies. These safety colors are ordinary opaque surface
colors, they are neither fluorescent or phosphorescent, see Table 1.
6.2

Safety white

The specification for safety white is written as N 9/. Absolute white has a neutral value of N 10/. N
represents the neutral value, or gray scale in the Munsell system. The intent of the permissible color
range shown in Table 6 is to allow for greater deviation from neutral white in the red-to-orange-to-yellow
hue range, and lesser deviation in the rest of the hue circle. This deviation is necessary because most
white colorants are really off-whites in the red-to-yellow range. Users should be guided by the ovoid
shown in Figure 3, and CIE data in Table 6.
6.3

Safety black

The specification for safety black is written as N 1.5/. The neutral value for absolute black is N 0/. It is
acceptable for this neutral value to be lower (darker) than N 1.5/. Users should be guided by the ovoid
shown in Figure 3, and CIE data in Table 6. When using safety black, it is important not to exceed the
luminance percentage (Y%) given in Table 6.
6.4

Daylight fluorescent safety colors

These colors may be required for special applications where ordinary safety colors lack the high visibility
that may be necessary. Fluorescent colorants are best know for their brilliance and their facility for
obtaining higher chroma and lightness than non-uorescent colorants. The color of uorescent materials
depends upon the quality of the illumination under which it is observed. The individual spectral
excitation is a function of the colorant's chemical structure. Although each colorant has its own
DRAFT Do not quote or circulate without permission.
4

excitation spectrum, many uorescent colorants are excited by invisible ultraviolet radiation to produce
emission spectra in the visible region. In addition, a number of violet and blue colorants are excited by
visible light to give near infra-red energy which is not seen by human observers. [ 6 ]
Using modern technology it is now possible to produce materials with fluorescent color stability
approaching that of conventional colors. Fluorescent materials are now available that maintain their
chromaticity and high level of fluorescent emission after years of exposure in severe climates. The end
result is a redefinition of the contribution fluorescent materials can make towards improving the visibility
and conspicuity of signing and markings. Given todays visually complex environments, one can expect
increasing use of fluorescent materials for visual signalling, especially for critical safety applications such
as traffic control signing, warning clothing for pedestrian visibility enhancement and industrial work place
signing. [ 7 ]
Precise measurement of ultraviolet-activated fluorescent specimens requires the instrument provide
broadband illumination intensity from 300 to 780 nm, and the spectral distribution of the illumination on
the specimen should closely duplicate CIE Standard Illuminant D65. When highest measurement
precision and reproducibility are required, the wavelength range should extend from 300 to 830nm. [ 8 ]
Special care may be needed if fluorescent and non-fluorescent safety colors of the same chromaticity are
chosen to be used together, as different deteriorations might produce dissimilarities of the chromaticities. [ 9 ]
See Figure 1 for fluorescent safety color boundaries, and Tables 4 - 5 for chromaticity coordinates.

Optimum visibility

It is important to examine the relationship of safety colors and their surrounding field to ensure optimum
visibility, especially lightness contrast. There should be sufficient contrast between the safety color and its
surround so it appears distinct and its hazard level is immediately recognized. Study the placement of
safety markings and minimize the number of signs used, too many colors appearing simultaneously in the
visual field can lead to confusion in the event of an emergency.

Surface finish

Careful consideration should be given to any protective surface applied to a safety sign such as a clear
overcoat or transparent film. A glossy protective surface will saturate the safety color, and reflected light
can alter the appearance of the safety color. A matte protective surface will de-saturate the safety color
increasing the luminance percentage (Y%), and it could cause it to fall outside the safety colors allowable
tolerance limit. If a protective surface is applied to the safety color it should be measured to insure it is
within recommended tolerances given in Tables 1, 2, or 3.

External illumination of safety colors

Safety colors should be distinguishable when viewed under normal lighting conditions, within reason.
Safety colors shall be illuminated to levels, which permit positive identification of the safety color and the
message conveyed by that color.
If, however, the illumination is from daylight in one of its usual phases (direct sunlight, overcast sky, etc.),
or from incandescent tungsten-filament lamps, or from white fluorescent lamps of good color-rendering
properties, then, since the eye of the observer will undergo rapid chromatic adaptation to these
illuminants, the colors will retain sufficient constancy of appearance for most practical purposes, even
though the measured chromaticities have moved outside the recommended limits. Such changes are
acceptable, since the message of the color-coding is preserved. [10 ]

10

Safety color stability

5
permission.

