ISO 3767-5:2016

Overview

ISO 3767-5:2016 specifies graphical symbols for operator controls and other displays used on manual portable forestry machines - notably chain saws and brush saws. The standard ensures consistent, language‑independent visual communication on controls, labels and electronic displays to improve usability and safety for operators of portable forestry equipment.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose: Standardizes symbol graphics specifically for manual portable forestry machines and references the common symbols in ISO 3767‑1.
• Symbol design rules: Symbols shall be used and reproduced as shown, with permitted minor modifications (line width, corner rounding) so long as the symbol remains conceptually unchanged and easily discernible.
• Sizing and placement: Symbols must be large enough for easy perception and located on or adjacent to the control they identify; grouped symbols should maintain visual relationships.
• Orientation and representation: Conventions for side and overhead views (directional assumptions) and allowed rotations/mirror imaging only where specified.
• Colour meanings for illuminated displays:
  • Red - failure or immediate attention required
  • Yellow/amber - condition outside normal limits
  • Green - normal operating condition
• Digital display icons: Guidance for adapting symbols to pixelated icons (GUIs, reconfigurable displays) per ISO 80416‑4 while preserving the original visual impression.
• Development of new symbols: Requires a search of ISO 7000 / IEC 60417 and adherence to ISO/IEC 80416 principles; proposed symbols must include a clear functional description.
• Example symbols included: fuel/oil mixture, chain oil/chain oil pump, choke (open/closed), heated handle, decompression valve, output shaft speed, manual (pull) start, and carburettor adjustments.

Applications and users

ISO 3767‑5 is intended for:

• Manufacturers and designers of chain saws, brush saws and other hand‑held forestry tools (control panels, labels).
• UI/UX designers and software engineers adapting symbols to electronic displays and mobile GUIs.
• Technical writers producing operator manuals, safety labeling and training materials.
• Regulatory authorities and safety engineers specifying consistent operator controls, ergonomics and visual warnings.
• Standards developers and testing bodies referencing symbol conformity.

Using ISO 3767‑5 helps reduce language barriers, improve operator recognition, and support compliance with international symbol conventions.

Related standards

• ISO 3767 series (Parts 1–4) - common and equipment‑specific symbols
• ISO 7000 / IEC 60417 - international graphical symbol databases
• IEC 80416 / ISO 80416 series - principles for creating, sizing and adapting symbols and arrows

Keywords: ISO 3767-5:2016, symbols for operator controls, manual portable forestry machines, chainsaw symbols, brush saw symbols, graphical symbols, digital display icons, ISO 7000, IEC 60417.