ISO 7010
Graphical Symbols - Safety Colors and Safety Signs
Last updated: September 21, 2025
Overview
ISO 7010 is the international standard that specifies safety signs for the purposes of accident prevention, fire protection, health hazard information, and emergency evacuation. Established by the International Organization for Standardization, this standard provides a globally recognized system of graphical symbols designed to overcome language barriers and ensure consistent safety communication across different countries and cultures.
Global Standard: ISO 7010 provides universally recognized safety symbols that transcend language barriers, making workplace safety communication consistent across international operations.
Standard Categories
Prohibition Signs (P-Series)
Round signs with red prohibition symbols indicating actions or behaviors that are not permitted. Features red circle with diagonal line through the prohibited activity symbol on white background.
Examples: No smoking, No entry, No open flame, Do not touch
Warning Signs (W-Series)
Triangular signs with yellow background warning of potential hazards or dangers. Black triangle border with black hazard symbol inside yellow triangle.
Examples: Electrical hazard, Toxic materials, Slippery surface, Hot surface
Mandatory Signs (M-Series)
Round signs with blue background indicating actions that must be taken or equipment that must be worn. White symbols on blue circular background.
Examples: Wear safety helmet, Use eye protection, Wash hands, Use safety harness
Emergency Escape/First Aid Signs (E-Series)
Rectangular or square signs with green background indicating emergency exits, first aid, and safety facilities. White symbols on green background.
Examples: Emergency exit, First aid, Emergency shower, Assembly point
Fire Safety Signs (F-Series)
Rectangular or square signs with red background indicating location of fire fighting equipment and fire alarm systems. White symbols on red background.
Examples: Fire extinguisher, Fire alarm, Fire hose, Fire ladder
Color Coding System
| Color | Meaning | Application | Pantone Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Prohibition / Danger / Fire Equipment | Stop signs, fire equipment location | Pantone 18-1664 TPX |
| Yellow | Caution / Warning | Warning of hazards or dangerous conditions | Pantone 13-0859 TPX |
| Blue | Mandatory Action | Required actions or PPE usage | Pantone 19-4052 TPX |
| Green | Safe Condition / Emergency | Emergency exits, first aid, safety equipment | Pantone 17-6153 TPX |
Design Specifications
- Shape Standards: Specific geometric shapes for each category (circle, triangle, square, rectangle)
- Size Requirements: Minimum sizes based on viewing distance and lighting conditions
- Color Specifications: Exact color values using Pantone color system for consistency
- Material Standards: Durability, weather resistance, and photoluminescence requirements
- Symbol Design: Simplified, universally recognizable pictograms without text dependency
Implementation Requirements
Proper implementation of ISO 7010 requires consideration of:
- Visibility Assessment: Signs must be clearly visible from intended viewing distances
- Lighting Requirements: Adequate illumination or photoluminescent materials for low-light conditions
- Strategic Placement: Signs positioned at decision points and areas where hazards or safety equipment exist
- Maintenance Schedule: Regular inspection and replacement of damaged or faded signs
- Training Programs: Employee education on symbol meanings and appropriate responses
Compliance Benefits
- Universal Recognition: Symbols understood across different languages and cultures
- Legal Compliance: Meets international and many national safety signage requirements
- Reduced Accidents: Clear, consistent safety communication reduces workplace incidents
- Cost Efficiency: Standardized system reduces confusion and training costs
- International Trade: Facilitates global business operations with consistent safety standards
Integration with Other Standards
ISO 7010 is designed to work alongside other international standards:
- ISO 3864 - Graphical symbols for safety colors and safety signs
- ANSI Z535 series - American National Standard for safety signs and colors
- EN ISO 7010 - European implementation of ISO 7010 standard
- Regional building codes and occupational safety regulations
- Industry-specific safety standards and protocols
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