Evaluating ANSI Z535-Formatted Warning Labels as an Integrative System

Abstract

Debate continues regarding the relative effectiveness of the ANSI Z535 guidelines for the design and placement of warnings. Research shows consistent positive effects of these guidelines on precursors to warning compliance (e.g., noticing, reading, intended compliance), but less consistency on compliance behavior. Challenges in interpreting these findings stem from factors such as small sample sizes, varying research designs and experimental conditions, and treating the ANSI Z535 guidelines as a singular entity rather than as an integrative system of separable features. Here, we address these issues by testing perceptions of warning label effectiveness using a large sample ( n=533) and systematically manipulating variables cited in the Z535 guidelines. Collectively, we tested eight label designs for a (2-drawer and 4-drawer) file cabinet and found statistically significant relationships between design recommendations from the ANSI Z535 guidelines and perceptions of effectiveness. The presence of a warning header and pictogram exerted the largest effects. Bulleted text and (larger) font size were also related to increased perceptions of effectiveness.

Forensic Evaluation of a Hazardous Household Product

“…Had the manufacturer conducted such a design and evaluation process and effectively guarded users from the product hazards, it is most likely that the man in the subject forensic case, and others like him, would not have been injured or killed by foreseeable use of this product. (Adams & Edworthy, 1995;Braun, Sansing, Kennedy, & Silver, 1994;Braun & Silver, 1995;Chapanis, 1994;Desaulniers, 1987;Frantz, 1993;Godfrey et al, 1991;Jaynes & Boles, 1990;Kalsher, Obenauer & Weiss, 2016;Laughery & Stanush, 1989;Laughery, Vaubel, Young, Brelsford, & Rowe, 1993;Morrow, Leirer, Andrassy, Hier, & Menard, 1998;Nemire, 2016;Otsubo, 1988;Wogalter et al, 1987;Wogalter, Begley, Scancorelli, & Brelsford, 1997;Wogalter, Kalsher, & Racicot, 1992;Wogalter & Rashid, 1998;Young, 1991). Part of the problem with the warnings on the subject can of denatured alcohol is that the labeling of this hazardous product, and others, falls under the auspices of the FHSA, which is administered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).…”

“…(Adams & Edworthy, 1995; Braun, Sansing, Kennedy, & Silver, 1994; Braun & Silver, 1995; Chapanis, 1994; Desaulniers, 1987; Frantz, 1993; Godfrey et al, 1991; Jaynes & Boles, 1990; Kalsher, Obenauer & Weiss, 2016; Laughery & Stanush, 1989; Laughery, Vaubel, Young, Brelsford, & Rowe, 1993; Morrow, Leirer, Andrassy, Hier, & Menard, 1998; Nemire, 2016; Otsubo, 1988; Wogalter et al, 1987; Wogalter, Begley, Scancorelli, & Brelsford, 1997; Wogalter, Kalsher, & Racicot, 1992; Wogalter & Rashid, 1998; Young, 1991).…”

Perceptions of Risk and Responses to Tanning Bed Warning Labels: A Pilot Study

“…This warning label was designed according to the guidelines of the American National Standard Institute's (ANSI's) warning label standard, ANSI Z535.4. ANSI-styled warnings are based on the latest peer-reviewed research on warning labels and have shown often to be more effective than other formats or labels that do not follow ANSI guidelines [ 16 ]. Conversely, according to previous research, the content and design of current tanning bed warning labels have not been informed by health communication best practices, are not based on research [ 17 ], and may be hard to see or missing [ 18 ].…”

Reconsidering the Role of Design Standards in Developing Effective Safety Labeling: Monolithic Recipes or Collections of Separable Features?

“…Procedure. We will provide a summary of the procedure as it has been described in detail by Kalsher, Obenauer, and Weiss (2016). Participants were given a six-page packet that included a set of instructions, images of warning labels, an image of a file cabinet, and questions pertaining to both the participants' experience with file cabinets and their demographic characteristics.…”