FireDOC Search

Author
Glass, R. A. | Howett, G. L. | Lister, K. | Collins, B. L.
Title
Some Criteria for Colors and Signs in Workplaces. Final Report. 1978-1983.
Coporate
National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC
Sponsor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Washington, DC
Report
NBSIR 83-2694, April 1983,
Distribution
Available from National Technical Information Service
Keywords
warning devices; safety; workplace layout; human factors engineering; color; visual aids; standards; perception; illuminating
Identifiers
work environment; signs; energy conservation
Abstract
The use of safety-related visual displays such as signs and colors in workplaces is discussed. The discussion includes a review of relevant national and international standards for safety colors and signs. It also includes a review of measures of spatial resolution in human vision, as well as of color sensitivity and color appearance. In addition, research on the effectiveness of safety signs, symbols, and colors is reviewed. Based on the initial literature review, the appearance of safety colors under energy efficient light sources was identified as an area for detailed research. As a result, a laboratory study was conducted in which the color appearance of 45 different color samples under five light sources including energy efficient ones was determined for seven subjects. The results indicated the existence of a set of colors which was more identifiable under all light sources than the current standard safety colors.