DRAFT Do not quote or circulate without

ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

Deterioration of surface colors in use is a common occurrence, and care must be taken that safety colors
always remain in compliance with their specifications. Particular attention should be given to fluorescent
colors, as they are liable to undergo rapid changes in chromaticity and luminance factor on exposure to
radiation and wear if they are not provided with special protective surfaces. Frequent inspections of
fluorescent colors are advised until the normal useful life has been confidently ascertained for each typical
situation where these colors are used. [ 11 ]

11

Tables and Figures

The following are Munsell notations and Commission Internationale de LEclairage (CIE) coordinates which
describe the Office of Hazardous Materials Transportation Label and Placard Color Tolerance Charts in Tables
1 and 2, and the CIE coordinates for the color tolerances specified in Table 3. Central Colors and tolerances
described in Table 2 approximate those described in Table 1 while allowing for differences in production
methods and materials used to manufacture labels and placards surfaced with printing inks. Primarily, the color
charts based on Table 1 are for label or placard colors applied as opaque coatings such as paint, enamel or
plastic, whereas color charts based on Table 2 are intended for use with labels and placards surfaced only with
inks. For labels printed directly on packaging surfaces, Table 3 may be used, although compliance with either
Table 1 or Table 2 is sufficient. However, if visual reference indicates that the colors of labels printed directly on
package surfaces are outside the Table 1 or 2 tolerances, a spectrophotometer or other instrumentation may be
required to insure compliance with Table 3. [12]

Table 1
Specifications for Color Tolerance Charts for use with Labels and Placards
Surfaced with Paint, Lacquer, Enamel, Plastic, other Opaque Coatings, or Ink 1
(Appendix A to 172 Office of Hazardous Materials Transportation
Color Tolerance Charts and Tables)
CIE Data for Source C
Color
SAFETY RED
Central color
Orange
Purple and vivid
Grayish
Vivid
Light
Dark

SAFETY ORANGE
Central color
Yellow and grayish
Red and vivid
Grayish
Vivid
Light
Dark

Munsell Notation

7.5R
8.5R
6.5R
7.5R
7.5R

4.0/14
4.0/14
4.0/14
4.0/12
4.0/16

Std.
Hue +
Hue Chroma Chroma

7.5R
7.5R

4.5/14
3.5/14

Value +
Value -

5.0YR
6.25YR
3.75YR
5.0YR
5.0YR

6.0/15
6.0/15
6.0/15
6.0/13
6.0/16

Std.
Hue +
Hue Chroma Chroma

5.0YR
5.0YR

6.5/15
5.5/15

Value +
Value -

DRAFT Do not quote or circulate without permission.

6

Y%

12.00
12.00
12.00
12.00
12.00
15.57
09.00

.5959
.6037
.5869
.5603
.6260
.5775
.6226

.3269
.3389
.3184
.3321
.3192
.3320
.3141

30.05
30.05
30.05
30.05
30.05
36.20
24.58

.5510
.5452
.5552
.5311
.5597
.5427
.5606

.4214
.4329
.4091
.4154
.4239
.4206
.4218

SAFETY YELLOW
Central color
Green
Orange and vivid
Grayish
Vivid
Light
Dark

59.10
59.10
59.10
59.10
59.10
68.40
50.68

.4562
.4498
.4632
.4376
.4699
.4508
.4620

.4788
.4865
.4669
.4601
.4920
.4754
.4823

Std.
Hue +
Hue Chroma Chroma - 2
Chroma +
Value +
Value -

12.00
12.00
12.00
12.00
12.00
12.00
15.57
09.00

.2111
.1974
.2237
.2350
.2467
.1848
.2204
.2027

.4121
.3809
.4399
.3922
.3822
.4319
.4060
.4163

Std.
Hue +
Hue Chroma Chroma +
Value Value +

09.00
09.00
09.00
09.00
09.00
12.00
06.55

.1691
.1796
.1557
.1888
.1516
.1805
.1576

.1744
.1711
.1815
.1964
.1547
.1888
.1800

5.0Y
6.5Y
3.5Y
5.0Y
5.0Y

8.0/12
8.0/12
8.0/12
8.0/10
8.0/14

Std.
Hue +
Hue Chroma Chroma

5.0Y
5.0Y

8.5/12
7.5/12

Value +
Value -

SAFETY GREEN
Central color
Bluish
Green-yellow
Grayish A
Grayish B 2
Vivid
Light
Dark

7.5G
0.5BG
5.0G
7.5G
7.5G
7.5G
7.5G
7.5G

4.0/9
4.0/9
4.0/9
4.0/7
4.0/6
4.0/11
4.5/9
3.5/9

SAFETY BLUE
Central color
Purple
Green and vivid
Grayish
Vivid
Light
Dark

2.5PB
4.5PG
10.0B
2.5PB
2.5PB
2.5PB
2.5PB

3.5/10
3.5/10
3.5/10
3.5/8
3.5/12
4.0/10
3.0/10

7
permission.

