Microsoft Word ISO 15870 E doc Reference number ISO 15870 2000(E) © ISO 2000 INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 15870 First edition 2000 11 01 Powered industrial trucks — Safety signs and hazard pictorials —[.]
General
A safety sign is composed of a border surrounding two or more rectangular panels that convey information about hazards associated with the operation of a product.
Safety signs are categorized into four standard formats: the two-panel safety sign, which includes a signal panel and a message panel; the three-panel safety sign, featuring a signal panel, a pictorial panel, and a message panel; another two-panel safety sign that consists of a pictorial panel and a message panel; and finally, a two-panel safety sign with two pictorial panels.
Variations on these standard formats may be appropriate for some situations.
A vertical configuration is generally favored for safety signs, but a horizontal layout is also permissible The decision on the format and configuration of the safety sign should be based on the most effective communication method, considering the geographical and linguistic regions of the target market, legal regulations, and the available space for the sign.
Two-panel safety signs: signal panel, message panel
The signal panel features a safety alert symbol along with one of three signal words: CAUTION, WARNING, or DANGER Accompanying this, the message panel provides a detailed text message that outlines the hazard, describes the potential consequences of exposure, and offers instructions on how to avoid the risk.
Figure 1 — Two-panel safety sign: signal panel, message panel (vertical configuration) © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved 3
Three-panel safety signs: signal panel, pictorial panel, message panel
The signal panel features a safety alert symbol along with one of three signal words It includes a pictorial panel that displays either a hazard description or a combination of hazard description and avoidance imagery Additionally, the message panel provides a text message detailing the hazard, its potential consequences, and instructions for avoidance Refer to Figure 2 for visual examples of both vertical and horizontal configurations.
Figure 2 — Three-panel safety signs: signal panel, pictorial panel, message panel
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Two-panel safety signs: pictorial panel, message panel
The pictorial panel features a hazard description image within a safety alert triangle or the safety alert symbol by itself Accompanying this, the message panel provides a text description of the hazard, outlines the potential consequences of exposure, and offers instructions for avoiding the hazard Refer to Figure 3 for visual examples of both vertical and horizontal configurations.
1 Pictorial panel with safety alert symbol or with hazard description pictorial enclosed by the safety alert triangle
Figure 3 — Two-panel safety signs: pictorial panel, message panel © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved 5
Two-panel safety signs: two pictorial panels
The initial pictorial panel features a hazard description, represented either by a pictorial within a safety alert triangle or solely by the safety alert symbol The subsequent panel focuses on hazard avoidance, showcasing a specific hazard avoidance pictorial Refer to Figure 4 for visual representation, which includes both vertical and horizontal configurations.
1 Pictorial panel with safety alert symbol or with hazard description pictorial enclosed by the safety alert triangle
Figure 4 — Two-panel safety signs: two pictorial panels
5.1 The signal panel of a safety sign contains the safety alert symbol and one of the three signal words.
The safety alert symbol, depicted in Figure 5, must be utilized for safety signs that feature any of the three designated signal words.
Figure 5 — Safety alert symbol for safety signs that contain a signal word
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5.3 Safety signs may be classified according to the relative seriousness of the hazard situation by use of the signal word.
There are three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION The signal word alerts viewers to the existence and relative seriousness of a hazard.
The three signal words used for personal injury hazards are DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION, each indicating different levels of risk The word DANGER signifies an imminent hazard that could lead to death or serious injury if not addressed, and should be used sparingly for the most critical situations WARNING denotes a potentially hazardous situation that could result in death or serious injury, but with a lower risk than DANGER Lastly, CAUTION indicates a situation that may lead to minor or moderate injury and can also serve as a warning against unsafe practices that could cause personal injury.
6.1 A pictorial panel of a safety sign contains a hazard description pictorial, a hazard avoidance pictorial, or the safety alert symbol alone.
There are two main types of pictorials used on safety signs: hazard description and hazard avoidance A hazard description pictorial visually illustrates the hazard and the potential consequences of ignoring it In contrast, a hazard avoidance pictorial provides visual instructions on how to effectively avoid the hazard.
