Overview
ISO 7010:2019/Amd 8:2024 is the latest amendment to the international standard ISO 7010, which specifies graphical symbols for safety colours and safety signs. Published in May 2024 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Amendment 8 introduces two new registered safety signs focusing on hygiene and infection control - "Disinfect your hands" (M061) and "Disinfect surface" (M062).
This amendment supports global efforts to enhance safety communication through standardized, clear, and effective safety signs. It is essential for industries, public health facilities, workplaces, and any environment aiming to reduce risks related to infection or contamination.
Key Topics
- Safety Colours and Symbols: Continuation of ISO 7010's mission to provide universally recognizable safety signs using standardized colours and shapes compliant with established guidelines.
- New Safety Signs Added:
- M061: Disinfect your hands
Represents the need for hand disinfection using an image of two hands beneath a dispenser emitting droplets.
- M062: Disinfect surface
Illustrates surface disinfection with a hand using a disinfecting wipe over a surface contaminated by germs.
- Purpose and Function: Both signs are designed to signal the importance of preventing infection or contamination by promoting disinfection of hands and surfaces.
- Human Behaviour Impact: The signs aim to prompt immediate hygiene actions - hand disinfection and surface cleaning - to ensure healthier and safer environments.
- Usage Recommendations: Due to limited test data on comprehension (ISO 9186-1), these pictograms should be accompanied by supplementary text or training materials to maximize clarity and effectiveness.
Applications
The new safety signs introduced in this amendment are particularly relevant to the following sectors:
- Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, and laboratories require efficient communication of sterilization practices to protect patients and staff.
- Workplaces and Offices: To maintain hygiene standards, especially in shared spaces.
- Public Transport and Public Spaces: Encouraging hygiene to reduce transmission of infectious diseases.
- Education Centers: Schools and universities can promote health safety protocols.
- Industrial and Manufacturing Sites: Ensuring contamination control in environments where cleanliness is critical.
- Retail and Food Services: Maintaining hygiene standards around customer-facing and food preparation areas.
By adopting these standardized safety signs, organizations improve compliance with health and safety regulations while fostering a culture of proactive infection control.
Related Standards
- ISO 3864-4: Specifies the colourimetric and photometric properties for safety colours used in safety signs, essential for accurate colour representation.
- ISO 9186-1: Provides methodologies for testing the effectiveness and comprehension of graphical symbols.
- ISO 7010:2019: The third edition of the main standard defining registered safety signs and symbols.
- ISO/IEC Directives Part 1 and Part 2: Outline procedures for developing and maintaining ISO documents, including editorial rules.
- WHO Hand Hygiene Guidelines: While not an ISO standard, these guidelines align with the intent of promoting effective infection control through hand sanitization.
Implementing ISO 7010:2019/Amd 8:2024 ensures organizations benefit from internationally recognized safety communication tools that enhance infection prevention efforts. For further details and access to updated safety signs, visit the ISO Online Browsing Platform.