Learn to identify the different types of safety icons, including hazard alert, prohibition, mandatory action, and proper machine use icons.
Hazard Alert Icons
This type of safety icon conveys information primarily related to the nature of a hazard. It contains a graphical depiction of the hazard drawn within a yellow equilateral triangle.
![]() | Breaking wheel hazard. Improper use may break wheel and cause serious injury or death. | ![]() | Warning alert symbol. A general hazard alert symbol typically followed by a written warning containing the signal word WARNING and the warning message panel. |
Prohibition Icons
This type of safety icon conveys actions that should not be taken. It consists of a red circular band with a 45° diagonal red band from upper left to lower right. The icon contains a black depiction of what should not be done within the red band on a white background.
![]() No side grinding. | ![]() No cutting. | ![]() Do not use a damaged wheel. Inspect the wheel before use. Do not use if damaged. | ![]() Do not use on High Speed Gas Saws. Stationary Chop Saws only. |
![]() Do not use on Angle Grinders. | ![]() Do not use on die grinders |
Mandatory Action Icons
This type of safety icon conveys actions that should be taken to avoid hazards. It consists of a white image within a solid blue or black circular surround shape.
Read information. | Use wheel guard for angle grinder. Always use a wheel guard on the machine. Never remove or modify the guard and make sure it adjusted to properly protect the user. | Use wheel guard for non-portable machine. Always use a wheel guard on the machine. Never remove or modify the guard and make sure it adjusted to properly protect the user. | Protect your eyes. |
Protect your face. | Protect your lungs against dust. Always wear NIOSH approved respirators appropriate to the conditions. | Protect your hearing. | Protect your eyes and face. Always wear ANSI Z87+ approved safety goggles and face shield combined. Combined icon. |
Protect your eyes and hearing. Always wear ANSI Z87+ approved safety goggles and EPA labeled hear protection. Combined icon. | Protect your eyes, ears and lungs. Always wear ANSI Z87+ approved safety glasses, EPA labeled hearing protection and NIOSH approved respirators. Combined icon. | Protect your hands. | Use matched diameter, relieved flanges. |
Cutting only | Side grinding only |
Proper Machine Use Icons
This type of icon is designed to show the use of the wheel on a proper machine. The icon can be a bit more realistic to show components such as a safety guard and an auxiliary handle. The recommended angle of use may also be depicted.
![]() Proper use icon for a Type 27 grinding wheel. | ![]() Proper use icon for a Type 28 grinding wheel. | ![]() Proper use icon for a Type 27/42 and Type 1/41 cutting wheel. Guarded angle grinder with auxiliary handle used at 90 degrees. Never bend, twist or jam. | ![]() Proper use icon for a Type 1/41 cutting wheel wheel. Guarded, in-line, pneumatic cutoff tool used at 90 degrees. Never bend, twist or jam. |
![]() Proper use icon for a Type 6 or 11 grinding wheel. | ![]() Proper use icon for a Chop Saw cutting wheel. | ![]() Proper use icon for a High Speed Gas Saw cutting wheel. | ![]() Proper use icon for a High-Speed Fixed-Rail Saw cutting wheel. |
![]() Proper use icon for a Walk Behind Saw cutting wheel. | ![]() Proper use icon for a Circular Saw cutting wheel. | ![]() Proper use icon for a Stationary Chop Stroke Saw cutting wheel. |