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

ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

Revision of
ANSI Z535.1-2006
Secretariat:
Approved XXX XX, 201x
Published XXX XX, 201x

ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
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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 not necessarily mean that there is unanimous agreement among every person participating in the development of this document.
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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
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Page
5
6
Foreword ....................................................................................................................................................... v
1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1
2 Scope and purpose .......................................................................................................................... 1
2.1
Scope .................................................................................................................................. 1
3
2.2
Purpose ............................................................................................................................... 1
2.2.1
Existing American National Standards .................................................................. 1
Application and exceptions .............................................................................................................. 2
3.1
Applications ......................................................................................................................... 2
4
3.2
Exceptions ........................................................................................................................... 2
Specifications ................................................................................................................................... 2
4.1
General ............................................................................................................................... 2
4.2
Testing specifications .......................................................................................................... 2
Terms and definitions ....................................................................................................................... 2
Safety Colors .................................................................................................................................... 4
6.1
Safety colors - ordinary surface colors................................................................................ 4
6.2
Safety white ......................................................................................................................... 4
7
8
9
10
11
6.3
Safety black ......................................................................................................................... 4
6.4
Daylight fluorescent safety colors ....................................................................................... 4
Optimum visibility ............................................................................................................................. 4
Surface finish ................................................................................................................................... 5
External illumination of safety colors ................................................................................................ 5
Safety color stability ......................................................................................................................... 5
Tables and Figures .......................................................................................................................... 5
12 Normative References ................................................................................................................... 14
Annex A (informative) Chromaticity diagram for safety yellow ................................................................... 16
Annex B (informative) Color region comparison between ANSI Z535.1 and ISO 3864-4 .......................... 17
Annex C (informative) Safety color cross-reference chart .......................................................................... 18
Annex D (informative) ISO information ....................................................................................................... 20
D1 ISO 3864-4:2011, Annex E ............................................................................................... 20
D2 ISO references for safety orange ...................................................................................... 22
Annex E (informative) Munsell information ................................................................................................. 23
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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 ..................................................................................................................... 23
Figure E2 Munsell Hue, Value, Chroma ..................................................................................................... 24
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 iv DRAFT – Do not quote or circulate without permission.

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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 Z35.2-
1974 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 color ’s 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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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
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
Safety Color Chart that did not have a PANTONE
®
® color” number for all of the safety colors on the
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
5.0YR 6.0/15 to 5.0YR 6.5/15
5.0YR 6.5/15 to 5.0YR 5.5/15
Chroma + changed from 5.0YR 5.5/15 to 5.0YR 6.0/16; vi DRAFT – Do not quote or circulate without permission.

ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0

In Annex A, 6 th 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 listed above will be encouraged as they will replace the original PANTONE
®
colors on the 2011 Safety
Color Chart.
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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:
Geoffrey Peckham, Chair
J. Paul Frantz, Vice Chair
Greg Winchester, Secretary
Organization Represented:
American Society of Safety Engineers
American Welding Society
Applied Materials
Applied Safety and Ergonomics
Association for Manufacturing Technology
Association of Equipment Manufacturers
Browning Arms Company
Caterpillar, Inc.
Clarion Safety Systems, LLC
Dorris and Associates International, LLC
Eagle Crusher Co.
Edison Electric Institute
Human Factors & Ergonomics Society
Human Factors & Safety Analytics, Inc.
Name of Representative:
J. Paul Frantz
Thomas F. Breshnahan (Alt.)
Timothy Rhoades (Alt.)
August F. Manz
Carl Wong
Steve Hall
Stephen Young (Alt.)
David Felinski
Michael Weber
Daniel Taylor (Alt.)
Larry D. Nelson
Charles Crowell
Mark Steffen (Alt.)
Geoffrey Peckham
Phillip Peckham (Alt.)
Nathan T. Dorris
Eric Boelhouwer (Alt.)
Alan L. Dorris (Alt.)
Ryan Parsell
David Young
Michael Kalsher
H. Harvey Cohen (Alt.)
B. Jay Martin viii DRAFT – Do not quote or circulate without permission.