DRAFT Do not quote or circulate without

ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

Table 1 continued
Specifications for Color Tolerance Charts for use with Labels and Placards
Surfaced with Paint, Lacquer, Enamel, Plastic, other Opaque Coatings, or Ink 1
CIE Data for Source C
Color
SAFETY PURPLE
Central color
Reddish purple
Blue purple
Reddish gray
Gray 2
Vivid
Light
Dark

Munsell Notation

10.0P
2.5RP
7.5P
10.0P
10.0P
10.0P
10.0P
10.0P

4.5/10
4.5/10
4.5/10
4.5/8
4.5/6.5
4.5/12
5.0/10
4.0/10

Std.
Hue +
Hue Chroma Chroma - 2
Chroma +
Value +
Value -

Y%

15.57
15.57
15.57
15.57
15.57
15.57
19.77
12.00

.3307
.3584
.3068
.3280
.3254
.3333
.3308
.3306

.2245
.2377
.2145
.2391
.2519
.2101
.2328
.2162

Maximum chroma is not limited.

For the colors green and purple, the minimum saturation (chroma) limits for porcelain enamel on metal are lower than
for most other surface coatings. Therefore, the minimum chroma limits of these two colors are displayed on the Charts
for comparison to porcelain enamel on metal is low, as shown for green (grayish B) and purple (gray).
2

NOTE: CIE Commission Internationale de LEclairage.

Table 2
Specifications for Color Tolerance Charts for Use with Labels and Placards Surfaced with Ink
CIE Data for Source C
Color
SAFETY RED
Central series:
Central color
Grayish
Purple
Purple and vivid
Vivid
Orange
Orange and grayish
Light series:
Light
Light and orange
Light and purple
Dark series:
Dark A
Dark B
Dark and purple

Munsell Notation

Y%

6.8R
7.2R
6.4R
6.1R
6.7R
7.3R
7.65R

4.47/12.8
4.72/12.2
4.49/12.7
4.33/13.1
4.29/13.2
4.47/12.8
4.70/12.4

15.34
17.37
15.52
14.25
13.99
15.34
17.20

.5510
.5368
.5442
.5529
.5617
.5572
.5438

.3286
.3348
.3258
.3209
.3253
.3331
.3382

7.0R
7.4R
6.6R

4.72/13.2
4.96/12.6
4.79/12.9

17.32
19.38
17.94

.5511
.5365
.5397

.3322
.3382
.3289

6.7R
7.0R
7.5R

4.19/12.5
4.25/12.35
4.23/12.4

13.30
13.72
13.58

.5566
.5522
.5577

.3265
.3294
.3329

DRAFT Do not quote or circulate without permission.

8

Table 2 continued
Specifications for Color Tolerance Charts for Use with Labels and Placards Surfaced with Ink
CIE Data for Source C
Color
SAFETY ORANGE
Central series:
Central color
Yellow and grayish A
Yellow and grayish B
Vivid
Red and vivid A
Red and vivid B
Grayish
Light series:
Light and vivid A
Light and yellow
Light and vivid B
Dark series:
Dark and yellow
Dark A
Dark B
SAFETY YELLOW
Central series:
Central color
Vivid A
Vivid B
Vivid and orange
Grayish A
Grayish B
Green-yellow
Light series:
Light
Light and green-yellow
Light and vivid
Dark series:
Dark and green-yellow
Dark and orange A
Dark and orange B
SAFETY GREEN
Central series:
Central color
Grayish
Blue A
Blue B
Vivid
Vivid green-yellow
Green-yellow
Light series:
Light and vivid
Light and blue
Light and green-yellow
Dark series:
Dark and green-yellow
Dark and grayish
Dark

9
permission.

Munsell Notation

Y%

5.0YR
5.8YR
6.1YR
5.1YR
3.9YR
3.6YR
4.9YR

6.10/12.15
6.22/11.7
6.26/11.85
6.07/12.3
5.87/12.75
5.91/12.6
6.10/11.9

31.27
32.69
33.20
30.86
28.53
29.05
31.22

.5193
.5114
.5109
.5226
.5318
.5291
.5170

.4117
.4155
.4190
.4134
.4038
.4021
.4089

5.8YR
6.0YR
4.9YR

6.78/12.7
6.80/12.8
6.60/12.9

39.94
40.20
37.47

.5120
.5135
.5216

.4177
.4198
.4126

5.8YR
5.1YR
5.0YR

5.98/11.0
5.80/11.1
5.80/11.0

29.87
27.80
27.67

.5052
.5127
.5109

.4132
.4094
.4068

4.3Y
4.5Y
3.3Y
3.2Y
4.1Y
5.1Y
5.2Y

7.87/10.3
7.82/10.8
7.72/11.35
7.72/10.8
7.95/9.7
8.06/9.05
7.97/9.9

56.81
55.92
54.24
54.25
58.18
60.12
58.53

.4445
.4503
.4612
.4576
.4380
.4272
.4356

.4589
.4658
.4624
.4572
.4516
.4508
.4605

5.4Y
5.4Y
4.4Y

8.59/10.5
8.56/11.2
8.45/11.4

70.19
69.59
67.42

.4351
.4414
.4490

.4628
.4692
.4662

4.4Y
3.4Y
3.5Y

7.57/9.7
7.39/10.4
7.41/10.0

51.82
48.86
49.20

.4423
.4584
.4517

.4562
.4590
.4544

9.75G
10.0G
1.4BG
1.0BG
8.4G
7.0G
7.85G

4.26/7.75
4.46/7.5
4.20/7.4
4.09/7.75
4.09/8.05
4.23/8.0
4.46/7.7

13.80
15.25
13.36
12.60
12.59
13.54
15.23

.2214
.2263
.2151
.2109
.2183
.2292
.2313

.3791
.3742
.3625
.3685
.3954
.4045
.3914

9.5G
0.2BG
8.3G

4.45/8.8
4.31/8.8
4.29/9.05

15.21
14.12
14.01

.2141
.2069
.2313

.3863
.3814
.4006

7.1G
9.5G
8.5G

4.08/7.1
4.11/6.9
3.97/7.2

12.55
12.70
11.78

.2354
.2282
.2269

.3972
.3764
.3874

DRAFT Do not quote or circulate without

ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

Table 2 continued
Specifications for Color Tolerance Charts for Use with Labels and Placards Surfaced with Ink
CIE Data for Source C
Color
SAFETY BLUE
Central series:
Central color
Green and grayish A
Green and grayish B
Vivid
Purple and vivid A
Purple and vivid B
Grayish
Light series:
Light and green A
Light and green B
Light and vivid
Dark series:
Dark and grayish
Dark and purple A
Dark and purple B
SAFETY PURPLE
Central series:
Central color
Red
Red and vivid A
Red and vivid B
Vivid
Blue
Grayish
Light series:
Light and red A
Light and red B
Light and vivid
Dark series:
Dark and grayish
Dark and vivid
Dark and blue

Munsell Notation

Y%

3.5PB
2.0PB
1.7PB
2.9PB
4.7PB
5.0PB
3.75PB

3.94/9.7
4.35/8.7
4.22/9.0
3.81/9.7
3.53/10.0
3.71/9.9
4.03/9.1

11.58
14.41
13.50
10.78
09.15
10.20
12.17

.1885
.1962
.1898
.1814
.1817
.1888
.1943

.1911
.2099
.2053
.1852
.1727
.1788
.1961

1.7PB
1.5PB
3.2PB

4.32/9.2
4.11/9.6
3.95/10.05

14.22
12.72
11.70

.1904
.1815
.1831

.2056
.1971
.1868

3.9PB
4.8PB
5.2PB

4.01/8.7
3.67/9.3
3.80/9.05

12.04
09.95
10.76

.1982
.1918
.1985

.1992
.1831
.1885

9.5P
1.0RP
1.4RP
0.2RP
8.0P
7.0P
8.8P

4.71/11.3
5.31/10.8
5.00/11.9
4.39/12.5
4.04/12.0
4.39/10.8
5.00/10.3

17.25
22.70
19.78
14.70
12.23
14.71
19.73

.3274
.3404
.3500
.3365
.3098
.3007
.3191

.2165
.2354
.2274
.2059
.1916
.2037
.2251

0.85RP
1.1RP
9.2P

5.56/11.1
5.27/12.3
4.94/11.95

25.18
22.72
19.24

.3387
.3460
.3247

.2356
.2276
.2163

9.6P
8.4P
7.5P

4.70/10.9
4.05/11.6
4.32/10.5

17.19
12.35
14.19

.3283
.3144
.3059

.2204
.1970
.2078

DRAFT Do not quote or circulate without permission.

10

Table 3
Specification for Colors for Use with Labels Printed on Packaging Surfaces
CIE data for source C

Red

Orange

Yellow

Green

Blue

Purple

x
y
x
y
x
y
x
y

.424
.306
.571
.306
.424
.350
.571
.350

.460
.370
.543
.400
.445
.395
.504
.430

.417
.392
.490
.442
.390
.430
.440
.492

.228
.354
.310
.354
.228
.403
.310
.403

.200
.175
.255
.250
.177
.194
.230
.267

.377
.205
.377
.284
.342
.205
.342
.284

23.0
7.7

41.6
19.5

72.6
29.1

20.6
7.4

15.9
6.5

21.2
8.2

Y% (high)
Y% (low)

[Amdt. 172-50, 44 FR 9757, Feb. 15, 1979; Amdt. 172-50, 44 FR 10984, Feb. 26, 1979, as amended
by Amdt. 172-50, 44 FR 22467, Apr. 16, 1979; 50 FR 45731, Nov. 1, 1985; Amdt. 172-127, 59 FR 49133,
Sept. 26, 1994]

Table 4
Specification for Fluorescent Safety Colors
Recommended Limits of Fluorescent Colors in Terms of CIE Recommendations No. 39-2, 1983
for Surface Colors for Visual Signalling

Color

Boundary

Equation of the
Boundary Limits

Restricted
Red

Purple
White
Orange

y = 0.345 - 0.051 x
y = 0.910 - x
y = 0.314 + 0.390 x

Restricted
Orange

Red
White
Yellow

y = 0.265 + 0.205 x
y = 0.910 - x
y = 0.207 + 0.390 x

Unrestricted
Red-Orange

Purple
White
Yellow

y = 0.345 - 0.051 x
y = 0.910 - x
y = 0.207 + 0.390 x

Restricted
Yellow

Orange
White
Green

y = 0.108 + 0.707 x
y = 0.910 - x
y = 1.35 x - 0.093

Unrestricted
Yellow

Orange
White
Green

y = 0.108 + 0.707 x
y = 0.697 - 0.547 x
y = 1.667 x 0.100

Green

Yellow
White
Blue

y = 0.313
y = 0.243 + 0.670 x
y = 0.493 - 0.524 x

11
permission.

Minimum
Luminanc
e Factor

Minimum
Spectral
Radiance
Factor %

Wavelength
Range (nm)

0.25

--

--

0.40

--

--

--

100

600-630

0.60

--

--

--

100

520-540

0.25

30

510-530

DRAFT Do not quote or circulate without

ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

Table 5
(x, y) Chromaticity coordinates of the corners of the recommended limits for fluorescent safety
colors specified in Table 4, in terms of the CIE 1931 Standard Colorimetric System, measured with
45/0 geometry, and evaluation with CIE Standard Illuminant D65
1
Color

Restricted Red

0.690

0.310

0.595

0.315

0.569

0.341

0.655

0.345

Restricted Orange

0.610

0.390

0.535

0.375

0.506

0.404

0.570

0.429

Unrestricted Red-Orange

0.690

0.310

0.595

0.315

0.506

0.404

0.570

0.429

Restricted Yellow

0.522

0.477

0.470

0.440

0.427

0.483

0.465

0.534

Unrestricted Yellow

0.522

0.477

0.470

0.440

0.360

0.500

0.412

0.587

Green

0.313

0.682

0.313

0.453

0.209

0.383

0.013

0.486

Table 6
Specifications for Safety White and Safety Black

Color
Safety White

Standard and
Tolerances
Standard
Hue +
Hue Value +
Value Chroma +

Munsell Notation
Specifications
Hue Value / Chroma

Standard
Hue +
Hue Value ++
Value +
Value Chroma +
Chroma

Y%

0.3101
-

0.3163
-

0.3101
-

0.3163
-

N9.0

78.66

N9.5
N8.75

/
/
/1.0(5R-5Y)
/0.5(5G-5P)
/0.0

90.01
73.40

N1.5

2.02

N2.5
N2.0
N0.5

/1
/
/
/0.5
/0.0

4.61
3.13
0.58

Chroma
Safety Black

CIE Data for source C

V++ for matte Safety Black only. For the purposes of this standard, matte is defined by ASTM D523, Standard Test
Method for Specular Gloss, as having a 60 (angle of reflection) gloss value of less than 30%.

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12

Two sets of specifications are provided (Table 4). Those designated restricted are identical with the current CIE
Recommendations No. 39-2, 1983, for Surface Colors for Visual Signalling. They should be used when the primary
consideration is the differentiation among the three fluorescent colors: red, orange, and yellow, used together in a
single system. The designation unrestricted should be used when the primary consideration is the differentiation
between only yellow and red-orange fluorescent colors, but it is required that these colors remain distinguishable for
an extended period of time.

Figure 1
Section of the CIE 1931 Chromaticity Diagram Showing Green, Yellow-to-Red Region, and
Chromaticity Specification Boundaries for ANSI Z535.1 Fluorescent Safety Colors

13
permission.

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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

The solid circle inside each color region identifies the standard for that safety color.
*See Figure 3 for ANSI neutral limit regions.

