Do not use google translate, AI or similar services – use a reputable vendor
Further guidance on non-English signage is provided in Section 2, and on the NRM Gateway.
Q. Do I need a waiver to translate approved caution, warning, or danger signs to another language?
A. You do not need approval from Corps Headquarters to translate an approved safety legend into a non-English language. As with all orders, district sign program manager approval is required. Remember to document decisions (why/how the sign was translated) in the project sign plan.
Q. Can I use symbols not listed in the manual?
A. No. New symbols must be requested through the District and Division Sign Program Managers to the National Sign Program Manager. Proposed symbols should be a design that is either used by another agency or one that has been thoroughly researched and clearly communicates the intended message. Final decision will be made by the National Sign Program Manager, with advisement from the National Sign Advisory Working Group. For a list of approved symbols and their application, see section 8 and the archived memos on the NRM Gateway.
Q. Should we use decimals or fractions for distances on directional signs?
A. The manual does not have guidelines for use of numbers on signs. Most examples of directional signs shown in the Manual have no distances, however there are two on page 2-6 that show distances in decimals, e.g. 1.5 miles and .5 miles. The Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devises (MUTCD) does state for Guide Signs on Freeways and Expressways: "Fractions of a mile, rather than decimals, should be displayed in all cases". The Corps of Engineers adopts the MUTCD standards for traffic signs, with the notable exceptions of directional signs, parking/no parking signs, and recreation symbols. In the absence of USACE guidelines, projects should be advised that fractions are preferred by the MUTCD, but decimals may be used if requested and the district sign program manager approves.
Q. Can I place a partner decal or agency logo to a sign?
A. Yes, for identification and interpretive sign types only. No, for all others. Do not add decals or logos after-the-fact. Space for these items must be accounted for in the panel design (see manual section 5 and 13 for details). Corps castle (signature mark) and the Army star are required for standard ID signs, and the castle is also required for directional signs (see manual section 5 and subsequent policy on Gateway / SharePoint). It is recommended to include any artwork in the original panel fabrication, as decals added after-the fact will degrade faster than the panel face.
Q. Do you have to use the legends shown in the Sign Standards Manual on boundary signs?
A. No. You can use any legend on a boundary sign. However, the sign should be formatted according to boundary sign specifications.
Q. Do restricted sign legends have to be approved by division? HQUSACE?
A. No. The wording on restricted signs is up to the district Sign Program Manager. They do not have to be approved by Division or HQUSACE. Because the color of restricted signs is the same as danger signs, HQUSACE suggests your District Office of Counsel review all restricted signs.
INSTALLATION
Q. May I hang a banner from a sign or its mounting?
A. No. Placing banners, multiple signs, or other messages on a sign or from the posts/mounting of the sign is not allowed. These items obstruct, distract and dilute from the intended message. Additionally, temporary signs/banners encourage others to hang unauthorized materials like advertisements, notices, or directions. See manual section 2 for more details on sign placement.
Q. How are approach directional signs placed in rights-of-way for non-Corps roads?
A. Standards vary between state and local governments. The general process includes:
- Determine jurisdiction for the road in question.
- Contact the appropriate state or local official. This could be a shop supervisor, road & bridge department director, county commissioners, state DoT regional office, etc.
- Determine the permissible standard for panel design and install. This could be Corps standard for approach directional signs (section 6), state/local standard for 'guidance' signs, or other MUTCD standards.
- Determine who is responsible for purchase/acquisition, install, and ongoing maintenance. It may be acceptable for the Corps to pay a state/local entity to produce and install the sign – work with your district contracting office or purchasing agent to determine requirements.
- Provide all necessary artwork, include the Corps communication mark (castle logo)
- Document as a "non-Corps" sign in the project sign plan
- It is recommended to establish a written partnership agreement (typically an MOU) for ongoing O&M of the sign.
PLANNING & MANAGEMENT
Q. Do I need to go through the chain of command when asking a question about signs?
A. Yes, for several reasons. The Sign Program Manager chain of command is found on page 1.11 of the Sign Standards Manual. Following the chain of command assures that all who must know the information receive it. This is particularly important to ensure sign program compliance across all Civil Works projects that may differing missions and functions. Additionally, HQUSACE receives so many calls, it is almost impossible to answer them all.
Q. A project received a request to place a sign in memory of some individual. How should we respond?
A. The sign manual does not provide standards for memorial signage, but does advise limiting visual clutter of signs and removing distractions to drivers and boat operators (see Section 2). In short, memorial signs are in conflict with the sign standard. Projects should engage the district partnership program coordinator and/or district contributions plan for further guidance and alternatives for memorial requests.
Q. How should we handle the "chain-of-command" question within navigation, flood risk management, or other non-NRM Civil Works missions?
A. Policy questions, requests for waivers, waterway sign plans and various other sign correspondence should always come up through the Sign Program Manager chain-of-command. CECW-CON assures these items are coordinated with all applicable offices at HQUSACE level. Requests should always be prepared by the subject matter expert – who may or may not be an NRM program employee.
PROCUREMENT
Q. Do we have to consider UNICOR for flexible post signs?
A. No. However, whoever you use for flexible post signs must fabricate them according to Corps specifications.
PROCUREMENT & FABRICATION
Q. Can I use the commercially available, MUTCD standard parking signs (like those used on municipal/urban streets)?
A. No. The USACE sign standards manual did NOT adopt the MUTCD standard for parking signs (Sec. 9), directional signs (Sec.6) , and recreation symbols (Sec. 8). This includes signs for handicap/universal access parking spaces (see page 9-12 and 9-13 for handicap/universal access parking signs)
Q. Can I use commercially available workplace safety signs that are ANSI and OSHA compliant and/or consistent with Globally Harmonized System of Classification (GHS)?
A. No. USACE standards for workplace safety signs comply with ANSI, OSHA, and EM 385-1-1 requirements. GHS is a system of labeling and is not considered signage. Further guidance on workplace safety signs is provided in Section 11 of the manual.
Q. Are we allowed to use the Caution, Warning, and Danger legends on signs from the Industrial Safety Catalog supplied by UNICOR?
A. Yes. All industrial safety sign legends found in the UNICOR catalog can be used. However, the signs must be fabricated in the Corps format.
Q. Do we have to order all signs from UNICOR?
A. No. Federal law has been changed regarding purchases from Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR). Your local contracting officer must now follow certain procedures to determine where you buy signs; it may or not be from UNICOR. To start the process, the contracting officer must decide whether UNICOR can meet our needs in terms of price, quality, and time of delivery. For more information, go to News/Current Issues. This site contains additional information (July 2003): http://www.hq.usace.army.mil/cepr/pil/PIL-2003-15.pdf
WEAPONS POLICY SIGNS
Q. In light of the recent legislation allowing weapons in national parks and wildlife refuges, what is the appropriate "No Weapons" sign to educate the public at our projects?
A. The Corps was not included in this change in the law and we need to keep signs simple. PS-001 is the sign to use as it is simple, clear and to the point. Do not use a custom or notice sign in an attempt to explain legislation. Park rangers should understand the Corps policy on this issue and be able to discuss it with visitors who ask for additional information.
