Safety and Emergency Recommendations for … Iss 1.pdfRecommendations for Communication of Emergency and ... telephone 020 7904 7518 ... BS ISO 9186: 2001 Graphical

RC

Published by Rail Safety and Standards Board Evergreen House 160 Euston Road London NW1 2DX © Copyright 2008 Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited G

M/R

C25

33

Rec

omm

enda

tions

for C

omm

unic

atio

n of

Em

erge

ncy

and

Safe

ty

Info

rmat

ion

Issu

e O

ne: J

une

2008

R

ailw

ay G

roup

Rec

omm

enda

tions

for G

M/R

T213

0

Uncontrolled When Printed

Recommendations for Communication of Emergency and Safety Information

Page 2 of 35 RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD GM/RC2533 Issue One: June 2008

Issue Record Issue Date Comments

One June 2008

Original document Supersedes parts of sections 5, 6 and 7, sections 8, 9, 10 and 11, all appendices except H of AV/ST9005

Superseded documents The following Railway Group documents are superseded, either in whole or in part as indicated:

Superseded documents Sections superseded

Date when sections are superseded

AV/ST9005, issue two, November 2003 Vehicle Interiors Communication of Safety and Emergency Information

Part of sections 5, 6 and 7, sections 8, 9, 10 and 11 All appendices except H

02 August 2008

Other parts of AV/ST9005 issue two are superseded by GM/RT2130, issue one, Vehicle Fire, Safety and Evacuation.

AV/ST9005 ceases to be in force and is withdrawn as of 02 August 2008.

Supply Controlled and uncontrolled copies of this Railway Group Code of Practice may be obtained from the Corporate Communications Department, Rail Safety and Standards Board, Evergreen House, 160 Euston Road, London NW1 2DX, telephone 020 7904 7518 or e-mail [email protected]. Railway Group Standards and associated documents can also be viewed at www.rgsonline.co.uk.



RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD Page 3 of 35 GM/RC2533 Issue One: June 2008

Contents Section Description Page

Part 1 Introduction 4 1.1 Purpose and structure of this document 4 1.2 Copyright 4 1.3 Approval and authorisation of this document 4

Part 2 Recommendations for Communication of Emergency and Safety Information 5

2.1 Background 5 2.2 Provision of information 6 2.3 General signage requirements 7 2.4 Information for passengers 8 2.5 Review and evaluation 15 2.6 Records 16

Appendices 17 Appendix A Emergency and Safety Signs: Check List for Internal Passenger Areas

(including areas provided for employees / contractors on non-passenger vehicles) 17

Appendix B Emergency and Safety Signs: Check List For Driving Cabs, Guard, Conductor and Van Areas 19

Appendix C Emergency and Safety Signs: Check List for Vehicle Exteriors 20 Appendix D Define Audience – Checklist 21 Appendix E Visual Media – Checklist 22 Appendix F Detail Design – Guidance 23 Appendix G Design – Checklist 28

Definitions 33 References 34




Part 1 Introduction 1.1 Purpose and structure of this document

This document has been published by Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) to give details of a recommended method which, if followed, would meet the requirements of Railway Group Standard GM/RT2130.

Should a railway undertaking choose not to follow the recommended method of meeting the requirements of GM/RT2130 laid out in this document, it should assure itself that the method it is following is as effective, and no less safe, than the method that is recommended here.

Relevant requirements in GM/RT2130 are reproduced in the sections that follow. Recommendations are provided as a series of sequentially numbered clauses prefixed ‘RC’.

Specific responsibilities and compliance requirements are laid down in the Railway Group Standard itself.

1.2 Copyright Copyright in the Railway Group documents is owned by Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited. All rights are hereby reserved. No Railway Group document (in whole or in part) may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or means, without the prior written permission of Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited, or as expressly permitted by law.

RSSB members are granted copyright licence in accordance with the Constitution Agreement relating to Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited.

In circumstances where Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited has granted a particular person or organisation permission to copy extracts from Railway Group documents, Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited accepts no responsibility for, and excludes all liability in connection with, the use of such extracts, or any claims arising therefrom. This disclaimer applies to all forms of media in which extracts from Railway Group documents may be reproduced.

1.3 Approval and authorisation of this document The content of this document was approved by:

Rolling Stock Standards Committee on 18 January 2008.

This document was authorised by RSSB on 16 April 2008.




Part 2 Recommendations for Communication of Emergency and Safety Information

2.1 Background RC001 Evidence from past railway accidents indicates that improvements to signage in rail

vehicles would improve passenger safety. Specifically it was found that an improvement to the provision, presentation and commonality of safety information was required. The lessons learnt from accidents and incidents will be partially addressed by the production of this document. This document builds on existing best practice and takes on board some of the findings of research following the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry.

Other relevant documents are as follows:

ITL/GN0001 Graphics guidelines for safety signs (available at www.rgsonline.co.uk)

ITL/GN0002 Guidelines for symbol design and testing (available at www.rgsonline.co.uk)

ATOC Engineering Extranet Site The ATOC Engineering Extranet is an on-line – Safety Signs resource that includes documentation and

downloadable artwork relating to passenger safety signs and symbols (www.atoc.org). This includes the following:

A searchable database of signage that has been produced in accordance with ITL/GN0001 and ITL/GN0002

The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996

BS 5378: Part 1:1980 Safety signs and colours. Specification for colour and design (superseded)

BS 5378: Part 2:1980 Safety signs and colours. Specification for colorimetric and photometric properties of materials

BS 5378: Part 3:1982 Safety signs and colours. Specification for additional signs to those given in BS5378: part 1 (superseded)

BS 5499: Part 1: 2002 Graphical symbols and signs. Safety signs, including fire safety signs. Specification for geometric shapes, colours and layout

BS 5499: Part 5: 2002 Graphical symbols and signs. Safety signs, including fire safety signs. Signs with specific safety meaning

BS 5499: Part 6: 2002 Graphical symbols and signs. Safety signs, including fire safety signs. Creation and design of graphical symbols for use in safety signs

BS ISO 9186: 2001 Graphical symbols. Test methods for judged comprehensibility and comprehension

BS ISO 80416-2: 2001 Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment. Form and use of arrows

DIN 67510 Long time afterglowing pigments and products Part 1 and Part 2




Railway Safety Principles and Guidance: Part 2 Section F Guidance on trains

BR/BCT 610 Public information on train safety and emergencies

BR/BCT 610 gives advice and guidance to the designers of information delivery systems. This document draws heavily on that advice and guidance.

2.2 Provision of information GM/RT2130 Vehicle Fire, Safety and Evacuation 6.1 Provision of information 6.1.1 Emergency and safety information shall be provided to mitigate against the risks

to people from the train and from the train operating in its particular environment.

RC002 Suitable and sufficient risk and need assessments should be undertaken to identify risks to people from the train and from the train operating in its particular environment. Such assessments should take account of the following considerations (this is not an exhaustive list):

RC003 For trains:

a) Driver only operation or driver and guard operation

b) Other train staff

c) Type of door system (internal and external)

d) Emergency evacuation devices and systems

e) Emergency equipment

f) Emergency escape devices and systems

g) Evacuation procedures and routes

h) Escape procedures and routes.

RC004 For stations:

a) Staffed

b) Unstaffed

c) Passenger information systems (auditory, visual or tactile etc)

d) Platform / train relationship (gaps, length etc)

e) Lighting

f) Accessibility.

RC005 For routes:

a) Overhead electrification

b) Third / fourth rail electrification

c) Tunnels, bridges, viaducts, embankments, cuttings, proximity of adjacent track and restrictive clearances.




RC006 For the type of train service:

a) The length of journey and number of stops

b) The train destination, for example ports, airports etc

c) Inter-city

d) Inter-urban

e) Commuter

f) Urban

g) Rural.

RC007 For people:

a) Train staff

b) Disabled people (see Appendix D)

c) Elderly people

d) Young people

e) Expectant mothers

f) Non-English speaking people

g) Those with reading impairments

h) The size and stature of people, as relevant, in the above.

