The answer to this is technically, yes. Meaning it would comply with the latest revision of ANSI Z535.4. However, it's essential to consider what the court system deems as adequate. You can refer to earlier posts to learn more, but to reitterate, a label should convey 4 things:
1. Nature of the hazard
2. Consequence of interaction
3. How to avoid the hazard
4. Severity level
One symbol alone cannot communicate all four. Multiple symbols used in conjuction can communicate 3 of the 4 elements, however the element that symbols alone cannot convey is the severity level or probability of injury. Will I die if I come into contact with this hazard? Or will it just result in a minor cut? Impossible to decipher from just a symbol.
Another thing to consider, and a very important one: does everyone comprehend a symbol or set of symbols the same way? Absolutely not! You can do all the comprehension testing in the world, but it just takes one person to get hurt and a lawyer to say that symbol meant this to my client, not that.
You always have to come back to what is the goal of utilizing safety labels...protecting people. You want to do your absolute best in communicating safety. I realize there may be cost considerations (however, it's just a label people). You may even have size restrictions (a more valid reason), however you MUST keep the installers, operaters, servicers and disposers in mind. Here in North America, I would recommend utilizing text along with accompanying symbols to communicate hazards. Translations would also be recommended, but we can get into that another day!
1. Nature of the hazard
2. Consequence of interaction
3. How to avoid the hazard
4. Severity level
One symbol alone cannot communicate all four. Multiple symbols used in conjuction can communicate 3 of the 4 elements, however the element that symbols alone cannot convey is the severity level or probability of injury. Will I die if I come into contact with this hazard? Or will it just result in a minor cut? Impossible to decipher from just a symbol.
Another thing to consider, and a very important one: does everyone comprehend a symbol or set of symbols the same way? Absolutely not! You can do all the comprehension testing in the world, but it just takes one person to get hurt and a lawyer to say that symbol meant this to my client, not that.
You always have to come back to what is the goal of utilizing safety labels...protecting people. You want to do your absolute best in communicating safety. I realize there may be cost considerations (however, it's just a label people). You may even have size restrictions (a more valid reason), however you MUST keep the installers, operaters, servicers and disposers in mind. Here in North America, I would recommend utilizing text along with accompanying symbols to communicate hazards. Translations would also be recommended, but we can get into that another day!
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