ANSI Z535.

4-2002
Revision of
ANSI Z535.4-1998

American National Standard

For Product Safety Signs and Labels

Secretariat:

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Approved June 6, 2002

American National Standards Institute, Inc.

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NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

The information in this publication was considered technically sound by the consensus of
persons engaged in the development and approval of the document at the time it was
developed. Consensus does not necessarily mean that there is unanimous agreement
among every person participating in the development of this document.

NEMA standards and guideline publications, of which the document contained herein is one,
are developed through a voluntary consensus standards development process. This process
brings together volunteers and/or seeks out the views of persons who have an interest in the
topic covered by this publication. While NEMA administers the process and establishes rules
to promote fairness in the development of consensus, it does not write the document and it
does not independently test, evaluate, or verify the accuracy or completeness of any
information or the soundness of any judgments contained in its standards and guideline
publications.

NEMA disclaims liability for any personal injury, property, or other damages of any nature
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does not undertake to guarantee the performance of any individual manufacturer or seller’s
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In publishing and making this document available, NEMA is not undertaking to render
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undertaking to perform any duty owed by any person or entity to someone else. Anyone using
this document should rely on his or her own independent judgment or, as appropriate, seek
the advice of a competent professional in determining the exercise of reasonable care in any
given circumstances. Information and other standards on the topic covered by this publication
may be available from other sources, which the user may wish to consult for additional views
or information not covered by this publication.

NEMA has no power, nor does it undertake to police or enforce compliance with the contents
of this document. NEMA does not certify, test, or inspect products, designs, or installations for
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or safety–related information in this document shall not be attributable to NEMA and is solely
the responsibility of the certifier or maker of the statement.

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Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by

AMERICAN ANSI that the requirements for due process, consensus, and other
NATIONAL criteria for approval have been met by the standards developer.

STANDARD Consensus is established when, in the judgment of the ANSI Board of

Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly
and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much
more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus
requires that all views and objections be considered, and that a
concerted effort be made toward their resolution.

The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their

existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether he has
approved the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing,
purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not conforming
to the standards.

The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards

and will in no circumstances give an interpretation of any American
National Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or
authority to issue an interpretation of an American National Standard in
the name of the American National Standards Institute. Requests for
interpretations should be addressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose
name appears on the title page of this standard.

Caution Notice: This American National Standard may be revised or

withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National
Standards Institute require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm,
revise, or withdraw this standard. Purchasers of American National
Standards may receive current information on all standards by calling or
writing the American National Standards Institute.

Published by

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

1300 North 17th Street, Rosslyn, VA 22209

 Copyright 2002 by National Electrical Manufacturers Association

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Printed in the United States of America

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Contents
Page

Foreword ......................................................................................................................... vi

1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1

2 Scope and purpose ........................................................................................................1

2.1 Scope .............................................................................................................1

2.2 Purpose.............................................................................................................1

2.2.1 Existing American National Standards ................................................1

3 Application and exceptions ............................................................................................2

3.1 Application.........................................................................................................2

3.1.1 ISO-formatted safety signs ..................................................................2

3.1.2 Chemical products and chemical mixtures ..........................................2

3.2 Exceptions.........................................................................................................2

4 Definitions ......................................................................................................................2

5 Sign classification...........................................................................................................4

5.1 Hazard classification .........................................................................................4

5.2 Signal word selection ........................................................................................4

5.3 Multiple hazard identification.............................................................................4

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5.3.1 One sign or label ..................................................................................4

5.3.2 Levels of seriousness ..........................................................................4

6 Sign or label format ........................................................................................................5

6.1 Panels .............................................................................................................5

6.2 Panel arrangement............................................................................................5

6.3 Safety alert symbol............................................................................................5

6.4 Distinctiveness ..................................................................................................5

6.5 Word message ..................................................................................................5

6.5.1 Multiple messages ...............................................................................5

6.5.2 Lengthy verbiage .................................................................................5

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6.6 Safety symbol....................................................................................................5

7 Safety sign and label colors ...........................................................................................5

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7.1 Standard colors .................................................................................................5

7.2 Signal word panels............................................................................................5

7.2.1 DANGER..............................................................................................5

7.2.2 WARNING............................................................................................6

7.2.3 CAUTION .............................................................................................6

7.2.4 Safety alert symbol ..............................................................................6

7.3 Message panel..................................................................................................6

7.4 Safety symbol panel..........................................................................................6

7.5 Border .............................................................................................................6

7.6 Color options .....................................................................................................6

7.6.1 Other colors..........................................................................................6

7.6.2 When special circumstances limit the use of sign colors.....................6

7.6.3 When special circumstances preclude the use of safety colors ..........6

8 Letter style and size .......................................................................................................6

8.1 Letter style.........................................................................................................6

8.1.1 Signal words.........................................................................................6

8.1.2 Message panel lettering.......................................................................7

8.2 Letter size..........................................................................................................7

8.2.1 Lettering ...............................................................................................7

8.2.2 Determination of safe viewing distance ...............................................7

8.2.3 Signal word letter height ......................................................................7

9 Sign and label placement...............................................................................................7

9.1 Location.............................................................................................................7

9.2 Protection ..........................................................................................................7

10 Expected life and maintenance......................................................................................7

10.1 Expected life......................................................................................................7

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10.2 Product user instructions ..................................................................................7

10.2.1 Maintenance.........................................................................................8

10.2.2 Replacement ........................................................................................8

10.2.3 Installation procedure...........................................................................8

11 Safety symbols...............................................................................................................8

11.1 General .............................................................................................................8

11.1.1 Safety symbols.....................................................................................8

11.1.2 Conveyed message .............................................................................8

11.2 Safety symbol use.............................................................................................8

12 References.....................................................................................................................8

12.1 General .............................................................................................................8

12.2 American National Standards ...........................................................................8

12.3 Other standards ................................................................................................9

12.4 Other publications .............................................................................................9

Figures

1 Safety alert symbol.........................................................................................................3

2 Three-panel sign – horizontal format ...........................................................................10

3 Three-panel sign – vertical format ...............................................................................11

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4 Three-panel sign – horizontal format ...........................................................................11

5 Two-panel sign – vertical format ..................................................................................11

6 Two-panel sign – horizontal format..............................................................................11

Annexes

A Guidelines for increasing recognition of safety label components...............................13

B Principles and guidelines for the design of product safety signs and labels................15

C The use of ISO safety signs for products.....................................................................25

D Translations of signal words ........................................................................................27

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Foreword (Neither this foreword nor any of the informative annexes is a part of American National Standard
Z535.4-2002.)

