Warning Labels

Warning labels and signage are everywhere but do people really understand what message is being conveyed? Compare these two examples of a warning against pinch points.

Both examples warn of the same hazard but one of them was much easier and faster to comprehend.

The ANSI Z535 series of standards for the design, application, and use of signs, colors, and symbols intended to identify and warn against specific hazards and for other accident prevention purposes.  The three common characteristics to a compliant warning sing or label include 1) A Signal Word such as DANGER, CAUTION, or WARNING; 2) A message panel regarding the hazard; and 3) a Symbol Panel that graphically illustrates the hazard being warned against. Compliance with this standard helps to establish commonality and consistency in how warnings are presented and conveyed and allows users to more easily understand what the hazard is and how severe the risk is.

Sometimes warning signs and labels are a critical piece of evidence in a personal injury event. That’s where you can benefit from the knowledge and expertise of an experienced engineer and a team that can identify the critical aspects of the event sequence and piece the puzzle together for you.  Please contact Traci Campbell, PE, CXLT and our team of engineers and technicians and put our experience and expertise to work for you.