I am hearing a lot about ISO 7010. What is it and what should I be doing about it?
ISO 7010 was first introduced in 2003 but is gradually becoming the recognised standard for safety signs across Europe. In a similar way to the GHS/CLP move towards global harmonisation for hazard symbols, ISO 7010 is likely to be adopted in the EU to provide a standardised, easy-to-comprehend safety message wherever you are, whatever language is used. With so many different nationalities working together a universally recognised and standardised system of safety signage makes a great deal of sense. There is no need to panic however, any change in status will allow plenty of time for compliance. What we would suggest as a sensible and prudent move, is if you are fitting out new premises or need to change your existing signage, it would be wise to choose ISO 7010 compliant signs.
What is special about ISO 7010? The purpose of the standard is to introduce a globally recognised range of pictograms and signage shapes and colours. Although many will already be familiar, some are new introductions.
Where does ISO 7010 apply? The standard covers safety signs in workplaces and other locations where people need to be informed about safety matters from emergency exits to hazardous areas.
Here at Brady, the whole team works on a daily basis to ensure that we are well abreast of any new standards, whether it is as guidance, an advisory or mandatory. We have whole departments devoted to compliance and research and development to give our customers what they need well in advance of any changes in whatever area of industry they work.
Here at Brady, the whole team works on a daily basis to ensure that we are well abreast of any new standards… We have whole departments devoted to compliance and research and development to give our customers what they need well in advance of any changes
Take the GHS signage as an example. We notified our customers and had the new representations designed and ready a good 18 months before the first deadline. While there is no substitute for every facility making itself aware of all new standards, norms and legislation, your Brady team will be able to advise* of not only what safety signage should be chosen but also what material is most appropriate for varying environments. This is Brady at its best, supplying materials for every challenging environment, from oil platforms in the North Sea to pipelines in the frozen wastes of Alaska – and that’s what makes my job so interesting, there really is no ‘one size fits all solution’ when it comes to signage, to get the best value for money and guarantee that once a sign is up, it stays up, you need to suit the material to the environment.
A range of materials
Brady signs are available in a range of materials. Adhesive Laminated Polyester is a lightweight, flexible material which not only offers excellent adhesion to a variety of surfaces but is resistant to most chemical products and solvents and extreme temperatures. Rigid Polypropylene offers a thicker material, resistant from -40°C to +120°C and suitable for a wide variety of applications both indoors and outdoors. Aluminium offers the best solution for outdoor use with both a wide temperature tolerance and robust construction.
Print solutions
For larger facilities Brady’s print solutions offer the ideal method of producing signs on-demand. The BBP31, GlobalMark and PowerMark will all offer the complete ISO 7010 package.
To learn more about Brady and ISO 7010 visit:
*While the team at Brady can give general advice regarding safety signage requirements, to ensure you are fulfilling legal requirements please check with your in-house health and safety advisors.