In 1979, the ANSI Z53 Committee on Safety Colors was combined with the ANSI Z35 Committee on
Safety Signs to form the ANSI Z535 Committee on Safety Signs and Colors. This committee has the
following scope:

To develop 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.

Five subcommittees were created and assigned the tasks of updating the ANSI Z53 and Z35 Standards,
and writing new standards. The five standards include:

• ANSI Z535.1, Safety Color Code [ANSI Z54.1-1979 was updated and combined into this standard
in 1991.]
• ANSI Z535.2, Environmental and Facility Safety Sign [ANSI Z35.1-1972 and Z35.4-1972 were
updated and combined into this standard in 1991.]
• ANSI Z535.3, Criteria for Safety Symbols [new in 1991]
• ANSI Z535.4, Product Safety Signs and Labels [new in 1991]
• ANSI Z535.5, Accident Prevention Tags (For Temporary Hazards) [ANSI Z35.2-1974 was
updated and combined into this standard in 1991.]

Together these five standards contain information needed to specify formats, colors, and symbols for
safety signs used in environmental and facility applications, product applications, and accident prevention
tags.

This standard was prepared by Subcommittee Z535.4 on Product Safety Signs and Labels.

This foreword and all of the Annexes are considered to be informative and are not an official part of this
standard. In the vocabulary of writing standards, the word “informative” is meant to convey that the
information presented is for informational purposes only and is not considered to be mandatory in nature.
The body of this standard is “normative”, meaning that this information is considered to be mandatory.

This Standard provides guidelines for the design of safety signs and labels for application to products.
The core guidelines contained in this standard were initially published in the first edition of this Standard.
This first edition became available in 1992. In the 1998 revision, Annex A was added to explain the use of
safety label components in collateral material used with the product, and Annex B was added to provide
helpful principles and guidelines for the design of product safety signs.

In this 2002 revision, Annex C was added to describe the use of ISO formats for product safety signs and
labels and Annex D was added to provide translations for signal words.
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This standard was processed and approved for submittal to ANSI by the Accredited Standards
Committee on Safety Signs and Colors, ANSI Z535. Committee approval of this standard does not
necessarily imply that all committee members voted for its approval. At the time it approved this standard,
the Z535 Committee had the following members:

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Gary M. Bell, Chairperson

Richard Olesen, Vice Chair
Carin Bernstiel, Secretary

Organization Represented: Name of Representative:

Alliance of American Insurers Stephen Young

Am. Society of Safety Engineers J. Paul Frantz

Thomas F. Breshnahan (Alt.)
Howard A. Elwell (Alt.)

American Welding Society August F. Manz

Assoc. for Manufacturing Technology David Felinski

Association of Equipment Manufacturers Richard A. Dressler

Bernie McGrew (Alt.)

Brady U.S.A., Inc. Susan Larson

Tom Dragotta (Alt.)
Robin Kressin (Alt.)

Dorris & Associates, Inc. Alan Dorris

Nathan T. Dorris (Alt.)

Edison Electric Institute David C. Young

Janet Fox (Alt.)

Hale Color Consultants William N. Hale

Hazard Communication Systems, Inc. Geoffrey Peckham

Human Factors & Ergonomics Society Michael S. Wogalter

Kenneth R. Laughery (Alt.)

Human Factors & Safety Analytics, Inc. Jay Martin

Industrial Safety Equip. Assoc. Linda Moquet

Richard Fisk (Alt.)
Russel Goldman II (Alt.)

Industrial Services Group Will M. Garth

James Moore (Alt.)

Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers Al Clapp

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Sue Vogel (Alt.)

International Staple, Nail, and Tool Assoc. John Kurtz

Inter-Society Color Council Norbert L. Johnson

L. Dale Baker & Associates L. Dale Baker

Lab Safety Supply, Inc. Jim Versweyveld

Marhefka & Associates Russell E. Marhefka

National Electrical Mfrs. Assoc. James F. McElwee

National Spa & Pool Institute Carvin DiGiovanni

National Spray Equipment Mfrs. Assoc. Don R. Scarbrough

Nuclear Suppliers Assoc. Blair Brewster

Pfizer, Inc Charles Geraci

Power Tool Institute George Whelchel

Charles M. Stockinger (Alt.)

Rural Utilities Service Trung Hiu

Safety Behavior Analysis, Inc. Shelley Waters Deppa

Sauder Woodworking Gary Bell

Scaffold Industry Assoc. Dave Merrifield

Society of Environmental Graphic Designers Tonya Smith-Jackson

Society of the Plastics Industry, Machinery Div. Loren Mills

Walter Bishop (Alt.)
Drew Winsted (Alt.)

Standard Register Corporation Amy Martin

Pat Konkol (Alt.)

