DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY  
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE  
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD  
(By authority conferred on the director of the department of labor and economic  
opportunity by sections 19 and 21 of the Michigan occupational safety and health act, 1974  
PA 154, MCL 408.1019 and 408.1021, and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1996-2,  
2003-1, 2008-4, 2011-4, and 2019-3, MCL 445.2001, 445.2011, 445.2025, 445.2030, and  
125.1998)  
PART 22. SIGNALS, SIGNS, TAGS, AND BARRICADES  
R 408.42201 Scope and adopted and referenced standards.  
Rule 2201. (1) This part pertains to the design, placement, relocation, covering, removal,  
use, and maintenance of signals, traffic control devices, accident prevention signs, tags,  
and barricades for construction operations.  
(2) American National Standards Institute (ANSI) International Safety Equipment  
Association (ISEA) standard 107 “High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear,” 2004  
edition, is adopted by reference in these rules. This standard is available from IHS Global,  
15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, Colorado, 80112, USA, telephone number: 1-800-  
854-7179 or via the internet at website: http://global.ihs.com; at a cost as of the time of  
adoption of these rules of $64.00.  
(3) The “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Part 6: Temporary Traffic  
Control,” 2011 Michigan/2009 Federal Edition is adopted by reference in these rules and  
is available at no cost from the Michigan Department of Transportation via the Internet at  
website: www.michigan.gov/mdot. The entire 2011 Michigan Manual on Uniform Traffic  
Control Devices (MMUTCD) may be purchased from the Michigan Department of  
Transportation, Cashiers Office, P.O. Box 30648, Lansing, Michigan 48909-8148; (517)  
636-0650; at a cost of $143.99 as of the time of adoption of these rules.  
(4) The standards adopted in subrules (1) and (2) of this rule are also available for  
inspection at the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, MIOSHA, Standards  
and FOIA Section, 530 West Allegan Street, P.O. Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan, 48909-  
8143.  
(5) Copies of the standards adopted in subrules (1) and (2) of this rule may be obtained  
from the publisher or may also be obtained from the Department of Labor and Economic  
Opportunity, MIOSHA, Standards and FOIA Section, 530 West Allegan Street, P.O. Box  
30643, Lansing, Michigan, 48909-8143, at the cost stated in subrules (1) and (2) of this  
rule, plus $20 for shipping and handling.  
(6) The following Michigan occupational safety and health standards are referenced in  
these rules. Up to 5 copies of these standards may be obtained at no charge from the  
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, MIOSHA, Standards and  
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FOIA Section, 530 W. Allegan Street, P.O. Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan, 48909-8143  
or via the internet at website: www.michigan.gov/mioshastandards. For quantities greater  
than 5, the cost, as of the time of adoption of these rules, is 4 cents per page.  
(a) Construction Safety and Health Standard Part 1. “General Rules,” R 408.40101 to R  
408.40134.  
(b) Construction Safety and Health Standard Part 6. “Personal Protective Equipment,” R  
408.40601 to R 408.40660.  
(c) Construction Safety and Health Standard Part 10. “Cranes and Derricks,” R 408.41001  
to R 408.41099a.  
(d) Construction Safety and Health Standard Part 13. “Mobile Equipment,” R 408.41301.  
(e) Construction Safety Standards Part 27. “Blasting and Use of Explosives,” R 408.42701  
to R 408.42799.  
(f) Construction Safety and Health Standard Part 30. “Telecommunications for  
Construction,” R 408.43001 to R 408.43006.  
(g) Construction Safety Standards Part 45. “Fall Protection,” R 408.44501 to  
R 408.44502.  
History: 1979 AC; 2001 AACS; 2021 AACS.  
R 408.42209 Rescinded.  
History: 2006 AACS; 2013 AACS; 2021 AACS.  
R 408.42211 Definitions; A to C.  
Rule 2211. (1) "Accident prevention sign" means a sign used to warn of a hazard or to  
provide safety instructions or directions.  
(2) "Accident prevention tag" means a tag which is used to warn of an existing or  
immediate hazard and which is temporarily attached to a part of equipment or a structure.  
(3) "Barricade" means a readily visible obstruction used to direct the passage of  
employees or vehicles.  
(4) "Barrier" means a device that is designed to prevent penetration from a way of travel  
to areas behind the barrier to minimize injury to employees who perform construction  
operations.  
(5) "Caution sign or tag" means a sign or tag used to warn of a potential hazard or to warn  
against an unsafe practice.  