A comprehensive hazard description pictorial effectively highlights the hazard and illustrates the potential consequences of not adhering to instructions Similarly, a well-crafted hazard avoidance pictorial clearly outlines the necessary actions to prevent individuals from interacting with the hazard.
Combining both types of pictorials into a single image can be challenging, but it is possible Typically, a hazard description pictorial is utilized, while a hazard avoidance pictorial can serve as a supplement or alternative to the accompanying text message.
In a few cases, a pictorial may address more than one hazard In general, however, avoid addressing more than one hazard by a single pictorial unless the hazards are closely related.
Two-panel safety signs must feature a hazard description pictorial enclosed within a safety alert triangle, clearly designating the sign as a safety sign, as illustrated in Figure 6.
In the absence of a hazard description pictorial within the safety alert triangle, an exclamation mark is inserted inside the triangle, forming the outlined safety alert symbol depicted in Figure 7.
Figure 7 — Outline safety alert symbol
The message panel of a safety sign features a text message that outlines the hazard, details the potential risks associated with exposure, and provides instructions for avoiding the hazard.
If a pictorial effectively represents a hazard and its potential consequences, the corresponding elements can be removed from the message panel Similarly, if a pictorial clearly illustrates how to avoid the hazard, that element may also be omitted In the absence of pictorials, the message panel must include all three elements It is recommended that the message be composed of simple sentences, ideally not exceeding a few lines.
8 Languages, translations and multi-language safety signs
Safety signs featuring a signal word or text must be in a language relevant to the country of use While no-text safety signs do not require translation, products utilizing them must include a specific safety sign directing operators to consult the manual for explanations of the applicable safety signs Additionally, the operator's manual should contain appropriate text messages that correspond to the no-text safety signs, printed in the relevant language.
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Figure 8 illustrates a safety sign that displays the phrase "Read operator's manual" in four languages: German, French, English, and Dutch It is permissible to use different language combinations or even a single language, provided that the sign includes the language relevant to the geographical area where the product will be utilized.
Figure 8 — Example of four-language “Read operator's manual” safety sign for use on products with no-text safety signs
Figure 9 illustrates the no-text "Read operator's manual safety" sign, which serves as an alternative to safety signs that include one or multiple languages, as depicted in Figure 8.
Figure 9 — No-text “Read operator's manual” safety sign for use on products with no-text safety signs
Colours of signal panel
The color of the signal panel is determined by the chosen signal word DANGER signs feature a white signal word on a red background, accompanied by a red exclamation mark within a white triangle WARNING signs display a black signal word on an orange background, with an orange exclamation mark in a black triangle CAUTION signs consist of a black signal word on a yellow background, paired with a yellow exclamation mark inside a black triangle.
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Colours of pictorial panel
The colours of the pictorial panel depend on whether the safety sign contains one of the three signal words.
Pictorial panels of safety signs that contain one of the three signal words shall have a black pictorial on a white background.
Pictorial panels of safety signs that contain the safety alert triangle or the outline safety alert symbol shall have a black pictorial and triangle on a yellow background.
If prohibition of an activity is indicated by or or the word STOP (see annex A, A.9.1), the prohibition indicator shall be red.
Colours of message panel
The colours of the message panel depend on whether the safety sign contains one of the three signal words.
The message panel of safety signs that contain a signal word shall have white letters on a black background or black letters on a white background.
The message panel of safety signs that do not contain a signal word shall have black letters on a yellow background or black letters on a white background.
Colour of border
The color of the border for safety signs is determined by the signal word and the presence of a safety alert triangle DANGER signs feature a red border, with an optional white outer border for contrast against the background WARNING signs have an orange border, which may also include a white or black outer border for differentiation CAUTION signs are marked with a yellow border, and similarly, an additional white or black outer border can be used if needed Safety signs that include a safety alert triangle also utilize a yellow border, with the option of a contrasting outer border in white or black.
Colour of panel separation lines
Any panel separation lines shall be black.
