CONNOTATION OF HAZARD FOR SIGNAL WORDS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED PANELS

The present study examined the ability of signal words (e.g. DANGER) a nd their associated panels to convey hazard-level information, both in dividually and redundantly, Subjects constructed signs on a computer f or 30 different scenarios, The use of signal words and panels was obse rved as a function of the level of hazard associated with the scenario . The results show that (a) the connoted level of hazard for signal wo rds is not perceived as moat standards suggest, (b) certain panel comp onents (e.g. colour and symbols) are most critical in conveying hazard -level information, (c) no current set of standards or recommendations specifies panel formats which use these panel components optimally, a nd (d) the use of signal word panels was not necessarily based on the choice of signal word or on the level of hazard for the particular sce nario, The results suggest the need for a re-evaluation of current sig nal word hierarchies. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.