Word Messages with Lots of Text

What can I do if I have a lot of text for a safety label?

The Z535.4 standard says that word messages should be concise and readily understood. This can usually be achieved by distilling only the essential hazard information on the safety label. More detailed information can be included in manuals that are referred to on the safety label or in a separate "read manual" safety label (see example A in the following illustration). The standard calls this "referring to another source."

Note, though, in practical terms you may decide that long messages need to appear on the safety label. If this is the case, Clarion's recommendation is to separate the instructional information from the essential hazard description/hazard avoidance information. Then place the instructional information into a "SAFETY INSTRUCTION" portion of the safety label (example B) or print it as a separate safety label entirely (example C).

Is there a proper proportion for the text on safety labels?

Yes. When we look at safety labels that need to be replaced the text is often too large or too small in relationship to the signal word or to the overall safety label size.

We suggest that the text fill the word message panel appropriately and that the proportions of a safety label be in accordance with the Z535.4 standard as described below:

• The main Z535.4 requirement for text size is that the majority of the words be readable from the "safe viewing distance." This distance is defined as the closest distance a person can be from the hazard and still avoid the hazard. With the exception of construction machinery, for the vast majority of equipment this distance is under 5'; usually more like arm's length (2 - 3' or closer). Thus, according to the minimum type size/viewing distance table first published in Annex B of the 2011 ANSI Z535.4 standard, the size of the type can be 16 points for 5' away, 14 points for 4' away, 12 points for 3' away and 10 points for 2' away (assuming the available light yields favorable reading conditions). Overall these type sizes work well and we adhere to them as much as possible.
• The size of the signal word must be 50% greater than the majority of the word message. The reason for this requirement is to ensure that the signal word DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION stands out and the vast majority of the safety labels we design incorporate this principle. In rare instances where the word message is only a couple of words, such as "Hot surface. Do not touch." Our recommendation is to allow the word message text to fill the space available for it on the safety label. In such cases, there is no reason to decrease the size of the word message text and lose legibility.

What does it mean to have the word message in "outline" form?

Annex B in the 2011 Z535.4 standard makes it preferable to use outline form when formatting a word message that contains multiple points. Basically this means putting space between the points. The outline form is more readable because it separates the items of content, allowing the eye to travel over the message faster. Thus, we recommend that the text messages on your safety labels be reconstructed into the outline format (see the following example).

Should I use black text on a white background or white text on a black background?

The ANSI Z535.4 standard lets you use either black or white text on the opposite color background. For international signage, black text on a white background follows the color requirements stated in ISO 3864, the primary ISO standard regarding safety signs. This is why all of Clarion's harmonized safety labels have black text on a white background as illustrated in sample B below.