History: 1979 AC; 1995 AACS; 2001 AACS.  
R 408.42212 Definitions; D.  
Rule 2212. (1) "Danger sign or tag" means a sign or tag used to signal an immediate  
hazard.  
(2) "Directional sign" means a sign having an arrow to point out a direction.  
(3) "Do not operate tag" means a tag to warn of a potential hazard if the equipment is  
operated.  
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(4) "Do not start tag" means a tag used to tag out a starting mechanism which would cause  
a hazard if started.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.42213 Definitions; E to T.  
Rule 2213. (1) “Exit sign” means a sign used to designate a point of discharge from a room  
or building.  
(2) “Handhold” means an affixed device or designated place where a person riding on a  
moving vehicle or on equipment to perform work can stabilize his or her position by  
gripping with his or her free hand or hands.  
(3) “Out of order tag” means a tag used to indicate a machine is malfunctioning.  
(4) “Safety instruction sign” means a sign used for general instruction or suggestion  
relative to safety.  
(5) “Sign” means a board, sheet, poster, or placard displayed to convey information or  
direction either temporarily or permanently.  
(6) “Signal” means a specific use of hands or a visual or audible device, such as a flashing  
light or horn, to warn of a possible or existing hazard.  
(7) “Tag” means a piece of material, usually paper, metal, or plastic, attached to a piece  
of equipment or structure for the purpose of identification, instruction, or classification.  
(8) “Traffic control devices” means all signs, signals, markings, and devices placed or  
erected for the purpose of regulating, warning, and guiding vehicular traffic and for  
providing employee protection in a work zone.  
(9) “Traffic regulator” means a person who has been trained, properly attired, and  
equipped to regulate traffic flow to provide employee protection in a work zone.  
(10) “Work zone” means a portion of a street or highway that meets any of the following:  
(a) Is between a “work zone begins” sign and an “end road work” sign.  
(b) For construction, maintenance, or utility work activities conducted by a work crew  
and more than 1 moving vehicle, is between a “begin work convoy” sign and an “end work  
convoy” sign.  
(c) For construction, maintenance, surveying, or utility work activities conducted by a  
work crew and 1 moving or stationary vehicle exhibiting a rotating beacon or strobe light,  
is between either of the following points:  
(i) A point that is 150 feet behind the rear of the vehicle or that is the point from which  
the beacon or strobe light is first visible on the street or highway behind the vehicle,  
whichever is closer to the vehicle.  
(ii) A point that is 150 feet in front of the front of the vehicle or that is the point from  
which the beacon or strobe light is first visible on the street or highway in front of the  
vehicle, whichever is closer to the vehicle.  
History: 1979 AC; 1995 AACS; 2001 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.42221 Duties of employer.  
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Rule 2221. An employer shall provide, install, and maintain signals, signs, barricades, and  
tags, as prescribed by this part, where an employee might be, or would likely be, injured if  
not alerted to the hazard.  
History: 1979 AC; 1995 AACS; 2001 AACS; 2014 AACS.  
R 408.42222 Rescinded.  
History: 1979 AC; 1995 AACS; 2001 AACS.  
R 408.42223 Traffic control.  
Rule 2223. (1) Traffic control devices shall be installed and maintained as prescribed in  
Part 6 of the 2011 MMUTCD, which is adopted by reference in R 408.42201.  
(a) At points of hazard, construction areas shall be posted with legible traffic control signs  
and protected by traffic control devices.  
(b) The design and use of all traffic control devices, including signs, signals, markings,  
barricades, and other devices for protection of construction workers shall conform to the  
provisions of Part 6 of the 2011 MMUTCD, which is adopted by reference in R 408.42201.  
(2) A hand-held paddle sign shall have 2 faces and it shall be attached to a staff of suitable  
design that will allow the entire unit to be held and controlled by 1 traffic regulator. The  
bottom of the sign shall be a minimum of 6 feet above the roadway surface. The sign shall  
be fastened to the staff so that no part of the legend is obscured. The portion of the staff  
within the sign face shall match the sign colors. The sign shall not be less than 18 by 18  
inches and the letters shall have a minimum height of 6 inches (150 millimeters). All letters  
and spacing between letters shall be as prescribed in Part 6 of the 2011 MMUTCD, which  
is adopted by reference in R 408.42201. The legend shall be optically centered horizontally  
on the sign. One side of the sign shall display a "STOP" face and the other side shall display  
the message "SLOW," except that if it is necessary for 1 traffic regulator to stop 2 directions  
of traffic at the same time, then a "STOP" face shall be used on each side of the sign. The  
"STOP" face shall have a red background with white letters and border. The "SLOW" face  
shall have an orange background with black letters and border. The shape of the sign shall  
be octagonal and the portions of the sign other than the diamond-shaped "SLOW" face  
shall be black. When the sign paddle is used during hours of darkness, the red and white of  
the "STOP" face and the orange of the "SLOW" face shall be reflectorized. Sheet metal or  
other light semi-rigid material may be used for mounting the "STOP" and "SLOW" faces.  
