EN 981:1996+A1:2008

Foreword
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Definitions
4 Ergonomic principles for the design and application
  of auditory and visual signals
  4.1 General
  4.2 Principles for distinctive characters
  4.3 Qualities of auditory signals
  4.4 Qualities of visual signals
5 System of auditory and visual signals
  5.1 Scheme of purposes and character
  5.2 Scheme of auditory signal character
  5.3 Scheme of visual signal colours
6 Testing
Annex ZA (informative) - Relationship between this European
         Standard and the Essential Requirements of EU
         Directive 98/37/EC, amended by 98/79/EC
Annex ZB (informative) - Relationship between this European
         Standard and the Essential Requirements of EU
         Directive 2006/42/EC

To reduce risks associated with misinterpretation of visual and auditory danger signals, a system of danger and information signals is specified taking into account the different degrees of urgency.This European Standard is applicable to all danger and information signals which have to be clearly perceived and differentiated as specified in 5.3 of EN 292-2:1991, by other requirements or by the work situation, and to all degrees of urgency – from extreme urgency to an ALL CLEAR situation. Where visual signals are to be complementary to sound signals, the signal character is specified for both.This European Standard does not apply to certain fields covered by specific standards or other conventions in force (international or national); in particular, fire alarms, medical alarms, alarms used in the field of public transport, navigation signals and signals for special fields of activity (for example, military). When new signals are being planned, however, this European Standard should be considered in order to avoid inconsistency.For auditory signals, the system of signal character is a guideline for a signal language based on message categories which are classified according to urgency. Certain characters are specified for purposes which require safe and rapid recognition. Certain categories allow possibilities for variants, e.g. control and warning signals at workplaces where the signalling is intended for personnel with specific training.For visual signals, the established meanings of the safety colours are not affected by this European Standard. For different needs, complementary meanings have been assigned to the signals by timed patterns, and in a very few cases by alternating colours.