TARLAC STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Industrial Engineering
A.Y 2022-2023, 2nd Semester

LABORATORY ACTIVITY 6
WARNING LABELS
(ERGONOMICS 2 LABORATORY)

Submitted by:
Cabilbil, Reynel T.
Esguerra, Daniel
Eugenio, Angelica A.
Ranole, Christian
BS Industrial Engineering -4B
Group 4

Submitted to:
Ms. Anna May Angeles
Instructor

November 21, 2023

 IEP411L: Ergonomics 2 Laboratory

LABORATORY ACTIVITY NO. 5

DESIGNING WARNING LABELS
I. Introduction

Warnings inform people of hazards and provide instructions as to how to deal with them in order to
avoid or diminish undesirable consequences. Warnings are used to address environmental hazards as well
as hazards associated with the use of products.

The increased use of warning signs has been accompanied by regulations, standards, and guidelines
as to when and how to warn. Warnings are intended to improve safety by decreasing accidents or incidents
that result in injury, illness, or property damage. At another level, warnings are intended to influence or
modify people’s behavior in ways that improve safety. At still another level, warnings are meant to provide
information that enables people to understand hazards, consequences, and appropriate behaviors, which in
turn allows them to make informed decisions.

The objective of a warning sign is to alter behavior. The warning must be sensed audibly, visually,
or through olfactory (i.e., smell of natural gas), received through reading or listening, and understood, which
should ultimately lead to adherence. If a warning label is needed, it is important to design and place it such
that it will be perceived, sensed and received.

Warnings are essential tools for conveying risks and preventative measures, but their effectiveness
hinges on their design and placement. This is where the intersection of psychology, design principles, and
regulatory compliance becomes crucial. Effective warnings not only communicate hazards but also resonate
with their intended audience, ensuring the message is not just seen or heard, but also comprehended and
heeded. The challenge lies in crafting a warning that is both attention-grabbing and informative, providing
clear guidance on avoiding potential dangers. This process requires a deep understanding of human
behavior, environmental factors, and the specific context in which the warning will be encountered.
Ultimately, a well-designed warning sign is a key element in fostering a safer and more aware society.

Objective

The objective of this laboratory activity is to teach students the principles and practical skills of
warning label assessment and design, enabling them to create effective and informative warning labels for
products. Participants will learn to evaluate existing warning labels, apply principles from the 'Design of
Displays and Controls,' and use their knowledge to design labels that enhance safety and promote informed
decision-making.

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II. Methodology

In this section, we will outline the systematic approach that participants will follow to achieve the
objectives of this laboratory activity. The methodology encompasses a structured process of assessing and
designing warning labels while integrating principles from the "Design of Displays and Controls." By
following this step-by-step procedure, participants will gain hands-on experience and a comprehensive
understanding of warning label assessment and design. The methodology is designed to promote critical
thinking, creativity, and practical application of concepts.

Materials and requirements:

• Warning labels
• Paper
• Pen
• Internet Resources
• Ergonomics books
• Computer

Laboratory procedures:

1) Find three warning labels on different items and answer the following questions.
a. What is the action that is being warned against?
b. What are the consequences of that action?
c. Where is the warning located and why do you think that location was selected?
d. How durable is the warning label?
e. How many languages are used in the warning?
f. Is the warning appropriate for the target audience?
g. Provide photos or drawings of the warnings your team evaluated.

2) Develop a warning label for a product that your team is familiar with or has used in the past.
a. Provide an explanation for the choice of signal word.
b. What would you warn against?
c. What consequences would you state, and
d. Where would you put the label?
e. Provide a drawing of your label and a detailed description.

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III. Discussion

In the table below, we will evaluate three different warning labels on various products. Each label
visually illustrates the potential risks associated with its respective product. These labels are essential for
getting across important safety information to users and encouraging responsible handling and usage.

1) Find three warning labels on different items and answer the following questions.

a. What is the action that is being warned against?