(3) The paddle sign shall be as follows:  
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Note: “Special” sign dimensions are recommended for single traffic regulator operations.  
(4) An employer shall provide, and a traffic regulator shall wear, high-visibility safety  
apparel that meets the Performance Class 2 or 3 requirements of the ANSI/ISEA 107,  
“High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear,” 2004 edition, (see Section 1A.11), which  
is adopted by reference in R 408.42201, or equivalent revisions, and labeled as meeting the  
ANSI 107-2004 standard performance for Class 2 or 3 risk exposure.  
(5) A traffic regulator shall also wear head, eye, and foot protection as prescribed in  
Construction Safety and Health Standard Part 6. Personal Protective Equipment, as  
referenced in R 408.42201.  
History: 1979 AC; 1982 AACS; 1995 AACS; 2001 AACS; 2006 AACS; 2013 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2021  
AACS.  
R 408.42224 Barricades for construction operations on other than public right-of-  
way.  
Rule 2224. A barricade shall be provided to obstruct or direct an employee from a  
hazardous area of a construction operation not otherwise affected by another standard.  
History: 1979 AC; 2001 AACS; 2014 AACS.  
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R 408.42225 Placement, removal, relocation, and use of traffic control devices from  
a moving vehicle; handholds.  
Rule 2225. (1) Construction and maintenance operations that require placement,  
relocation, or removal of pavement markings, or traffic control devices such as drums,  
barricades, cones, or signs, shall provide protection to an employee by any of the following  
methods:  
(a) Use of a seat and a seatbelt that shall be worn.  
(b) A standard guardrail system as prescribed in Construction Safety Standard Part 45  
Fall Protection, R 408.44501, as referenced in R 408.42209, which adopts C.F.R.  
§1926.502 et seq. by reference.  
(c) A guardrail as described in subdivision (b) of this subrule may be modified by  
removing a section of the guardrail at the point of operation to facilitate the handling of  
traffic control devices, such as barrels, cones, or pavement markers. A hand hold shall be  
provided. This rule shall apply only to the placement, removal, relocation, and use of traffic  
control devices from a moving vehicle within the work zone.  
(d) When placing or removing traffic control devices from a lower work platform, any  
combination of top rails, mid rails, side rails, seats, toe boards, or other combination of  
equivalent safeguards provided to the employee shall be used. A handhold shall be  
provided.  
(e) Use of a positioning fall protection system that prevents the employee from falling  
from the vehicle. A handhold shall be provided.  
(f) Use of other means that will provide equivalent fall protection for an employee may  
be used. Such a system shall be performance oriented and shall be designed so that it does  
not create a greater hazard to the employee.  
(2) A handhold shall be oriented and a size to promote gripping by wrapping fingers  
around not less than 270 degrees (3 sides) of the device or place designated. The handhold  
shall be capable of withstanding not less than 200 pounds of force in any direction and be  
free from rough edges, slippery surfaces, or hazardous projections. The handhold shall be  
in place and identified as such before employees are permitted to perform their assigned  
tasks while riding on moving vehicles.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2006 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.42229 Signs generally.  
Rule 2229. (1) If conditions warrant the use of a sign size that is not specified in Tables 2  
to 5, then the ratio of the height of the identifying panel, such as "DANGER" or  
"CAUTION," to the width of the sign shall be maintained as prescribed in the tables.  
(2) Signs shall be removed or covered when the hazard addressed by the sign no longer  
exists.  
History: 1995 AACS; 2001 AACS; 2014 AACS.  
R 408.42230 Letter style and size.  
Page 6  
Rule 2230. (1) A letter shall be block style and upper case for the top panel and upper or  
upper and lower case for the bottom panel. Letters and numbers shall be legible.  
(2) Letter size shall be determined by the length of the message and the maximum visibility  
and readability. Table 2 shall be used as a guide for the minimum letter height at a safe  
viewing distance.  
