from irritating to dangerous to life threatening - the three warning sign gradients

Some of the more observant will have noticed in recent years traditional warning signs now show one of the following three words: Caution, Warning or Danger. These words are used as a prefix to the message itself: E.g. Caution Automatic doors, Warning Battery Charging in Progress or Danger 240 volts. What this article will endeavour to do is identify how and when each of these three words should be used.

BS5499 talks in terms of risks. Signs beginning with the word 'Caution' pose a relatively low level risk that could result in minor or moderate injury. Signs prefixed with the words 'Warning' represent a medium level of risk. Finally signs prefixed with 'Danger' imply a high level of risk.

In layperson speak, this author recently attended a training session where the trainer brought home exactly what each one actually means. Paraphrasing slightly, the trainer talked in the following terms:

• Caution - this is going to annoy, irritate or hurt a little bit;
• Warning - this could smart a bit or even hurt a lot;
• Danger - You are pretty much going to die!

Of course much of this is said in a light-hearted manner to lift what is often seen as an extremely dry subject matter, but the points are valid and should be borne in mind by every printer when he or she comes to print their signs. The following is a more detailed look at this subject.

Caution signs often relate to minor warnings, like Caution Out of Order. The worse case scenario on finding this sign is that the person may end up a little aggrieved or frustrated that the hand drier or vending machine is no longer working. Often 'Caution'signs denote nothing more than something that is inconvenient. Along the same lines, Caution can also be used for minor hazards that could result in minor injuries. 'Caution slippery surface' may well result in a slip or a tumble, but often it will harm the pedestrian's pride more than his body!

"Warning signs" are the middle ground of warning signs. If a printer is unsure what level of risk the hazard poses then Warning is usually the printer's default position. This could relate to anything from a sudden drop to a vehicle reversing, to welding in progress. Any hazard classified in this way could genuinely cause actual bodily harm.

Finally, Danger. Danger is often the default position of electrical signs and other extremely dangerous hazards. Thin ice, chemicals, explosive materials and deep water also fall into this category. In essence, Danger is for any hazard that could threaten human life.

Although not all warning signs show one of these three words, all warning signs certainly should. The strict requirement came in the year 2000 specifically instructing any sign maker using BS5499 symbols to also prefix the text in the way highlighted above.

The amendment to the original British Standard 5499 part 1 was added for good reason: to help ensure anyone reading the sign could adequately assess the risk. Although this method of displaying warnings may not be understood by all, it is unquestionably helpful to many in assessing the gradient of danger posed. With many people keen to get on the bandwagon of saying "health and safety for the sake of it", this is one area where this author genuinely believes the standard really adds something to these already extremely important safety signs.

For more news and information for UK businesses, about the correct use and sensible application of safety signs please visit safetysignsupplies.