System Safety Society Robert Cunitz

World Kitchen, Inc. William P. Whitney

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Underwriters Laboratories Richard Olesen

3M Company David Burns

Subcommittee Z535.4 on Product safety Signs and Labels, which developed this revision of the standard,
had the following members:

L. Dale Baker, Chairperson

Carin Bernstiel, Secretary

Gary Bell
Shelley Waters Deppa
Alan Dorris
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Nathan Dorris
Russell Marhefka
B. Jay Martin
James McElwee
Richard Olesen
William Pagic
Geoffrey Peckham
Edward Roszkowski
Jean Schiller
George Whelchel
Sharon White
Michael Wogolter

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 ANSI Z535.4-2002

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD ANSI Z535.4-2002

For Product Safety Signs and Labels

1 Introduction
The design of safety signs1 for products has been influenced for many years by standards originally
developed for accident prevention signs to be used in the general environment. As product safety signs
evolved, some basic differences developed between their characteristics and those of environmental
safety signs: Environmental safety signs are usually larger, observed at longer distances, and frequently
contain lesser amounts of information for visual clarity at a distance. Product safety signs are likely to
contain more information within a smaller format, are usually observed at closer distances, and must
physically and visually integrate with a wide range of product size, shape, and color characteristics.
Attempts by product manufacturers to address these variable characteristics have produced numerous
approaches to the graphic treatment of such signs.

This standard sets forth a hazard communication system developed specifically for product safety signs
and labels. It consolidates a number of previous graphic approaches into a common design direction
carefully selected to present product hazard information in an orderly and visually consistent manner for
effective communication.

The ANSI Z535.4 standard developed for Product Safety Signs and Labels complements the ANSI

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Z535.2 standard developed for Environmental and Facility Safety Signs. These standards are similar in
many respects. However, they each address different physical and visual requirements as noted above.
As a result, the Accredited Standards Committee Z535 has recognized and affirmed the need for these
two separate standards.

2 Scope and Purpose

2.1 Scope

This standard sets forth performance requirements for the design, application, use, and placement of
safety signs and labels intended to identify potential hazards for persons using, operating, servicing, or in
proximity to, a wide variety of products

2.2 Purpose

The purposes of this standard are: (1) to establish a uniform and consistent visual layout for safety signs
and labels applied to a wide variety of products, (2) to minimize the proliferation of designs for product
safety signs and labels and (3) to establish a national uniform system for the recognition of potential
personal injury hazards for those persons using products.

2.2.1 Existing American National Standards

There are a number of existing American National Standards which are recognized for particular
industries or specific uses. Compliance with such a standard may be considered for the particular industry
or use. It is not the intent of this ANSI Z535.4 standard to replace existing standards or regulations which

1
In this standard, the term “sign” will be used to mean either a product safety sign or label.

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are uniquely applicable to a specific industry or use. It is the intent to encourage adoption of this standard
in subsequent revisions of other standards and regulations.

3 Application and exceptions

3.1 Application

This standard provides guidance for manufacturers, employers, distributors, and others who have a
desire to alert persons to potential personal injury hazards inherent with products.

3.1.1 ISO-formatted safety signs

For information about ISO-formatted safety signs, see Annex C.

3.1.2 Chemical products and chemical mixtures

For chemical products and chemical mixtures, follow ANSI Z129.1-2000.

3.2 Exceptions

Should any of the requirements of this standard conflict with federal, state, or municipal regulations, such
conflict shall not invalidate other requirements of this standard.

4 Definitions
4.1 accident: An occurrence in a sequence of events that produces unintended injury, death or
property damage.

4.2 colors: Colors specified in this standard shall conform to American National Standard Safety
Color Code, ANSI Z535.1-2001.

4.3 decal: (See safety sign.)

4.4 hazard: A source of potential injury to a person.

4.5 Intent

4.5.1 may: This word is understood to be permissive.

4.5.2 shall: This word is understood to be mandatory.

4.5.3 should: This word is understood to be advisory.

4.5.4 informative: Refers to those portions of this Standard provided only for purposes of clarification,
illustration, and general information. Those portions of the standard considered informative do not contain
mandatory requirements. The Foreword and all of the Annexes are considered informative.

4.5.5 normative: Refers to those portions of the Standard containing the mandatory requirements
(shall), as well as the recommended practices (should). The body of this Standard is considered
normative.

4.6 label: (See safety sign.)

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4.7 panel: Area of the safety sign having a distinctive background color different from adjacent areas
of the sign, or which is clearly delineated by a line, border, or margin. There are three (3) types of panels
a sign may use: signal word, message and safety symbol.

4.7.1 signal word panel: Area of the safety sign that contains the signal word. For personal injury
hazards, the signal word panel shall contain the safety alert symbol.

4.7.2 message panel: Area of the safety sign that contains the word messages which identify the
hazard, indicate how to avoid the hazard, and advise of the probable consequence of not avoiding the
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hazard. The order in which the content appears in the message panel is flexible. Factors to consider
when determining the order of a word message’s content include the target audience’s degree of prior
knowledge of the hazard and the reaction time required to avoid the hazard. When information on
consequence, avoidance, or type of hazard is readily inferred, this information may be omitted from the
message panel. See Annex B 3.1.

4.7.3 safety symbol panel: Area of the safety sign that contains the safety symbol.

4.8 pictorial: (See safety symbol.)

4.9 placard (See safety sign.)

4.10 safety alert symbol: A symbol which indicates a potential personal injury hazard. It is composed
of an equilateral triangle surrounding an exclamation mark. The safety alert symbol shall not be used to
alert persons to property-damage-only accidents. (See Annex A.)

Figure 1 — Safety alert symbol

4.11 safety sign: A visual alerting device in the form of a decal, label, placard, cord tag, or other
marking such as an embossing, stamping, etching, or other process which advises the observer of the
nature and degree of the potential hazard(s). It may also describe safety precautions or evasive actions to
take, or provide other directions to eliminate or reduce the hazard.

4.11.1 environmental/facility safety sign: Sign or placard in a work or public area that provides safety
information about the immediate environment.

4.11.2 product safety sign or label: Sign, label, cord tag, or decal affixed to a product that provides
safety information about that product. The product safety sign should identify the hazard, the degree or
level of hazard seriousness, the probable consequence of involvement with the hazard, and how the
hazard can be avoided. (See 4.7.2 message panel.)