(a) The spacing of letters and words shall not reduce legibility.  
(b) The height of a letter that is more than 5 inches (125 millimeters) high shall be  
increased by an additional 1 inch (25 millimeters) for each 35 feet (10.5 meters) of viewing  
distance.  
(3) Table 2 reads as follows:  
MINIMUM HEIGHT OF LETTERS  
VIEWING DISTANCE  
Inches  
5
Millimeters  
Feet  
Meters  
60.3 - 75  
45.3 - 60  
36.3 - 45  
31.8 - 36  
27.3 - 31.5  
22.8 - 27  
18.3 - 22.5  
12.3 - 18  
9.3 - 12  
125  
113  
100  
88  
75  
63  
50  
38  
25  
19  
13  
6
201 - 250  
151 - 200  
121 - 150  
106 - 120  
91 - 105  
76 - 90  
4 1/2  
4
3 1/2  
3
2 1/2  
2
61 - 75  
1 1/2  
1
41 - 60  
31 - 40  
3/4  
1/2  
1/4  
21 - 30  
6.3 - 9  
10 - 20  
3 -  
3
6
Less than 10  
History: 1995 AACS; 2001 AACS.  
R 408.42231 Accident prevention signs.  
Rule 2231. An accident prevention sign shall be in compliance with all of the following  
provisions:  
(a) Be placed to alert and inform in time to avoid a hazard or to take appropriate action.  
(b) Be placed and maintained so as to be legible, without distraction, and so that the sign  
does not create a hazard in itself.  
(c) Be placed so that the sign will not be obscured.  
(d) Be removed or covered when the hazard is removed.  
History: 1979 AC; 1995 AACS.  
R 408.42233 Danger sign.  
Rule 2233. (1) A danger sign to alert employees shall be used where an immediate hazard  
exists. The sign shall be removed when the hazard no longer exists.  
(2) The proportions for a danger sign shall be not less than those prescribed in table 3 and  
the format of figure 1 shall be followed.  
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(3) A danger sign shall have the signal word "danger" in white within a red oval outlined  
in white on a black rectangular background in the upper panel.  
The lower panel where additional wording may be used shall be black or red letters on a  
white background as shown in figure 1.  
(4) An employee shall be instructed that a danger sign indicates immediate danger and  
that special precautions are necessary.  
History: 1979 AC; 2001 AACS.  
R 408.42234 Caution sign.  
Rule 2234. (1) A caution sign shall be used to warn of a potential hazard or to caution  
against an unsafe practice.  
(2) The proportions for a caution sign shall be not less than those prescribed in table 4 and  
the format of figure 2 shall be followed.  
(3) A caution sign shall have the signal word "caution" in yellow on a black background  
in the upper panel. The lower panel where additional wording may be used shall be black  
letters on a yellow background.  
(4) An employee shall be instructed that a caution sign indicates a possible hazard and  
that proper precautions shall be taken.  
Page 8  
Page 9  
R 408.42235 Safety instruction sign.  
Rule 2235. (1) A safety instruction sign shall be used for a general instruction or  
suggestion relative to safety measures.  
(2) The proportions for a safety instruction sign shall be not less than those prescribed in  
table 5 and the format of figure 3 shall be followed.  
(3) A safety instruction sign shall have the signal word in white on a green background in  
the upper panel. The lower panel where additional wording may be used shall be black  
letters on a white background.  
Page 10  
Page 11  
History: 1979 AC; 2001 AACS; 2006 AACS.  
R 408.42236 Exit sign.  
Page 12  
Rule 2236. An exit sign, when required, shall be lettered in legible red letters, not less  
than 6 inches (150 millimeters) high, on a white background, and the principal stroke of  
the letters shall not be less than 3/4 (19 millimeters) of an inch wide.  
History: 1979 AC; 2001 AACS.  
R 408.42237 Directional signs.  
Rule 2237. (1) A directional arrow, other than a traffic control sign, used on a danger,  
caution, or safety instructional sign shall be black.  
(2) A safety related directional sign shall have a white arrow on a black upper panel with  
the lower panel white and any letters in black.  
(3) A directional sign shall use proportions prescribed in table 6  
Page 13  
History: 1979 AC; 2001 AACS.  
R 408.42238 Signs for blasting and use of explosives.  
Rule 2238. Where blasting and the use of explosives takes place, signs shall be as  
prescribed in Construction Safety Standard Part 27 Blasting and Use of Explosives, as  
referenced in R 408.42209.  