2.3 General signage requirements GM/RT2130 Vehicle Fire, Safety and Evacuation 6.2 General signage requirements 6.2.1 Emergency and safety signs shall be provided on rail vehicles to identify to

persons conveyed by or working on rail vehicles, and to persons attending emergency situations:

a) The location, access and operation of equipment or facilities provided for use in an emergency

b) Actions that are prohibited for reasons of safety

c) Objects, actions, hazards and situations which affect or could affect safety

d) Instructions that are mandatory for the purposes of safety.

RC008 Appendices A to C of this document provide general check lists for the provision of emergency and safety signs on rail vehicles. It should be noted that the check lists are not necessarily exhaustive and do not reflect all possible arrangements of equipment and facilities.

6.2.2 Provision of emergency and safety signs on rail vehicles shall be to a recognised railway standard set to give consistency across the railway and which takes account of the requirements in the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, supported by BS 5378 and BS 5499.




6.2.3 The railway undertaking shall:

a) Ensure that new or additional signs that are provided where other equipment or arrangements exist meet the requirements in the Regulations and in this document

b) Approve both the provision and specification of these new or additional emergency and safety signs on a vehicle type basis.

RC009 Signage should, where possible, be designed and validated in accordance with documents ITL/GN0001 and ITL/GN0002 respectively (available at www.rgsonline.co.uk). They should, where possible, be selected from the validated signs contained in the Safety Signs section of the ATOC Engineering Extranet Site. Where appropriate signs are not available they should be developed and validated in accordance with the above two documents.

2.4 Information for passengers 2.4.1 General requirements

GM/RT2130 Vehicle Fire, Safety and Evacuation 6.3.1 General requirement 6.3.1.1 Emergency and safety information shall be provided for passengers on trains to

enable them to act in a foreseeable and pre-determined way.

RC010 Such information should be suitable and sufficient, given the risks involved, and standardised as far as reasonably practicable between similar types of vehicle performing similar duties. Due cognisance should be given to the need for consistency across fleets.

RC011 The safety provisions and systems for each vehicle should be summarised in a single reference poster or equivalent for passenger education and information, and this should be readily available to all passengers.

RC012 Emergency information should be provided in each passenger carrying vehicle. The information provided should be in a form that can be quickly assimilated by passengers. Wherever possible, visual information provided for this purpose should be in the form of pictograms rather than words. The information should include details of the location and purpose of the passenger communication equipment.

RC013 The objective of the information design is to guide people to act in a foreseeable and pre-determined way. To achieve this objective, the designer should recognise the five steps involved in people receiving and acting on information, namely that information should be:

a) Detected

b) Discriminated

c) Identified

d) Understood

e) Interpreted correctly.

2.4.2 Process of delivery GM/RT2130 Vehicle Fire, Safety and Evacuation 6.3.2 Process of delivery 6.3.2.1 Train emergency and safety procedures shall be communicated to passengers in

a readily comprehensible manner.




RC014 Passengers should be made aware of the issues surrounding train emergency and safety procedures before such situations arise by a process of delivery of emergency and safety information.

RC015 Where this is to be achieved by exposure to the message even prior to boarding the train, for example posters at stations, information on pocket timetables and advertising literature etc, a consistent and recognisable format should be taken at each stage.

RC016 It is likely that a combination of media will be required to deliver safety and emergency messages. However, symbols and pictograms should be used wherever practicable. Further guidance on the effectiveness of various media is given in 2.4.7 of this document.

RC017 The design of the information delivery system should consider all issues required, ensuring that it is effective. This should include the following phases:

a) The pre-design phase - determining information content, audience and contextual constraints

b) The design phase - formulating draft designs and alternatives

c) The post-design phase - evaluating the design and identifying any amendments required and incorporating them into the design.

RC018 This document gives recommendations on these issues.

RC019 The elements of this process will have implications for how the messages are sequenced, how and where they are delivered and what assumptions need to be considered.

2.4.3 Determination of information content GM/RT2130 Vehicle Fire Safety and Evacuation 6.3.3 Information content 6.3.3.1 Before an information system is designed, an analysis shall be undertaken of

what the passenger needs to know and how this information is to be provided.