4.11.2.1 permanent safety sign or label: Information affixed to a product to warn against potential
exposure to hazards inherent in the normal use associated with the product, or which might be created
during other reasonably anticipated product use or misuse. The sign or label is to be permanently affixed
to the product so that it cannot be easily removed.

4.11.2.2 temporary safety sign or tag: Information affixed to a product or its container to warn of a
temporary hazard created by situations such as shipment, setup, service or repair. Temporary safety
signs and tags are removed when the hazard no longer exists.

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4.12 sign classifications: Various categories of signs, each with a distinct signal word and colors,
which represent different levels of hazard seriousness.

4.13 signal word: The word that calls attention to the safety sign and designates a degree or level of
hazard seriousness. The signal words for product safety signs are DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION.

4.13.1 DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death
or serious injury. This signal word is to be limited to the most extreme situations.

4.13.2 WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.

4.13.3 CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in minor
or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.

NOTE—DANGER or WARNING should not be considered for property damage accidents unless personal injury risk appropriate to
these levels is also involved. CAUTION is permitted for property-damage-only accidents. The safety alert symbol shall not be used
to alert persons to property-damage-only accidents.

4.14 safety symbol: A graphic representation intended to convey a message without the use of
words. It may represent a hazard, a hazardous situation, a precaution to avoid a hazard, a result of not
avoiding a hazard, or any combination of these messages. (See ANSI Z535.3-2001, Criteria for Safety
Symbols.)

5 Sign classification
5.1 Hazard classification

Product safety signs and labels are classified according to the relative seriousness of the hazard
situation. The classification is based on the probability of being injured if the hazard is not avoided, and
on the severity of the resulting injury. For products, there are three hazard classifications which are
denoted by the signal words DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION

5.2 Signal word selection

When no federal, state, or local government code, regulation, standard, or guideline specifies a particular
signal word, selection of the signal word shall be made in accordance with the definitions provided in
Section 4.

5.3 Multiple hazard identification

5.3.1 One sign or label

When more than one hazard exists on a product, either in close proximity to each other, or which might
be preventable from a common location, it is permissible to use only one safety sign or label, provided
that the information effectively addresses each hazard.

5.3.2 Levels of seriousness

When multiple hazard situations are addressed on one sign or label, and the hazards are classified at
different levels of seriousness, the signal word corresponding to the greatest hazard level shall be used.

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6 Sign or label format

6.1 Panels

A product safety sign or label consists of a signal word panel plus a message panel. A safety symbol
panel may be used to communicate parts, or all, of the elements of a message panel (see 4.7.2 message
panel).

6.2 Panel arrangement

The sign or label panels may be in a horizontal or vertical format.

6.3 Safety alert symbol

A safety alert symbol, when used with the signal word, shall precede the signal word. The base of the
safety alert symbol shall be on the same horizontal line as the base of the letters of the signal word. The
height of the safety alert symbol shall equal or exceed the signal word letter height.

6.4 Distinctiveness

A safety sign or label shall be distinctive on the product. A contrasting border may be used on the sign to
achieve distinctiveness.

6.5 Word message

The word message should be concise and readily understood.

6.5.1 Multiple messages

Multiple messages should be provided with sufficient space between them, when feasible, to prevent
them from visually blending together.

6.5.2 Lengthy verbiage

When detailed instructions, precautions, or consequences require lengthy verbiage, it shall be permissible
to refer the user to the proper instruction manual.

6.6 Safety symbol

The safety symbol should be readily understood and should effectively communicate the message.

7 Safety sign and label colors

7.1 Standard colors

Safety colors shall conform to ANSI Z535.1-2002, Safety Color Code.

7.2 Signal word panels

7.2.1 DANGER

The word DANGER shall be in safety white letters on a safety red background.

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7.2.2 WARNING

The word WARNING shall be in safety black letters on a safety orange background.

7.2.3 CAUTION

The word CAUTION shall be in safety black letters on a safety yellow background.

7.2.4 Safety alert symbol

The solid triangle portion shall be the same color as the signal word lettering, and the exclamation mark
portion shall be the same color as the signal word panel background.

7.3 Message panel

The message panel should have either black lettering on a white background or white lettering on a black
background.

7.4 Safety symbol panel

The safety symbol panel should normally have a black symbol on a white background. Other colors may
be used for safety symbol emphasis, such as safety red for fire, etc.

7.5 Border

The border should normally be white. If necessary to achieve better contrast, the border may be black.

7.6 Color options

7.6.1 Other colors

Other colors may be used for compliance with other standards (see 3.2 Exceptions).

7.6.2 When special circumstances limit the use of sign colors

When special circumstances limit the use of sign colors to two colors, the colors assigned to the signal
word panel may also be used for the message and safety symbol panels provided that the panel colors
contrast with the background color of the product.

7.6.3 When special circumstances preclude the use of safety colors

When special circumstances preclude the use of safety colors on base materials such as wood,
cardboard, metal, plastic, etc., the marking used should (when feasible) contrast with the background
color of the base material.

8 Letter style and size

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NOTE—For additional reference on letter style and size, see Annex B.

8.1 Letter style

8.1.1 Signal words

Signal words shall be in sans serif letters in upper case only.

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8.1.2 Message panel lettering

Message panel lettering should be a combination of upper and lower case letters. Upper case only
lettering may be used for short messages or emphasis of individual words.

8.2 Letter size

8.2.1 Lettering

Lettering shall be of a size that enables a person with normal vision, including corrected vision, to read
the safety sign or label message panel text at a safe viewing distance from the hazard.

8.2.2 Determination of safe viewing distance

Determination of safe viewing distance for the message panel text shall take into consideration a
reasonable hazard avoidance reaction time.

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8.2.3 Signal word letter height

Signal word letter height should be at least 50 percent greater than the height of a capital H in the
majority of the message panel wording.

