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| Compliant Signs: Combining 1997 NESC
Regs & ANSI Rules |
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Myth:
Sign
standards have not changed since the early 1900’s. |
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Reality:
Originally adopted in 1935, ANSI significantly
upgraded sign standards in 1997. |
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Come get a quick feel for the real-world
application of the combination of new 1997 NESC Regs and ANSI
Rules.
We contrast and compare the “before”
and “after” of typical signs below. Please keep
in mind that “myths” can be dangerous. Knowing
and applying "reality” – when it comes to signs
– is always the safest and most profitable way to go |
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Generally, you should avoid centered
type. Signs, like most other written material, should be read from
a consistent left margin. Flush left text reads faster, especially
for longer legends. In addition, simple and “tightlipped”
signs (like: “Danger High Voltage”) are giving way to
informative ones that add action statements, symbols and consequences.
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Warning text should be concise and carefully
crafted. Eliminate redundant articles. Justified type (i.e., type
that aligns on both the right and left margins) is less easily read.
Ideally, warning text should be “flush left” and “ragged
right”. Also note that lines set in all capital letters are
harder to read; text should be set in upper and lower case for maximum
legibility. |
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Effective labels demand careful and
precise language. Make every word count. Symbols enhance warnings.
(Remember that the Danger header is often overused and therefore often
loses the impact it should have to compel attention.) |
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Use similar grammatical structures from
one sentence to the next (i.e., parallel sentence structure). For
example, "Shut off power. Equipment leads must be disconnected."
should more clearly state "Shut off power. Disconnect equipment
leads." Also, break lines so that important word clusters stay
on one line. Avoid hyphenating words: they slow comprehension. |
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Legends on orange backgrounds are difficult to
read. Choose text color and ground for maximum contrast. In addition,
avoid single symbols that depict two hazards. Instead, employ a single-hazard
symbol for each threat in a multiple-hazard area. For further clarity,
add emergency information. |
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