ANSI Z535’s Final Three Standards Updates Are Here

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has just released revisions to three standards within the ANSI Z535 series: Z535.6, Z535.4, and Z535.2.

The ANSI Z535 family of standards is typically on a five-year revision cycle to ensure the standard stays relevant and up-to-date. 2022 marked the first time many of the standards in the ANSI Z535 family – including ANSI Z535.4 – have been reviewed and updated in more than 10 years; in 2017, the prior 2011 version of ANSI Z535 was reaffirmed or republished without changes.

Three of the six ANSI standards (Z535.1, Z535.3, and Z535.5) were republished in August 2022. Now, the remaining three ANSI standards (Z535.6, Z535.4, and Z535.2) have been published to complete the updated Z535 set. Here, we take you through a brief overview of the updates in each standard.

Z535.6: Product Safety Information
The 2023 revision of Z535.6 incorporates minor clarifications. Notably, the definition of "risk" has been expanded, ensuring consistent understanding and application of this crucial concept. This refinement contributes to the standard's effectiveness in guiding effective safety messaging within product manuals, instructions, and other collateral materials. In addition, the German translation of the signal word “Notice” in Annex B was updated.

Z535.4: Product Safety Signs and Labels
The 2023 edition of Z535.4 focuses on bolstering clarity and facilitating flexible communication. Key revisions include:

• Enhanced Regulatory Alignment: Clarification of the standard's relationship with other applicable regulations promotes seamless integration within existing safety frameworks.
• Cross-Referencing Capabilities: The ability to reference other safety signs or panels within safety messages enables the construction of layered, nuanced communication strategies.
• Graphic Diversity: The inclusion of additional graphic elements beyond symbols empowers the ability to tailor messages for optimal comprehension and impact.
  

Z535.2: Facility/Environment Safety Signs
Similar to Z535.4, the 2023 update to Z535.2 prioritizes alignment with current safety regulations. Updated references ensure the standard remains compatible with the evolving landscape of safety protocols and best practices within environmental and facility settings.

Impact for Product and Workplace Safety Stakeholders

While these very latest revisions may not equate to significant updates needed to label formats and outlooks, staying informed on ANSI Z535 standards changes – as well as being knowledgeable on how to interpret and the apply the standards – is critical for product and workplace safety.

The benefits of staying current with the ANSI Z535 standards includes:

• Enhanced Safety Communication: Implementing the updated standards leads to clearer, more effective safety messages, minimizing confusion and promoting risk reduction.
• Improved Compliance: Adherence to the current ANSI Z535 standards demonstrates a commitment to safety and can help mitigate liability risk if an accident were to occur.
• Future-Proofing Strategies: Incorporating these updates prepares organizations for future safety regulations and ensures consistency with evolving communication best practices. (These best practices are often adopted by OSHA as a part of their cycling regulatory agendas).

Prioritizing Safety – We’re Here to Help
At Clarion Safety Systems, we believe in the power of effective safety communication. That’s why we work so diligently to keep you informed and up-to-date on the latest best practices and ANSI/ISO standards updates. Keep in mind that we have the following ANSI-related safety communication resources available:

• ANSI Z535 Standards Overview + ANSI Z545.4 Info Sheet
• The ANSI & ISO Product Labeling Guide
• ANSI Z535.1 Safety Colors Article
• ANSI Z535.3 & Safety Symbol Fact Sheet
• Free ANSI Label & Sign Compliance Assessments

We also offer a comprehensive range of ANSI-compliant labels, signs, and safety products. By embracing revisions to the standards and adopting the latest best practice approaches to safety messaging, you can help reduce the likelihood of accidents while using your equipment or while in your facilities. If you have questions about the ANSI Z535 family of standards, reach out to one of our safety professionals, and we’ll be happy to help!