Jim,
I agree with Peter in that much care must be given to the anticipated
interpretation of any symbol, but especially those relating to safety.
As Peter said "The general understanding of the meaning [of the symbol] is not
always obvious." This would be especially true for any newly introduced
symbol.
When it is felt that the meaning of a symbol is even slightly ambiguous and if
the symbol is kept, it must be backed up with a text description of the
symbol's meaning and the hazard it represents (this text description must be
in
a place convenient to the user). However, there must also be an obvious
relationship with the symbol used to the corresponding function/hazard.
BTW, in addition to IEC417, ISO7000 is another graphical symbol document
(there
are many familiar symbols in this doc) which is referred to in IEC950 and its
clones (Annex P - normative). ISO7000 Annex A (informative) briefly discusses
a
suggested classification of risks in the application of symbols regarding to
safety.
IMO, being dragged through the legal system is not a very pleasant prospect,
so
you might want to consult your company's legal department for guidance.
Just a bushel full of my 2 cents worth of opinions.
Regards,
Ron Pickard
[email protected]
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Symbol for "flashing"
Author: "Peter E. Perkins" <[email protected]> at INTERNET
List-Post: [email protected]
Date: 6/5/98 12:00 PM
PSNet & Jim,
Developing symbols to represent something is not a simple task, nor
one which should be done casually. The symbols in IEC 417 (or the
companion ISO standard) are agreed by consensus as to their meaning.
The general understanding of the meaning is not always obvious.
>From my experience, it takes some training to develop a common
understanding as to the meaning of any symbol. The training invariably
includes associating the symbol with some words.
Because of this association of symbol and words, the use of both
symbols and words is advocated in standards such as ANSI Z535.4. This is
not a casual association of these two even tho it is not the solution
desired by manufacturers wanting to easily design products for worldwide
sale.
Finally, because of challenges to markings in American courts, the
use of any new symbol better be backed up with some research that shows the
natural association of the symbol with the desired action. Manufacturer's
have paid big buck$ because they couldn't show this association.
So, Jim, move ahead thoughtfully on this...
- - - - -
Peter E Perkins
Principal Product Safety Consultant
Tigard, ORe 97281-3427
+1/503/452-1201 phone/fax
[email protected] email
visit our website:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/peperkins
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