July 26, 2004—A survey commissioned by the Health & Safety Sign Association has revealed that many people find life-saving escape exit signs posted in buildings and public places to be confusing. Results have been passed to the BSI, a business services provider. Allan Asher, chairman of the BSI’s consumer policy committee, commented: “A worrying number of people dont understand the meaning of warning signs that are meant to help. The potential consequences of not understanding a fire escape symbol over a normal exit sign could be grave.”
He added: “The research also illustrates other, potentially catastrophic findings, with only one in five consumers understanding the biological hazard warning sign, for example.”
The BSI says it is working to ensure all signs and symbols conform to standards that will enable the Health and Safety Executive to provide accurate information for consumers and industry. Signs are tested to International Standard ISO 9186: 2001, Graphical Symbols—Test methods for comprehension.
UK legislation requires every employer to ensure employees understand the meaning of signs and know what actions are to be taken in conjunction with signs, the BSI says.
Current British Standards require all graphical symbol escape route signs to be accompanied by explanatory text to ensure understanding.
Reprinted with permission; copyright 2004 i-FM
