Did you know the International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) adopted a new symbol meaning “to warn of an arc flash”?

Many workers die each year as a result of arc flash explosion accidents – and most are killed because they failed to wear proper PPE. Use of proper labeling on electrical equipment can help to protect people from the risk of arc flash explosions.

There was no single standardized graphic for an arc flash explosion hazard until ISO adopted a symbol meaning “To warn of an arc flash.” The new arc flash symbol has been registered in ISO 7010 Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Registered safety signs.

The change was made with the help of ANSI’s U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to the ISO standards committee responsible for safety signs, colors and symbols – ISO/TC 145. ISO/TC 145 subcommittee 2, which focuses on safety identification, signs, shapes, symbols and colors. Working group 1 of this committee’s central task is the registration of standardized safety symbols that are meant to visually convey to viewers the nature of hazards and how to avoid them – such as arc flash.

The symbol went through a three year registration process prior to its adoption into ISO 7010.

ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 161 national standards bodies. Through its members, it brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market-relevant international standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.

Source: Clarion Safety Systems, LLC. Click to view Clarion's Learning Center content, company blog, or recent InCompliance Magazine article.