I have long been offended by poor visual communications. It takes just a few moments to make the difference between something incomprehensible and a clear message.
Recently I have noticed that many corporate 'style guides' seem to be unaware of the regulations concerning Health and Safety signs. Both McDonalds and NatWest have good examples of signs that, whilst clearly protraying a message that is intended to improve HandS, do not conform to the regulations.
For example a black 'Keep clear' sign and a dark blue warning triangle.
This is just the tip of the iceberg.
I am looking for like minded people to join me in campaigning for the replacement of improper signs with their correct versions.
Bizarrely, prosecution for offences under the regulations are the local responsibility of the Environmental Health Officers around the country. this means that, technically, to bring McDonalds to task would require a prosectution of every individual branch inevery single EHO jurisdiction.
But I am not daunted by that prospect!
Health and safety sign regulations are intended to ensure that you and I can clearly get the right messages. Non-standard signs are not helpful and are easily ignored.
Who's up for a challenge?
2 comments:
An excellent style guide for how HandS signs should be is available at the TfL (Transport for London) corporate site. Download the pdf 'LU signs manual' at www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/corporate/media/designstandards/default.asp?standard=tube.
Look at section 9 and 10.
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