The Basics of Signage

signage is, at the most basic level, designed to let people know the nature
of the danger and
what they need to do to avoid injury. Effective signage will identify and
label every and all possible hazards the workers need to protect against.
Proper signage should be designed to help the employee identify even at a
quick glance, the nature and emergency of the hazard.
Not all signs are signs that need to be read immediately.
The nature of the hazard may not be one that is urgent.
The person looking at the sign needs to be able to see immediately which
signs are urgent and what the nature of the urgency is.
There are various ways that signs have tried to help resolve this problem.
Colors, Wording, Symbols and the size of the font or symbol used are
usually used in various combinations to help identify the hazards.
Colors
There are 5 basic colors that are used, usually in conjunction with some
key words of warning.
RED is used to identify dangers that are immediate and hazards that
have the potential for serious injury or death.
This color is usually used with DANGER, FIRE or STOP. This is usually used
to label flammable liquids, emergency switches as well as fire issues.



ORANGE means (and is used with the word) warning.
The hazard is serious but not necessarily immediate. It warns the reader
to be careful because there is the potential for serious injury or even
death. Examples would include pinch points, machinery and moving
parts.
YELLOW is used to identify a hazard that might result in injury that, while
not necessarily life threatening, could still be somewhat serious. It is used
most often with Caution. Slips, trips and falls would fall in this category
as would certain storage cabinets (corrosives, flammables etc)





GREEN denotes safety and is usually used to identify safety material like
MS sheets. There is no immediate danger present.
It is usually associated with the word Safety or Think.
BLUE is most often used with NOTICE to identify safety regulations
and procedures

Red
Red shall be the basic color for the identification of:
Fire protection equipment and apparatus.
Danger. Safety cans or other portable containers of flammable liquids
having a flash point at or below 80 F, table containers of flammable
liquids (open cup tester), excluding shipping containers, shall be painted
red with some additional clearly visible identification either in the form of
a yellow band around the can or the name of the contents conspicuously
stenciled or painted on the can in yellow. Red lights shall be provided at
barricades and at temporary obstructions. Danger signs shall be painted
red.
Stop. Emergency stop bars on hazardous machines such as rubber mills,
wire blocks, flat work ironers, etc., shall be red. Stop buttons or electrical
switches which letters or other markings appear, used for emergency
stopping of machinery shall be red.
Yellow
Yellow shall be the basic color for designating caution and for marking
physical hazards such as:
Striking against, stumbling, falling, tripping, and "caught in between."

Using the other colors, while not mandated, is a good idea to conform to
what most people are used to.
Shapes
In addition to colors, shapes are associated with certain types of signs.
Triangles and Diamonds are used for hazardous materials and labels.
Circles are used for mandatory actions that workers are called to perform
such as
donning a certain type of Personal Protective Equipment or extinguishing
cigarettes.





Squares and Rectangles are used most generically for most other types of
information.
Bilingual Signs
Because more and more workers do not necessarily speak or read English,
it is usually a good idea to
make sure that your signs are bilingual in order to make sure that your
other language speaking employees are safe as well.



The new standard for safety signs.
signs are made up of three distinct panels:
1. The header panel
which contains the DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION along with the
graphic symbol .

a. This header denotes a hazard that is serious enough to
potentially cause serious injury or death.

b. This header denotes a hazard that is similar to the
DANGER above but with a lesser degree of risk.

c. This header denotes a hazard that has the potential for
moderate injury
d. This header (notice the absence of the safety alert
triangle) is to be used to denote hazards that have the
potential for damage to property as opposed to
personal injury.
e. This header denotes a statement of company policy. It
is NEVER to be used if there is a hazard that could
result in personal injury.
2. The pictorial panel
that describes the type of hazard, the possible consequence of the
hazard or the action to be taken to avoid the hazard. There are two
different classifications of pictorials:
a. Hazard Alerting Pictorials a picture that shows what the hazard is and
what the consequences are if the worker fails to follow the instructions.

b. Hazard Avoidance Pictorials Pictures that illustrate the action to be
taken to avoid the hazard.





