is.guide.37.1995

Disclosure to Promote the Right To Information

Whereas the Parliament of India has set out to provide a practical regime of right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities, in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority, and whereas the attached publication of the Bureau of Indian Standards is of particular interest to the public, particularly disadvantaged communities and those engaged in the pursuit of education and knowledge, the attached public safety standard is made available to promote the timely dissemination of this information in an accurate manner to the public.

इंटरनेट मानक

“!ान $ एक न' भारत का +नम-ण”Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda

“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

“प0रा1 को छोड न' 5 तरफ”Jawaharlal Nehru

“Step Out From the Old to the New”

“जान1 का अ+धकार, जी1 का अ+धकार”Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan

“The Right to Information, The Right to Live”

“!ान एक ऐसा खजाना > जो कभी च0राया नहB जा सकता है”Bhartṛhari—Nītiśatakam

“Knowledge is such a treasure which cannot be stolen”

“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

है”ह”ह

IS/ISO/IEC GUIDE 37 (1995): Instructions for use ofproducts of consumer interest [PGD 7: IndustrialEngineering]

June 2009

ISIISO/IEC Guide 37 : 1995

,...'47 (rt/4 If/O-f q")

Indian Standard

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF PRODUCTSOF CONSUMER INTEREST

ICS 0 1.120, 03080 30

((;~: BIS ?009

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDSMAN AK BH AVA N. 9 SAHA DUR SH AH ZAFAR MARG

NEW DELHI 110002

Price Group 7

National Mirror Committee ot COPOLCO. SPCAD 01

NATIONAL FOREWORD

This Indian Standard which is identrcal with ISOIIEC Guide 37 : 1995 'Instructions lor use of products 01consumer Interest' Issued by the International Organization lor Standardization (ISO) and InternationalEtectrotechmca t Cornrn issron (lEG) JOintly was adopted by the Bureau of Ind ian Standards on therecommendation of the Nationa l Mirror Committee of COPOLCO and approval or the Director General , Bureauat Indian Standards under Rule 8(3)C of BIS Rules , 1987.

T~l e text of ISOIIEC Standard has been approved as suitable lor publication as an Indian Standard withoutdevrations. Certain conventions are , however, not identical to those used in Indian Standards, Attention isparticularly drawn to the following :

a) Where ver the words 'International Standard' appea r referring to this standard, they should be readas "Indian Standard '.

b) Comma (.) has been used as a decimal marker in the Internat ional Standard while in Indian Standards,the current practice is to use a point (.) as the decimal marker.

ISJlSOIIEC Guide 37 : 1"5

Indian Standard

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF PRODUCTSOF CONSUMER INTEREST

1 Scope1.1 This Guide establishes the principles and givesrecommendations on the design and formulation ofinstructions for use of products of consumer Interest.It IS intended for

product designers, manufacturers, technicalwriters or other people engaged In the work ofconceiving and drafting such instructions;

committees prepar ing standards for consumerproducts .

1.2 The principles and detailed recommendations In

th is Guide should apply In combinat ion with thespecific requuernents on Instructions for use laiddown In standards for specmc products or groups ofproducts.

1.3 Assessment of the quality of instructions for useshould follow common criteria . This GUide thereforehas an informat ive annex (annex A) containing somepracncal recommendations and a proposed methodology for assessment. The annex IS addressedprimarily to researchers and experts engaged In suchassessment work; It may also be helpful to theGUide's principal target groups named In 1.1.

2 References

ISO 3864 :1984, Safety colours and safety Signs

ISO 7000:1989. Graphical symbols for use on equipment :- Index and synopsis.

ISO 7001 :1990 and Amendment 1:1993, Public information symbols.

ISO 11683:1993. Packaging - Tactile danger warnings - Requirements.

' EC 417:1973 (and supplements). Graphica l symbolsfor use on equipment - Index. survey and compilation of the single sheets.

ISO/IEC Direct ives, part 21992. Methodo logV for Thedevelopment of International Standards

ISOIIEC GUide 14 1977. Proauct mtormet.on fer ,~ C::

sumers.-

ISO/IEC GUide 50 1987. Cf~ tld setetv and stsnaeras -General gUldelmes

ISOIIEC GUide 51 1990. Gouie tmes for the mcluSlon ,: 'safety aspects In standards

ISO/IEC GUIde 52 1990. Glossa ry e' fire te trns J i ){ ;

aetinmons,

3 General principles

3.1 Instructions for use are an ''1 tegral Da ft 01 thedelivery of the product They should also reouce thrfisk of damage to the pcodu ct and conseo uen: m alfunct ion or Ineff iCient opecanon

3.2 Instruct ions for use should allow and prorn c .ecorrect use of a product and should ouecuv help toavotd misuse whIch may lead to hazards tnst ruc tcnsfor use cannot and shou ld not compen sate l or de:,'gndef 'ClenCleS11.

