ASTM D5445-01

Standard Practice for Pictorial Markings for Handling of Goods

SCOPE
1.1 This practice establishes a set of symbols to be used for marking of packages or containers to indicate special handling and storage requirements.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Apr-2001
• ICS: 01.080.20 - Graphical symbols for use on specific equipment
• ICS: 55.020 - Packaging and distribution of goods in general
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.11 - Terminology (definitions)

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5445-98a - Standard Practice for Pictorial Markings for Handling of Goods
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Replaced By: ASTM D5445-02 - Standard Practice for Pictorial Markings for Handling of Goods
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2002
• Referred By: ASTM D6804-19 - Standard Guide for Hand Hole Design in Corrugated Boxes
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Referred By: ASTM D3951-18 - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 5445 – 01
Standard Practice for
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Pictorial Markings for Handling of Goods
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5445; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope recommended that printed symbols be painted, stenciled (see
Note 1), preprinted or otherwise reproduced, as specified
1.1 This practice establishes a set of symbols to be used for
herein. Affirmative symbols need not be framed by border
marking of packages or containers to indicate special handling
lines, but all negative symbols, that is, “DO NOT . ,” shall
and storage requirements.
have borders with a slash mark across.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
NOTE 1—For stencilling, the symbols may be provided with bars if
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
required (see Appendix X1).
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
5.2 Color of Symbols— The preferred color for symbols is
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
black. If the color of the package is such that the symbol would
not show clearly, provide a panel of a suitable contrasting
2. Referenced Documents
color, preferably white, as a background. Take care to avoid the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
use of colors that could lead to confusion with the labeling of
D 996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
dangerous goods. The color red may be used when increased
2
ments
emphasis is required to focus attention of package handlers.
2.2 ISO Standards:
5.3 Size of Symbols— The suggested sizes of symbols shall
3
ISO 780 Pictorial Marking for Handling of Goods
be 100, 150, or 200 mm (4, 6, or 8 in.). The size or shape of the
3
ISO 7000 Registration of Markings and Symbols
package may, however, necessitate use of larger or smaller
sizes for the symbols, scaled proportionately.
3. Terminology
5.4 Number, Location, and Position of Symbols:
3.1 Definitions—General definitions for packaging and dis-
5.4.1 Use only those pictorial markings required for the
tribution are found in Terminology D 996.
package.
5.4.2 The number of identical symbols to be affixed to any
4. Significance and Use
package depends on its size and shape (see remarks column for
4.1 Packages are often marked with handling instructions in
each symbol).
the language of the country of origin. While this may safeguard
5.4.3 When packages are formed into a unit load, locate
the consignment to some extent, it is of little value for goods
symbols so as to ensure they are visible (see Symbol 2).
consigned to, or through, countries using different languages,
5.4.4 Give particular attention to the correct application of
and of no value at all if people unloading the packages are
the marks. Faulty application may lead to misinterpretation.
illiterate. Pictorial symbols offer the most likely means of
Apply Symbols 4, 6, 7, and 32 in their correct respective
conveying the consignor’s intention and their adoption will,
positions to convey their meanings clearly and fully.
therefore, undoubtedly reduce loss and damage through incor-
rect handling. The use of pictorial symbols does not provide
6. Handling Instructions
any guarantee of satisfactory handling; proper protective pack-
6.1 Indicate handling instructions on packages by using the
aging is therefore of primary importance.
corresponding symbols given in the remarks column of each
symbol. Symbol 1 contains two messages.
5. Symbols
6.2 If necessary the cautionary basic text may appear below
5.1 Display of Symbols—Symbols may appear on a label or
the symbol in English or in the national language of the country
should preferably be printed directly on the package. It is
of destination, or both. However, to the extent possible,
instructions should be written in languages commonly used in
1 international trade.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.11 on Terminology.
7. Keywords
Current edition approved April 10, 2001. Published July 2001. Originally
published as D 5445 – 93. Last previous edition D 5445 – 98a.
7.1 handling; packaging; pictorial markings; symbols
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Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09.
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Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., New
York, NY 10017.
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