3. The message panel.
a combination of UPPERCASE and lowercase sans serif text.
a. Uppercase text should be used to call to action, a consequence statement,
emergency information or to describe the hazard that is present.
b. Lowercase text should be used to give instructions about how to avoid the
hazard, to outline the consequences more in detail, to explain the action
statement or outline safety measures to be taken.

Visibility
A ratio of 25 feet per inch of text for favorable reading conditions (the air
is clear of smoke, debris, dust, lighting is good, etc) and 12 feet per inch
of text for unfavorable reading conditions (visibility is some what
hampered)
As an example if visibility is limited and a sign needs to be read from 50
feet away, the letters on the sign would need to be five inches tall. If
visibility is good, the letter would need to be two inches tall.
Putting together a complete safety signage program

1. Signage needs to cover all of your companies property. This means that
you need to make sure that all hazards are labeled correctly, not only in
the production facilities or warehouse, but also on all the grounds outside
the building as well as offices, hallways and lunchrooms.
2. The more eyes the better. Consider asking your local safety supplier to
come out and do a walk through with you. At the very least, have several
people identify all the possible hazards. You alone will invariably miss
things. Ask employees where the hazards are and make sure that they are
adequately labeled for protection.
3. Dont just look, listen, smell and feel as well. Are there hot pipes or
exhausts? Are there areas that are loud and require hearing protection?
Are fumes present? All of these are potential hazards and should be
properly identified.
4. Standardize and communicate what that standard is. If the same color is
used to identify the same hazard throughout the facility, if a certain
symbol is used over and over again, then employees, once they have been
taught, will be able to identify hazards quickly and accurately.
Any signage program whether for a new building or a remodel should
follow these basic principles of design and purpose.
1 Way-finding: how intuitively people move from the entrance and through
the building;
2 Branding: highlighting certain areas within a building to give them a
greater identity, especially useful if you are working on a multi-building
program;
3 Primary signage: larger and key signs identifying major areas of a building;
4 Secondary signage: smaller signs identifying more specific parts of a
building
5 Tertiary signage: less significant signage, such as those identifying
restrooms, storage rooms, or legally required signage;
6 Collateral: temporary signage, flyers, etc that are used to identify special
programming, events, or collections.
7 Technology: use of computers screens, flat-screen monitors, and other
technology to direct or offer information to customers.


Wayfinding

Wayfinding is a comprehensive system of
signs, space planning, landmarks, art,
color, flooring design, lighting, and other
architectural elements that assist visitors
in self-navigating through an environment.
These components, which also shape the
idea of place and communicate identity,
are referred to as Environmental Graphics.
Wayfinding should be a characterized
(intuitive) experience for customers,
allowing them to freely explore the
environment while providing information
and direction where appropriate.
Signage is part of an environments wayfinding system.
Signage must work in tandem with all the other wayfinding elements by
integrating the sign and graphic elements into the architectural and
interior design.
When integrating a new signage system into an existing facility the
following must be taken into account:
Total signage package must flow from zone to zone seamlessly
There must be consistent treatment within each zone regarding the
overall principles for Primary, Secondary and Tertiary signage
If implementing a signage package in stages, install all the Primary signage
throughout the space, then all the Secondary signage.
Refrain from installing your signage zone by zone.

Customers intuitively understand physical spaces designed to focus on one
customer group, such as children under the age of 12, or teens, language
learners, or the 10-minute visitor.

Present the information they need for moving in these spaces to enhance
their experience. These guidelines provide designed signage systems that
advance and organize these area experiences such as Marketplace,
Childrens Area, or Living Room.

Experience = Environment (branded Interior Spaces) + Service (Library)

Branding
Branding is the process of giving an area a personality or image that a
customer is consistently drawn to. Branded elements used consistently in
all levels of a signage system, throughout all facilities in a multi-branch
system, help customers know what to expect when entering any of the
building.
Signage Program

The signage program provides written directions, information, or
precautionary messages in a clear and concise graphic manner. The
program should include all signage elements, including donor and art
elements, where they should be located, and what messages they should
indicate or use to inform the visitor.

