Safety cones are frequently used to delineate specific zones in the workplace, which can reduce stress on workers and prevent costly accidents. Safety cones are also essential instruments for ensuring regulatory adherence, whether completing work indoors or in high-traffic areas. Below, we will explore common hazards in the workplace and how these visual barriers function to prevent workplace injuries while helping facilities meet OSHA compliance requirements.
Common Workplace Hazards
Safety cones can be used with other safety measures to provide guidance and protection in hazardous working environments or busy, high-traffic areas where injuries are more likely to occur. Some common examples include:
- Wet, slippery, or uneven floors. Wet and slippery floors could present a slip and fall hazard without proper markings, often following cleaning or when leaks occur. Uneven surfaces could also lead to slips or falls, making it important to mark debris, potholes, and other hazards.
- Construction, maintenance, or other work. If personnel are performing any type of work in a particular location, they can quickly block off the area to vehicles and pedestrians until the job is completed.
- Low visibility. In dark spaces with low lighting, reflective safety devices can help guide vehicle and foot traffic to keep them from veering off a safe pathway.
Safety Cone Applications
Safety cones are used in a range of operating environments to protect workers and other individuals in the surrounding area, with specific applications including:
- Indicating slip and fall zones and other workplace hazards
- Marking areas where general maintenance and utility work take place
- Marking traffic hazards or directing pedestrian traffic
- Surveying activities and providing additional guidance in areas with low visibility
To maximize their effectiveness, cones should be placed at regular intervals to create a continuous visual barrier well before the hazard is reached. They can also be deployed with other safety measures, such as barriers or gates, to help direct pedestrian traffic or to protect workers in warehouse environments.
Meeting Safety and Compliance Standards
When choosing safety cones for the workplace, it’s important to match your selection to the work environment while adhering to any relevant guidelines, including standard regulations and state or local laws. The following are some important considerations for choosing compliant safety cones.
Size and Height Requirements
In low-speed traffic areas, the MUTCD advises implementing safety cones that are at least 18 inches tall. Meanwhile, cones on highways need to be a minimum of 28 inches.
Color Requirements
Bright orange cones (with reflective collars for night work or dim conditions) effectively caution personnel and motorists while helping the cones stand apart from the surrounding environment.
Material Requirements
Materials like flexible PVC and heavy-duty rubber contribute to durability and weather resistance, which are essential for maintaining safety standards in changing environments.
Why Choose NASP for Safety Cones
When looking for high-quality safety cones for your workplace, it’s important to find the right products that maximize safety while maintaining regulatory compliance. At North American Safety Products, we offer safety cones for nearly any workplace safety application, helping you locate the ideal solutions based on your needs. In addition to safety cones, NASP carries a variety of safety products to protect workers, pedestrians, and equipment, including our Original Versa-Guard® barricade.
Want to learn more about our offerings and find what you need for your application? Explore our safety cone options today or request a free quote on our website.