IEEE
International Safety Equipment Association
International Staple, Nail, and Tool
Association
Law Office of Mathew Kundinger
Marhefka & Associates
National Association of Graphic and Product
Identification Manufacturers
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
National Marker Company
National Spray Equipment Manufacturers
Association
P&G Duracell, Inc.
Power Tool Institute
Rockwell Automation
Rural Utilities Service
Safety and Forensic Enterprises, LLC
Sue Vogel
Christine Fargo
John W. Kurtz
Thomas Siwek (Alt.)
Mathew Kundinger
Russell E. Marhefka
Russ Butchko
Donna Ehrmann (Alt.)
Bill Pratt
David Werba (Alt.)
Michael Black
Alice Campbell (Alt.)
Marianne Pepin (Alt.)
Angela Redlund-Spieker
Linda Moquet
Steven Wicelinski (Alt.)
Brett Cohen
Mark Hickok (Alt.)
Charles M. Stockinger (Alt.)
Steven Chybowski
Trung Hiu
Sauder Woodworking Company
Scaffold and Access Industry Association
Snap-On Tools
Standard Register Corporation
System Safety Society
Travelers Insurance Company
Underwriters Laboratories
Loren Mills
Gary Bell
Dave Merrifield
Dan Eggert
Greg Ellis
Linda LeBlanc (Alt.)
Robert J. Cunitz
David Roy
Karen Stetler (Alt.)
Richard Olesen
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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
Whirlpool Corporation
World Kitchen, LLC
Sondra McAndrew
Donald Grob (Alt.)
Celeste Levindoski
At the time it prepared this standard for Z535 Committee vote, Subcommittee Z535.1 on Safety Colors had the following members:
Donna Ehrmann, Chair
Greg Winchester, Secretary
Donna Ehrmann National Association of Graphic and Product Identification Manufacturers
Judi Isaacson
Mike Kalsher
Karen Stetler
Applied Safety and Ergonomics
Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Travelers Insurance x DRAFT – Do not quote or circulate without permission.

ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
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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
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.
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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.
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).
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 color’s 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
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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0 color's hue (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet), and a color’s 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 ( λ ) 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'Éclairage: 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.
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.
DRAFT – Do not quote or circulate without permission. 3

ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
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 nonfl uorescent colorants. The color of fluorescent 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 excitation spectrum, many fl 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 today’s 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.
4 DRAFT – Do not quote or circulate without permission.

ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
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.
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 color’s 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.
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 ]
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 ]
The following are Munsell notations and Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage (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]
DRAFT – Do not quote or circulate without permission. 5

ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
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
SAFETY YELLOW
Central color
Green
Orange and vivid
Grayish
Vivid
Light
Dark
SAFETY GREEN
Central color
Bluish
Green-yellow
Grayish A
Grayish B 2
Vivid
Light
Dark
SAFETY BLUE
Central color
Purple
Green and vivid
Grayish
Vivid
Light
Dark
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)
Color Munsell Notation
7.5R 4.0/14
8.5R 4.0/14
6.5R 4.0/14
7.5R 4.0/12
7.5R 4.0/16
7.5R 4.5/14
7.5R 3.5/14
5.0YR 6.0/15
6.25YR 6.0/15
3.75YR 6.0/15
5.0YR 6.0/13
5.0YR 6.0/16
5.0YR 6.5/15
5.0YR 5.5/15
5.0Y 8.0/12
6.5Y 8.0/12
3.5Y 8.0/12
5.0Y 8.0/10
5.0Y 8.0/14
5.0Y 8.5/12
5.0Y 7.5/12
Std.
Hue +
Hue -
Chroma -
Chroma +
Value +
Value -
Std.
Hue +
Hue -
Chroma -
Chroma +
Value +
Value -
Std.
Hue +
Hue -
Chroma -
Chroma +
Value +
Value -
7.5G 4.0/9
0.5BG 4.0/9
5.0G 4.0/9
7.5G 4.0/7
7.5G 4.0/6
Std.
Hue +
Hue -
Chroma -
Chroma - 2
7.5G 4.0/11 Chroma +
7.5G 4.5/9 Value +
7.5G 3.5/9 Value -
2.5PB 3.5/10 Std.
4.5PG 3.5/10 Hue +
10.0B 3.5/10 Hue -
2.5PB 3.5/8 Chroma -
2.5PB 3.5/12 Chroma +
2.5PB 4.0/10 Value -
2.5PB 3.0/10 Value +
59.10
59.10
59.10
59.10
59.10
68.40
50.68
12.00
12.00
12.00
12.00
12.00
12.00
15.57
09.00
09.00
09.00
09.00
09.00
09.00
12.00
06.55
12.00
12.00
12.00
12.00
12.00
15.57
09.00
30.05
30.05
30.05
30.05
30.05
36.20
24.58
Y%
CIE Data for Source C x
.5959
.6037
.5869
.5603
.6260
.5775
.6226 y
.3269
.3389
.3184
.3321
.3192
.3320
.3141
.5510
.5452
.5552
.5311
.5597
.5427
.5606
.4214
.4329
.4091
.4154
.4239
.4206
.4218
.4562
.4498
.4632
.4376
.4699
.4508
.4620
.2111
.1974
.2237
.2350
.2467
.1848
.2204
.2027
.1691
.1796
.1557
.1888
.1516
.1805
.1576
.4788
.4865
.4669
.4601
.4920
.4754
.4823
.4121
.3809
.4399
.3922
.3822
.4319
.4060
.4163
.1744
.1711
.1815
.1964
.1547
.1888
.1800
6 DRAFT – Do not quote or circulate without permission.