A goal of an effective program is to eliminate all extraneous signage
throughout the facility. Developing a hierarchy for signage based on the
informational needs of customers will provide better self-navigating
spaces for the user.
Signage Principles
A Signage Program must be based on signage principles that are adhered
to at design and implementation, and for future changes and
replacements. All principles should be aimed at helping customers
intuitively self-navigate through the space.

Create a Signage Hierarchy

Primary signs direct the customer to the basic or major areas .
These areas often serve major customer groups as designated P in the
image below.
Secondary signs in each of those sections like End of Range signs are noted
S below. Sign scale and information should be reflective of signage
importance.
Tertiary signs, such as utility or designation for room use, are placed
minimally and are noted with T below.
Collateral signs, such as program flyers, calendars, and brochures, are
often categorized as Secondary signs and are temporary in nature. They
are often made available for take home within these environments.
Signage Principles in Action


These guiding principles will articulate the various challenges there are
when selecting a customer-driven signage system as customer needs
change in time.
Be Consistent with Nomenclature
Names for departments, destinations, and collections should always be
consistent on signage and graphic elements both within a building and
between buildings in the same system, e.g. consistently using Teens
rather than Young Adult in some places and Teens in others.
Less is More
Customers will not pay attention to too many messages in one area or
signs that take too long to read, or require too much time to understand.
Be concise! Instead of 20 program flyers, choose 3 to highlight today or
this week. Place them in areas the target market frequents.
Be Consistent
Sign types handled in a consistent manner throughout a facility or system
allow visitors to trust the information they are presented with and better
predict where the next piece of information will be located.

Visitors feel more secure and comfortable in an environment that offers
some predictability, e.g. the Library Directory is placed within 10 feet of
the entrance, an intuitive placement of a building directory.
Ensure Signs are Easy to Read While Moving
Use clean fonts and short messages, e.g. easy to scan end of range signs.
Customers are able to scan the ends of range signage when walking
through an area.
Keep Signs Along Customer Sightlines
Signs should appear naturally in your viewers sightlines, rather than
having to search for them. Customers are intuitively given important
finding cues.
In-depth Signage in Wait Areas
Placing the 24 X 36 Monthly Event Calendar in a wait area, such as by
the Checkout, gives customers an opportunity to focus on learning about
library events. An 8.5 X 11 version is available for customers to take with
them.
Merchandise Materials Face-Out
Place popular materials face-out to help customers find the section and
materials that they are seeking. Material covers are a more user-friendly
navigational tool and add to the customer experience.

Use Odd Shapes and Sizes

Catch attention using this type of signage as the eye quickly scans the
environment for cues. Odd shapes and sizes tend to stand out.
Convey a Sense of Movement Simple perceived movement invites
curiousity and fun. Three dimensional lettering is effective for this type of
signage.
Signage should be placed so that users see an appropriate sign at the
moment they are in need of further wayfinding information.

Basic Signage Program at San Jos Public Library
General Spaces
Example signage shown for non branded spaces within a library
WINDOW INSERT HOLDER
This is an entrance window mounted letter size sign holder that can be
viewed from both sides. It is for the OPEN hours.



OPEN NEON SIGN
This neon sign is located at or near the entrance where it can easily be
seen either from the parking lot or by a passing motorist.

BANNERS
These signs identify major adult collections: Fiction, Non-Fiction, and
Languages in branches with high ceilings.





END OF RANGE INSERT HOLDER
This is a staff changeable sign that identifies collection information for
each range. An insert with the needed text is made on a transparency so
that the background color of the sign shows through.
INSERT HOLDER GROUP
Cluster window mounted sign holders into blocks of 3 to 6 depending on
window space. Each 8.5 x 11 holder displays flyers back to back. Library
staff displays changeable information for visitors. This is located at the
entrance to the Library and viewable from the interior and exterior of
building for after hours viewing. The ideal configuration is 3 over 3;
however, this can vary depending on the size of the glazing.



