According to International Standard ISO3864-2:2016, if the level of hazard severity is to be indicated, a hazard severity panel shall be added to the top of the combination or multiple product safety label. The hazard severity panels are rectangular in shape and contain the following elements:
The general warning sign (W001 specified in ISO7010, Black exclamation mark and triangle on yellow background)
The hazard severity panel colour
The signal word e.g. DANGER, which is optional
When a signal word is used, it is placed to the right of the general warning sign and, together, centred in the hazard severity panel. When a signal word is not used, the general warning sign is centred in the hazard severity panel. Signal words are in upper case and bold font.
DANGER – Used to indicate an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided could result in death or serious injury.
WARNING – Used to indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION– Used to indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
Labels with hazard severity panels are widely used worldwide and commonly in the UK, EU, USA (OSHA/ANSI) and Japan. The signal word is in the language of the country in which the equipment will be used.
If you require advise on safety labels, contact MTM Products, the industrial label and nameplate specialists.