Recommended dimensions for safety signs are illustrated in Figures 10 to 13, with flexibility for smaller or larger sizes as needed Adjustments to proportions can be made to ensure a sufficiently large signal panel and to allow for the message panel to be displayed in a legible type size.
10.2 Guidance on the size of a graphic symbol and text within the safety sign is given in the informative annex E.
2 Message panel a Border width. b Corner radius equals border width.
Figure 10 — Recommended dimensions for two-panel format: signal panel, message panel
Dimensions in millimetres a) Vertical configuration b) Horizontal configuration
2 Hazard description pictorial panel b Corner radius equals border width.
Figure 11 — Recommended dimensions for three-panel format: signal panel, pictorial panel, message panel
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Dimensions in millimetres a) Vertical configuration b) Horizontal configuration
1 Pictorial panel with safety alert symbol or with hazard description pictorial enclosed by the safety alert triangle
2 Message panel a Border width. b Corner radius equals border width.
Figure 12 — Recommended dimensions for two-panel format: pictorial panel, message panel
Dimensions in millimetres a) Vertical configuration b) Horizontal configuration
1 Pictorial panel with safety alert symbol or with hazard description pictorial enclosed by the safety alert triangle
2 Hazard avoidance pictorial panel a Border width. b Corner radius equals border width.
Figure 13 — Recommended dimensions for two-panel format: two pictorial panels
11 Principles and guidelines for graphical design of hazard pictorials
Annex A outlines essential principles and guidelines for effective graphical design of hazard pictorials, including instructions for illustrating the human figure and other visual elements Consistent and high-quality visual design is crucial for effectively communicating the meanings of hazard descriptions and avoidance pictorials.
Annex B includes examples of pictorials for hazard descriptions designed for safety signs It is permissible to use alternative pictorials as needed, and there may be a requirement to create additional hazard description pictorials.
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Annex C includes examples of hazard avoidance pictorials designed for safety signs It is permissible to use alternative pictorials as needed, and there may be a requirement to create additional hazard avoidance pictorials.
Examples of safety signs with text
The appropriate signal word and text message for a hazard are influenced by various factors, including legal precedents This International Standard does not provide specific examples of safety signs with text Instead, safety signs should be created as needed, adhering to the objectives and principles outlined in earlier sections.
Examples of safety signs without text
Annex D presents examples of no-text safety signs for a number of hazards Additional safety signs may need to be developed for other hazards.
Principles and guidelines for graphical design of hazard pictorials
This annex outlines essential principles and guidelines for effective graphical design of hazard pictorials, including instructions for illustrating the human figure and other visual elements Consistent and high-quality visual design is crucial for effectively communicating the meanings of hazard descriptions and avoidance pictorials.
To ensure effective safety sign design, it is essential to follow several key guidelines First, utilize representational pictorials instead of abstract symbols Incorporate solid graphical representations of human body elements or full figures, using outlines only when necessary When depicting objects or human figures, choose the most recognizable views, typically front or side Illustrate dramatic actions that highlight the interaction between the human figure and the hazard Simplify the graphical representation of hazardous machine elements, using solid graphics unless they obscure the human figure's recognition Finally, be specific in depicting hazards, particularly when their nature or location may not be immediately obvious.
When depicting hazards and hazardous situations, maintain a balance between generality and clarity to effectively convey essential information Utilize arrows to indicate actual or potential movement, ensuring consistency in the choice of arrow graphics for various types of movement, such as falling objects, machine component motion, and safe distance from hazards Avoid using prohibition symbols that may obscure the intended action or lack clear meaning, and refrain from using red to represent blood.
The human figure often serves as the focal point in artwork and should be represented in a straightforward yet realistic manner For optimal long-term impact, consistency in depiction is essential The interpretation of the figure should be immediate, allowing viewers to easily identify the body parts without extensive analysis of the artwork.
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The human figure in this annex is specifically designed to meet safety requirements and should not be altered or reproportioned, as outlined in A.3.5 Its primary purpose is to serve as a safety sign to alert individuals and prevent accidents, rather than to function as an artistic representation.