History: 1995 AACS; 2001 AACS; 2006 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.42241 Accident prevention tags generally.  
Rule 2241. (1) An appropriate accident prevention tag shall be used as a temporary means  
of warning an employee of an existing hazard, such as defective tools or equipment. A tag  
shall not be used in place of an accident prevention sign or considered a complete warning  
method.  
(2) A tag shall be large enough to attract attention to the hazard but not less than 2 3/8  
inches (59 millimeters) by 4 3/4 inches (119 millimeters).  
(3) The signal word shall be in bold type.  
History: 1979 AC; 2001 AACS; 2014 AACS.  
Page 14  
R 408.42242 Accident prevention tags; types; use and specifications.  
Rule 2242. (1) A "Do Not Start" tag shall be attached to the starting mechanism of  
equipment that would cause a hazardous condition if activated. The background color  
shall be white with black lettering on a red square. (See figure 5.)  
(2) A "Danger" tag shall be used where an immediate hazard or probability of injury  
exists. The background color shall be white with white letters on a red oval within a black  
square. (See figure 6.)  
(3) A "Caution" tag shall be used to warn of a potential hazard or to caution against an  
unsafe practice. The background color shall be yellow with yellow letters on a black  
rectangle. (See figure 7.)  
(4) An "Out of Order" tag shall be used only for the specific purpose of indicating  
equipment or machinery is out of order and its use might create a hazard. The background  
shall be white with white letters on a black square. (See figure 8.)  
(5) A "Do Not Operate" tag shall be used to warn of potential hazard if use of the  
equipment would create a hazard. The background color shall be white with black lettering  
on a red square. (See figure 9.)  
(6) An accident prevention tag shall be removed when the reason for use has been  
eliminated.  
**** INSERT MISSING TABLE OR CHART - SEE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT  
****  
Danger Signs--  
Danger--Keep Off, Electric Current.  
Danger--No Smoking, Matches, or Open Lights.  
Danger--Men Working Above.  
Danger--Not Room Enough Here to Clear Men on Cars.  
Danger--Keep Away.  
Danger--Men in Boiler.  
Danger--Insufficient Clearance.  
Danger--2,300 Volts.  
Danger--Keep Out.  
Danger--Crane Overhead.  
Danger--Keep Off.  
Caution Signs--  
Caution--Do Not Operate, Men Working on Repairs.  
Caution--Hands Off Switch, Men Working on Line.  
Caution--Working on Machines, Do Not Start.  
Caution--Goggles Must Be Worn When Operating This Machine.  
Caution--This Door Must Be Kept Closed.  
Caution--Electric Trucks, Go Slow.  
Caution--This Space Must Be Kept Clear at All Times.  
Caution--Stop Machinery to Clean, Oil, or Repair.  
Caution--Keep Aisles Clear.  
Caution--Operators of This Machine Shall Wear Snug Fitting Clothing--No  
Page 15  
Gloves.  
Caution--Close Clearance.  
Caution--Watch Your Step.  
Caution--Electric Fence.  
Safety Instruction Signs--  
Report All Injuries to the First-Aid Room at Once.  
Walk--Don't Run.  
Report All Injuries No Matter How Slight.  
Think, If Safe Go Ahead.  
Make Your Work Place Safe Before Starting the Job.  
Report All Unsafe Conditions to Your Foreman.  
Help Keep This Plant Safe and Clean.  
Directional Signs--  
This Way Out (below arrow panel).  
This Way (inside arrow) Out (below arrow panel).  
Fire Exit (below arrow panel).  
Fire (inside arrow) Extinguisher (below arrow panel).  
To the (inside arrow) Fire Escape (below arrow panel).  
To the (inside arrow) First Aid (below arrow panel).  
Manway (below arrow panel).  
This Way to (inside arrow) First Aid Room (below arrow panel).  
Informational Signs--  
No Trespassing Under Penalty of the Law.  
This Elevator is for Freight Only, Not for Passengers.  
No Admittance Except to Employees on Duty.  
No Admittance.  
No Admittance, Apply at Office.  
No Trespassing.  
Men.  
Women.  
For Employees Only.  
Office.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.42243 Signs for slow-moving vehicles.  
Rule 2243. A sign as prescribed in this rule shall be attached to the rear of any vehicle  
that, by design, moves at 25 miles per hour or less on any public, private, or temporary  
road.  
Page 16  
History: 1995 AACS; 2001 AACS; 2014 AACS.  
Page 17  
;