Development and Evaluation of Safety Symbols for Landscaping Products

Abstract

This project involved developing symbols to replace existing text-based warnings provided on 10 different types of landscaping products. Using symbols would eliminate the need to translate and print the text in multiple languages, reducing the amount of non-applicable information and reducing the space necessary to print the safety information on the product. ANSI Z535.3–2002, ISO 9186–2001, and ISO 3864–2002 were considered in the design, development, and testing of the symbols, including the use of acceptance criteria for open-ended comprehension testing of 85 percent correct responses with a maximum of 5 percent critical confusions (assuming a sample of 50 respondents). Seven hundred and nine participants represented three different spoken languages. Sixty-one symbols and symbol sets were developed and tested; all except three symbols (gas/oil mixture, use identical replacement parts, brushcutter accessories) passed the ANSI Z535.3 acceptance criteria for comprehension. The process of developing symbols for various types of hazards across products is discussed as are challenges associated with conforming to recommendations and requirements of multiple, sometimes conflicting standards.