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
Color Munsell Notation
Y%
CIE Data for Source C x y
SAFETY PURPLE
Central color
Reddish purple
Blue purple
Reddish gray
Gray 2
Vivid
Light
Dark
10.0P
2.5RP 4.5/10 Hue +
7.5P 4.5/10 Hue -
10.0P
10.0P 4.5/6.5 Chroma - 2
10.0P
4.5/10
4.5/8
4.5/12
Std.
Chroma -
Chroma +
10.0P 5.0/10 Value +
10.0P 4.0/10 Value -
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
1 Maximum chroma is not limited.
2 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).
NOTE: CIE – Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage.
Table 2
Specifications for Color Tolerance Charts for Use with Labels and Placards Surfaced with Ink
CIE Data for Source C
Color Munsell Notation
Y% x y
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
6.8R
7.2R
6.4R
6.1R
6.7R
7.3R
7.65R
7.0R
7.4R
6.6R
6.7R
7.0R
7.5R
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
4.72/13.2
4.96/12.6
4.79/12.9
4.19/12.5
4.25/12.35
4.23/12.4
15.34
17.37
15.52
14.25
13.99
15.34
17.20
17.32
19.38
17.94
13.30
13.72
13.58
.5510
.5368
.5442
.5529
.5617
.5572
.5438
.5511
.5365
.5397
.5566
.5522
.5577
.3286
.3348
.3258
.3209
.3253
.3331
.3382
.3322
.3382
.3289
.3265
.3294
.3329
DRAFT – Do not quote or circulate without permission. 7

ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
Table 2 – continued
Specifications for Color Tolerance Charts for Use with Labels and Placards Surfaced with Ink
Color Munsell Notation
Y%
CIE Data for Source C x y
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
5.0YR
5.8YR
6.1YR
5.1YR
3.9YR
3.6YR
4.9YR
5.8YR
6.0YR
4.9YR
5.8YR
5.1YR
5.0YR
4.3Y
4.5Y
3.3Y
3.2Y
4.1Y
5.1Y
5.2Y
5.4Y
5.4Y
4.4Y
4.4Y
3.4Y
3.5Y
9.75G
10.0G
1.4BG
1.0BG
8.4G
7.0G
7.85G
9.5G
0.2BG
8.3G
7.1G
9.5G
8.5G
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
6.78/12.7
6.80/12.8
6.60/12.9
5.98/11.0
5.80/11.1
5.80/11.0
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
8.59/10.5
8.56/11.2
8.45/11.4
7.57/9.7
7.39/10.4
7.41/10.0
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
4.45/8.8
4.31/8.8
4.29/9.05
4.08/7.1
4.11/6.9
3.97/7.2
13.80
15.25
13.36
12.60
12.59
13.54
15.23
15.21
14.12
14.01
12.55
12.70
11.78
56.81
55.92
54.24
54.25
58.18
60.12
58.53
70.19
69.59
67.42
51.82
48.86
49.20
31.27
32.69
33.20
30.86
28.53
29.05
31.22
39.94
40.20
37.47
29.87
27.80
27.67
.2214
.2263
.2151
.2109
.2183
.2292
.2313
.2141
.2069
.2313
.2354
.2282
.2269
.4445
.4503
.4612
.4576
.4380
.4272
.4356
.4351
.4414
.4490
.4423
.4584
.4517
.5193
.5114
.5109
.5226
.5318
.5291
.5170
.5120
.5135
.5216
.5052
.5127
.5109
.3791
.3742
.3625
.3685
.3954
.4045
.3914
.3863
.3814
.4006
.3972
.3764
.3874
.4589
.4658
.4624
.4572
.4516
.4508
.4605
.4628
.4692
.4662
.4562
.4590
.4544
.4117
.4155
.4190
.4134
.4038
.4021
.4089
.4177
.4198
.4126
.4132
.4094
.4068
8 DRAFT – Do not quote or circulate without permission.

ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
Table 2 – continued
Specifications for Color Tolerance Charts for Use with Labels and Placards Surfaced with Ink
Color Munsell Notation
Y%
CIE Data for Source C x y
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
3.5PB
2.0PB
1.7PB
2.9PB
4.7PB
5.0PB
3.75PB
1.7PB
1.5PB
3.2PB
3.9PB
4.8PB
5.2PB
9.5P
1.0RP
1.4RP
0.2RP
8.0P
7.0P
8.8P
0.85RP
1.1RP
9.2P
9.6P
8.4P
7.5P
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
4.32/9.2
4.11/9.6
3.95/10.05
4.01/8.7
3.67/9.3
3.80/9.05
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
5.56/11.1
5.27/12.3
4.94/11.95
4.70/10.9
4.05/11.6
4.32/10.5
11.58
14.41
13.50
10.78
09.15
10.20
12.17
14.22
12.72
11.70
12.04
09.95
10.76
17.25
22.70
19.78
14.70
12.23
14.71
19.73
25.18
22.72
19.24
17.19
12.35
14.19
.1885
.1962
.1898
.1814
.1817
.1888
.1943
.1904
.1815
.1831
.1982
.1918
.1985
.3274
.3404
.3500
.3365
.3098
.3007
.3191
.3387
.3460
.3247
.3283
.3144
.3059
.2165
.2354
.2274
.2059
.1916
.2037
.2251
.2356
.2276
.2163
.2204
.1970
.2078
.1911
.2099
.2053
.1852
.1727
.1788
.1961
.2056
.1971
.1868
.1992
.1831
.1885
DRAFT – Do not quote or circulate without permission. 9

ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
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
Y% (high)
Y% (low)
.424
.306
.571
.306
.424
.350
.571
.350
.460
.370
.543
.400
.445
.395
.504
.430
23.0 41.6
7.7 19.5
.417
.392
.490
.442
.390
.430
.440
.492
72.6
29.1
.228
.354
.310
.354
.228
.403
.310
.403
20.6
7.4
.200
.175
.255
.250
.177
.194
.230
.267
15.9
6.5
.377
.205
.377
.284
.342
.205
.342
.284
21.2
8.2
[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
Minimum
Luminance
Factor
Minimum
Spectral
Radiance Factor
%
Wavelength
Range (nm)
Restricted
Red
Purple
White
Orange y = 0.345 - 0.051
x y = 0.910 - x y = 0.314 + 0.390 x
0.25 -- --
Restricted
Orange
Restricted
Yellow
Red
White
Yellow
Unrestricted
Red-Orange
Purple
White
Yellow
Orange
White
Green
Unrestricted
Yellow
Orange
White
Green
Green
Yellow
White
Blue y = 0.265 + 0.205 x y = 0.910 - x y = 0.207 + 0.390 x y = 0.345 - 0.051 x y = 0.910 - x y = 0.207 + 0.390 x y = 0.108 + 0.707 x y = 0.910 - x y = 1.35 x 0.093 y = 0.108 + 0.707 x y = 0.697 - 0.547 x y = 1.667 x – 0.100
y = 0.313 y = 0.243 + 0.670 x y = 0.493 - 0.524 x
0.40
--
0.60
--
0.25
--
100
--
100
30
--
600-630
--
520-540
510-530
10 DRAFT – Do not quote or circulate without permission.

