Hazard symbol
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Hazard symbolsare recognizablesymbolsdesigned to warn about hazardous or dangerous materials, locations, or objects, includingelectromagnetic fields,electric currents;harsh, toxic or unstable chemicals (acids,poisons,explosives); andradioactivity.The use of hazard symbols is often regulated by law and directed bystandards organizations.Hazard symbols may appear with different colors, backgrounds, borders, and supplemental information in order to specify the type of hazard and the level of threat (for example,toxicity classes). Warning symbols are used in many places in place of or in addition to written warnings as they are quickly recognized (faster than reading a written warning) and more universally understood, as the same symbol can be recognized as having the same meaning to speakers of different languages.[citation needed]
Types of Standardized Hazard Symbols
[edit]Standard | Example | Scope | Audience | State |
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ISO 7010 warning symbols | ![]() |
General purpose warning symbols | The general public | Currently used |
GHS hazard pictograms | ![]() |
The labelling of containers and for workplace hazard warnings, and for use during the transport of dangerous goods | The general public, the workplace, and material transport personnel | Currently used |
NFPA 704 Safety Square | ![]() |
To quickly and easily identify the risks posed by hazardous materials | Emergency response personnel | Currently used in the US |
Hazardous Materials Identification System | ![]() |
A numerical hazard rating used to identify the risks posed by hazardous materials | Employers and workers who handle and are exposed to hazardous chemicals | Currently used in the US |
EU Directive 67/548/EEC | ![]() |
The labelling of containers in the EU, used until 2017 | Mixtures of chemicals that areplaced on the marketin theEuropean Union | No longer used |
WHMIS 1988 | ![]() |
Workplace hazard warnings used in Canada, last used in 2018 in favor of theGHS | Workplace Hazards in Canada | No longer used |
Examples of common symbols
[edit]ISO 7010 | European Union[a] | China[b] | Canada[c] | Soviet Union[d] | United States[e] |
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![]() or ionizing radiation |
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Tape with yellow and black diagonal stripes is commonly used as a generic hazard warning. This can be in the form ofbarricade tape,or as a self-adhesive tape for marking floor areas and the like. In some regions (for instance the UK)[5]yellow tape is buried a certain distance above buried electrical cables to warn futuregroundworkersof the hazard.
Generic warning symbol
[edit]![exclamation mark in a triangle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/Vienna_Convention_road_sign_Aa-32-V1.svg/170px-Vienna_Convention_road_sign_Aa-32-V1.svg.png)
(Background color varies)
On roadside warning signs, anexclamation markis often used to draw attention to a generic warning of danger, hazards, and the unexpected. In Europe and elsewhere in the world (except North America and Australia), this type of sign is used if there are no more-specific signs to denote a particular hazard.[6][7]When used for traffic signs, it is accompanied by a supplementary sign describing the hazard, usually mounted under the exclamation mark.
This symbol has also been more widely adopted for generic use in many other contexts not associated with road traffic. It often appears on hazardous equipment, in instruction manuals to draw attention to a precaution, on tram and train blind spot warning stickers and on natural disaster (earthquake, tsunami, hurricane, volcanic eruption) preparedness posters and brochures, as an alternative when a more-specific warning symbol is not available.
Poison symbol
[edit]☠ | |
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Hazard symbol | |
InUnicode | U+2620☠SKULL AND CROSSBONES |
The skull-and-crossbones symbol, consisting of ahuman skulland two bones crossed together behind the skull, is today generally used as a warning of danger ofdeath,particularly in regard topoisonoussubstances.
The symbol, or some variation thereof, specifically with the bones (or swords) below the skull, was also featured on theJolly Roger,the traditionalflagof European and American seagoingpirates.It is also part of the CanadianWHMIShome symbols placed on containers to warn that the contents are poisonous.
In the United States, due to concerns that the skull-and-crossbones symbol's association with pirates might encourage children to play with toxic materials, theMr. Yuksymbol is also used to denote poison.
