What Safety-Related Information Already exists?
Everyone knows them: Safety Instructions and Warnings – e.g. in the instructions for a product or on the product itself. The two terms are often used synonymously, even though, strictly speaking, this isn't entirely correct. Where are the differences? The answer can be found in one of the basic standards for technical documentation – DIN EN IEC/IEE
How Can I Structure A Notice in Accordance with Standards?
When it comes to the structure and design of Safety and Warning Labels, many manufacturers follow the ANSI Z535.6 standard. Although this is a US standard, its specifications are internationally recognised and established. For example, some specifications in the form of DIN EN 82079-1 have also been adopted for the German/European market. The so-ca
S = Set Signal Word and Symbol
Signal Word The Signal Word indicates the severity of the hazard. DIN EN 82079-1 defines four Signal Words and the associated degree of danger as follows: 1. DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation. If this is not avoided, death or very serious injuries will result. 2. WARNING indicates a possibly imminent hazardous situation. If this is
A = Specify The Type and Source of The Hazard
Briefly and concisely describe the source of the hazard here. Example: "Risk of burns from hot surfaces".
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F = Specify Consequences of Non-Compliance
Here, name the consequences that may occur if the Notice is not followed. Example: "Serious bodily injury".
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E = Specify Escape
At this point, explain which measures and activities are required to prevent the previously mentioned hazards as effectively as possible. Example: "Wear heat-resistant protective gloves."
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Put The Safe (German Acronym) Building Blocks Together to Form A Notice
Thanks to the SAFE method, we were able to determine the content for our example notice in a straightforward manner. How do we now combine these individual content modules into a clearly laid out Notice? From the previously mentioned standards, it's not possible to derive a clearly defined procedure for arranging, highlighting and designing the ind
Correct Warning in Context: Embedded Warnings
As previously stated, Embedded Warnings are those notes that are placed directly within a step-by-step instruction. The purpose of these notes is to draw attention to an imminent hazardous situation as concisely as possible and in the correct context. The following recommendation applies to the design of Embedded Warnings in accordance with ANSI Z5
How Should Notices Be formulated?
The appropriate language and wording is what counts: What generally applies to technical documentation must logically also be observed when creating Safety and Warning Notices. We've summarised the central formulation and language rules in the area of technical communication for you, here again: 1. Simple sentence structure, simple formulations Use
A Lot Helps A lot? It's Better to "Warn Wisely"
One question on the subject of Safety Instructions and Warnings gets asked over and over: How many Warnings should be included in a good manual? For a long time, many Technical Editors were of the opinion that it's better to warn once too often than once too seldom – according to the motto "the more warnings, the more safety". Unfortunately, for th