3.3 Instructions for use should

al clearly Identify the product;

bl recognize the type of user. and hls/her cecabilltles;

cl define. if necessary. the Intended use cf theproduet21;

dl contain art information reqUired for correct andsafe use of the product and/o r for service andmamtenance

l' For generalprinciples of preferences of risk reduction. see ISOI1Ee GUide 51.1990, cllltJ5e 5

2) For definitions of " intended use" and "reasonably foreseeable misuse" . see ISO/lEe GUide51.1990. 37 and 3 8

1

ISIISOIIEC Guide 31 : 1995

3.4 lnstructons for use should cover reasonablyforeseeable misuse of the product. and adequatewarntng should be given (see ISOIIEC Guide 51:1990,6.4.41. In most countries the manufacturer/producerhas a legal obligation to include such warnings.

3.5 Instructions for use should cover information,separately or In combinat ion, as far as it is relevant. on

a) function and operation;

b) transport, assembly, installation;

c) cleaning, maintenance, fault diagnosis, repair;

d) destruction/disposal of the product anellor anywaste matenals WIth due regard to safety andenvlfonmental considerations.

3.6 Instructions for use should convey importantmessages to the user about aspects of use related to

the environrnent (for example, appropriatedosage of detergent for a washing machine,destruction/disposal of waste, recycling);

conservation of energy and other resources.

3.7 ~n·.mtlon should be drawn to the need forspecial protective measures, such as adult supervisionor the wearing of specIal clothing, needed to protectusers and bystanders . Dangers to particular groupssuch as chIldren (see ISOIIEC Guide 50:1987), elderlypeople and disabled people should be borne in mind.

3.8 If some of the mstrucnons are directed only to aspecrhc group of users (for example for installation,repa,r or certaIn kInds of maintenance), thosemstrucnons should be given separately and beadequately marked. In some cases they need notaccompany the product (see also 7.121.

3.9 For products which have a limIted safe oreffective hfe, clear InformatIon should be provided onthe year of manufacture and/or on the date of expiry.

3.10 The date of pubhcatlon of the instruct ions foruse should be grven.

3.11 lnstrucuons for use should be consistent withall other material about the same product issued bythe manufacturer/producer such as advert ising orpackaging.

4 CIa..... in standards

4.1 Standards for products of consumer interestshould specIfy, for instance in the form of a minimum

2

list. the matters wh ich need to be covered in theinstructions for use. This should be a separate sectionof the product standard, normally ent itled 'Instructionsfor use, including installation and maintenance" (forsafety standards see ISOIlEC Guide 51:1990, 6.4 .6).

4.2 Where specific procedures are necessary forsafe use, operat ion, assembly, disassembly, cleaningor maintenance of the product. or similarly for itsdestruction/disposal, or disposal of waste materials,they should be specified in the product standard (seeISOIIEC Directives, Part 2:1992, subclause 8.3) .

4.3 Where instructions for use are to be given onthe product itself, they should be specified in thesection dealing with marking and labelling (seeISOIIEC Guide 51 :1990, clause 5; ISOIIEe Directives,Part 2:1992, subclause 8.2; and clauses 8 and 9below).

5 Location and nature

5.1 Depending on one or more of the followingelements:

the risks (see ISO/IEC Guide 51 :1990, 3.2) ;

environmental or similar requirements;

the product design;

when the information is needed by the user,

it should be decided whether the instructions foruse - or parts of them, and if so which parts - areto be given in one or more of the following ways:

on the product;

on the packaging;

in accompanying material.

In addition, it should be decided what means ofcommunication should be used in each case (see 0.1).

NOTE 1 Placing of instructions on the product itself hasdear advantages in convenience for the user . But for someproducts, because of their small size or their shape. or thefact that they are partially obscured from view during use,placing some or all of the instructions on paCkaging or inaccompanying materials may be the best or only solution.

5.2 Where instructions for use are complex, it maybe helpful if certain important messages are given ordisplayed on the product by means of short referenceOf reminder cards. stickers or labels (see clause 11).

5.3 Where safety depends to a considerable degreeupon correct installation, use, maintenance, destruction or disposal, and correct methods are not seIfevident from the product, the product safety standardshould specify, as a minimum, a cautionary mark.ing todraw the user's attention to the relevant part(sl of theinstructions.

6 Av.iI.bility of inforrMtion • the pointof ....

If instructions for use are necessary to make areasoned purchasing dec ision amongst products,these instructions or the relevant parts of them shouldbe readily available at the point of sale.

NOTE 2 Product Information systems as described inISOIIEe Guide 14 are the recommended means of providing, at the point of sale, all the information' necessary for areasoned purchasing decision. This should include mattersmentioned in this Guide, suctt as the need for protectiveclothing (see 3.91 and a warning to parents on restrictionsto use by children (see 8.51.

7 Advice for the design .nd fonnulMionof instructions for ....

7.1 Gen...

1.1.1 lnstructions for use should clearly identify theproduct, stating for example the model. version ortype to which they apply. It should be impossible forproduct modifications or differences (however smaD)between models or between subgroups within thesame model, to lead to a mismatch between theinstructions in the hands of the user and the actualproduct in use (see 3.101.

7.1.2 The user of a particular model should preferablybe provided with information referring only to thatmodel. However, if instructions for two or moremodels are identical, I single set of instructions isacceptable.

7.1.3 Instructions concerning optional modules orextras should be kept dearly separated from generalinstructions and from instructions for other modulesor extr~ (for example, by the use of separate clauses.headings, etc.). so that users are not confused byirrelevant material.

7.2 Legibility

1.2.1 Tyoe and sue of on-product Information, ofprinted material and of computerized Information

IMSOIIEC GuIde 37 : 111I

should be as deer and .s large as prectable toensure Ieglbikty .

7~1.1 The .l'-height (hetght of the Iowef casecharacters) of the type face should always be 1.5 mmor larger:

NOTES

3 In the so-<:alled typOgraphIC potnt syStems (Dtdotand Plcal the corresponding Size lNOUld be ~OXImately

4 points I' POInt • 0.4 mm (DOOt 0.376 mm. Pica0.35' mmll

4 For a1ptulbets other t!\an ramen, the selectIOn oflettering type and size should meet the same degfee oflegibility as that Indicated above .

7.2.1.2 For continuous text In printed instructIOnS foruse (for example, leaflets, manuals) type between3,2 mm and 5,6 mm (8 potnts and , .. potnts) shouldbe used .

7~1.3 For headings in printed leaflets. manuals.etc.. for QI'l1)(oduet instructIOnS, or for other shortmessages which the user needs to consult often, thetype size should be about .. mm or even larger lat thetop of the 10 point to 14 potnt scale), depending onthe reading distance.

7.2.1.4 The lOCation of on-crodcct InstructlOOS andthe angle between their surface and the verncst planeshould be such that they can be easIly read andunderstood by users from their poSltIOn(S) dunng useof the product.

7~1.5 National standards may contain detailedinformatIOn on more parameters relat ing to legibility,and especially on the relation between type size andreading distance.

7.2.2 Brightness contrast - the dlfference betweenthe percentage of light reflected 'rom the back.groundand the percentage of light refleeted from the print should be as great as possible.

NOTES

5 The contrast should normllly be at leest 70 --.. GoodQU8Ilty black prirlt on white peper pr<Mdes • oontrat ofabout 80 'It .

ISJISOIIEC Guide 37 : 1995

6 Brightness contrast can be reduced and legibil ityImparred by print ing on both sides 01 insufficiently opequepaper .

Subtect to the above parameters. mirnmurn type sizesand mimmum requirements on brightness contrastshould be specified In product standards.

7.2.3 Safety related instruct ions for use in leafletsand manuals should have a different type face. or typesize. or other means of making them conspicuous. Incases of doubt whether particular instructions arerelated primarily to safety or to fitness for purpose.considerations dealing with safety should be givenprecedence .

7.2.4 If Instructions are incorporated In the materialof the product itself, e.g. engraved or embossedlettering. figures or symbols on metal. glass or plastic,the advantages of such methods in durability.reduct ion of numbers of separate parts. etc .. shouldbe wetghed against a possible disadvantage inlegibility. whICh is generally Inferior to that of goodprinting (see also 11.1).

7.3 Colour

7.3.1 The use of colour should be considered, inrelation particularly to controls. components. etc.,requiring clear and/or qUICk identification.

7.3.2 If the use of coloor is adopted it should befunctional, systematic and cons istent (see ISO 3864).

7.3.3 It should be borne In mind. however. that about8 % of men and 0.5 % of women have some form ofcolour-deflC.ent vison. Therefore. perception of different colours should never be the only means forunderstanding instructions.

7.4 Communication principl..

7.4.1 In order to achieve the best results. thoseresponsible for the design and formulation of instruclions for use should apply the communication process~ FIRST READ, THEN ACT" to the likely sequence ofevents In use of the product. lnstrucnons for useshould follow the reqUIred procedure step by step .

NOTE 7 In cases where the reader of instructions needsto react quickly Itor eX8lTljJle. when using fire extinguishersl. only a minimalthoo~t process should be necessary inorder to understand them .

7.4.2 Where comp6ex operating procedures must befollowed for safe alY.i correct use of the product. theInstructiof)s should enable and encourage the user tofollow a continuous learning and understanding

process . Particularly useful means of promoting th isprocess include illustrations, tables and f1ow-eharts(see 7.7, 7.9and7.10l .

7.4.3 Instructions for use of a product intended toperform several different and independent functionsshould start with the basic or normal funct ion and deallater w ith other functions.

7.4.4 The instructions for use of a product shouldanticipate the user's questions "W HERE? WHO?WHAT? WHEN? HOW? WHY?" and provide answersto them.

7.5 Wording and use of technical terms

7.5.1 Instructions for use should be as simple andbrief as possible. and readily understandable by a layperson . Unavoidable technical terms should have theirmeaning explained. Information should be expressedin cons istent terms and units .

7.5.2 The sequence of text in leaflets. manuals, etc.,should follow the communication principles descr ibedin 7.4. Short and meaningful headings and/or marginalnotes may help the user to locate the information hewants (see 7.11I.

7.5.3 One sentence should normally contain only onecommand. or at most a small number of closelyrelated commands. For clarity

use the active voice of verbs rather than thepassive:

be assert ive in using commands rather thanweaker forms;

use act ion verbs rather than abstract nouns;

speak directly to users rather than saying whatthey might do.

The follOWing examples apply in the first instance tothe English language. but may also be useful pointerstowards clarity In other languages .

Recommendation Like this Not like this

Use the active Turn off power Be sure that thevoice power has been

disconnected

Be assert ive Do not remove The tabs shouldtabs not be removed

Use act ion verbs Use, keep. avoid Utilization.maintenance.avoidance

Speak directly Pull black lever Users w ill pull thetowards you black lever a'Nrf

from the machine

'"oaz(j,iiiee'"-Ito<

7.6 ungu.ge(s)

7.6.1 Instructions for use should be given in theofficiallanguage(sl of the country of sale .

NOTE 8 In many countries this IS a legal requrrernent

7.6.2 If more than one language is used. eachlanguage should be readily distinguished fromotherls). It is preferable to provide separate instructions - leaflet. manual. etc . - for each language .Where this is not practicable. instructions in eachlanguage should be clearly separated. It is preferablefor each page to have texts in only one language.

7.6.3 Because of the limited space generally available. giving instructions on a product may presentproble.ms in relation to languages. especially when thecountry for sale has more than one official language. Itmay also be impossible to know the country of sale atthe time of manufacture . These problems may besolved by the use of graphical symbols (see 7.81 provided they are clearly understandable by users and/or by the use of numerals. with explanation oftheir meaning in the appropnate languagels) given In

accompanying texts and/or by usmq certain words orabbrevianons (for example. STOP. MAX./MIN.l whichhave become internat ionally acceptable .

7.6.4 Text and illustrations which need to be readand seen together should be adJacent. Where needed.illustrations should be reproduced In each languagetext Captions to illustrations should be written only Inthe language of the adjacent text Isee also 7.7.7).

7.6.5 Where Instructions for use are translated fromone language to others. all steps In the process.including check ing and proof -reading. should becarried out by competent linguists.

7.7 Illustration.

7.7.1 Attention should be paid to quality and clarity.whether photographs. line drawings or other mediaare chosen .

7.7.2 Whenever appropriate. text and Illustrationsshould be used together. each supporting the other .

7.7.3 illustrations should not be separated from thetext to which they refer . If a sequence of operations IS

being descr ibed. text and Illustrations should followthe same sequence.

7.7.4 illustrations should be supplemented With captions provid ing written deta ils. locating and Ident ifyingcontrols. sub-units . etc .

ISltSOllEC Guide 37: 1995

7.7.5 One IllustratIOn should not grve more informatIOn than needed for the relevant function

7.7.6 illustrations or detailed pert ts) of IllustratIOnsshould be repeated In the relevant psrttsl of mstrucnon materlal(sl. as needed to assist the user

7.7.7 Sub,ect to the recommendatIOns In 7 6 to 7' 0inclusive. Illustrations. tables or flow-eharts which fo ldout may usefully be placed on pages of the leaflet ormanual In a way that they can be seen adjacent todifferent pages of text at different times .

7.8 Gr.phic8l symbols

7.8.1 Graphical symbols should be readily understood and unambiguous Where graphical svm botshave been standardized by ISO and lEe . they Sh Ou '\l

be specrned In accordance With ISO 7000. ISO 700 1andlEC417

7.8.2 The mstrucnons for use should clearly Ind 'cateand explain which of the product funct ions au'covered by the symbols appeaflng on the product

7.9.1 Information should be presented .n the form o!tables where trus Will enhance understanding Tablesshou ld be presented adjacent to the relevant text ISI'!ealso 7.771

7.9.2 Tables or parts of tab les should be repeated In

the relevant partts) of Instruction matenalts). :l~;

needed to assist the user .

7.10 Aow-charta

Where a specmc sequence of operations IS neces",J",for safe and correct use of the product. a flow -e lia r:may be helpful to the user Ftow-chans should bepresented adjacent to the text to w hich they belon'd(see also 7.7.71.

7.11 Table of contents 'Index

7.11.1 When Instructions for use comprrse morethan one page. these should be numbered leaflets.manuals. etc .. beyond four pages should have a tableof contents and/or an Index.

7.11.2 When the instruct ions are lengthy andcomplex. an Index of keywords presented In

alphabetical order should be Included and bereferenced In the table of contents .

5


7.11.3 For complex appliances a separate list ofoperator controls and indicators (such as dials. gaugesor hghts) should be provided .

7.11.4 Headings appearing in the table of contentsshould be the same as those used in the text.

7.12 Fault diagnosis I Trouble-lhooting IRepair

If the user of the product can perform some faultdiagnosis and repair Without risk of harm to him!herself, other people or the product. the instructionsleaflet/manual should provide a checkl ist of possiblefautts w ith appropriate diagrams, illustrations. etc ..and With clear me-canon whether the user canattempt the repair himlherself. or should call in aqualif ied person.

8 Warning notices

8.1 In accordance With the parameters of 7.2.1 to7 24 and 7.3. warning oonces should be emphasizedby ! M use of larger andlor dIfferent print. and by theuse of svrnbc rs andlor colour respectively.

8.2 In the torrnulanon and deSign of warning noticesthe following should be taken Into account. In order toachieve maximum effectiveness :

hrmt the text and/or IllustratIOn to the essential;

make the location . content and style of thewarning consmcuous:

ensure that the user and any other people at risksee the warning from the ir oosuons during useand at the fight time;

explain the nature of the hazard (and, ifappropriate. ItS causes);

orovioe clear gUIdanceon what to do;

provide clear guidance on what to avoid;

use clear language. graphical symbols andIllustratIOns;

remember that warnings repeated frequentlyand false alarms reduce the effectiveness ofnecessary warn ings.

8.3 When alert ing users. instruct IOns shall usethe following hierarchy or - signal words- (seeISO/lEC Guide 51 :1990. 6 .4.8):

~DANGER~ to call attention to a htgh risk;

-WARNNG" to call attention to a medium fisk;

-r.AUT1ON- to call attention to a low risk.

6

8.4 Warning notices for high and medium risksrelating to products should be permanently affixed to,or attached to, the products so that the messagecontinues to be clearly visible by users during theexpected life of the product.

8.5 Warn ings about hazards or restrictions on useIfor example NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDERTHE AGE OF THREE YEARS) are crucial to safety andshould be given prominence at least equal to otherinstructions issued with the product. Such warningsshould be clearly visible at the point of sale (seeclause 6; and ISOIIEC Guide 50) .

9 Standardized phrases and signs

Where appropriate, the use of standardized phrases,andlor safety signs or graphical symbols should beconsidered in order to convey important messagessuch as warning notices. Such phrases and signsshould be specified in the relevant product standards,together with requirements for their location.

10 Visible and audible signals

10.1 Visible signals, such as flashing lights andaudible signals. such as bleeps , may both be used toinform and warn the user.

10.2 It is important that such signals

be unambiguous;

be emitted in time to allow the user to takeaction to avoid hazard or malfunction;

be clearly perceived and differentiated fromother signals;

be explained in the instructions for use on oraccompanying the product;

(tcr visible signals) be clearly seen by the userfrom hislher position during use.

10.3 Moreover, these signals should be so designedand located that they can be easily checked. Warningdevices should be clearly described in instructionsprovided on, or with, the product. If appropriate, theinstructions should prescribe regular checking ofthese devices.

10.4 Where appropriate , product standards shouldspecify what visible or audible signals should beincluded in the product.

NOTE 9 Work in this field is QJ"ently under considefationwithin ISOand lEe.

11 Dur.bility of instructions for u..

11.1 On-product instructions for use should bepermanent and clearly legible throughout the expected life of the product .

11.2 Instruct ions for use given on packaging or inmaterials accompanying the product (such as leaflets,manuals, etc.) should be produced in durable form ;they should be designed and made to survive frequenthandling by users during the expected life of theproduct in the environment where the product will beused.

11.3 It may be useful to mark such instructions.except those needed >only for initial assembly or

IIIISMEC GuIde S7 : 1_

installation. KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. Butreplacement copies of all such instructions fOf useshould be made available by the producerlmanufacturer. on demand. throughout the 8lq)8C1edlife of the product.

11.4 Since packaging is often impermanent and canbe destroyed in the unpacking process, the perm.nent placing of instructions on packagIng IS generallyundesirable. Where the instructlOOS are so placed, theadvice to keep them for future reference should beprominent. If only a part of the packaging needs to bekept, because It contains instructions. that part shouldbe easily detachable from the rest of the packaging.

ISIISOJIEC Guide 37 : 1915

AnnexA(informative)

Assessment of instructions for use

A.O Introduction

ThIS annex IS proposed for applicanon in conjunctionwith the use of th rs Guide so that information andexper ience of its use in practice may be gathered .

A.1 General

Assessment of instructions for use covers instructions on the product Itself. and/or its packaging, and/orm accompanying matenals (e.g. leaflets, handbooks,audio and video tapes) (see 0.1). In accordance with3.1, Instructions for use should be assessed as anIntegral part of the delivery of the product.

A.2 Methodology

Depending upon the complexity of the product andthe Importance of conveying relevant information tothe user In order to ensure safe and correct use.assessment may take the form of

desk research and/or

inte ractrve panel testing of the product by users.

A.3 Desk research

A.3.1 Assessment by desk research may be earnedout by SUItably qualifIed experts who have noconnection With any aspect of the deSIgn, product ionor marketing of the product and Its instructions.

, A.3.2 It may be necessary for desk research to besuppleme nted by Independent third-partv checking;for example, where provision of information at thepOint of sale IS a requirement (see clause 11I, theactual Situation should be invest igated by or for theresearcher or Independent evaluator, rather thanrelYing on any statements by the manufacturer!producer.

A.3.3 Guant rtat ive checks may be carned out on thebasis of the non-comorehenswa compliance checklistfollowtng this annex.

8

A.3.4 Qualitative checks may be carried out on thebasis of the non-comprehensive evaluative check listfollowing th is annex.

A.3.5 Since both checklists are non-eomprehensive.they need to be supplemented and/or amended inaccordance w ith relevant product standards, or (in theabsence of such standards) in accordance withstandards dealing with comparable products orfunctions, or in any other appropriate way.

A.4 Panel testing

A.4.1 Interact ive panel testing is a means of findingout how much help the instructionsfor use of aproduct give the user. by answering any queries hemay have when using it, including queries on safetyand environmental aspects . It should establish theextent to wh ich the instructions are complementary tothe design, ergonomics and funct ion of the product.

A.4.2 The composition of the panel should berepresentative of the intended and probable users of aproduct. taking into account

a) age;

b) sex;

cl health ;

dl physical abilitylhandicaps;

e) left- or right-handedness ;

fl educat ion/literacy!technical expertise;

g) previous acquaintance w ith or ignorance ofsimilar products.

In many cases a panel of five people is sufficient toobtain reliable results . But if there are considerablevariations w ithin parameters a) to g) above, thisnumber needs to be increased.

A.4.3 The normal method of recording results is torequire the panellists to fill in questionnaires based onthe requirements in the checklists given after thisannex. Video and audio record ing of the tests mayhelp to establish object ive ratings of the usefulness ofinstruct ions for use.

A.4.4 Each test should be supervised by a sUitablyqualified and independent expert (see A3.11. whoshould report separately on hls/her observations.especia"y on any problems encountered by thepanellists.

A.5 Evaluation

A.5.1 In either desk or panel evaluations, or both,certain requirements may be designated ..important"(I) or "very important" (II) .

A.5.2 In many cases the single items to beevaluated may have different weights depending ondifferent requirements of products or product groups,which can be defined only for specific purposes .

ISIISOIIEC Guide 37 : 1"

A.5.3 For an overall ~nel assessment. eachmember has to gIVe a final assessment based onhlslher IndIvidual expenence dunng the test accordIngto the flve-potnt scale (see too of the evaluativechecklist following thrs annex].

The flOal evaluation of panel tests as descnbed In A 4should be the responsibility of the supervrslOg expertHe/she should take Into account the number andseriousness of the difficulties experienced by thepanel In usmg the product safely and correctly, andthe responses to the questionnaire. He/she maydevelop quantitatrve or statistical cntena for evaluatingthese results ; these could Include weighting ofdlfficulttes and complaints In relation to senousmatters such as nsk of injury or damage to theproduct The evaluatIOn of panel tests should Include anarrative report by the SUpervlSlOg expert

I

ISllSOIIEC Guide 37: 1995

Compliance checklist

These compliance checks should, using the following signs. establish whether each requirement in the check list:

a) IS fulfIlled/covered by the Instructions being assessed (+)

bl is not fulf illed/covered by them

c) IS not applicable to them

l-l

(0)

Importance Relev.ntCompli.nceItems to be checked p.r.gr.ph(s) Comments(see A.5.1)

of this Guide (+/-10)

1. Identification1.1 Brand and type designation 3.3[1.1.1

(I) 1.2 No. of model, version. type, subgroup 7.1.1[1.1.2

1.3 Expiry date 3.9

1.4 Up-to-date check / e.g. date of publication of 3.10[1.1.1the handbook coverage of productmodif ications

1.5 Producer/supplier, distributor or other 3.3information

1.6 Address. etc . of producer/serv ice agency 3.5[1.12

1.7 Certificat ion references

1.8 Requirements of specif ic product standards 4

1.9 Optional modules/extras 7.1.3

2. Specification of the product(I) 2.1 Functions and range of application 3.313.5/4.1(II) 2.2 Safe and correct use 3.313.4/3.5(II) 2.3 Integrated deSign of product and 3.113.2

instruct ions - No compensat ion for designdefICienCIes

2.4 DimenSions - mass - capacity 3.313.52.5 Performance data and methods of 3.3/3.5

measurement

(I) 2.6 Supply data for power, gas. water and othe r 3.513.613.7consumables (e.g. detergents. lubricants )

2.7 Energy consumption and methods of 3.6measurement used

2.8 Emission of noise, gas. waste water, etc ., 3.513.6w ith methods of measurement used

2.9 Safe disposal 3.513.6(I) 2.10 Informat ion on personal protection (e.g. 3.7

clothing)

(I) 2.11 Information on dangers to particular groups 3.713.8

10

IUSOIIEC GuIde S1 : 1_.......Importance CompIIM..Items to be c:hec:ked ........ c:omn-ita(see A.5.1)

of thIa Guide 1+/-101

3. Preparing the product for use(II) 3.1 Safety precautions before installation

3.2 Unpacking 3.5

3.3 Safe disposal of paclcaging 3.513.8

3.4 Installation and assembiy (e.g. special tools. 3.513.6space fo r maintenance and repair)

3.5 Storage and protection during intervals in 3.5normal use

3.6 Repackaging to prevent damage in transport 3.5

(I) 3.7 Information on operations to be carried out 3.817.12only by Qualif ied people. Separation of th isinformation from instructions to users.Comprehensiveness of instruct ions toQualified people

3.8 Location of instruct ions 4.215.1

4. Operating instructions4.1 Basic functions

(I) - Complete for correct intended use 3.5

(II) - Complete for safe intended use 3.5

(I) - Cornp'ete for reasonabfy foreseeable 3.2/3."misuse

(I) - Conformity with minimum ~t in 4.1relevent product standard(s)

4.2 Secondary functions(identical to 4.1 above)

4.3 Optional modules and extras 7.1.3

(I) 4.4 Personal protection 3.7

4.5 Quick reference inst ructions

- by rem inder cards. stickers or labels 5.2

- by reference to handbook. etc . 5.3

4.6 Disposal of waste products 3.6

5. VISible and/or audible .gnats 10.215.1

6. Maint....nce and cIMning(I) 6.1 Safety precautions (e.g. personal protection. 3.5

special tools)

6.2 Maintenance and cleaning by US8B 3.5110.3

6.3 Maintenance and deaning by qualified people 3.817. ~ 2

6." Tr~hooting 7.12

11

11

ISIISOnEC Guide 31 : 19M

Relevant ComplianceImportance Item. to be checked paragraph(s) Comml(see A.5.1) of this Guide

(+/-/0)

7. Safety and health

7.1 Safety warnings/cautIOns 8

(II) - correct location 5.1

• on product and/or

• on packaging andlor

• In accompanying material

- If relevant, visibility at point of sale 613.7

- correct use of terms 7.5.1/8.3

(I) - use of standardized phrases 9

(I) - durability of warn ings 8.4/11 .1

(I) - conformity w ith requirements in 4.1/4 .2relevant product standardls)

(II) 7.2 Safety Signals 10.1

(II) 7.3 lnforrnanon on residual risk 3.3/3.4

(I) 7.4 Safe disposal of product at the end of Its 3.513.6useful life

7.5 Environmental aspects of uSing the product 3.513 .6

8. Consistency of information 3.11

Consistent terminology and Information in all partsof Instructions for use. whether on the productitself, on the packaging, or In accompanying material

12

tSIISQIEC GuIde 31 : 111I

Evaluative checklist

These checks should evaluate the instructions being assessed, in relation to each reqUIrement In the c:heckhst.using the following marks:

d) very good/excellent (HI

e) good (+ 1

f) average, just acceptable (II

gl poor (-)

h) very poor (--I

il not applicable/not necessary (0)

....mImportance Items to be checked ...........» Eveluetton Comments(see A.5 .1) of thil GuIde (++/+/IH- -/0)

1. Legibility,

1.1 On-product information 7.2.1

- type size1) depending on reading 7.2.1.1/7.2.1.3ldistance 21 7.2.1.4fl .2.1.5

- brightness contrast31 7.2.2

- instructions incorporated in material of 7.2 .4product

1.2 Handbooks, manuals, leaflets

- type size! ' 7.2.1.1/7.2.1.27.2.2

- brightness contrastf 7.2.3

- use of different type face, type size, 7.3etc .

- use of colours

2. SignalsQuantity and clarity of information provided to user 8.2110

3. Text and terms3.1 Text/use of words

- simple! meaningful I complicated 7.5.1

- short nlengthy 7.5.1

- one sentence/one command I too 7.5.1much information in one sentence

- active voice . passive voice 7.5.3

3.2 Terms used

- well explained I obscure/irritating 7.5.1

- consistently I inconsistently 7.5.1

'I


Relevant EvaluationImporUnce Items to be c:hecIced paragraph(s) (++1+1#1-1- -10) Comments(see A.5.1) of this Guide

3.3 Structure of text

- well structured nconfused/mixed 7.5.2

- structure follows communication 7.4pnncioles Hillogical structure

(I) - structure from basic to sophisticated 7.4.3operations/tunctions

- meaningful separation between basic 7.1.3product and optional modules

- meaningful headings 7.1.2f7.5.217.11

- nonsense avoided

3.4 Communication principles 7.4

- encouraging quick reactions (e.g. 7.4.1simple and easy Instructions for anemergency)

- setting out learning process for 7.4.2complex functions

- answering the questions WHERE] 7.4.4WHO? WHAT? WHEN? HOW? WHY?

•• Language 7.6

(I) 4.1 Clear dIfferentiation of languages 76.2 yes/no

42 Clear connection between text and 772f77.3Illustrations

43 Illustrations supported by clear and helpful 7.6.4captions

44 Absence of lingUistiCerrors 7.6.5

5. Illustrations

51 General quality 7.7.1

52 Sufficient number of Illustrations for each 7.7.5f7.76one to proVIde clear and specific Information

6. Graphic symbots 7.8

- standardized where possible

- clearly explained

7. Tables 7.9

- approximately located

- clearly set out and informative

- repeated where necessary

14GMGIPN-158 BISfNOf09-300

Bureau 0' Ind ian Standards

81S IS a sta tutory Inst itut ion es tabli sh ed un der the Bureau of Ind ian Sta ndards Ac t. 1986 to promotenarrnoruou s de velopment o f the ac uvmes of s tancard.za tron . marking and quali ty ce rt rhca non ofqocds and attending to connec ted ma tters In the cou ntry.

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BIS has the co pyr ight of all Its publicat ion s No part o f the these puot .can ons may be re procu ceo Inany form with ou t the pr ior perrmss.on In writ ing of BIS . This does not pr ec lude the free us e. In theco urse of Implem ent ing the standard. o f necessary de tails. such as symbols and sizes . typ e or grad ece siqnanons. Enqumes re lating to co pynqht be addressed to th e Direct o r (Publi ca tions ). BIS .

Rev iew 0' Indian Standards

Amendments are Iss ued to standa rds as the need aris es on t he baSIS o f co m men ts . Stand ards a realso rev iewed peri odica lly : a standard alonqwrth amend ments IS reaffirmed whe n such rev iew indica testhat no cha nges are ne eded : if the revi ew ind icates that cha nge s a re needed . it is taken up fo r rev ision .Users of Ind ian Standards sh ould asc ertain that they a re in possession of the latest amendments ored ition by referring to the latest Issue of 'BIS Cata logue' and 'St andard s: Monthly Add it ion s'.

Th is Ind ian Standard ha s been de ve lope d from Doc No .: SPCAD 0 1 (002) .

Amendments Issued Since Pub lication

Amend No Date of Is sue

BUR EAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

Text Aff ect ed

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is.guide.37.1995