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 2 3 4
Color x y x y x y x y
Restricted Red
Restricted Orange
Unrestricted Red-Orange
Restricted Yellow
0.690 0.310 0.595 0.315 0.569 0.341 0.655 0.345
0.610 0.390 0.535 0.375 0.506 0.404 0.570 0.429
0.690 0.310 0.595 0.315 0.506 0.404 0.570 0.429
0.522 0.477 0.470 0.440 0.427 0.483 0.465 0.534
Unrestricted Yellow
Green
0.522 0.477 0.470 0.440 0.360 0.500 0.412 0.587
0.313 0.682 0.313 0.453 0.209 0.383 0.013 0.486
Color
Safety White
Table 6
Specifications for Safety White and Safety Black
CIE Data for source C
Standard and
Tolerances
Munsell Notation
Specifications
Hue Value / Chroma Y% x
Standard
Hue +
Hue -
Value +
Value -
Chroma +
Chroma
N9.0 /
N9.5 /
N8.75 /
/1.0(5R-5Y)
/0.5(5G-5P)
/0.0
78.66
90.01
73.40
0.3101
-
-
-
-
-
-
- y
0.3163
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Safety Black Standard
Hue +
Hue -
Value ++
Value +
Value -
Chroma +
Chroma
N1.5 /
N2.5 /
1
N2.0 /
N0.5 /
/0.5
/0.0
2.02
4.61
3.13
0.58
0.3101
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.3163
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1 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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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
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
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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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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
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
[ 1 ]
[ 2 ]
Wyszecki, G., Stiles W.S., Color Science: Concepts and Methods, Quantitative Data and
Formulae , 2nd Ed., (1982) John Wiley & Sons, p. 487
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,
System, 5., p.4
Standard Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by Using the CIE
[ 4 ] CIE 15: Technical Report, Colorimetry, 3 rd Edition, p. 4 REQUEST PERMISSION TO USE THIS
[ 5 ]
[ 6 ]
Wyszecki, G., Stiles W.S., Color Science: Concepts and Methods, Quantitative Data and
Formulae , 2nd Ed., (1982) John Wiley & Sons, p. 144
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
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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
[ 9 ] IALA Recommendation E-108 on The Surface Colours used as Visual Signals on Aids to
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
[11] IALA Recommendation E-108 on The Surface Colours used as Visual Signals on Aids to
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., Speci fi cation of Color Chromaticity , Michigan State University, 5c, p. 14
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ANSI Z535.1-2006 (R2011)
(informative)
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
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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
(informative)
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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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
SAFETY
COLOR
Safety Red 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
(informative)
Table C1
ANSI Z535.1 Safety Colors - Cross-Reference Chart
PROCESS COLOR sRGB
MUNSELL NOTATION
Hue Value / Chroma
C M Y K R G
7.5 R 4.0 / 14 0 100 75 4 198 12
HTML
CODE
B
48 C60C30
5.0 YR 6.0 / 15
5.0 Y 8.0 / 12
7.5 G 4.0 / 9
2.5 PB 3.5 / 10
10.0 P 4.5 / 10
0
0
100
90
55 100
10 100
0
48
69 100
58
0
1
0
0
22
0
5
225 121
254 209
0
0
0 FF7900
0 FED100
127 100 007F64
115 207 0073CF
110 38 123 6E267B
Safety White N 9.0 / 255 255 255 FFFFFF
Safety Black or PANTONE
®
Process BLACK 1
N 1.5 / 0 0 0 100 30 30 30 1E1E1E
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
 The “C” following each PANTONE ®
number represents how the color will appear when printed on a coated stock.
