The Complete Guide to Heavy Equipment Safety Decals (2025 Update)

Heavy equipment safety decals are more than stickers — they’re an essential safety tool that protects workers, prevents accidents, and ensures OSHA and ISO compliance. Whether you operate excavators, loaders, dozers, or cranes, readable decals are mandatory.

Why Safety Decals Matter

Safety decals warn operators and bystanders about hazards such as pinch points, crush zones, electrical shock, rotating parts, and hot surfaces. Missing or faded decals can result in OSHA violations or liability issues.

OSHA & ISO Requirements

OSHA requires all heavy machinery to display safety warnings that follow ANSI Z535 standards, including pictograms, hazard descriptions, and prevention instructions. ISO 7010 symbols are widely used across brands.

Common Types of Safety Decals

•  
• Warning decals – potential serious hazards
•  
• Danger decals – definite risk of injury or death
•  
• Caution decals – moderate risk
•  
• Instructional decals
•  
• Emergency decals

Correct Placement of Safety Decals

Safety decals should be located near entry points, hydraulic systems, rotating components, the boom/stick, engine compartments, and around PPE-required areas.

When to Replace Decals

Replace decals when they become faded, peeling, scratched, unreadable, or missing. Machines exposed to sun and chemicals often need replacements more frequently.

Choosing High-Quality Safety Decals

For best results, use decals made from 3M cast vinyl with UV-protective laminate and high-tack adhesive. These materials offer superior resistance to fuel, chemicals, and outdoor exposure.

Final Thoughts

Safety decals play a critical role in compliance and operator safety. Make sure your decals are visible, readable, and replaced regularly.

Shop Safety Decals:   Browse OSHA-Compliant Safety Decals

Need help matching decals?   Upload Machine Photos — we’ll identify exactly what your machine needs.