TS ISO 3864-2

TS ISO 3864-2 is the product-focused part of the graphical symbols and safety signs family, setting out additional principles for the design of product safety labels. Its subject is how labels used on goods placed on the market should be designed so they warn people about a specific hazard and communicate how that hazard can be avoided.

This part complements the general design rules in ISO 3864-1, refining how colour, shape, symbols and layout work together in the context of product labels. In practical terms, a consumer product or industrial item may carry safety information directly on the product, on its packaging, or in associated marking, where clarity and immediate recognisability matter. From a general technical perspective, a product safety label is not just a warning sign: it is a near-source carrier of hazard information closely tied to the item being used.

How product safety labels differ in practice

• They are intended to combine the hazard warning with guidance on how to avoid the danger.
• They address label design for products, including goods such as consumer products and industrial equipment.
• They work together with the broader safety-sign design principles of ISO 3864-1.
• They distinguish product-related safety communication from general environmental or facility signage.

The standard reflects a broader principle of safety communication: effectiveness depends not only on a symbol itself, but also on legibility, colour use and the clarity of the intended message. This is especially important for complex or technical products, where well-designed labeling helps users notice risk and respond appropriately. The value of TS ISO 3864-2 lies in promoting a common visual language for product-related safety information.