9 Sign and label placement

9.1 Location

Product safety signs and labels shall be placed such that they will: (1) be readily visible to the intended
viewer and (2) alert the viewer to the potential hazard in time to take appropriate action.
NOTE—Paragraphs 8.2.1 thru 8.2.3, paragraph 9.1 and Annex B provide guidance for determining ‘legibility’ and ‘safe viewing
distance’.

9.2 Protection

When feasible, placement of the sign or label should provide protection from foreseeable damage, fading,
or visual obstruction caused by abrasion, ultraviolet light, or substances such as lubricants, chemicals
and dirt.

10 Expected life and maintenance

10.1 Expected life

Product safety signs or labels shall have a reasonable expected life with good color stability, symbol
legibility, and word message legibility when viewed at a safe viewing distance as described in Section 8.2.
Reasonable expected life shall take into consideration the expected life of the product and the
foreseeable environment of use.

10.2 Product user instructions

The manufacturer should include information on maintenance or replacement of safety signs or labels as
detailed in 10.2.1 through 10.2.3. If accompanying collateral material is provided, this information may be
included in the collateral material.

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10.2.1 Maintenance

Product safety signs or labels should be periodically inspected and cleaned by the product user as
necessary to maintain good legibility for safe viewing distance as described in Section 8.2

10.2.2 Replacement

Product safety signs or labels should be replaced by the product user when they no longer meet the
legibility requirements for safe viewing distance as described in Section 8.2. In cases where products
have an extensive expected life or where exposed to extreme conditions, the product user should contact
either the product manufacturer or some other source to determine a means for obtaining replacement
signs or labels.

10.2.3 Installation procedure

Installation of new or replacement safety signs or labels should be in accordance with the sign or label
manufacturer’s recommended procedure.

11 Safety symbols
11.1 General

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11.1.1 Safety symbols

Safety symbols are graphic representations chosen to clearly convey a specific alerting message.

11.1.2 Conveyed message

The conveyed message of a safety symbol is to describe the type of hazard, potential consequences of
the hazard, or evasive/avoidance actions to be taken. When used, the safety symbol shall be compatible
with the word message(s).

11.2 Safety symbol use

Safety symbols may be used to clarify, supplement or substitute for a portion or all of a word message
found in the message panel. A symbol may only be used to substitute for a portion or all of a word
message if it has been demonstrated to be satisfactorily comprehended (e.g., Annex B of ANSI Z535.3)
or there is a means (e.g., instructions, training materials, manuals, etc.) to inform people of the symbol’s
meaning.

12 References
12.1 General

This standard shall be used in conjunction with American National Standards listed in 12.2. Other
standards listed in 12.3 and other publications listed in 12.4 contain additional information that may be
useful in completing the requirements of this standard.

12.2 American National Standards

When the following American National Standards are superseded by a revision approved by the
American National Standards Institute, Inc., the revision shall apply:

1. American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Safety Color Code, ANSI Z535.1-2002.

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2. American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Environmental and Facility Safety Signs, ANSI
Z535.2-2002.

3. American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Criteria for Safety Symbols, ANSI Z535.3-2002.

4. American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Safety Tags and Barricade Tapes (for Temporary
Hazards) ANSI Z535.5-2002.

12.3 Other standards

1. American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Precautionary Labeling of Hazardous Industrial

Chemicals. New York: ANSI Z129.1-2000.

2. Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL). Standard for Marking and Labeling Systems. Northbrook IL:
UL969-1995.

12.4 Other publications

1. FMC Corporation, Product Safety Sign and Label System, FMC: Santa Clara, CA. 1985.

2. Smith, Sidney L., Letter Size and Legibility, Human Factors, 1979, 21 (60, 661-670).

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3. Howett, Gerald L., Size of Letters Required for Visibility as a Function of Viewing Distance and
Observer Visual Acuity, National Bureau of Standards, 1983.

4. Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Westinghouse Product Safety Label Handbook,

Westinghouse: Trafford, PA. 1981.

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Figure 2
Three-Panel Sign
– Horizontal Format

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Annex A
(informative)
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This annex is not an official part of the body of this standard.

Guidelines for Increasing Recognition of Safety Label Components

A1 Scope

It is important that the meaning of a product safety label is clearly understood by those who use or service
the product. To increase the understanding of a safety label’s components, the ANSI Z535 committee
strongly encourages product manufacturers to incorporate the following information in their products’
collateral material (e.g. operation manuals, instructions, safety literature, service manuals, etc.). Doing so
will assist in the objective of achieving a national uniform system for the recognition of potential personal
injury hazards. In addition, reproducing your products’ safety labels in accompanying collateral material is
recommended.

A1.1 The Safety Alert Symbol

Explain the meaning of the safety alert symbol. Then use this symbol whenever a safety-related message
is written that warns of a potential personal injury hazard. In literature that makes note of potential
personal injury hazards, the safety alert symbol can be used alone or in combination with the proper
signal word to call attention to the hazard information. The following artwork may be used for this
purpose.

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert

you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all
safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid
possible injury or death.

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A1.2 The signal words

Explain the meaning of the different signal words as defined by the ANSI Z535.4 standard. Such training
is necessary to increase understanding of the multi-tier hazard classification system. The following
artwork may be used for this purpose. (NOTE—The use of the appropriate color for each signal word panel is desirable.)

DANGER indicates an imminently

hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury
CAUTION used without the safety alert
symbol indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, may result in
property damage

A1.3 The safety symbols

Explain the meaning of the safety symbols used on your safety labels. This enables the viewer to better
understand the meaning of the graphics and makes future recognition of the safety symbols more
instantaneous. Additional information may be added in your literature to further explain the meaning of
each safety symbol. See ANSI Z535.3 Criteria for Safety Symbols for more information about safety
symbol selection, design and testing.

