TS ISO 17724

TS ISO 17724 is a vocabulary standard that defines key terms used in the field of graphical symbols. It provides a common terminology for public information symbols, symbols used on equipment, and safety signs, supporting consistent language in drawings, labels, instructions, and marking practice.

A common language for graphical symbols

Graphical symbols are visual signs that communicate information without relying on words. They may be used for guidance, warnings, prohibitions, mandatory actions, or identification. In this standard, the focus is not on designing the symbols themselves but on defining the terms used to describe and classify them. In general technical practice, that kind of vocabulary standard helps engineers, document writers, and product teams refer to the same symbol family in a consistent way.

Coverage and boundaries

• Covers terms relating to public information symbols.
• Covers terms relating to graphical symbols used on equipment.
• Covers terms relating to safety signs.
• Does not cover terms for graphical symbols used in diagrams.
• Does not include technical product documentation (TPD) symbols.

As a terminology reference, this standard supports clearer communication in safety marking, operation, maintenance, and technical documentation. It is especially useful where the visual appearance of a sign and the definition of that sign must be kept distinct, so that the same symbol can be understood and described consistently across different contexts.