ABYC T-5 July, 2016 Product Interface Project Technical ® ‘Committee Setting Standards for Safer Boating The ABYC Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft are the product of a consensus of representatives of government, industry and public sectors. It is intended solely as a guide to aid manufacturers and the marine community in the design, construction, equipage and maintenance of small craft ABYC reviews each standard at least every five years at which time it may be reatfinned, revised, or withdrawn. ABYC welcomes any written comments on the staridards and Technical information reports, ABYC T-5 SAFETY SIGNS AND LABELS (© 2016 American Boat & Yacht Council, IncTS 76 PRODUCT INTERFACE PROJECT TECHNICAL COMMITTEE Steve Knox, Chairman James Getz, Vice Chairman Robert Adriance Richard Clark Robert MacNeill Richard Akers Keith Jackson ‘Thomas Marhevko Miles Beam Eric Johnson Dave Marlow Pete Chisholm Richard Kolb ‘Augusto Villalon This ist represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted, NOTE: Membership on @ committee shall not in and of itself constitute an endorsement of ABYC or any document developed by the committee on which the member serves. This standard was developed under procedures accredited as meeting the criteria for American National Standards, The Project Technical Committee that approved the Standard was balanced to ensure that individuals from competent and concerned interests have had an opportunity to participate, This standard, which is the result of extended and careful consideration of available knowledge and experience on the subject, is intended to provide minimum performance requirements. ABYC's Project Technical Committee meetings are open to the public, All contact regarding standards activity, interpretations, or meeting attendance should be directed to the ABYC Technical Department at comments@abycine.crg, ABYC and its committees do not ‘approve’, ‘certify’, or "endorse" any item, construction, or proprietary device. REQUEST FOR INTERPRETATIONS Upon writen request, the Product Interface PTC will render an interpretation of any requirement of the Technical Information Report. The request for interpretation should be clear and unambiguous. Requests should be presented to the PTC in a manner in which they may be answered in a yes or no fashion. The Committee reserves the right to reconsider any interpretation when or if addtional information which might affect it becomes available to the PTC. Persons aggrieved by an interpretation may appeal to the Committee for reinterpretation (© 2016 American Boat & Yacht Council, IncT-5 SAFETY SIGNS AND LABELS Table of Contents BACKGROUND INTENT REFERENCES. DEFINITIONS GENERAL INFORMATION... ELEMENTS OF A SIGN OR LABEL FIGURE 1 - Elements of a Sign or Label PICTOGRAM SIGNAL WORDS COLOR - SIGNAL WORD PANEL. MULTIPLE HAZARD LABEL. WORDING OF LABELS. LETTERING. LETTER size TABLE | - Minimum Letter Height. INFORMATION FOR OWNERS FIGURE 2 - Examples of Typical Formats Origin and Development. TS 76 © 2016 American Boat & Yacht Council, IncTS 76 T-5 SAFETY SIGNS AND LABELS BACKGROUND This technical information report presents a system for the design, installation and text of signs and labels used for safety information, INTENT ‘This technical information report applies to all safety Information labels used on boats, associated equipment, instructions, and manuals, EXCEPTION: Labels required by law or govemment regulation NOTE: The words "sign" and "label" are used interchangeably within this report REFERENCES The following references form a part ofthis technical information report. Unless otherwise noted the latest version of the referenced standards shall apply. ‘ANSI — American National Standards Institute ~ 1819 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036, Phone: (202) 203-8020. Fax (202) 293-9287. Web site: voww.ansi org ANSI 2535.1 Safety Colors ANSI 2535.4 Product Safety Signs and Labels International Organization for Standardization (ISO), [SO Central Secretariat, 1 rue de Varembe, Case postale 56, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Snitzeriand. Website: www iso.ch 180 11192, Small erat - Graphical symbols DEFINITIONS For the purposes ofthis technical information report, the following definitions apply. Colorfast - having color that retains hue without fading or running when washed, exposed to light to. Graphical symbol - visually perceptible figure with a particular meaning used to transmit information independent of language. Minimum Safe Viewing Distance - the closest distance a person can be to the label and stil have time to follow the safety sign's message to avoid the hazard Pictogram - graphical symbol that represents an idea or concept and conveys Its meaning through its pictorial resemblance to a physical object. (© 2016 American Boat & Yacht Council, Inc 1Ts 76 GENERAL INFORMATION Appropriate danger, warning, or caution labels shall be affixed if all ofthe following four conditions exist “© the hazard is associated withthe use of the product, ‘© the manufacturer knows of the hazard, ‘+ the hazard is not obvious or readily discoverable by the user, and ‘© the hazard will exist during normal use or foreseeable misuse A product safety sign or label consists of a signal word panel plus a message panel. On hazard alerting signs, in addition to a word message, a safety instruction panel may be incorporated as a place to convey lengthy instructional information. A safety symbol panel may be used to communicate a part or all ofthe elements of a message panel. PANEL SHAPE Panels may be designed to make use of the available space. PLACEMENT Product safety signs and labels shall be placed such that they will: (1) be readily visible to the intended viewer and (2), for hazard alerting signs, alert the viewer to the hazard in time to take appropriate action. When a hazard alerting sign refers to a separate safety instruction sign for hazard avoidance procedures, the safety instruction sign may be in a diferent location. For example, the safety sign may be located near the hazard, and the safety instruction sign may be located near where the procedures for hazard avoidance are performed. Multiple hazard alerting signs may refer to one safety instruction sign, and a single hazard alerting sign may refer to multiple safety instruction signs. When feasible, placement of the sign or label should provide protection from foreseeable damage, fading, or visual obstruction caused by abrasion, ultraviolet radiation, or substances such as lubricants, chemicals, and dir CONSTRUCTION Each label should be able to withstand the combined effects of exposure to water, oll, sea spray, sunlight, heat, col, ‘and wear expected in the normal operation of the boat or the equipment to which itis attached, without loss of legiblity. Protective top surfaces, such as UV-resistant laminate can greally affect resistance to weathering ELEMENTS OF A SIGN OR LABEL {A label or sign should contain the following elements (see FIGURE 1) 1 Pictogram NOTE: Ifthere is not an appropriate pictogram, text may be used. 2. Signal word ~ The level of hazard intensity: DANGER, or WARNING, or CAUTION, or NOTICE, or SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS or similar words; 3. The nature of the hazard such as: High voltage, or ‘Swinging doors, or Sharp edges; 4. The consequences that can result if the instructions to avoid the hazard are not followed include, but are not limited to: Electric shock (death), or Crushed hand or foot, or Guts and lacerations; and © American Boat & Yacht Council, In. 2TS 76 5. Message panel ~ Instructions on how to avoid the hazard include, but are not limited to: Tur off power: or Use door handle, or Move to fresh air FIGURE 1 - Elements of a Sign or Label 2. Signal Word 3. Nature of Hazard 4, Consequences Py Wersa fgereon monoxide (CO) can cavso an domene iepeameeren sent [Carbon monoxide will be around the back of the 5. Message Panel 1. Pictogram PIcTOGRAM When used, the piciogram should normally have a black picture on a white background. (See FIGURE 1) SIGNAL WORDS Hazard alerting signs are classified according to the relative seriousness of the hazardous situation. The classification is based on the probability of being inured ithe hazard is not avoided, and on the severity of the resulting injury. For hazard alerting signs, there are three hazard classifications that are denoted by the signal words “DANGER,” "WARNING," and “CAUTION.” The Safely Alert Symbol, as defined in ANSI 2535.4 Product Safety Signs and Labels or ISO 11192:2005 Small craft- Graphical symbols, should be placed immediately tothe left of the signal word on safety signs and labels. The height of the safety alert symbol should equal or exceed the signal word letter height. (See FIGURE! and FIGURE 2) DANGER - indicates an imminently hazardous situation that if not avoided, wil result in death or serious injury. This signal word is to be limited to the most extreme situations, WARNING - indicates a potentially hazardous situation that if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. CAUTION - indicates a potentially hazardous situation that if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury or property damage. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices. NOTE: "DANGER" or "WARNING" should not be considered for property damage accidents unless ‘personal injury risk appropriate fo these levels is also involved. "CAUTION" is permitted for accident hazards that could result only in property damage. NOTICE - indicates information considered important, but not hazard-related (e.g., messages relating to property damage). The safety alert symbol shall not be used with this signal word, SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS or similar words - indicates a type of safety sign, or a separate panel on a safety sign, ‘here specific safety-related instructions or procedures are described. More definitive signal words are encouraged, where practical (eg. SAFE SHUTDOWN PROCEDURE, SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES, BOILER SHUTDOWN PROCEDURE, LOCKOUT PROCEDURE, SAFE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, EMERGENCY (© 2016 American Boat & Yacht Council, Inc 3Ts 76 SHUTDOWN INSTRUCTIONS). The safety alert symbol should not be used with this classification of signal word. This signal word may also be used as a heading for @ safety instruction panel incorporated into a hazard alerting sign to convey lengthy instructional information, COLOR - SIGNAL WORD PANEL If color is used, it should be colorfast and conform to ANSI 2535.1 Safety Colors. DANGER - black or white letters on a red background. NOTE: Black letters on a red background for exterior applications, where the label is exposed to sunlight or ved (night) light. WARNING - black or white letters on an orange background, NOTE: Black letters on an orange background for exterior applications, where the label is exposed to sunlight or red (night) ight CAUTION - black letters on a yellow background. NOTICE - italicized white leters on a blue background. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS or similar words - white letters on a green background. Other colors may be used for compliance. When special circumstances preclude the use of safely colors on base ‘materials, the marking used should contrast with the background color ofthe base material MULTIPLE HAZARD LABEL ‘When more than one hazard situation exists that might be preventable with warnings posted at a common location, a ‘multiple hazard label may be used under a common signal word. When multiple hazardous situations are addressed on one hazard alerting sign, and the hazards are classified at different levels of seriousness, the signal word corresponding to the greatest level of seriousness (Le., DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION) should be used. Alternatively, when multiple hazard situations exist, and the hazards are classified at different levels of seriousness, the hazard level signal word and appropriate color. may be used for each separate level of hazard intensity. The hazards corresponding to each hazard levels should be grouped together in decreasing levels of hazard intensity and separated by borders, appropriate color bars or different background colors appropriate to the hazard level. (See FIGURE 2) WORDING OF LABELS Use active construction - subject first, action verb next, and object last. Example: DISCONNECT TRANSFORMER LEADS [In this case, the subject (you) is understood.) Use concrete, specific nouns. If you mean “lever,” do not use “handle.” Do not use “threaded fastener” if you mean Use precise, pure, action verbs. Do not use “remove' if you mean ‘disconnect." "Use" is more direct than ‘utlize.” Use strong auxiliary verbs. Use ‘will’ and ‘can’ as auxiliary verbs. Write “hazardous voltage ‘wil’ or ‘can’ cause severe injury or death.” Do not wite *.."may’ cause severe injury or death” Do not use contractions. Do not use “don't,” “can't” or “won't” in label writing. “DO NOT” is more emphatic than “DONT.” Use explicit modifiers. “Red handle" is more explicit than “colored handle. ‘© American Boat & Yacht Council, Inc. 4TS 76 Eliminate non-essential words. Do not use adjectives like “very,” “extremely.” “slowly,” etc., unless they add significance to the message. Write ‘to’ instead of “in order to.” Use “if instead of "in the event of” "Before" is more direct than ‘prior to.” Organize the message to break the lines logically, Use descriptive phrasing, “Will cause shock, burn, or death’ is better than ‘will cause severe injury or death.” LONGER WORD MESSAGES AND SPACE LIMITATIONS. ‘When detailed instructions, precautions, or consequences require a longer word message, or when space is limited, a sign may refer the user fo the proper instruction manual or other relevant information. A hazard alerting sign may refer the user to a safety instructions sign or specific hazard-related instructions or procedures, LETTERING For hazard alerting signs, letering should be of a size that enables a person with normal vision, including corrected vision, fo read the message panel at a safe viewing distance from the hazard. For safety notice and safety instruction signs, leering should be of a size that enables a person with normal vision, including corrected vision, to read the ‘message panel from the expected viewing distance. ‘Signal words should appear in sans serif letters in upper case only. The signal word NOTICE should appear in Italicized sans serif letters in upper case only The preferred format for message panel tex! is the use of mixed upper and lower case letters where only the first letter of the first word in a sentence is capitalized. The use of all upper case letters for the word message is discouraged because It's more difficult to read quickly than lower case type. On occasion, a single word or phrase may be set in upper case letters to provide emphasis. LETTER SIZE Legibilty of the word message at the minimum safe viewing distance determines the proper letter size for the word messages. NOTE: The minimum safe viewing distance refers to the closest distance a person can be to the label and Stil have time to follow the safety sign’s message to avoid the hazard. ‘Signal word letter height should be at least 50 percent greater than the height of a capital H in the majority of the message panel wording. When space is limited, signal word letter height may be the same as the majority of the message panel wording, The letter size / safe viewing distance guidelines in TABLE | define the letter size required for legibility at the given Viewing distance. The height of the capital letter “H" identifies the type's letter size. Note that the letter