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Annex B
(informative)
This annex is not an official part of the body of this standard.
Principles And Guidelines for the Design of Product Safety Signs and Labels

B1 Scope

Good consistent visual design helps to effectively communicate hazard information. This annex provides
the designer with information on widely recognized principles that can aid in the development of effective
product safety signs.1, 2

B2 Signal word panel arrangement

The safety alert symbol and signal word should be positioned close together and centered in the signal

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word panel. Note that the signal word should always be typeset using all capital letters. (See Annex A.)

Figure 1 — Examples of Figure 2 — Examples of incorrect

correct safety alert symbol safety alert symbols and signal
and sign word placement word placement

B3 Developing the word message

B3.1 The Content of the word message

The word message on a product safety sign typically communicates information to an observer on the
type of hazard, the consequence of not avoiding the hazard and how to avoid the hazard. Many factors
must be considered when determining whether to omit consequence, avoidance or type of hazard
information in the word message. Factors to consider include whether the message can be inferred from
a symbol, other text messages, user training or the context in which the safety sign is used.

B3.2 Ordering the content of the word message

The order in which the content appears in the message panel is flexible. Factors to consider when
determining the order of a word message’s content include the target audience’s degree of prior
knowledge of the hazard and the reaction time required to avoid the hazard.

As a general rule of thumb, the hazard message should come first when there are many feasible
action/avoidance alternatives, however, action/avoidance messages should come first when there are few
avoidance alternatives. Figure 3 illustrates a word message that explains the type of hazard and
consequences of interaction with the hazard before it describes the hazard avoidance information.

1
In this Annex, the term “sign” will be used to mean either a product safety sign or label.
2
NOTE—Every safety sign must be considered on its own terms. Limitations on space or other unique conditions
may justify variance from these principles. Examples of word messages are provided to illustrate how principles
related to grammatical structure, writing style and print layout can enhance the safety sign. These examples are not
intended to prescribe standardized word messages for the hazards mentioned in the examples.

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Placing the information in this order would be appropriate if it is found that the audience needs to know
what the hazard is before they would follow the avoidance information presented on the label. This format
assumes that there is time to read the entire word message and still avoid the hazard.

Figure 4 illustrates a word message that places the hazard avoidance information first. Ordering the word
message in this way would be appropriate if a person needs to immediately follow the avoidance
information in order prevent interaction with the hazard.

Moving parts
can crush and
cut. Keep out.
Keep hands
clear while Hazardous
operating.
Voltage inside.
Lockout power
before
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servicing. 440 Volts.

Figure 3 Figure 4

B3.3 Formatting the word message

There are many issues that must be considered when developing a word message; from sentence
structure to typesetting specifications. The length of the word message depends on the amount of
information that needs to be communicated to a person to allow them to understand and avoid the
hazard. Once this information is determined, it should be written and formatted in a manner that is
concise and easily understood. The following are several principles that can be applied to the word
message to achieve this objective.

B3.3.1 Use headline style

Write in a “headline style.” Compare the sample word messages shown below. The “headline style”
example eliminates nonessential words and omits pronouns (“this,” “that,” “they,”) articles (“a,” “the,” “an,”)
and forms of the verb “to be” (“is,” “are,” “were”). Avoid hyphenation when at all possible.

Headline Style Message Non-Headline Style Message

Moving parts can crush and cut. This machine has moving parts that can
Keep guard in place. crush and cut. Keep the guard in place
Lockout power before servicing. while operating this machine. Before
servicing is performed, lockout power.

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B3.3.2 Use active voice

Write sentences in the active voice, rather than the passive voice. This means placing the subject of the
sentence first, the action (verb) next, and the object (noun) last. Often the subject “you” or “your” can be
inferred from the sentence and is unnecessary.

Active Voice Sentences Passive Voice Sentences

Keep hands away from rotating blade. Your hands must be kept away from
rotating blade.
Lockout power before servicing
equipment. Power must be locked out before servicing
equipment.
Immediately replace guards after repair
or adjustment. After repair and adjustment, immediately
replace guards.

B3.3.3. Avoid prepositional phrases

Avoid the use of prepositional phrases. Prepositional phrases can often be eliminated or replaced with
one word.

Sentences Without Prepositional Phrases Sentences With Prepositional Phrases

Disconnect power to service equipment. Disconnect power in order to service

equipment.
Turn off power if jam occurs.
Turn off power in the event a jam
occurs.

B3.3.4 Refer to another source

Keep only essential hazard-related information in the product safety sign. If necessary, consideration can
be given to referring the viewer to another source for additional safety information. Examples of such
sources include safety instruction labels, operation manuals, service manuals, operating procedures and
safety bulletins.

B3.3.5 Separation of word message content

To enhance readability, the word message arrangement in an outline format should be considered. The
addition of bullets may also be considered to help separate portions of the word message.

Outline Format Outline With Bullet Format Continuous Format

Moving parts can crush and Moving parts can crush Moving parts can crush
cut. and cut. and cut. Keep hands clear
while operating. Lockout
Keep hands clear while • Keep hands clear while power before servicing.
operating. operating.

Lockout power before • Lockout power before

servicing. servicing.

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B3.3.6 Text justification

Left aligned “ragged right” text should be used for all but one-line text messages (which can be either left
aligned or centered). Left alignment aids in readability by creating a vertical line that the eye naturally
locates when searching for the next line of text. Justified text should be avoided because the added
space between words makes it more difficult to read.

Left Aligned Ragged Centered Text Justified Text

Text
Moving parts can crush and Moving parts can
Moving parts can cut. crush and cut.
crush and cut. Keep hands clear while Keep hands clear
Keep hands clear while operating. while operating.
operating. Lockout power before Lockout power
Lockout power before servicing. before servicing.
servicing.

B3.3.7 Upper and lower case letters

The preferred format for text is the use of mixed upper and lower case where only the first letter of the first
word in a sentence is capitalized. The use of all upper case letters for the word message is discouraged
because it is more difficult to read quickly than lower case type. On occasion, a single word or phrase
may be set in upper case letters to provide emphasis.
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Mixed Case Lettering Selective Use of Upper Case All Upper Case

Moving parts can crush and Moving parts can crush and MOVING PARTS CAN
cut. cut. CRUSH AND CUT.

