Overview
EN ISO 7010:2020/A4:2023 (ISO 7010:2019/Amd 4:2021) is a CEN-endorsed amendment to the international standard for graphical safety symbols. This amendment adds a set of registered safety signs covering fire alarm indication, laboratory clothing, and multiple natural-hazard warnings (large-scale fire, tornado, volcano, debris flow, flood, landslide). The document is intended for national adoption by CEN members and aligns graphic sign content, intended meaning and recommended usage to support consistent safety communication.
Key topics and technical requirements
- New registered signs added in Amendment 4:
- F018 - Fire alarm flashing light
- M059 - Wear laboratory coat
- W073 - Large-scale fire zone
- W074 - Tornado zone
- W075 - Active volcano zone
- W076 - Debris flow zone
- W077 - Flood zone
- W078 - Landslide zone
- Sign structure and content: each entry defines the referent, function, image content, associated hazard and the intended human behaviour after comprehension.
- Supplementary text: several new signs lack ISO 9186-1 test data or did not meet comprehension criteria in some national testing; the standard therefore recommends supplementary text unless the sign is supported by training, manuals or instructions.
- Colour and reproduction guidance: electronic colour depictions are not guaranteed accurate - color matching should follow ISO 3864-4 (colourimetric and photometric properties).
- Exclusion zone usage: for some hazard signs (e.g., tornado, volcano, debris flow) the graphical element intentionally extends into the exclusion zone as per ISO 3864-3 to clarify extent of the hazard.
- Accessibility of artwork: approved sign artwork is available via the ISO Online Browsing Platform.
Applications and who uses it
This amendment is practical for organizations and professionals responsible for safety signage and risk communication:
- Safety managers and HSE teams - updating workplace signage, emergency plans and evacuation routes.
- Sign manufacturers and graphic designers - producing compliant, registered safety signs and labels.
- Facility managers and public authorities - marking hazard-prone zones (flood, landslide, volcano, tornado, large fires).
- Laboratories and research institutions - enforcing PPE requirements (laboratory coat).
- Standards bodies and compliance officers - national implementation and regulatory alignment.
Related standards
- ISO 3864-3 - exclusion zone and sign layout guidance
- ISO 3864-4 - colour matching and colourimetric/photometric properties
- ISO 9186-1 - pictogram comprehension testing (referenced for test data)
Keywords: EN ISO 7010, ISO 7010 Amendment 4, safety signs, graphical symbols, safety colours, registered safety signs, warning signs, fire alarm flashing light, wear laboratory coat, flood zone, landslide zone, tornado zone, debris flow.