This symbol has also been more widely adopted for generic use in many other contexts not associated with poisonous materials. It used for denoting number of dead victims caused by natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes) or armed conflicts on event infographics.
Ionizing radiation symbol
[edit]
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Radioactive sign | |
InUnicode | U+2622☢RADIOACTIVE SIGN |
Theinternational radiation symbolis atrefoilaround a small central circle representing radiation from an atom. It first appeared in 1946 at theUniversity of California, Berkeley Radiation Laboratory.[8]At the time, it was rendered asmagenta,and was set on abluebackground. The shade of magenta used (Martin Senour Roman Violet No. 2225) was chosen because it was expensive and less likely to be used on other signs.[9]However, a blue background for other signs started to be used extensively. Blue was typically used on information signs and the color tended to fade with weathering. This resulted in the background being changed on the radiation hazard sign.[10]The original version used in the United States is magenta against a yellow background, and it is drawn with a central circle of radiusR,an internal radius of 1.5Rand an external radius of 5Rfor the blades, which are separated from each other by 60°. The trefoil is black in the international version, which is also used in the United States.[11]
The symbol was adopted as a standard in the US byANSIin 1969.[10][12]It was first documented as an international symbol in 1963 inInternational Organization for Standardization(ISO) recommendation R.361.[13]In 1974, after approval by national standards bodies, the symbol became aninternational standardasISO 361Basic ionizing radiation symbol.[14]The standard specifies the shape, proportions, application and restrictions on the use of the symbol. It may be used to signify the actual or potential presence of ionizing radiation. It is not used for non-ionizing electromagnetic waves or sound waves. The standard does not specify the radiation levels at which it is to be used.[14]
The sign is commonly referred to as aradioactivitywarning sign, but it is actually a warning sign ofionizing radiation.Ionizing radiation is a much broader category than radioactivity alone, as many non-radioactive sources also emit potentially dangerous levels of ionizing radiation. This includes x-ray apparatus, radiotherapy linear accelerators, and particle accelerators.Non-ionizing radiationcan also reach potentially dangerous levels, but this warning sign is different from the trefoil ionizing radiation warning symbol.[15]The sign is not to be confused with thefallout shelteridentification sign introduced by theOffice of Civil Defensein 1961. This was originally intended to be the same as the radiation hazard symbol but was changed to a slightly different symbol because shelters are a place of safety, not of hazard.[10][16]
On February 15, 2007, two groups—theInternational Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA) and theInternational Organization for Standardization(ISO)—jointly announced the adoption of a new ionizing radiation warning symbol to supplement the traditional trefoil symbol. The new symbol, to be used on sealed radiation sources, is aimed at alerting anyone, anywhere to the danger of being close to a strong source of ionizing radiation.[17]It depicts, on a red background, a black trefoil with waves of radiation streaming from it, along with a blackskull and crossbones,and a running figure with an arrow pointing away from the scene. The radiating trefoil suggests the presence of radiation, while the red background and the skull and crossbones warn of danger. The figure running away from the scene is meant to suggest taking action to avoid the labeled material. The new symbol is not intended to be generally visible, but rather to appear on internal components of devices that house radiation sources so that if anybody attempts to disassemble such devices they will see an explicit warning not to proceed any further.[18][19]
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ISO361 International ionizing radiation trefoil symbol
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Yellow and magenta ionizing radiation trefoil used in the US
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Early ionizing radiation symbol (1946)
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ISO 21482high-level sealed-source ionizing radiation symbol
Biohazard symbol
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☣ | |
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Hazard symbol | |
InUnicode | U+2623☣BIOHAZARD SIGN |
Thebiohazard symbolis used in the labeling of biological materials that carry a significant health risk, including viral and bacteriological samples, including infected dressings and usedhypodermic needles(seesharps waste).[20]
History
[edit]The biohazard symbol was developed by theDow Chemical Companyin 1966 for their containment products.[21]