Do not remove guard. Do NOT remove guard. DO NOT REMOVE GUARD.

Lockout power before LOCKOUT power before LOCKOUT POWER BEFORE

servicing. servicing. SERVICING.

B3.3.8 Choice of type style

Sans serif typestyles are preferred for short word messages. Serif typestyles may be used but should be
limited to safety labels which contain large amounts of text. The important specification to look for when
choosing a typestyle is the stroke “width-to-height” ratio. This ratio refers to the width of the letter and the
strokes used to create the letter and should be between 1:6 -1:8 (see reference 3, Paragraph 12.4).

Figure 5 — Examples of Sans Serif Typestyles

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B3.3.9 Choice of type spacing

The correct spacing between lines of text, between words, and between letters helps to make a word
message easier to read. The amount of space between lines of text is called leading. Lines of text should
be separated by leading that is approximately 120% of the type point size (e.g. 10 point type should have
12 point leading, 14 point type should have 16.8 point leading, etc.). Additional leading should be added
to separate portions of a word message, as shown in the outline format illustrated in B3.3.5. The space
between words and between letters is called tracking. For purposes of legibility, it is important to use
proper word and letter spacing when typesetting the word message.
This is an example of
This is an example of a a w o r d m e s s a g e w it h This is an example of a word
word message with proper message with not enough
leading and word letter too much leading and leading and not enough
spacing. t o o mu c h w o r d l e t t e r word/ letter spacing.
spacing.

Figure 6 – Examples of correct and incorrect type spacing

B3.3.10 Choice of type color

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The word message’s type can be black on a white background or white on a black background. This
choice should be based on which is more legible. But legibility is dependent on more than type color.
Factors such as type size, amount of text, reading distance, contrast with the product surface, and lighting
conditions must all be considered.

Moving parts can crush Moving parts can

and cut. crush and cut.
Black type on a white White type on a black
Do not remove guard. background Do not remove background
guard.
Lockout power before
servicing. Lockout power
before servicing.

Figure 7 — Examples of type color choice

B3.3.11 Comprehension

The word message should be written so that it can be understood by the target audience (i.e. those who
are to use and/or service the product). This means choosing words that accurately describe the specific
hazard and avoidance information in terms the intended audience will understand.

B3.3.12 Letter size

Legibility of the word message at the minimum safe viewing distance3 determines the proper letter size for
the word messages. The letter size/safe viewing distance guidelines in Table 1 defines the letter size
required for legibility at the given viewing distance. The height of the capital letter “H” identifies the type’s
letter size. Note that the letter sizes shown indicate the minimum or recommended word message letter
size. Letter size may need to be larger for the following reasons:

3
The minimum safe distance refers to the closest distance a person can be to the label and still have time to follow
the safety sign’s message to avoid the hazard.

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• To obtain conspicuousness from other information presented on the product,

• To facilitate legibility under low light, or other unfavorable viewing conditions,
• To warn persons at distances greater than the minimum safe viewing distance,
• To convey special emphasis for portions of the message,
• To facilitate legibility for populations who have difficulty reading small text (e.g., senior citizens).

A formatted sign with the selected letter size word messages should be visually examined in the
environment expected for actual use (lighting, background, angle, etc.), and tested for legibility in that
environment by persons representative of the expected viewers. It is advisable to test different letter sizes
to determine the optimum size for legibility at the desired viewing distance.

B3.3.13 Minimum letter height calculations

Type size is defined in “points,” a term that was used to describe the space required for lead type
characters. Point sizes measure from the top of the capital letters to the bottom of the lower case letters
with descenders (e.g. the bottom of the letter “g” or “j” etc.). One point equals 0.01384 inches, or
approximately 1/72 of an inch. Although type faces vary slightly, a practical guide for defining type size is
based on using the capital letter “H” for measurement purposes. Since the character “H” has no
descender, it is possible to use a conversion factor of 0.01 inches = 1 point of type size. Thus, 12-point
type yields a capital “H” approximately 0.12 inches high. For metric purposes, use a conversion factor of
3.9 points =1 mm of height for a capital “H”.
Recommended Letter Heights For Favorable Reading Conditions:
2 Feet Or Less: Viewing Distance (in.) / 150
>2 To 20 Feet: Viewing Distance [(ft. - 2) x .03] + .16
Over 20 Feet: Viewing Distance (ft.) / 28.6
Recommended Letter Heights For Unfavorable Reading Conditions (All Distances):
Viewing Distance (ft.) x .084
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Table 1 – Examples of word message letter heights and minimum safe viewing distances

Minimum Safe Minimum Letter Height for Recommended Letter Height Recommended Letter
Viewing FAVORABLE Reading for FAVORABLE Reading Height for FAVORABLE
Distance3 Conditions Conditions Reading Conditions
1 Foot or less* .08 inch .08 inch .084 inch
2 Feet .10 inch .16 inch .168 inch
3 Feet .12 inch .19 inch .252 inch
4 Feet .14 inch .22 inch .336 inch
5 Feet .16 inch .25 inch .420 inch
6 Feet .18 inch .28 inch .504 inch
7 Feet .20 inch .31 inch .588 inch
8 Feet .22 inch .34 inch .672 inch
*.08-inch type is the suggested minimum type size for use on product safety signs, except for small
products , .06-inch type size may be used.

3
The minimum safe viewing distance refers to the closest distance a person can be to the label and still have time to
follow the safety sign’s message to avoid the hazard.

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B4 The use of safety symbols

Well designed safety symbols can often communicate hazard information quickly and across language
and literacy barriers. Although the ANSI Z535.4 standard allows word-message-only formats for safety
labels, the use of safety symbols is encouraged whenever practical. (See ANSI Z535.3 Criteria For
Safety Symbols for additional information concerning safety symbol selection, design, and testing.)

