A construction barricade is a physical barrier to prevent access to an area and is also a signal to warn about a type of danger. Recognizing these three types of barricades of the job is important.
- A rigid or hard barricade is made of wood, metal or cable and provides a barrier one would need to remove or climb over to pass. These barricades are usually flagged with a red danger or warning tag. These barricades prevent tradespeople from falling from an edge, falling through a hole, entering into an area requiring more than normal PPE or overhead hazards.
- A warning tape barricade is one which uses red tape that may have "warning" or "danger" printed on it to prevent entry to an area and signify immediate danger. These barricades also will often prevent workers from falling from an edge, falling through a hole, entering into an are requiring more than normal PPE or overhead hazards.
- A caution tape barricade is one which uses yellow tape with "caution" printed on it to prevent entering an area without being aware of a potential hazard. Tradespeople may enter beyond barricades with caution signs or yellow caution tape but are required to consider entering into the area as acceptance of the risk.