According to Charles Baldwin,[21]an environmental-health engineer who contributed to its development: "We wanted something that was memorable but meaningless, so we could educate people as to what it means." In an article inSciencein 1967, the symbol was presented as the new standard for all biological hazards ( "biohazards" ). The article explained that over 40 symbols were drawn up by Dow artists, and all of the symbols investigated had to meet a number of criteria: "(i) striking in form in order to draw immediate attention; (ii) unique and unambiguous, in order not to be confused with symbols used for other purposes; (iii) quickly recognizable and easily recalled; (iv) easily stenciled; (v) symmetrical, in order to appear identical from all angles of approach; and (vi) acceptable to groups of varying ethnic backgrounds." The chosen scored the best on nationwide testing for memorability.[20]
Geometry
[edit]![The Biohazard Symbol with dimensions as defined in https://archive.org/stream/federalregister39kunit#page/n849/mode/1up](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d3/Biohazard_Symbol_Specification.png/220px-Biohazard_Symbol_Specification.png)
All parts of the biohazard sign can be drawn with acompass and straightedge.The basic outline of the symbol is a plaintrefoil,which is three circles overlapping each other equally like in a tripleVenn diagramwith the overlapping parts erased. Thediameterof the overlapping part is equal to half theradiusof the three circles. Then three inner circles are drawn in with2⁄3radius of the original circles so that it istangentto the outside three overlapping circles. A tiny circle in center has adiameter1⁄2of the radius of the three inner circles, andarcsare erased at 90°, 210°, and 330°. The arcs of the inner circles and the tiny circle are connected by a line. Finally, the ring under is drawn from the distance to theperimeterof theequilateral trianglethat forms between the centers of the three intersecting circles. An outer circle of the ring under is drawn and finally enclosed with the arcs from the center of the inner circles with a shorter radius from the inner circles.[11]
Chemical symbols
[edit]Achemical hazard symbolis apictogramapplied to containers and storage areas of dangerouschemical compoundsto indicate the specific hazard, and thus the required precautions. There are several systems of labels, depending on the purpose, such as on the container for transportation, containers for end-use, or on a vehicle during transportation.
Hazard | GHS[g] | ISO 7010[23] | European Union Directive 92/58/EEC[24] |
European Union Directive 67/548/EEC[25] |
WHMIS 1988[h] |
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Current |
Amended[27] |
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Explosive substance | ![]() |
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Flammable substance | ![]() |
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Oxidizing substance | ![]() |
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Compressed Gas | ![]() |
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Corrosive substance | ![]() |
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Toxic substance | ![]() |
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Irritant/harmful | ![]() |
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Health hazard | ![]() |
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Environmental hazard | ![]() |
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Biological hazard | — | ![]() |
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Dangerously reactive substance[i] | — | — | — | — | ![]() |
GHS symbols and statements
[edit]TheUnited Nationshas designedGHS hazard pictogramsandGHS hazard statementstointernationally harmonizechemical hazard warnings under theGlobally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.These symbols have gradually replaced nation and region specific systems such as the European Union'sDirective 67/548/EECsymbols,[28]Canada's Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.[29]It has also been adopted in theUnited Statesfor materials being sold and shipped by manufacturers, distributors and importers.[30]The USA previously did not mandate a specific system, instead allowing any system, provided it had met certain requirements.[31]
Europe
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/ADR33_UN1203.svg/80px-ADR33_UN1203.svg.png)
The European Union aligned its regulations with the GHS standards in 2008 with the adoption ofCLP Regulation,replacing its existingDirective 67/548/EECsymbols during the mid-2010s, and requiring use of GHS symbols after 1 June 2017.[32][33]Since 2015, European standards are set by:
- CLP regulation(2008) for chemical containers, following international GHS recommendations forpictograms,hazard statements,andprecautionary statements.[32]
- European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road(ADR) for additional packaging for transportation. Vehicles carrying dangerous goods must be equipped with orange signs, where the upper code number identifies the type of hazard, and the lower code number identifies the specific substance. These symbols cannot be readily interpreted without the aid of a table to translate the numerical codes.
