Security notice
A safety notice (not alert ), according to EN 82079 to declare a "safety-related information that are collected or after a reasonable organized system in a document or section of a document centered around security measures to raise safety awareness and a basis for safety-related training of users create". A safety instruction serves to protect people and other living beings or the environment from danger .
Safety instructions are not to be confused with warnings, even though both have the same structure and design. Safety instructions are attached to the packaging or the product - then they are called product safety labels - or contained in instructions for use and package inserts . Safety and hazard information must contain standardized safety signs.
Safety instructions in instructions for use and product safety labels have the same design and definition . Safety instructions in the globally harmonized system for the classification and labeling of chemicals have a similar design, with a signal word and warning signs , but different definitions.
Safety instructions are required by law. However, they also serve to minimize the manufacturer's product liability and are usually created on the basis of a previous risk analysis . If the safety instructions are not drawn up correctly, a fine can be imposed if the hazard occurs .
If the product itself causes hazards , the EU has created the Rapid Exchange of Information System (RAPEX). RAPEX enables a rapid EU-wide exchange of information on measures such as return or recall campaigns , regardless of whether they are measures by national authorities or voluntary measures by manufacturers and dealers.
Examples of safety instructions:
- in the case of medication for possible side effects , which must be presented in the package inserts and specialist information (see also pharmaceutical law ),
- in the case of chemicals for hazards in terms of toxicity , flammability , radioactivity (see also globally harmonized system for the classification and labeling of chemicals ),
- in the case of machines and devices for possible dangers related to operation or staying in the immediate vicinity (e.g. risk of electric shock or noise that can damage hearing ),
- with toys on injury and in young children swallowing ,
- for computers in connection with intensive occupation with computer games for dangers (see epilepsy , gaming sickness ),
- with cotton swabs to hazards when inserted into the ear canal .
SAFE method
The SAFE method is a procedure for the systematic design of safety instructions. The severity of the danger and the source of the danger result from the above. Risk analysis. The acronym SAFE stands for:
- S chwere of danger ( signal word )
- A rt and source of danger
- F ollow disregard of danger
- E ncome (measures to avert the danger )
Signal words (according to EN 82079 and ANSI Z535)
The signal words provide information on the severity of the danger:
Personal injury:
- DANGER indicates an imminent danger. If it is not avoided, death or severe injuries will result.
- WARNING indicates a possible impending danger. If it is not avoided, death or serious injuries can result.
- CAUTION indicates a possible impending danger. If it is not avoided, slight or minor injuries can result.
Product / machine / system damage (only ANSI Z535):
- NOTE indicates a potentially harmful situation. If it is not avoided, the system or something in its vicinity can be damaged.
Norms
Standards must be used to design safety instructions:
- EN 82079-1
- ANSI Z535
- DIN 4844-1 (refers to ISO 3864-1)
- ISO 3864 -1
- DIN EN ISO 7010
Individual evidence
- ↑ Section 39 of the Product Safety Act, fine regulations