ISO Symbols for Safety Signs and Labels

Summary

This transcript explains the role of ISO (International Organization for Standardization) in standardizing graphical symbols and safety sign formats globally. It details how color codes like yellow, red, blue, and green are used to communicate safety messages. Yellow indicates warnings of potential hazards, red represents prohibitions, blue suggests mandatory actions (e.g., wearing protective equipment), and green marks safety equipment or safe conditions. The integration of these symbols and colors ensures clear and consistent safety communication worldwide, helping people avoid risks and navigate safely in emergencies.

Takeaways

• 🌍 ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization, which sets global standards.
• 🔠 ISO 145 focuses on the standardization of graphical symbols worldwide for consistent safety communication.
• ⚠️ Yellow is used in warning signs, typically a triangle with a black symbol, indicating a potential hazard.
• 🚫 Red circles with a diagonal slash (upper left to lower right) are prohibition signs, signaling actions to avoid due to danger.
• 🔵 Blue circles with white graphics represent Mandatory Action signs, guiding required actions for safety, such as wearing protective gear.
• 🔥 Red squares with white symbols are used to mark fire equipment, like fire extinguishers or alarms.
• 🟢 Green squares with white symbols indicate safe conditions or the location of safety equipment, such as first aid stations or emergency exits.
• 🏃‍♂️ The 'Running Man' symbol is used to mark emergency exits.
• 🎨 Different colors in ISO signs have specific safety meanings: yellow for warnings, red for prohibition, blue for mandatory actions, green for safety information.
• 🔍 The combination of colors and symbols on ISO signs ensures clear, consistent safety messages worldwide.

Q & A

What does ISO stand for?

ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization. Although it's an international body, the acronym is derived from the French word 'iso,' meaning 'equal,' reflecting its goal of standardizing systems globally.

What is the role of the ISO Technical Committee 145?

The ISO Technical Committee 145 standardizes graphical symbols, safety sign formats, safety label formats, and colors on a worldwide basis to ensure consistent communication of safety messages.

Why is consistency important in ISO safety signage?

Consistency is key in ISO safety signage because it allows safety messages to be communicated universally, ensuring that people from different regions or backgrounds can understand the warnings and instructions.

What does the yellow color represent in ISO safety signs?

In ISO safety signs, yellow is used as the background color for warning signs, specifically a warning triangle with a black symbol, indicating the presence of a potential hazard.

What do prohibition signs look like and what do they indicate?

Prohibition signs feature a red circle with a red slash going through it at a 45° angle from the upper left to the lower right, with a black graphic symbol behind it. These signs indicate actions that should not be done to avoid interacting with a hazard.

What is the purpose of Mandatory Action Signs in ISO standards?

Mandatory Action Signs are blue circles with white graphics, indicating actions that must be taken to avoid hazards, such as wearing personal protective equipment like hard hats or eye protection.

What is the standard design for fire equipment signs in ISO?

Fire equipment signs are red squares with a white flame icon and a white graphical symbol indicating the specific fire equipment, such as a fire extinguisher or fire alarm.

What do green squares with white graphics represent in ISO safety signage?

Green squares with white graphics represent the location of safety equipment or indicate a safe condition, such as first aid or emergency exits.

What does the Running Man symbol indicate in ISO safety signs?

The Running Man symbol, often shown going through an open door, indicates the direction of an emergency exit, guiding people to safety during emergencies.

How are different colors used to convey safety messages in ISO standards?

Different colors in ISO standards convey distinct safety messages: yellow for warnings, red for prohibitions or fire equipment, blue for mandatory actions, and green for safe conditions or safety equipment locations.