- Directive 92/58/EECsets out standards for safety signage in workplaces, including signage that marks storage areas for hazardous substances. This was amended to remove the 'Harmful/Irritant' sign in 2015, along with a few clarifications and technical updates related to CLP Regulation.[27]
Canada
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/WHMIS_Class_B.svg/80px-WHMIS_Class_B.svg.png)
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, or WHMIS, isCanada's national workplace hazard communication standard, first introduced in 1988, and included eight chemical hazard symbols.[34]This system was brought into alignment with GHS in 2015, with a gradual phase in of GHS symbols and label designs through 15 December 2025.[29]The WHMIS system does deviate from GHS by retaining the former WHMIS symbol for Class 3, Division 3,biohazardous infectious materials,as GHS lacks a biological hazard symbol.[29]
United States
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/NFPA_704_example.svg/80px-NFPA_704_example.svg.png)
The US-basedNational Fire Protection Association(NFPA) has a standardNFPA 704using a diamond with four colored sections each with a number indicating severity 0–4 (0 for no hazard, 4 indicates a severe hazard).[35]The system was developed in the early 1960s, as a means to warn firefighters of possible dangers posed by storage tanks filled with chemicals. The red section denotes flammability. The blue section denotes health risks. Yellow represents reactivity (tendency to explode). The white section denotes special hazard information, not properly covered by the other categories, such as water reactivity, oxidizers, and asphyxiant gases.[35]
Non-standard symbols
[edit]A large number of warning symbols with non-standard designs are in use around the world.
Some warning symbols have been redesigned to be more comprehensible to children, such as theMr. Ouch(depicting an electricity danger as a snarling, spiky creature) andMr. Yuk(a green frowny face sticking its tongue out, to represent poison) designs in the United States.
See also
[edit]- Bouba/kiki effect– Non-arbitrary attachment of sounds to object shapes
- Pictogram
- ISO 7010–ISOstandard for safety symbols
- ISO 7001– ISO standard for public information symbols.
- GHS hazard pictograms– Symbols used by theGlobally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
- Safety sign
Notes
[edit]- ^Directive 92/58/EEC
- ^GB 2894-2008[1]
- ^CSA Z321[2]
- ^GOST 12.4.026-76,[3]GOST 17925-72[4]
- ^United States legislation and standards typically do not prescribe exact symbol designs. Designs can vary from those shown.
- ^Taken directly from the English description provided with GB 2894-2008.
- ^Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals[22]
- ^Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, Canada[26]
- ^Reacts violentlyif mixed with water,or subjected toimpact/shock,or will vigorouslypolymerizationordecomposition.[26]
References
[edit]- ^Standardization Administration of China(2008).Safety Signs & Guideline for the Use(2008 ed.).
- ^Canadian Standards Association(March 1996).CAN/CSA-Z321-96 - Signs and Symbols for the Workplace(2006 ed.). Ontario, Canada: CSA Group.
- ^ГОСТ 12.4.026-76 - Система стандартов безопасности труда. Цвета сигнальные и знаки безопасности(in Russian). Union of Soviet Socialist Republics: Publishing House of Standards. 1978.
- ^ГОСТ 17925-72 - Знак радиационной опасности(in Russian). Union of Soviet Socialist Republics: IPC Publishing House of Standards. 1973.
- ^"Notes of guidance for the use of electricity cable ducts",E.ONCentral Networks, retrieved and archived 25 December 2021.
- ^"Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals"(PDF).United Nations Economic Commission for Europe(UNECE). 2006. p. 50.
- ^"Consolidated resolution on road signs and signals"(PDF).UNECE. 2010. p. 15.
- ^"Origin of the Radiation Warning Symbol (Trefoil)".Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity.Retrieved6 November2021.
The three-bladed radiation warning symbol, as we currently know it, was "doodled" out at the University of California Radiation Laboratory in Berkeley sometime in 1946 by a small group of people.
- ^Lodding, Linda (March 2007)."A Symbolic History"(PDF).iaea.org.International Atomic Energy Agency. p. 3. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 1 May 2015.Retrieved25 May2023.