The standard pictorial figure is based on a grid system of uniform sized squares, or units The full human figure is
The figure stands 12 units tall with a trunk width of 2 units and features a circular head measuring 1.75 units in diameter Detailed unit measurements for accurately drawing the figure are illustrated in Figure A.1, with the hands and feet terminating in semicircles.
1 Right-hand pivot 8 Left-hand pivot
2 Right-elbow pivot 9 Left-elbow pivot
3 Right-shoulder pivot 10 Left-shoulder pivot
4 Right-hip pivot 11 Left-hip pivot
5 Right-knee pivot 12 Left-knee pivot
6 Right-foot pivot 13 Left-foot pivot
NOTE One square is one unit. © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved 17
Using pivot points, the movement of a figure can be effectively illustrated while maintaining consistent unit proportions, except when limb overlap leads to visual foreshortening In such cases, an additional 0.5 unit is added to the limb to compensate Figure A.2 displays the human figure in various positions, which are typically influenced by factors such as the nature and orientation of the hazard, the movements or positions resulting from interaction with the hazard, the type of injury it may cause, and the positions involved in operating equipment.
A.3.4 Bold representation versus outline drawing of a human figure
A bold representation of the human form is more effective than a line drawing in capturing the observer's attention on individuals in potentially hazardous situations When multiple figures are present, line drawings can be used for those not directly exposed to the hazard, such as a machine operator in a runover hazard scenario However, line drawings should only represent individuals not at risk and should be combined with bold figures to enhance clarity and communication in the pictorial.
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A.3.5 Stationary, free-standing human figure (viewed from front or rear)
The standard pictorial representation of a human figure is altered when depicted in a stationary, free-standing pose The IEC symbol for "Heavy (obese) patient — For use on medical equipment" (symbol No 5391 from IEC 60417:1973) serves as this pictorial figure in hazard avoidance graphics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe distance from hazards This symbol is utilized in various pictorials that convey the necessity of staying away from hazardous locations Figure A.3 illustrates the stationary, free-standing human figure.
Figure A.3 — Stationary, free-standing human figure (viewed from front or rear)
When depicting hazards, the profile version of the head is utilized, oriented either to the left or right This profile head is also effective when showcasing the full figure or upper torso, creating the illusion that the entire figure is in profile An example of this can be seen in Figure A.4, which illustrates a hazard pictorial featuring a profile head.
Figure A.4 — Example of pictorial using a profile head © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved 19
To effectively illustrate hazards involving the arms, hands, or head, it is preferable to use the upper torso in profile rather than the full torso This approach allows for a clearer representation of directional movement associated with the hazard Additionally, incorporating hands into the depiction can enhance visual dramatization, as demonstrated in Figure A.5 Examples of hazard pictorials utilizing the upper torso are provided in this figure.
Figure A.5 — Examples of pictorials using upper torso
A.5.1 Drawing the human hand and fingers
The intricate structure of the human hand, along with its diverse finger movements, presents significant challenges in visual representation To enhance recognition, the design illustrated in Figure A.6 has been meticulously simplified In the full-palm perspective, the fingers and thumb remain stationary, while other full-hand views may depict spread fingers Figure A.7 showcases examples of hazard pictorials utilizing the full-view hand.
Figure A.6 — Full-palm view of hand
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Figure A.7 — Examples of pictorials using the full-view hand
A.5.2 Adding hands to human figure
To enhance the recognition of limb elements in hazard illustrations, hands are incorporated into the figures Figure A.8 displays two fundamental hand positions: Position A features the thumb aligned with the arm's axis, while Position B depicts the hand rotated slightly around the hand's pivot point.
Figure A.8 — Adding hands to the human figure
When choosing between Position A and Position B, the decision should focus on which option most effectively highlights the interaction with the hazard To maintain design consistency, hands are included on both arms in illustrations, even if only one arm is engaged with the hazard Examples of these hazard pictorials, featuring hands on the human figure, can be found in Figure A.9.
Figure A.9 — Examples of pictorials using human figure with hands
Hand profiles effectively convey depth, enhancing realism and dramatization in visuals While the hand itself may not be depicted in perspective, the arrangement of the fingers can create a convincing three-dimensional effect.