Product Safety
Warnings, Signage, and Safety Instructions
Warnings, signage, and safety instructions are an integral part of product design,
process design, and safe use of equipment. The development of an adequate system requires determining when a warning is needed, what an adequate warning system would be, and if the warning is effective, by involving numerous product specific variables. From novice to expert users, trained employees, installers, and maintenance staff, the development and evaluation of warnings must consider the intended use for the operator and environment(s).
Fusion human factors and ergonomics provides industrial consultation and litigation support for safety signage, labels, instructions, manuals, product documentation, and roadway work zones. Expertise in ANSI Z535 and other relevant standards are utilized to explain how individuals perceive hazards, respond to warnings, and safety information. Factors such as color, placement, symbology, verbiage, and format are assessed with respect to accident causation.
Standards & References
- ISO 7000:2019 - Graphical symbols for use on equipment
- ISO 7010:2019 - Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs
- ISO 9186-1 to 3:2014 - Graphical symbols — Test methods — Part 1: Method for testing comprehensibility
- ANSI Z535.1-2006 (R2011) Safety Color
- ANSI Z535.2-2011 – Environmental and facility sign safety
- ANSI Z535.3 Criteria for Safety Symbols
- ANSI Z535.4 Product Safety Signs and Labels
- ANSI Z535.5 Safety Tags and Barricade Tapes
- ANSI Z535.6 Product Safety Information in Product Manuals, Instructions, and Other Collateral Materials
Failure Mode and Effect Analysis
Failure mode and effect analysis is a step-by-step approach used to thoroughly identify and prioritize all possible failures within a product or process. Failures are prioritized based on the severity of the outcome, likelihood they will occur, and ability to be detected. The purpose of a failure mode and effects anal
ysis is to eliminate or mitigate the risk associated with the use of a product. Fusion Human Factors and Ergonomics provides guidance, reviews, and training on the FMEA process.
Standards & References
- EN 60812 – Analysis techniques for system reliability – Procedure for failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA)