- ^abc"Radiation Warning Symbol (Trefoil)",Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity,Oak Ridge Associated Universities,accessed and archived 25 December 2021.
- ^ab"Biohazard and radioactive symbol, design and proportions"(PDF).Archived fromthe original(PDF)on December 31, 2013.
- ^"Regulatory Guide 8.1: Radiation Symbol",US Atomic Energy Commission, 2 February 1973.
- ^Sophie J. Chumas,Index of International Standards,p. 144, National Bureau of Standards, 1974OCLC926741055.
- ^abISO 361:1975(en):Basic ionizing radiation symbol(Forword),iso.org, retrieved 25 December 2021.
- ^"Ionizing Radiation Profile".CAREX Canada.
- ^"Civil Defense Fallout Shelter Sign (ca. 1960s)",Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity,Oak Ridge Associated Universities,accessed and archived 25 December 2021.
- ^"New Symbol Launched to Warn Public About Radiation Dangers".15 February 2007.Retrieved2007-02-15.This symbol is included in ISO 21482:2007.
- ^"New Symbol Launched to Warn Public About Radiation Dangers".IAEA.15 February 2007.Retrieved2010-12-20.
- ^"Drop it".Deccan Herald.26 June 2007. Archived fromthe originalon 2009-02-10.
- ^abBaldwin, CL; Runkle, RS (Oct 13, 1967)."Biohazards symbol: development of a biological hazards warning signal"(PDF).Science.158(3798): 264–5.Bibcode:1967Sci...158..264B.doi:10.1126/science.158.3798.264.PMID6053882.S2CID38466300.Archived fromthe original(PDF)on March 24, 2012.Retrieved29 August2011.
- ^ab"Biohazard Symbol History".Archived fromthe originalon July 16, 2011.
- ^"Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals"(pdf).2021. Annex 3: Codification of Statements and Pictograms (pp 268–385).
- ^International Organization for Standardization(June 2011)."ISO 7010:2011 - Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Registered safety signs".Retrieved8 June2024.
- ^"Council Directive 92/58/EEC of 24 June 1992 on the minimum requirements for the provision of safety and/or health signs at work (ninth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC)".Official Journal of the European Communities.35:23–42. 26 August 1992.Retrieved22 August2023.
- ^Commission Directive 2001/59/EC of 6 August 2001 adapting to technical progress for the 28th time Council Directive 67/548/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances.OJECL225, 21 August 2001, pp. 1–333.
- ^abCanadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) (10 May 2024)."WHMIS 1988 - Classification".ccohs.ca.Government of Canada. Archived fromthe originalon 28 February 2024.Retrieved8 June2024.
- ^ab"Directive 2014/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 amending Council Directives 92/58/EEC, 92/85/EEC, 94/33/EC, 98/24/EC and Directive 2004/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, in order to align them to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures".Official Journal of the European Union.57:1–7. 5 March 2014.Retrieved22 August2023.
(a) warning sign 'Harmful or irritant material' is deleted.
- ^abRegulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006..Article 60.pp 34.
- ^abcdCanadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) (10 May 2024)."WHMIS - Pictograms".ccohs.ca.Government of Canada. Archived fromthe originalon 21 February 2024.Retrieved8 June2024.
- ^Occupational Safety and Health Administration (February 2013)."Hazard Communication Standard: Labels and Pictograms"(PDF).osha.gov.Department of Labor. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 19 June 2024.Retrieved21 June2024.
- ^Occupational Safety and Health Administration."1910.1200 - Hazard Communication".osha.gov.Department of Labor.Retrieved21 June2024.
- ^abRegulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006..
- ^European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)."Labels – make sure you're legal after 1 June 2017".newsletter.echa.europa.eu.Archived fromthe originalon 10 November 2017.Retrieved8 June2024.
- ^Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)."WHMIS 1988 - General".ccohs.ca.Government of Canada.Retrieved14 June2024.
- ^abNational Fire Protection Association(2022)."NFPA 704".nfpa.org.Retrieved21 June2024.
External links
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