Figure 2
CIE 1931 Chromaticity Diagram of Color Regions for ANSI Z535.1 Safety Colors

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14

The position of black on the chromaticity diagram: As one varies the total intensity of a light beam, its chromaticity
coordinates stay fixed but its brightness" changes. One can do this for all the colors on the diagram at once by watching
the diagram as its brightness is changed continuously. The diagrams would all have identical shapes and boundaries but
the labels we place on the diagram would vary from diagram to diagram. Thus, for example, as intensity decreased the
white point on the diagram would turn from white to light grey to dark grey and finally to black. The latter color, black, is
the total absence of light, so it corresponds to zero intensity and a totally black diagram. Black has no x and y
coordinates, X=Y=Z+0. [13]

Figure 3
Enlarged View of the CIE 1931 Chromaticity Diagram Showing
Neutral Limits for Safety White and Safety Black

12

Normative References

[ 1]

Wyszecki, G., Stiles W.S., Color Science: Concepts and Methods, Quantitative Data and
Formulae, 2nd Ed., (1982) John Wiley & Sons, p. 487

[ 2]

Fortner, B., Meyer, T. E., Number By Colors, A Guide to Using Color To Understand Technical
Data, (1997) Springer-Verlag, p.16

[ 3]

ASTM E308-08, Standard Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by Using the CIE
System, 5., p.4

[ 4]

CIE 15: Technical Report, Colorimetry, 3rd Edition, p. 4 REQUEST PERMISSION TO USE THIS

[ 5]

Wyszecki, G., Stiles W.S., Color Science: Concepts and Methods, Quantitative Data and
Formulae, 2nd Ed., (1982) John Wiley & Sons, p. 144

[ 6]

CIE Technical Report CIE 18, Calibration Methods and Photo-luminescent Standards for Total
Radiance Factor Measurements (2007), 2.2, p. 6 REQUEST PERMISSION TO USE THIS

[ 7]

CIE Technical Report CIE 18, Calibration Methods and Photo-luminescent Standards for Total
Radiance Factor Measurements (2007), 2.3, p.8 REQUEST PERMISSION TO USE THIS

[ 8]

ASTM E991-06, Standard Practice for Color Measurement of Fluorescent Specimens Using the
One-Monochromator Method 1, 4.2, p. 2

[ 9]

IALA Recommendation E-108 on The Surface Colours used as Visual Signals on Aids
Navigation, Edition 2, December (2009), p. 6 REQUEST PERMISSION TO USE THIS

[10]

CIE 39.3-1996 Revision 1, Technical Report, Recommendations for Surface Colours for Visual
Signalling, p.4 REQUEST PERMISSION TO USE THIS

15
permission.

to

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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

[11]

IALA Recommendation E-108 on The Surface Colours used as Visual Signals on Aids
Navigation, Edition 2, December (2009), p. 6 REQUEST PERMISSION TO USE THIS

[12]

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Admin., DOT 49 CFR, Appendix A to 172

[13]

Signell, P., Specication of Color Chromaticity, Michigan State University, 5c, p. 14

This page intentionally left blank.

Annex A
(informative)
Chromaticity diagram for safety yellow

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16

to

The bounding lines show the range of all acceptable hues for Safety Yellow. They extend from the edge of the
spectrum locus towards the center of the chromaticity diagram.

Figure A1
Enlarged View of the CIE 1931 Chromaticity Diagram Showing the Color Region for Safety Yellow

17
permission.

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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

Annex B
(informative)
Color region comparison between ANSI Z535.1 and ISO 3864-4
Figure B1 provides a comparison between ANSI Z535.1 Safety Color regions and ISO 3864-4 Safety
Colour regions on the CIE 1931 Chromaticity Diagram.

The solid circles inside each safety color boundary region, identifies the standard for each ANSI safety color.
The gray boundary lines identify ISO safety colours.

Figure B1
ANSI Z535.1 Safety Colors Using Illuminant C and
ISO 3864-4 Safety Colours Using Standard Illuminant D65

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18

Annex C
(informative)
Safety color cross-reference chart
Table C1
ANSI Z535.1 Safety Colors - Cross-Reference Chart

SAFETY
COLOR
Safety Red

MUNSELL NOTATION
Hue
Value / Chroma

PROCESS COLOR

HTML
CODE

sRGB

7.5 R

4.0 / 14

100

75

198

12

48

C60C30

5.0 YR

6.0 / 15

55

100

225

121

FF7900

5.0 Y

8.0 / 12

10

100

254

209

FED100

7.5 G

4.0 /

100

58

22

127

100

007F64

2.5 PB

3.5 / 10

90

48

115

207

0073CF

10.0 P

4.5 / 10

69

100

110

38

123

6E267B

255

255

255

FFFFFF

30

30

30

1E1E1E

or PANTONE 186 C

Safety Orange
or PANTONE 151 C

Safety Yellow
or PANTONE 109 C

Safety Green
or PANTONE 335 C

Safety Blue
or PANTONE 285 C

Safety Purple
or PANTONE 259 C

Safety White

N 9.0 /

Safety Black

N 1.5 /

100

or PANTONE
Process BLACK1
1

This black is not a dense black, but will appear as brownish black since it relies on the other process colors to create
a richer black. For a rich dense black, use PANTONE black or equivalent.
NOTE
stock.

