Although the traditional safety sign designs using the Danger oval are still allowed, the new advocates sign designs that are based on the label design standards until the 2001 standards,born the 1998 standards. These label design standards were originally developed by FMC and Westinghouse in the 1970's and became part of the ANSI label standard in the 1991. Now, signs are undergoing a similar change and there will be a phase-in period for the new sign designs. By 2002, signs should follow the ANSI standards.

The new sign standards emphasize custom design. It is no longer enough just to use a simple, one-line "High Voltage"; now, the standard suggests that you add an Action statement, consequences, a symbol, use mixed case and, in many situations, add emergency information. These signs are not only much more effective, but, given easy to use software and low cost printers, quite easy to make.

There are five new ANSI standards for signs, labels and tags:

• Z535.1-1998 on Color Codes
• Z535.2-1998 on Safety Signs
• Z535.3-1998 on Safety Symbols
• Z535.4-1998 on Product Safety Labels and Signs
• Z535.5-1998 on Accident Prevention Tags

You may order copies of the new ANSI standards directly from Electromark

Also See:
    What Are The Classic Designs?