Read instruction manual - What Graphic Symbol must I use?

[Amit Bechar]

Trying to standardized our labeling and having some issues with "follow instructions for use" symbol
Which of the following two should be printed on the box? both are similar and referred in ISO 7010.

Thanks

 

[John Broomfield]

This symbol seems the most popular:



...but to me it implies read the manual in general (RTFM?).

But if we want folk to refer to a specific part of the manual consider the best one of these:



With the relevant chapter and verse underneath.

 

[monoj mon]

For our general devices where we provide a simple IFU with the "Instructions For Use", "Contraindications" etc. then we usually go with this one as mentioned in the ISO 15223-1, see the below image.

NOTE: This image is not from the Standard but from a freely available source in the internet.

When we have any device where we need to provide a "Manual/Booklet" with all the information such as "Instructions for Use", "Contraindications", "Installation Instructions", "Troubleshooting", "Maintenance", "Warranty Clauses" etc., then we use this symbol.

I hope this helps you to make a decision on these symbols.

 

[chris1price]

If the device is being sold in EU as well as USA, then the symbols should comply with ISO 15223-1, Section 5.4.3.



Some notified bodies can get very pedantic and not allow the symbol to be reversed inside the blue circle.

 

[Amit Bechar]

Thanks for the advise.
Our devices are sold in the US (as medical devices) and in the EU (as home use appliances until MDR kicks in)
US Labeling was composed by an outside lab which instructed us to use the following label on the box exterior in accordance with ISO 60601-1:

We recently started using the services of a different lab that instructed us to use the following label on the exterior box in accordance with ISO 7010:

Both seem identical in meaning (although I have a feeling the 2nd symbol will score higher on reading comprehension).
How interchangeable are they (if at all)?

Many thanks

 

[drhkp]

Thanks for the advise.
Our devices are sold in the US (as medical devices) and in the EU (as home use appliances until MDR kicks in)
US Labeling was composed by an outside lab which instructed us to use the following label on the box exterior in accordance with ISO 60601-1:
View attachment 26955
We recently started using the services of a different lab that instructed us to use the following label on the exterior box in accordance with ISO 7010:
View attachment 26956
Both seem identical in meaning (although I have a feeling the 2nd symbol will score higher on reading comprehension).
How interchangeable are they (if at all)?

Many thanks

Amit it all comes down to how the product is regulated. My expertise is in medical devices and for medical devices the "book with i" is recommended as per ISO 15223. The second symbol maybe a preferred symbol for home use appliances, what ISO standard are you claiming compliance to for your product - ISO15223 or ISO 7010? Based on that you should pick the symbol.

 

[Sidney Vianna]

Just to remind people that the search for graphic symbols is also an available feature of the ISO Online Browsing Platform

​

 

[Mark Meer]

The difference is that one (person reading) is meant to be a "Mandatory Action Symbol", whereas the other (book with 'i') is more of a "recommendation".

Mandatory action symbols should be used when it is determined that safety depends on the action.
So, in this case, if you've determined that, without reading the instructions, there are unacceptable hazards, then the mandatory action symbol should be used.

NOTE: another difference is that the mandatory action symbol (person reading) must be in colour (must be blue/white).