RC020 Passenger data should normally be collected by survey, observation or questionnaire to identify passenger expectations and assumptions. Passenger interviews over a representative cross-section of the population will help to elicit additional information. The content of the passenger information should be considered after conducting a task analysis of the required passenger behaviour. This should be done in a hierarchical manner, such that the desired passenger top-level goal is stated first, for example ‘Travel to destination B’. This should then be broken down into functions detailing up to eight sequential activities that need to be achieved to perform the top level goal, for example ‘… go to station, buy ticket, go to platform, board the train,… etc’. These activities should be analysed and broken down further if necessary.

RC021 When warning messages are required then these should be used to alert, inform and state the required action. Informing passengers in this sense describes why they need to behave in a certain way. As this is an opportunity to give relevant safety and emergency data, the message should remain short and simple and not instil panic. Informing is normally reserved for situations where the action is counter-intuitive or particularly hazardous. For each message that is considered necessary the designer should consider and formulate answers to the following questions:

a) What message is being portrayed - is it general or specific?

b) Why is the message required (purpose)?

c) What outcomes need to be achieved – to inform, to instruct, to prohibit, to warn, etc (function)?




d) What is the hazard (description)?

e) What should passengers do (action)?

f) What should passengers not do (avoid)?

g) What will happen (effect)?

h) What should passengers do next (subsequent)?

2.4.4 Limitations of content RC022 The designer should make provision for the following possible limitations concerning the

content of the message:

a) Lack of understanding - the message should be designed for maximum comprehension and clarity to avoid misinterpretation, and should be clearly laid out and accurate.

b) Over-demanding requirements - actions should be within the individual’s capabilities. Instructions should be simple, noticeable, and positioned for usability. Information should be provided in several locations where necessary, to ensure that if it is missed once it is seen or heard elsewhere.

c) Action interruption - if individuals are interrupted whilst performing an action it is likely that part of this action sequence will be forgotten. Visual instructions should be placed where they are to be used and the action sequence made obvious.

d) Social influences - information should be made available at various locations to encourage readership. It should be designed to encourage personal responsibility.

e) Random mental processing - passengers may hear or read information but not consciously process it. They may also have ‘mental blocks’ so that they do not activate the right action sequence. Instructions should be timely, clear and simple, conspicuous and positioned effectively if visual.

f) Uninformed action - risks should be clearly explained, enabling passengers to take appropriate action in the event of an emergency.

g) Memory retention - instructions should be timely, clearly and simply laid out, and positioned effectively.

2.4.5 User variability GM/RT2130 Vehicle Fire Safety and Evacuation 6.3.4 User variability 6.3.4.1 The railway undertaking shall take account of likely passenger limitations,

behaviours and expectations to anticipate realistically how information will be acted upon. The role of the information is to explain the situation and potential risks to enable the passengers to decide the appropriate action they should take.

RC023 Warnings and general information often do not lead to the required behaviours. The reader makes a cost / benefit analysis (cost of compliance versus risk of not complying). The result of this analysis identifies that person’s behaviour. Even the best warning signs will not override the beliefs and expectations that the individual brings to the situation.

RC024 The passenger population in rail travel is extremely varied. The checklist in Appendix D of this document considers the passenger population and factors that may lead to undesirable behaviour. As a design rule, unless otherwise agreed for special circumstances, the designer should assume that all the groups identified in Appendix D of this document are present in the passenger population and should be catered for. Pre-design analysis and testing of prototype messages should represent a cross section of these limiting users.




The document BS ISO 9186 provides assistance to the designer when testing for comprehensibility of signs and especially graphical symbols.

2.4.6 Contextual constraints GM/RT2130 Vehicle Fire, Safety and Evacuation 6.3.5 Determine contextual constraints 6.3.5.1 The contextual constraints appropriate to the vehicle operation shall be

determined and taken into account.

