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India · Bureau of Indian Standards
IS 9457
Indian standard for safety colours and safety signs.
IS 9457 establishes safety colours and the graphical symbols used on safety signs in Indian workplaces. It is the foundational compliance standard for the Factories Act and most state-level industrial safety inspections.
Where this standard applies
- Indian manufacturing, construction and warehousing
- Government and public-sector facilities
- Factories Act compliance and ISO 45001 audits
Key requirements
- 1Adopt the four IS 9457 safety colours — red (prohibition/fire), yellow (warning), blue (mandatory), green (safe condition) — with the specified contrast colours.
- 2Use the geometric shape rules aligned with ISO 3864 (circle, triangle, square) so pictograms are recognised on inspection.
- 3Position signs at the eye level of the intended audience and free from obstructions.
- 4Reinforce signage with the requirements of the Factories Act 1948 and applicable state factory rules.
Signal words & colours
| Signal | Meaning | Colour rule |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibition | Behaviour that must not occur. | Red circle with diagonal bar |
| Mandatory | Action that must be taken (PPE, procedures). | Blue circle |
| Warning | Caution — a hazard is present. | Yellow triangle with black border |
| Safe condition | Emergency exit, first aid, assembly. | Green square |
Recommended signage
References
External links open the issuing authority. This guide is a plain-English summary — always refer to the official text for certification work.