In lieu of the safety colors specified in ANSI Z535.1, the PANTONE
® used. Refer to the current edition of the PANTONE Formula Guide
®
colors listed in Table C1 may be
. 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.
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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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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
(informative)
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.
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
RAL
(DIN 6164)
Munsell BS 5252 NCS
Red 7,5R4/14 G b 04E56 S 1080-R GL RAL 3001
(7,5: 8,5: 3)
RAL 3001/840-HR
(7,6: 7,3: 3.2)
RAL EFFECT 450-6
(7,6: 8,1: 2,0)
7,5R4/15 G a
7,5R4/16 G
04E53 S 1085-Y90R
S 1080-90R GL
S1580-Y90R
S1580-Y90R GL
S2570-Y90R GL
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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
Green
Blue
White
Yellow RAL 1003
(2,5: 6,5: 1)
RAL 1003/840-HR
(2,6: 6,2: 0,9)
RAL 1021/840-HR
(1,9: 6,6: 0,9)
RAL EFFECT 290-6
(2,7: 6,1: 0,8)
RAL EFFECT 270-5
(2,0: 6,5: 0,9)
Table D1 - continued
2,5Y8/12 G
2,5Y8/14 G a
2,5Y8/16 G
5Y8/14 G b
5Y8/14 G
10YR8/12 G
10YR8/14 G
08E53
08E51
10E55
10E51
RAL 6032
(21,7: 6,5: 4)
RAL 6032/840-HR
(21,7: 5,9: 4,0)
RAL EFFECT 220-5
(21,7: 5,9: 4,1)
RAL 5005
(16,7: 7,2: 3,8)
RAL 5005/840-HR
(16,7: 6,3: 3,8)
RAL 5017/840-HR
(17,1: 6,3: 3,6)
RAL EFFECT 640-5
(16,7: 6,2: 3,7)
RAL 9003
(N: 0: 0,5)
RAL 9003/840-HR
(N: 0,1: 0,4)
RAL EFFECT 120-1
(N: 0,1: 0,4)
10G4/10 G a
7,5G4/9 G b
2,5G4/10 G
5G4/10 G
5G4/8 G
7,5G4/10 G
2,5PB3.5/10G a,b
10B3/8 G
2,5PB3/8 G
2,5PB3/10 G
5PB4/12 G
5PB3/10 G
N9,5 G a
N9,0 G b
14E56
20E56
20E53
00E55
S 0585-Y20R GL
S 1070-Y10R
S 0580-Y10R
S 1080-Y10R GL
S 1070-Y10R GL
S 1080-Y10R
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
S 1565-G GL
S 1565-G
S 2060-G GL
S 3060-G GL
S 2060-G
S 2565-G GL
S 2565-G
S 3060-G
S 3060-B90G GL
S 2065-R90B
S 3060-R90B
S 3560-R90B
S 3065-R90B GL
S 3065-R90B
S 4050-R80B
S 3060-R80B
S 2565-R80B
S 0500-N
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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
Table D1 - continued
Black RAL 9004
(N: 0: 9)
RAL 9005/840-HR
(N: 0,1: 8,2)
RAL EFFECT 790-5
(N: 0,4: 8,6)
N1 G a
N1,5 G b
00E53 S 9000-N
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. b
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 6164 a
RAL
Orange 5,5:6,5:2 2010 a The colour reference cards in accordance with DIN 6164 can be purchased from DIN’s 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.
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(informative)
ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
Figure E1
Munsell Hue Circle
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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
24
Figure E2
Munsell Hue, Value, Chroma
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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
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:
June 30, 2014
April 15, 2015
Letter balloting will be completed by:
Public reviews will be completed by:
Drafts will be ready to submit to the publisher:
Published:
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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ANSI Z535.1-2016, v0.0
4.
2.
3.
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 ______________________________________________
Proposal recommends (check one): New Text
Revised Text
Deleted Text
Proposal (Include the proposed new or revised text, or identify the words to be deleted.
Underline additions and strikethrough deletions.)
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 submitter’s 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.
Please do not write in the space below.
Date Received:
_________________________________________
Log #
Signature
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