RC025 Factors considered should include, but not be limited to, the following:

a) Vandalism - visual information which has been defaced offers either no information or the wrong information. Information should be located in areas where abuse is less likely to occur. In addition, signs and posters should be maintained appropriately, for example cleaned or replaced when damaged.

b) Sensitive information - in certain situations it is permissible to hide sensitive information until it is required. Although the concerns about abuse are reasonable, there is little point in providing safety equipment without adequate instructions.

c) Dirt - visual information which is dirty loses its intended impact. Signs and posters should be cleaned or replaced when necessary.

d) Post incident and emergency conditions - all emergency signs, as well as signs that remain relevant during an emergency, should remain visible under conditions of demised light without a train power supply. These requirements should cover such features as train escape and exit points, routes to exits, door releases, emergency hammers, emergency and first aid equipment including fire extinguishers. Where these requirements are to be met with the use of photo-luminescent materials they should comply with the minimum requirements of DIN 67510 Part 1 and Part 2 and be compliant for a class B material.

e) Space availability - where the optimally sized sign or poster cannot physically fit in the most appropriate space available, the decision should prioritise the visibility over the precise location at the point of need.

f) Ambient noise - a particular constraint for auditory information delivery is the extent of the ambient noise level, for example when fast trains pass through stations. Opening windows in trains and particular operational situations (such as during acceleration or passing through tunnels) should also be considered. Consideration should be given to where and when information will be most audible.

g) Aesthetics - aesthetic considerations should not prejudice the effectiveness of a sign. The functional design of a sign or information system should have priority over the aesthetic consideration of the sign and its placement.

h) Sequence - delivery of information should follow the sequence of activities that passengers will perform. This is to ensure that information is placed where it will be seen and where and when it will be needed. Visual messages should be placed where they will attract sufficient attention and portray the information required at the time of greatest need. An instruction on how to operate a piece of equipment should be so placed that it is still readable whilst obeying the instruction.

i) Number of messages - the number of messages should be considered by reviewing how passengers will perform their required activities and how they might miss information.

j) Obscuration - the designer should consider whether messages might be obscured during operation of the vehicle, for example by luggage.




2.4.7 Media options and combinations GM/RT2130 Vehicle Fire, Safety and Evacuation 6.3.6 Media options and combinations 6.3.6.1 The railway undertaking shall consider the most appropriate media for

transmitting train emergency and safety information.

2.4.7.1 General RC026 People receive information about the environment through their senses. As such, these

channels represent different means of communicating information to passengers.

RC027 Auditory and visual methods are the most common means of transmitting information. However, use of other sensory means may be required for special circumstances.

RC028 The choice of media should be appropriate for the information to be portrayed, the target audience and the environmental conditions. In each case, the information is likely to be missed by someone; therefore consideration should be given to combining different methods, for example poster campaigns supporting signage, occasional public address announcements, leaflets or signs on train seat backs etc.

RC029 In all cases, information should be presented clearly, consistently and logically throughout. In addition, evaluation should take place regarding how much information is retained by passengers (refer to 2.4.6 of this document).

RC030 Guidance is set out below with detailed design guidelines outlined in 2.4.7.4 and Appendix D of this document:

a) Signs and labels - the most common use of visual information is through the use of signs and labels. They can be used to deliver general and specific information. They are particularly useful for delivering specific information at the point of need (refer to Appendix E of this document for guidance). The current best practice for signs and labels can be found on the ATOC Engineering Extranet site – Safety Signs.

b) Public address - the most common use of auditory information is through the use of acoustic signals and public address systems. Public address announcements providing safety or emergency information should be made according to a pre-defined script wherever possible. This will help to avoid potentially confusing or ambiguous messages being given out, particularly under times of stress for both the member of staff and the passenger. However, the requirements of 2.4.7.5 of this document should be taken into account.

c) Audio-visual media - safety and emergency information can be transmitted using audio-visual media, such as television screens or information screens with video playback facilities. Screens can be placed in ticket halls, waiting areas, on trains or on platforms where the audience is most likely to be captive. Use on board trains may become annoying to certain passengers who are otherwise occupied.

d) Tactile media - some messages will always be missed by visually impaired passengers. Consideration should be given to the use of textual coding, or targeted audio-tactile media.




2.4.7.2 Visual media RC031 The designer should consider the use of visual media to convey information to passengers

in the following circumstances:

a) The message is complex

b The message is long

c) The message will be referred to later

d) The message deals with specific locations in space

e) There is no immediate call for action

f) The auditory system is overburdened

g) The ambient noise level is high

h) To communicate with passengers with hearing difficulties

i) When passengers are likely to remain in one position for a period of time

j) When the public address system may not be available

Guidance on the form and the location of visual media is given in Appendix E of this document.

