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| Myth and Reality |
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Myth:
It
doesn’t really matter which signal word you use. |
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Reality:
It matters, because decision making
and safety can be a matter of life or death. To compel action, we
simply overuse the signal word “Danger”...and therefore
reduce its effectiveness. Furthermore, in a substation, we often
use it incorrectly. For instance, we recommend you use a Warning
sign or label on the outside of transformer and substation fences.
Use Danger signs and labels for the inside of a transformer, for
equipment on the inside of a substation and for towers. For more
detailed explanations of correct signal word usage, see Appendix
B of the 1997 NESC Handbook. For your further information, we also
recommend an instructive video on the new ANSI Z535 standards produced
by Clapp Engineering (call 919 782-7745).
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Myth:
Sign
standards have not changed since the early 1900’s. |
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Reality:
Originally adopted in 1935, the ANSI
sign standards were significantly upgraded in 1997. The new ANSI standards
now favor headers using the signal alert symbols. ANSI-compliant signs
should also spell out the consequences of involvement with the hazard,
a hazard avoidance method and, in some situations, list an emergency-contact
telephone number. Other significant changes are the recommended use
of symbols, flush-left line text, and upper and lower case message
text. We want you to grasp the difference between the new ANSI standards
and traditional sign designs quickly. So, on the next page, we contrast
and compare some typical signs designed to the old standard with those
meeting the new . Take a moment to learn from these “before”
and “after” examples on the previous page. |
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