Do not mix the solution with Do not touch the surface. The product is flammable.
acid.

b. What are the consequences of that action?

Domex, a brand of household Touching an active electric stove Many spray paints are
cleaning products, contains is dangerous and can lead to flammable, and mishandling
detergents and surfactants burns, electrical shock, or injury. them near open flames, heat
designed for effective cleaning. The severity depends on the sources, or sparks can lead to fire
However, when mixed with circumstances and stove design: hazards. It's crucial to use spray
acids, it can lead to dangerous paint in well-ventilated areas
reactions: 1. Burns - High temperatures away from ignition sources.
can cause severe skin burns.
1. Toxic Fumes - Mixing with
certain acids can release harmful 2. Electrical Shock -
fumes, posing respiratory risks. Malfunctions or wiring issues
may result in electrical shocks,
especially on uninsulated parts.

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2. Heat Production - Acid- 3. Injury - Accidental touches

based reactions may generate can lead to loss of balance or
heat, potentially causing burns. accidents.

3. Chemical Changes - Acids

can react with cleaning product
components, forming new,
possibly harmful compounds.
Use caution and follow safety
guidelines.

c. Where is the warning located and why do you think that location was selected?

The warning sign is located at theThe warning sign was placed at The warning is placed on the
back of the packaging it was the corner of the electric stove, to body of the canister, likely
because it is a highly visible
placed there along with the other ensure its visibility among users.
location for users when handling
warning signs to caution the or storing the product.
consumer about its risks.

d. How durable is the warning label?

It appears to be printed directly
onto the product container,
which suggests it is quite durable
and resistant to wear from
handling.
This label looks like a sticker, The label seems to be a part of
which may be less durable than the canister’s label, which
printed warnings and could peel suggests it is quite durable.
off over time.

e. How many languages are used in the warning?

From the section, the warning The visible warning uses only The warning appears to use only
appears to be in English. English text but includes a English text, but the flammable
pictorial symbol which is symbol is an internationally
universally understandable. recognized pictogram.

f. Is the warning appropriate for the target audience?

Yes, if the target audience Yes, for English speakers, and The use of an international
primarily speaks English. the pictorial makes it universally symbol makes it appropriate for
However, for non-English understandable to an extent. a broad audience, though
speakers, additional language additional language translations
translations would enhance could be helpful for clarity.
understanding.

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2) Develop a warning label for a product that your team is familiar with or has used in the past.

Warning Label for Lego and other kind of toys with small pieces.
a) Provide an explanation for the choice of signal word
The signal word "WARNING" is selected based on the severity of the risk associated with the
product. According to safety standards, "WARNING" is used to indicate a hazard level between
"CAUTION" (minor or moderate injury) and "DANGER" (serious or fatal injury). In this case, the
potential for a choking incident, which could be fatal, justifies the use of "WARNING" to ensure that
the message is given adequate attention and conveys an appropriate sense of urgency.

b) What would you warn against?

The content of the warning is tailored to the specific hazard presented by the product—small parts
that could be choking hazards. The warning is meant to inform the caregiver or consumer of the specific
danger associated with the product's use, especially around young children. The label clearly identifies
the risk (choking hazard), the cause (small parts), the vulnerable group (children under three years), and
an admonition (parents exercise caution), providing a comprehensive safety message.
c) what consequences would you state, and
The consequences of ignoring the warning are significant. While not explicitly stated, they are
universally understood: choking can lead to difficulty breathing, which, without prompt intervention,
can result in severe injury or death. The label implies these consequences to emphasize the seriousness
of the warning and to encourage compliance with the safety guidance provided.
d) Where would you put the label?
The placement of the warning label is a key factor in its effectiveness. For a choking hazard
warning on a toy's packaging, it needs to be positioned where it will be most immediately noticeable to
caregivers and purchasers. This means that the label should be on a side of the box or packaging that is
likely to face outward when placed on a shelf or in a display, ensuring visibility at the point of sale.

