When it comes to warehouse safety and efficiency, line markings do more than just organise space—they guide people, manage traffic, and prevent accidents. But one question that comes up often is: “Do warehouse line markings need to follow a specific colour code?”
At C&R Ltd, we’ve helped countless businesses across the UK create clear, compliant and effective warehouse layouts. In this blog, we look at colour coding in warehouses—what the standards suggest, why it matters, and how to get it right.
Is There a Legal Colour Code for Warehouses?
There isn’t one single, legally mandated colour code for all warehouses. However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides strong guidance on best practices, and many companies follow widely accepted industry norms to stay safe and compliant.
Using a consistent colour scheme:
- Reduces confusion and accidents
- Helps with training and induction
- Makes safety audits easier
- Supports legal compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Common Warehouse Colour Codes in the UK
At C&R Ltd, we typically apply the following colour schemes unless your site requires something bespoke:
- Yellow – General walkways and traffic lanes
- Red – Fire equipment, hazardous areas, or restricted zones
- Blue – Mandatory instruction areas or information points
- White – General markings such as loading bay outlines or storage boundaries
- Green – Safe areas, first aid stations or emergency routes
- Black/Yellow chevrons – Hazard warnings or ‘no entry’ zones
These colours help staff instantly understand what each zone or line represents—without needing to read signs.
Customisation Is Possible
While these colours are common, many warehouses adapt the system slightly to suit their unique layout or processes. For example, a company might:
- Use orange for forklift-only lanes
- Assign specific colours to product zones
- Highlight robotic movement areas in grey or purple
We can tailor your warehouse markings to match your internal processes or brand colours—while still keeping things safe and intuitive.
Why Choose C&R Ltd for Warehouse Markings?
As one of the country’s leading line marking companies, C&R Ltd offers:
✔ Expert planning and layout advice
✔ Clear, compliant colour-coded markings
✔ Long-lasting materials suitable for forklifts and high-traffic areas
✔ Out-of-hours service to reduce disruption to operations
Whether you’re setting up a new warehouse or updating an existing layout, we’ll help you stay safe, efficient, and compliant.
Get in Touch with C&R Ltd Today
Need warehouse line markings with the right colour coding? Contact C&R Ltd today for expert advice and a no-obligation quote.
Let’s make your warehouse safer, smarter, and easier to navigate—one colour at a time.