The C following each PANTONE number represents how the color will appear when printed on a coated

In lieu of the safety colors specified in ANSI Z535.1, the PANTONE colors listed in Table C1 may be
used. Refer to the current edition of the PANTONE Formula Guide. PANTONE and PANTONE Color
Bridge are the property of Pantone LLC.
The chart shown in Table C1 is intended to assist producers and designers who need to properly specify
safety colors for a variety of media. PANTONE colors simulated in four-color process are within the
tolerance limits for safety yellow, safety green, safety purple and safety black. Safety red, safety orange
and safety blue are to be matched as a spot color in most instances. Since process color printing may not
achieve the PANTONE color specified, make certain the color is equivalent to the color swatch displayed
in the PANTONE Color Bridge Guide. If the process color is not within tolerances, it must be reproduced
as a spot color. CMYK color formulas may not achieve the minimum chroma (C minus colors) in Table 1
and be less vivid than the Munsell Notation for each safety color. Munsell color sheets designed to meet
ANSI Z535.1 safety color specifications are available from X-RITE, Incorporated.
Colors viewed on a computer monitor can appear differently when printed. Color gamuts vary from
computers to output devices and may require color correction to accurately reproduce a color.

19
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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

Please ensure that only PANTONE licensed materials (e.g. vinyl, printing inks) are used when pieces are
printed or manufactured. PANTONE publications should be replaced annually to maintain optimal
performance.

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20

Annex D
(informative)
ISO information
D1

ISO 3864-4:2011, Annex E

NOTE The following is from ISO 3864-4:2011, Annex E, and is reprinted with permission. References to clauses
and tables are to those in ISO 3864-4:2011, not in ANSI Z535.1. To ensure numbering consistency of tables that
appear in ANSI Z535.4, the referenced Table E.1 of ISO 3864-4 is Table D1 of ANSI Z535.1.

Examples of safety colours and contrast colours for object colours of ordinary
materials
Colour regions for ordinary materials are specified in Table 1 by chromaticity coordinates and a luminance
factor. However, manufacturers of safety signs might need guidelines concerning what the respective
colours look like. For this purpose, and not for colour matching, examples of colour swatches within the
colour region are given in Table E.1. Some of the colour references are specified in various national
standards for safety signs.
The colour references in Table E.1 are available as colour swatches. The order of listing within the
columns of thetable is arbitrary and the rows of the table do not represent any closeness of colour
matching.
Table D1
[ISO 3864-4:2011] Table E.1 Ordinary materials: examples for object colours that fall within
the specified chromaticity coordinates and luminance factor for the colour region
Colour
swatch
Red

RAL
(DIN 6164)

Munsell

BS 5252

NCS

RAL 3001
(7,5: 8,5: 3)

7,5R4/14 Gb

04E56

S 1080-R GL

RAL 3001/840-HR
(7,6: 7,3: 3.2)

7,5R4/15 Ga

04E53

S 1085-Y90R

RAL EFFECT 450-6

(7,6: 8,1: 2,0)

7,5R4/16 G

S 1080-90R GL
S1580-Y90R
S1580-Y90R GL
S2570-Y90R GL

21
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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

Table D1 - continued
Yellow

RAL 1003
(2,5: 6,5: 1)

2,5Y8/12 G

08E53

S 0585-Y20R GL

RAL 1003/840-HR
(2,6: 6,2: 0,9)

2,5Y8/14 Ga

08E51

S 1070-Y10R

RAL 1021/840-HR
(1,9: 6,6: 0,9)

2,5Y8/16 G

10E55

S 0580-Y10R

RAL EFFECT 290-6

(2,7: 6,1: 0,8)

5Y8/14 Gb

10E51

S 1080-Y10R GL

RAL EFFECT 270-5

(2,0: 6,5: 0,9)

5Y8/14 G

S 1070-Y10R GL

10YR8/12 G

S 1080-Y10R

10YR8/14 G

S 0580-Y10R GL
S 0570-Y10R GL
S 0570-Y10R
S 1080-Y
S 1080-Y GL
S 1070-Y
S 0580-Y GL
S 1070-Y GL
S 0580-Y

Green

RAL 6032
(21,7: 6,5: 4)

10G4/10 Ga

RAL 6032/840-HR
(21,7: 5,9: 4,0)

7,5G4/9 Gb

S 2060-G GL
S 3060-G GL

RAL EFFECT 220-5

(21,7: 5,9: 4,1)

