Safety sign

[1] The signs were fairly simple in nature, consisting of an illuminated board with "DANGER" in white letters on a red field.

Text only signs were common prior to introduction of European Council Directive 77/576/EEC on 25 July 1977, which required member states to have policies in place to ensure that "safety signs at all places of work conform to the principles laid down in Annex I", which required color coding and symbols.

[11] Japanese safety signage is notable for its clear visual differences from international norms, such as use of square 'no symbols', vertical formatting of sign text.

The standard's more unique aspect is the usage of maps and diagrams to provide more detailed information about the area's hazards, shelters and evacuation routes.

North American and some Australian safety signage utilize distinctive headers to draw attention to the risk of harm from a hazard.

Other headers have been created by sign manufacturers for various situations not covered Z53.1 standard, such as "Security Notice", "Biohazard", "Restricted Area".

Globalization and increased international trade helped push this development, as a means of reducing costs associated with needing signage multiple languages.

[16] Wet floor signs are also intended to avoid legal liability from injury due failing to warn of an unsafe condition.

Researchers have examined the impacts of using different signal words, inclusion of borders and color contrast with text and symbols against sign backgrounds.

The group devised several versions of the same warning label using different symbols, wording and emphasis of key phrases through use of underlining, bold fonts and capitalizing.

[e] This can be prevented through simplifying warnings down to their key points, with supplementary manuals or training covering the more nuanced and minor information.

[21] Effectiveness can be reduced through conditions such as poor maintenance, placing a sign too high or low, or in a way that requires excessive effort to read.