On Your Mark

This column discusses "wordless" safety labels, which use symbols and hazard severity panels without text. It explores their benefits, limitations, and implementation considerations, emphasizing the importance of balancing complete information with clear communication in product safety warnings.

ANSI Z535.6 is a standard developed by ANSI specifically focusing on the inclusion of safety information in product manuals and other related materials to enhance user understanding and safety.

ANSI Z535.4 is a standard developed by ANSI that relates specifically to product safety signs and labels.

The ANSI Z535.3 standard focuses solely on guidelines for the design and use of safety symbols.

In our "On Your Mark" columns, we often discuss the importance of American National...

This column covers specifics on symbol use – one of the fundamental elements of your labels – and options for handling complexities you may be facing.

Read a quick guide to understanding the considerations of the main label and symbol format options available to you, including pros and cons, and whether they meet the U.S. ANSI Z535.4 standards, the international ISO 3864-2 standards, or both standards.

Product safety labels are an important part of keeping users safe and reducing liability risk. There are two main standards for safety labels that are key to creating effective warnings that accurately communicate hazard information: ANSI Z535.4 domestically and ISO 3864-2 internationally.

This year, 2022, is a revision cycle year for ANSI Z535, and it marks the first time many of the standards have changed in over a decade. This month’s column explores the latest updates and what they mean for product safety.

Read an interview with Dr. Robinson for context on manuals, including the latest standards and best practices for incorporation with your product safety strategy.