B5 Multi-lingual formats

The selection of additional languages for product safety signs is an

extremely complex issue. Experts suggest that nearly 150 foreign
languages are spoken in the United States and over 23 million
Americans speak a language other than English in their homes. If it is
determined that additional languages are desired on a safety sign, the
following formats should be considered. In all examples, the use of
symbols is strongly encouraged in order to better communicate the sign’s
hazard information across language barriers. White type on a black
background is used in these examples to highlight the symbol and word
message panels.

B5.1 Vertical formats

The vertical bilingual format shown in Figure 8 can be modified to include

a longer word message by lengthening the word message panels.

B5.2 Horizontal formats Figure 8

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate horizontal formats for bilingual safety labels. In figure 9, the English word
message and signal word may appear on either the right or left side. The text and signal word panels may
be widened to accommodate longer word messages.
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Figure 9 Figure 10

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B5.3 Signal word panel arrangement

The safety alert symbol and signal word should be positioned close together and centered in each signal
word panel of a bilingual safety sign. (See B2.)

B5.4 Letter size

A slightly smaller type size may be needed to accommodate the length of a translated signal word or
word message.

B6 Multi-hazard formats

If multiple hazards exist at one location or if there is only enough space for a single safety label, a multi-
hazard label may need to be considered. The use of safety symbols in multi-hazard formats is optional
but encouraged. Additional safety symbols can be added to these formats as needed. The signal word
corresponding to the hazard with the greatest seriousness level should be used. (See ANSI Z535.4,
section 5.3.2.) The hazard with the greatest seriousness level should be ordered first in the word
message. White type on a black background is used in these examples to highlight the safety symbol and
word message panels. The following options can be considered when designing multi-hazard signs.

B6.1 Three-panel formats

Use one of the standard three-panel formats shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4 of the ANSI Z535.4 standard
and use a single symbol to communicate the most important hazard. Use the outline format to separate
the various hazard word messages. (See B3.2.5.)

B6.2 Two-panel formats

Use the two-panel signal word/word message formats shown in Figures 5 and 6 of the ANSI Z535.4
standard. Use the outline format to separate the various hazard word messages (see B3.2.5).

B6.3 Multi-symbol formats

Use one of the multi-symbol formats shown in Figures 11 through 13. In formats 11 and 12, place the
most important safety symbol in the upper left panel so that it is “read” first and order the word message
segments so they correspond to the order of the safety symbol (“reading” the safety symbols from left to
right or top to bottom). If the format shown in figure 12 is used, arrange the word message segments so
they line up opposite the appropriate safety symbol panel.

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Figure 11 Figure 12

Figure 13 --```-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

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ANSI Z535.4-2002

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Annex C
(informative)
The use of ISO safety signs for products

ISO standards such as ISO 3864 and other ISO industry-specific standards exist for product safety signs
and labels. These ISO-formatted safety signs have been used internationally for many years.

In some instances, it may be possible for a safety sign or label to be in conformance with ANSI Z535.4
and an ISO standard. In other instances, conformance with one standard will not result in conformance
with one or more aspects of the other.

A decision to convey all or a portion of a product’s safety information in the form of ISO-formatted signs
may be based on many factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the product’s anticipated
market, the movement of the product from country to country during its expected life, the target
audience’s characteristics, and space availability on the product.

Harmonization activities between ANSI Z535 and ISO standards have been on-going since 1995 and the
next revision of ANSI Z535.4 will reflect the latest developments in this effort.

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Annex D
(informative)
Translations of signal words

D1 Scope

Translation of the signal words and word message are optional considerations. If the signal word of a
safety sign is to be translated, the translations in Table D1 should be used.

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Revisions 2006
The ANSI Accredited Standards Committee Z535 plans to issue the next revisions of the Z535 Standards
(.1 through .5) in December 2006. In order to meet that deadline, the committee developed the following
tentative timetable:

All proposed changes are due: June 30, 2004

Revisions will be finalized for letter balloting: April 11, 2005
Letter balloting will be completed by: July 18, 2005
Public reviews will be completed by: March 1, 2006
Drafts will be ready to submit to the publisher: May 21, 2006
Published: December 15, 2006

All proposed changes must be submitted by June 30, 2004. Any proposals received after that date
will be deferred to subsequent revisions. In order to facilitate the next revision, proposed changes must
be submitted on a form for that specific purpose, which is on the back of this page. Please send this form
to:

Secretary, ANSI Committee Z535

National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1847
Rosslyn, VA 22209

29
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Copyright National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Provided by IHS under license with NEMA
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale
 ANSI Z535.4-2002

ANSI Accredited Standards Committee Z535

On Safety Signs and Colors

FORM FOR PROPOSALS

Return to: Secretary, ANSI ASC Z535

National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1847
Rosslyn, VA 22209

Date________ Name_______________________________ Telephone #__________________

Address_______________________________________________________________________

Representing___________________________________________________________________
(Please indicate organization or self.)

1. a. Standard Title______________________________________________________

b. Section/Paragraph___________________________________________________

2. Proposal recommends (check one): New Text

Revised Text
Deleted Text

3. Proposal (Include the proposed new or revised text, or identify the words to be deleted.)

4. Statement of the Problem or Substantiation for the Proposal

5. Check one. This proposal is original material.

This proposal is not original material; its source is as follows:

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

(This original material is the submitter’s own idea based upon his/her own experience, thought, or
research, and to the best of his/her knowledge, is not copied from another source.)

I agree to give NEMA all and full rights, including rights of copyright, in this proposal, and I
understand that I acquire no rights in any standards publication in which this proposal in this or
another similar or analogous form is used.

_______________________________________
Signature
Please do not write in the space below.

Date Received Log #

30
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Copyright National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Provided by IHS under license with NEMA
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale