Graphical symbols — Vocabulary

This document defines terms related to graphical symbols, principally symbols for public information safety signs and use on equipment. This document does not include terms related to graphical symbols for diagrams (technical product documentation (TPD) symbols). The definitions are intended to serve as a basis for consideration by those concerned with producing new standards or revising existing ones.

Symboles graphiques — Vocabulaire

L'ISO 17724:2003 définit les termes relatifs aux symboles graphiques, principalement les symboles pour l'information du public et ceux utilisés sur le matériel et les signaux de sécurité. Elle ne prend pas en compte les symboles graphiques pour schémas [symboles pour la documentation technique de produits (dtp)]. Les définitions sont prévues pour être prises en considération par tous ceux qui sont impliqués dans le développement de nouvelles normes ou dans la révision de normes existantes.

General Information

Status
Not Published
Technical Committee
ISO/TC 145 - Graphical symbols
Current Stage
6000 - International Standard under publication
Start Date
03-Dec-2025
Completion Date
10-Jan-2026

Relations

Effective Date
12-Oct-2024

Overview

ISO 17724:2025, titled Graphical Symbols - Vocabulary, is an international standard developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 145. It defines terms related to graphical symbols primarily used for public information, safety signs, and equipment markings. This standard excludes terms related to graphical symbols used for technical product documentation (TPD). The vocabulary serves as a foundation for creating or updating standards involving graphical symbols, offering a clear and consistent terminology base for industries working with visual communication tools.

The 2025 edition revises the original 2003 publication by streamlining definitions-from 82 down to 21 core terms-and introducing an updated structure with an added introduction. The vocabulary aligns with ISO’s online browsing platform, ensuring users can access the most current terms and definitions conveniently.

Key features:

  • Focus on public information, safety, and equipment graphical symbols
  • Excludes technical diagram symbols
  • Provides clear, standardized terminology to aid development and revision of standards
  • Accessible via ISO Online Browsing Platform (OBP)

Key Topics

The standard covers essential terms related to graphical symbols, promoting clarity and uniformity in their development and use. Some core terms defined in ISO 17724:2025 include:

  • Graphical symbol: A visually perceptible figure conveying specific meaning independent of language.
  • Basic graphical symbol: The original symbol from which families of related symbols are derived.
  • Border: The edge-defining band of a sign or symbol.
  • Caution: A signal word for potential hazards causing minor or moderate injury.
  • Legibility: The property enabling characters or symbol elements to be easily distinguished, also understood as visual clarity.
  • Conspicuity: The attribute allowing a symbol to be more easily detected compared to its surroundings.
  • Registered graphical symbol original: A symbol that has been officially registered as the definitive standard version.
  • Safety symbol: A symbol combined with specific safety colors and shapes to form a safety sign.
  • Positive and Negative contrast: Use of dark on light or light on dark characters for optimum visibility.
  • Phosphorescent sign: A sign emitting light after the energy source has been removed.

ISO 17724 also clarifies related visual components such as panels, chevrons (arrow-like symbols), sign carriers, and symbol sets.

Applications

ISO 17724 is instrumental for organizations and professionals involved in:

  • Designing public information signs that communicate universally understandable messages.
  • Creating safety signs and labels to reduce risk by visually warning or guiding people.
  • Developing equipment markings to ensure clear user instructions and hazard identification.
  • Standardizing symbols in industries like transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, and public facilities.
  • Ensuring compliance with international regulations by adopting uniform vocabulary and symbol conventions.
  • Facilitating cross-border communication and safety awareness by minimizing language barriers through standardized graphical representations.

By adhering to ISO 17724, stakeholders can effectively design visual communication tools that help enhance safety, accessibility, and user experience worldwide.

Related Standards

ISO 17724 complements and references several standards related to graphical symbols and safety communication, including:

  • ISO 3864 series: Safety colours and safety signs design principles for signs and markings.
  • ISO 17398: Safety signs relating to communication and guidelines.
  • ISO 9186 series: Methods for testing the comprehensibility of graphical symbols.
  • ISO 16069 and ISO 22578 series: Safety way guidance systems that guide people during emergency evacuation.
  • ISO 20560 series: Safety information for piping systems and tanks.
  • ISO 20712 series: Water safety signs, including beach safety flags.
  • ISO 22727: Guidelines on the creation and design of public information symbols.
  • ISO 23601: Escape and evacuation plan signs.
  • ISO 28564 series: Public information guidance systems.
  • IEC 80416-1: Basic principles for graphical symbols used on equipment.

For the most up-to-date terms and comprehensive vocabulary, users should consult the ISO Online Browsing Platform at https://www.iso.org/obp, where ISO 17724 vocabulary is continually updated.


By adopting ISO 17724:2025, companies and standards developers ensure effective, clear, and globally understood graphical communication, promoting safety and usability across diverse sectors and geographic regions.

Draft

ISO/FDIS 17724 - Graphical symbols — Vocabulary Released:9/23/2025

English language
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Frequently Asked Questions

ISO 17724 is a draft published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Graphical symbols — Vocabulary". This standard covers: This document defines terms related to graphical symbols, principally symbols for public information safety signs and use on equipment. This document does not include terms related to graphical symbols for diagrams (technical product documentation (TPD) symbols). The definitions are intended to serve as a basis for consideration by those concerned with producing new standards or revising existing ones.

This document defines terms related to graphical symbols, principally symbols for public information safety signs and use on equipment. This document does not include terms related to graphical symbols for diagrams (technical product documentation (TPD) symbols). The definitions are intended to serve as a basis for consideration by those concerned with producing new standards or revising existing ones.

ISO 17724 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 01.040.01 - Generalities. Terminology. Standardization. Documentation (Vocabularies); 01.080.01 - Graphical symbols in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ISO 17724 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ISO 17724:2003. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ISO 17724 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/FDIS 17724
ISO/TC 145
Graphical symbols — Vocabulary
Secretariat: BSI
Symboles graphiques — Vocabulaire
Voting begins on:
2025-10-07
Voting terminates on:
2025-12-02
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
Reference number
ISO/FDIS 17724:2025(en) © ISO 2025

FINAL DRAFT
ISO/FDIS 17724:2025(en)
International
Standard
ISO/FDIS 17724
ISO/TC 145
Graphical symbols — Vocabulary
Secretariat: BSI
Symboles graphiques — Vocabulaire
Voting begins on:
Voting terminates on:
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
© ISO 2025
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/FDIS 17724:2025(en) © ISO 2025

ii
ISO/FDIS 17724:2025(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
Bibliography . 4
Index . 5

iii
ISO/FDIS 17724:2025(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee, ISO/TC 145, Graphical Symbols.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 17724:2003), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— addition of an introduction;
— deleted terms which are not core or which are covered in other ISO TC 145 standards;
— renumbered definitions;
— updated Bibliography.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
ISO/FDIS 17724:2025(en)
Introducti
...


DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/DIS 17724:2025(E)

ISO/TC 145
Date: 2025-08-11
ISO/FDIS 17724:2025(E)
ISO/TC 145
Secretariat: BSI
Date:
Graphical symbols — Vocabulary
Symboles graphiques — Vocabulaire
FDIS stage
ISO /FDIS 1772517724:2025 (E(en)
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication
may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO
at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax: +41 22 749 09 47
EmailE-mail: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.orgwww.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2025 – All rights reserved
ii
ISO ISO /FDIS 1772517724:2025(Xen)
Contents
Foreword . iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
Bibliography . 4
Index 5
Foreword . v
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
Bibliography . 4

© ISO 2025 – All rights reserved
iii
ISO /FDIS 1772517724:2025 (E(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO documentsdocument should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules
of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Field Code Changed
Attention is drawnISO draws attention to the possibility that some of the elementsimplementation of this
document may beinvolve the subjectuse of (a) patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence,
validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights. in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this
document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s) which may be required to implement this document.
However, implementers are cautioned that this may not represent the latest information, which may be
obtained from the patent database available at www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for
identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any patent rights identified during the development of the
document will be in the Introduction and/or on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see
www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
Field Code Changed
This document was prepared by Technical Committee, ISO/TC 145 (, Graphical Symbols).
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 17724:2003), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— Additionaddition of an introduction;
— Deletion of definitionsdeleted terms which aeare not core or which are covered in other ISO/ TC 145
standards – reduce definitions to 21 from 82;
— Renumbering ofrenumbered definitions to match the ISO template numbering;
— Update ofupdated Bibliography.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
Field Code Changed
iv © ISO 2025 – All rights reserved
iv
ISO ISO /FDIS 1772517724:2025(Xen)
Introduction
This document was first published in 2003. It providedprovides a consolidated vocabulary for the graphical
symbol sector. Subsequently at ISO/TC 145’s request to make graphicalGraphical symbols visible online, ISO
createdcan be viewed on the ISO Online Browsing Platform. The ISO Online Browsing Platform (OBP) can be
found at https://www.iso.org/obp/ui. This platform at https://www.iso.org/obp/ui, which contains all the
terms and definitions in all ISO deliverables, including those contained in this document. Users of this
standarddocument should refer to the ISO OBP as the first source offor current terms and definit
...

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