1.Red. (SABS A11). Red is the basic colour to indicate:

1.1 Danger.
1.2 Fire protection equipment.
1.3 Stop buttons and emergency stop controls.

Typical examples: Danger.

- Flashing red lights at rail crossings, stores for explosives, etc.
- Barricades prohibiting the passage of persons.
- Fire protection equipment.
- Fire alarms.
- Boxes for fire extinguishers.
- Sprinkler system.
- As a background colour to indicate fire equipment locations.
- Stop buttons and emergency stop controls.
- Electrical stop buttons.
- Emergency stop bars.

2. Yellow. (SABS B49).Yellow is the basic or background colour used alone or in conjunction with black to indicate:

2.1 Places where caution should be exercised
2.2 Places where warnings of hazards from radio activity are required. Typical examples:
- Markings at barricades, temporary constructions or on mobile equipment.
- Low head room owing to structures.
- Changes in floor level and other tripping hazards.
- Demarcation on floors for stacking, walkways and for fire extinguishers.
- Handrails.

3. Green. (SABS E14). Green is used in conjunction with white lettering to indicate safety and first-aid equipment. It is also the colour for start buttons on machines.

Typical examples:

- Location of first-aid facilities.
- Location of gas masks.
- Exit signs.
- Emergency showers.
- Safety information signs.
- Safe areas, e.g. safety refuge in quarries.

4. Light Orange. (SABS B26). Light orange is used on inside surfaces of machine guards as well as dangerous parts of a machine capable of cutting, shearing or crushing; the surfaces of protruding shafts, the faces of gear wheels and any exposed rotating part of a machine.
The intention is to draw immediate attention to the hazard presented because a guard has been removed. This colour is also to be used for the identification of all electrical switchgear, electric services, conduits and allied fittings, but not on electric motors.