The side of the box is chosen for a few reasons:

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Visibility - The sides of a product's box are often what a consumer sees when products are stacked or
lined up on a shelf. The label must stand out in this common retail environment.

Space and Context - The sides of a box typically have more available space for safety warnings
compared to the front, which is often used for branding and product display. The side panel allows for a
larger label, which can accommodate both text and pictograms clearly. Regulatory Compliance: Safety
standards and regulations may dictate that warnings be visible in the packaging's side view. This ensures
that if the front is obscured, the warning can still be seen.

Consistent Visibility - Even after purchase, when the product is taken out of a shopping bag or cart, the
side of the box may remain visible while the front may not. This ensures that the warning is seen during
unboxing and potentially by others who did not make the initial purchase.

The label must also be designed to not easily peel off or fade over time, ensuring that the warning
remains clear and legible for as long as the product is in use. Additionally, the label should be integrated
into the packaging design in such a way that it does not get accidentally covered by price tags or other
stickers often placed by retailers. By strategically placing the label on the side of the box, it serves as a
constant reminder of the potential hazard each time the product is interacted with, thereby reinforcing
safe usage practices.
e) Provide a drawing of your label and a detailed description
The drawing is a simplified, easily recognized pictogram of a child with their hands at their throat,
which is an internationally recognized sign for choking. The use of bold colors such as red and yellow
is intended to capture attention quickly. Red is often associated with danger and is used to alert the user
to stop and take notice. Yellow, being bright and visible, is used to highlight the importance of the
information. The text is clear and concise, providing all the necessary information without being overly
wordy. It is important that the label communicates its message effectively to caregivers who may only
give it a momentary glance. The font size, style, and color contrast are chosen to be easily readable, even
from a distance. The overall design of the label is intended to be universally understandable and to
convey the message effectively across different languages and literacy levels. The drawing is a
simplified, easily recognized pictogram of a child with their hands at their throat, which is an
internationally recognized sign for choking. The use of bold colors such as red and yellow is intended to
capture attention quickly. Red is often associated with danger and is used to alert the user to stop and
take notice. Yellow, being bright and visible, is used to highlight the importance of the information. The

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text is clear and concise, providing all the necessary information without being overly wordy. It is
important that the label communicates its message effectively to caregivers who may only give it a
momentary glance. The font size, style, and color contrast are chosen to be easily readable, even from a
distance. The overall design of the label is intended to be universally understandable and to convey the
message effectively across different languages and literacy levels.

IV. Conclusion

In conclusion, this laboratory activity focused on the critical aspects of designing effective warning
labels. Warnings play a crucial role in informing individuals about potential hazards and guiding them
toward safe behaviors. Through the analysis of three existing warning labels and the creation of a new one,
several important principles were emphasized.

First, we learned that warning labels should clearly identify the hazardous action to be avoided and
the potential consequences of disregarding the warning. The choice of signal words, such as "Danger" or
"Caution," helps convey the severity of the risk to users.

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Second, the placement of warning labels is vital for their effectiveness. They should be positioned
where they are easily seen before using the product and where the risk is most immediate. Durable printing
methods or label materials are essential to ensure that the warning remains visible over time.

Third, the use of universally understandable symbols and, where necessary, multiple languages,
enhances the accessibility of warnings to a broader audience. Effective warnings must be comprehensible
to everyone who may come into contact with the product.

Lastly, the design of a warning label should adhere to principles of salience, legibility, and
appropriate content coding, as detailed in lecture notes. A well-designed warning label should draw
immediate attention, be easy to read, and convey the necessary information concisely.

In summary, this laboratory activity provided valuable insights into the art and science of designing
effective warning labels. It highlighted the importance of clear communication, accessibility, and proper
placement in promoting safety and preventing accidents or incidents. By applying these principles, we can
contribute to safer environments and better-informed decision-making for individuals interacting with
products and hazards in their daily lives.