So, What Are These?

In this lesson, we’ll briefly cover ISO 7010 and OSHA 1910.145, and how these standards can be used in tandem with ANSI Z535.4.

ISO 7010

You may be wondering, what is ISO and how is it different from ANSI? ISO is the International Organization for Standardization. In a nutshell, they create a range of standards for clothing, engineering, aircraft, and so much more. These standards are also recognized world-wide. Once their standards are developed, they are presented to an international body of experts in a related field, and those experts approve or critique the standards.¹⁰ Whereas, ANSI develops standards for American industries.

That’s not to say that ANSI standards are not implemented into internal standards. In fact, ANSI works alongside ISO to have its standards integrated with ISO’s standards.¹¹ ISO 7010 is a perfect example of how the two standards come together.

ISO 7010 is the standard for international graphical symbols. These symbols are used on safety signs and even directional signs.¹² You’ve likely seen these on emergency exit signs, at airports, or even at your workplace.

On some machines, you might have seen something that look like the images below. These are ANSI labels that utilize ISO 7010 symbols to provide further clarification for workers. This is especially helpful for those who aren’t fluent in the English language or who have not had the opportunity for education.

So, What’s This?

This type of sign is associated with the Occupational Safety and Health Association, a department of the United States Department of Labor. The signs above come from OSHA’s 1910.145 specifications.¹³ This standard is part of the official, government enforced standards for the USA. Much of OSHA 1910.145 references ANSI Z535.1 very heavily. You may see these signs around construction areas or in warehouses right alongside ANSI safety signs.

¹⁰ ISO – About us. (n.d.). ISO. https://www.iso.org/about-us.html
¹¹ ANSI Z535 undergoes first major revision in over ten years. (n.d.). Clarion Safety Systems. https://www.clarionsafety.com/blog/understanding-new-ansi-z535-standards-2021
¹² ISO 7010:2019. (2020, June 1). ISO. https://www.iso.org/standard/72424.html
¹³ 29 CFR 1910.145(f)(4)