sizes shown indicate the minimum or recommended word message letter size, Letter size may need to be larger for the folowing reasons: ‘To be conspicuous from other information presented on the product; To facilitate legibility under low light, or other unfavorable viewing conditions: To warn persons at distances greater than the minimum safe viewing distance; To convey special emphasis for portions of the message; and, To facilitate legibility for populations who have difficulty reading small text (e.g, senier citizens). ‘A formatted sign with the selected letter size for word messages should be visually examined in the environment expected for actual use (e.g., lighting, background, angle, eic.), and tested for legibly in that environment by Persons representative of the expected viewers. Legiblty may be improved by increasing letter size, and by other means such as adjusting leading, kerning, tracking, line length, justification and alignment; selecting a different typeface, style or weight; changing sign material or nish to reduce glare; increasing contrast between letters and background: etc. (© 2016 American Boat & Yacht Council, Inc 5Ts 76 MINIMUM LETTER HEIGHT CALCULATIONS Type size is defined in “points,” a term used to describe the space required for lead type characters. Point sizes ‘measure from the top of the capital letters to the bottom of the lower case letters with descenders (e.., the bottom of the letter “g' or‘), One point equals 0.01384 inches, or approximately 1/72 of an inch, Although typefaces vary slightly, @ practical guide for defining type size is based on using the capital letter “H’” for measurement purposes, Since the character "H" has no descender, itis possible to use a conversion factor of 0.01 inches = 1 point of type size. Thus, 12-point type yields a capital "H” approximately 0.12 inches high. For metric purposes, use a conversion factor of 3.9 points = 1 mm of height for a capital "H." Recommended Letter Heights For Favorable Reading Conditions: 2 Feet or Less: Viewing Distance (in.)/150 52 To 20 Feet: Viewing Distance [(ft. -2) x 0.03] + 0.16 Over 20 Feet: Viewing Distance (ft) 28.6 Recommended Letter Heights For Unfavorable Reading Conaltons (All Distances): Viewing Distance (ft) x.08 NOTE: The result isin inches. TABLE | - Minimum Letter Height inimam Letter Height Recommended Letter fecommended Letter Height for Minimum Safe Viewing for FAVORABLE Reading Height for FAVORABLE UNFAVORABLE Reading Distance sonditions Reading Conditions ‘anditions point jn fam point jn fam point in Fim ze ize ize HTfootoriess @Oem) Ba [08a 20a 0 p04 jose 13 Beat wen fo 70 3 ie 7% i fee (ies 26 feet oem fiz‘ faz 0 |e 19 48 pe2 [262 a0 eat (aoe) raft 6 @ |@ 6 ae (S38 53 eat (soem) fie 76 i> 4 Wao [420 for Breet Ceoemy fie 48 Spe (ze pri__poa [soa —irae0 i7feat @ioem po [20 1 pi a oe 688 [sae fiaoa eet @ioom) 2 22 6 pa [aa 6 pra fere_firo7 ® point (08 in, 210 mm) type is the suggested minimum type size for use on product safely signs, except for small [products where 6 point (06 in, 1.5 mm) type size may be used, INFORMATION FOR OWNERS ‘A list of warning labels containing sufficient information to ald in replacement of lost or illegible labels should be included in the ownerioperator’s manual provided to the purchaser of the beat or associated equipment. ‘A label part number may be included in the label border provided itis identified as such, © American Boat & Yacht Council, In. 6TS 76 FIGURE 2 ~ Examples of Typical Formats (See text for colors and lettering specifications.) PENT Signal Word Pane! ‘Symbol Panel Sxfeneadiemircteelspanes ote | Carton monoxide wat be around the back ofthe Message Panel owe fea a, 40 ot nae nessa, : or | yess ennnyro an Sssttndn Sais ar genta oe ring Mult-hazard safety label 4 DANGER ‘Natur of hazard ‘and consequences. ome Message panel ‘Nature of hazard and consequences. Symte Message panel NOTE: Each safety sign or label should consist of a signal word plus a message panel in a vertical or honzontal format (© 2016 American Boat & Yacht Council, Ins 776 Origin and Development of T-5, Safety Signs and Labels ‘ABYC published the first edition of T-5 in 1990. Revised editions were published in 1996 and 2002. The 2016 edition is the work ofthe Product Interface PTC. ‘ABYC technical board rules provide that all reports, including standards and technical information reports, are advisory only. Their use is entirely voluntary. They represent, as of the date of publication, the consensus of knowledgeable persons, currently active in the field of small craft, on performance objectives that contribute to small boat safety ‘The American Boat & Yacht Council assumes no responsiblity whatsoever for the use of, or falure to use, standards or technical information reports promulgated by it, their adaptation to any processes of a user, or any consequences lowing there from. Prospective users of the standards and technical information reports are responsible for protecting themselves ‘against liabilly for infringement of patents, The American Boat & Yacht Council standards are guides to achieving a specific level of design or performance, and ‘are not intended to preclude atiainment of desired results by other means. © American Boat & Yacht Council In. 8