INFORMATION SIGN
16 X 36 Select double-sided or single-sided depending on customer flow
in the service area. Horizontal or vertical treatment may also be
considered to enhance the service point layout and the overall interior
building design. The sign is pole mounted with or without internal
illumination LEDs.

FLAT SCREEN MONITOR SIGN
This monitor is mounted within 10 feet of entry. Placed within a high
traffic area and providing a looped slide show catches the visitor passing
through at a quick pace.
Marketplace Area
Example signage shown for a branded space within a library.
INTERNET CAFE
This is a combination of brushed aluminum and NEON.



NEW BOOKS SIGN
This sign hangs in the middle of the Marketplace.




MARKETPLACE GONDOLA SIGN
This sign is placed on top of each gondola or group of gondolas in the
marketplace. It differs from the other gondola sign type by the longer,
more elegant base.





DIRECTORY AND CALENDAR Select double-sided or single-sided slatwall
stands that hold a poster-sized directory of the customer floor and poster-
sized calendar of events. Place in high traffic area near or at entry.

Childrens Area
Example signage shown for a branded space within a library.
CHILDREN'S
This sign brands the entrance to the Children's Area. The designer will
use this signage as part of an exciting gateway. Providing lighting to
illuminate from within may be necessary.




FAMILY PLACE
This sign identifies the Family Place section of the Children's Area
STORY TIME
If needed, this sign identifies the story-telling area.






DISCOVER & EXPLORE
These are dimensional letters mounted on top of the Childrens 66" high
ranges. These are not wayfinding signs but are experiential.

Teens Area
Example signage shown for a branded space within a library
TEENS
This sign can be airbrushed with multi-colors to identify the Teen Room.
The sign combines experiential with informational .
Exterior
LIBRARY
These are large dimensional letters placed above the Front entrance to
identify the building and brand the building as a San Jose Branch Library.





REGULATION SIGNAGE These are small Tertiary signs placed where
appropriate.
Signage Master Planning
Signage Master Planning is a management approach that works to
optimise rather than maximise signage.
It is an approach that recognises and promotes the positive contribution
signage and street furniture can make to the urban fabric of cities and
large public resources such as airports, transit systems and stadia.
Signage Master Plan works to mitigate and prevent the potential negative
impacts associated with excessive and poor quality signage.
A Signage Master Plan provides a comprehensive development and
operating solution for landlords and regulators that outlines an inclusive
strategic view for all industry stakeholders.
Through the Master Plan stakeholders are encouraged to participate in a
sustainable platform for management and growth, supported by a flexible
framework for implementation.
In practical terms a Signage Master Plan is a customised selection of
resources, tools and recommendations developed after an intensive
period of research, analysis and consultation with the client around the
following:
Existing advertising and commercial signage
The current and future role of street furniture
Client objectives and management capacity
Management and operational processes
Policies, bylaws and guidelines
Applications, approvals and permits
Contracts and tender procedures
Design and technical standards
Industry size and sophistication
Market size and strength
Cape Town Station Signage Master Plan
signage master plan as part of the train station revitalisation.
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Client: ArchStation Consortium
Project Value: R750 000
Second Harvest prepared a comprehensive advertising signage master
plan and technology report for the revitalisation of the Cape Town Station,
based on international best practices.
The scope of work included an analysis of the station status quo, including:
Incumbent media operators
Signage format and density analysis
Financial analysis
Management and development capability analysis of Intersite Property
Management Solutions
Second Harvest provided ArchStation with a report on new technologies
currently being used in transit environments around the world, and a GIS
model including suitable signage locations of appropriate relevent format.

Engaged Services:
Opportunity Audit
Financial and Strategic Planning
GIS Master Plan Layout
Technology Report
Design and Engineering interfacing