Ron Graham
- They are distinguishable from any surrounding text by font style or color and/or by a familiar symbol (e.g. skull & crossbones, yellow & black stripes, etc.)
- They are distinguishable from any surrounding text by their tone, generally imperative and addressing the reader directly.
There are levels of warning:
- Caution or Note: certain actions will lead to the wrong result, but there's no danger to the reader.
- Warning: there's a possibility of injury or equipment damage if the wrong action is taken.
- Danger: there's a possibility of major injury or death and/or major destruction of property if the wrong action is taken.
Here are examples of symbols used with warning messages:
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| Caution | Warning | Danger |
These show the levels of warning associated with poisons.
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| Flammable | Corrosive | Explosive |
These are danger symbols associated with various hazards.
Here are the ingredients of a warning message:
- the hazard (what makes the warning necessary)
- the risk (what happens if the wrong action is taken)
- the extent (how much harm can be done as a result)
- how to avoid the problem (i.e., correct operation and/or corrective action)
You will need warning messages if you are working around (for instance)
- hazardous chemicals or radioactive materials
- heavy or fast-moving machinery
- very loud noises
- flammable or explosive materials
- poisons
- high voltage
and many of these situations require warnings by law in the United States.
Assignments
Review these real warnings on consumer goods and try to explain briefly why the manufacturers think these warnings are necessary. Can you think of aspects of these products that require more reasonable warnings?
References