2,5G4/10 G

S 2060-G

5G4/10 G

S 2565-G GL

5G4/8 G

S 2565-G

7,5G4/10 G

S 3060-G

14E56

S 1565-G GL
S 1565-G

S 3060-B90G GL
Blue

RAL 5005
(16,7: 7,2: 3,8)

2,5PB3.5/10Ga,b

20E56

S 2065-R90B

RAL 5005/840-HR
(16,7: 6,3: 3,8)

10B3/8 G

20E53

S 3060-R90B

RAL 5017/840-HR
(17,1: 6,3: 3,6)

2,5PB3/8 G

S 3560-R90B

RAL EFFECT 640-5

(16,7: 6,2: 3,7)

2,5PB3/10 G

S 3065-R90B GL

5PB4/12 G

S 3065-R90B

5PB3/10 G

S 4050-R80B
S 3060-R80B
S 2565-R80B

White

RAL 9003
(N: 0: 0,5)

N9,5 Ga

RAL 9003/840-HR
(N: 0,1: 0,4)

N9,0 Gb

RAL EFFECT 120-1

(N: 0,1: 0,4)

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22

00E55

S 0500-N

Table D1 - continued
Black

RAL 9004
(N: 0: 9)

N1 Ga

RAL 9005/840-HR
(N: 0,1: 8,2)

N1,5 Gb

00E53

S 9000-N

RAL EFFECT 790-5

(N: 0,4: 8,6)
NOTE
Munsell and NCS colour swatches can have either a glossy or matte finish. Where the finish is
glossy, Munsell uses the label G, NCS uses the label GL.
a

JIS Z 9103.

ANSI Z 535.1.

To identify a colour reference in another colour classification system, that colour reference should be
tested in accordance with 5.2.1 and meet the specifications in Table 1.
Colours within the colour region and further from the colour region boundaries are likely to take longer to
deteriorate and therefore remain within the colour region limits for longer. The rate of colour deterioration
may also depend upon the nature of the pigment used in the finished safety sign.
Testing of the durability of safety sign material is given in ISO 17398.
D2

ISO references for safety orange

Table D2
ISO References for Colour Order Systems for Safety Colour Orange
Colour

DIN 5381
DIN 6164a

RAL

Orange

5,5:6,5:2

2010

The colour reference cards in accordance with DIN 6164 can be purchased from DINs
publishing house (Beuth Verlag GmbH, D-10772 Berlin, www.din.de/beuth) and will be supplied
as safety colour cards as grouped in DIN 5381 and on the basis of DIN 6164.

23
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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

Annex E
(informative)
Munsell information

Figure E1
Munsell Hue Circle

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24

Figure E2
Munsell Hue, Value, Chroma

25
permission.

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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

2016 Revisions
The ANSI Accredited Standards Committee Z535 plans to issue the next revisions of the Z535 standards
(Z535.1 through Z535.6) in December 2016. In order to meet that deadline, the committee developed the
following tentative timetable:
All proposed changes are due:
Revisions will be finalized for letter balloting:
Letter balloting will be completed by:
Public reviews will be completed by:
Drafts will be ready to submit to the publisher:
Published:

June 30, 2014

April 15, 2015
July 15, 2015
March 1, 2016
May 31, 2016
December 15, 2016

All proposed changes must be submitted by June 30, 2014. Any proposals received after that date
will be deferred to subsequent revisions. In order to facilitate the next revision, proposed changes must be
submitted on a form for that specific purpose, which is on the next page. Please send this form to:
Secretary, ANSI Committee Z535
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1752
Rosslyn, VA 22209

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26

ANSI Accredited Standards Committee Z535

on Safety Signs and Colors
FORM FOR PROPOSALS
Return to:

Secretary, ANSI Committee Z535

National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 900
Rosslyn, VA 22209

Name _________________________________________ Date ______________________

Address ___________________________________________________________________
Representing _______________________________________________________________
(Please indicate organization or self)
E-mail Address ________________________________ Telephone ____________________
1.

a.

Standard Title __________________________________________________

b.

Section/Paragraph ______________________________________________

2.

Proposal recommends (check one):

New Text
Revised Text
Deleted Text

3.

Proposal (Include the proposed new or revised text, or identify the words to be deleted.
Underline additions and strikethrough deletions.)

4.

Statement of the Problem or Reason for the Proposal

5.

Check one.

This proposal is original material.

This proposal is not original material; its source is as follows:
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

This original material is the submitters own idea based upon his/her own experience, thought, or research, and to the best of his/her
knowledge, is not copied from another source.
I agree to give NEMA all and full rights, including rights of copyright, in this proposal, and I understand that I acquire no
rights in any standards publication in which this proposal in this or another similar or analogous form is used.

_________________________________________
Signature
Please do not write in the space below.

Date Received:

27
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Log #

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