ISO 11429:1996

Overview

ISO 11429:1996 - "Ergonomics - System of auditory and visual danger and information signals" defines a human-centred system for designing and applying auditory and visual danger and information signals. It specifies signal categories by degree of urgency (from extreme danger to ALL CLEAR), signal characters (sound and light patterns), and basic ergonomic principles to ensure signals are clearly perceived and differentiated in work and safety contexts. The standard excludes fields covered by specific standards or conventions (for example, fire alarms, medical alarms, public transport, navigation and military signals), but recommends consideration to avoid inconsistent signalling.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Message categories by urgency: EMERGENCY EVACUATION, PUBLIC ALARM, DANGER, CAUTION, COMMAND, ANNOUNCEMENT/INFORMATION, ALL CLEAR - with prescribed signal characters and associated visual signal colours (Red, Yellow, Blue, Green).
• Auditory signal characters: sweeping tones (reserved for highest danger), bursts/quick-pulses, alternating pitches, short sequences and prolonged constant-spectrum sounds. Important parameters given:
  • Flash/quick-pulse duration: