ISO 17724:2026

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.