2.4.7.3 Auditory media RC032 The designer should consider the use of auditory information in the following situations:

a) The message to be conveyed is simple

b) The message is short

c) The message will not be referred to later

d) The message deals with specific events in time

e) There is an immediate call for action

f) The visual system is overburdened

g) The ambient light conditions are too bright or too dark to read visual messages

h) To communicate with passengers with visual impairments

i) When passengers are likely to be continuously moving

j) Where the integrity of the power supply is unlikely to be a significant factor.

2.4.7.4 Visual information RC033 The detailed design of information dissemination systems should comply with the Health

and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 and GM/RT2130. For advisory and regulatory issues concerning visual information, see 2.1 of this document - in particular, the ATOC Engineering Extranet site – Safety Signs – which provides a repository for documentation on passenger safety signs and labels. For guidance on the detail design of information dissemination systems see Appendix F of this document.

RC034 The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 require that when a risk cannot be mitigated by any other method, a sign should be provided to give warning of




the risk and give further guidance. This sign should be in the form of a pictogram wherever possible, with supporting text if necessary.

RC035 All signage used to convey safety or emergency information should be identified on a schematic diagram of each type of vehicle operated, defining the locations and types of signs fitted as a result of the risk assessment referred to in RC001 to RC006.

RC036 It should be noted that vehicle owners, including leasing companies, have developed appropriate schematics for vehicles within their fleets. The railway undertaking should obtain source documentation prior to undertaking its own work in this area.

RC037 It should be noted that the effectiveness of the on-train information is enhanced by the provision of information provided prior to the passenger boarding the train, such as:

a) Station posters containing general train safety / emergency advice

b) Company literature / documentation, such as tickets, timetables and on company internet sites.

RC038 To be effective, however, all such information should be presented in a style consistent with the on-train information system.

2.4.7.5 Auditory information RC039 Auditory communications should be reserved for warning passengers and when visual

information is inappropriate or inadequate. Refer to Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 for further information.

RC040 The railway undertaking should document the policy for announcements, adopted in determining the provisions under the requirements of this document, in order to maximise their effectiveness in use. The policy should define the types of emergency and safety announcements to be made via the public address system. The need for announcements could be determined by specific hazardous conditions (for example slippery platforms, defective lighting on platforms, short platforms or extra gap between platform and vehicle) or services likely to carry a large proportion of irregular passengers whose attention it is deemed necessary to draw to the on-train emergency information.

RC041 The use of acoustic signals should be limited by the designer to just those that are necessary. They should be consistent each time with previously used signals. Acoustic signals should be tested with the user population for detection and discrimination. Consideration might be given to providing acoustic signals for the blind, for example, ‘go-no-go’ can be portrayed by varying signal rate and pitch as someone approaches a dangerous situation. Acoustic signals should be pitched at mid-range frequencies to avoid the extremities. Although high-pitched sounds are associated with emergencies, very high-pitched sounds are startling and may degrade behavioural responses. Lower pitched signals travel further and have greater ability to bend around major obstacles or pass through partitions. The choice of frequency will depend on the ambient noise environment and steps should be taken to ensure that the signal is easy to discern from other ongoing audio information.

RC042 Speech systems comprise five parts; the speaker, the message, the transmission system, the noise environment and the hearer. It is important for the designer to consider each of these elements when formulating the message system:

a) Speaker - clarity of speech is associated with longer syllable duration, greater sound intensity, fewer pauses and voice modulation. It is recommended that speakers are given training and that synthesised speech is used sparingly. The use of male or female voices will depend on the noise environment and obstacles in the environment.




b) Message - the message should be relayed in 2 stages: an attention-getting signal followed by the verbal message. The message should be short and simple, using familiar words. Use standard scripted sentences to ensure consistent delivery, especially word order. Avoid excessive repetition.

c) Transmission system - in general, auditory information needs to gain the attention of the listener, hence the importance of the clarity of the speaker and the message. The performance of any vehicle speech communication system should preferably be defined in terms of speech transmission index (STI) or rapid speech transmission index (RASTI) under all the conditions of the vehicle operation. The STI or the RASTI between the speech input at any microphone or input to any system and the ear of the intended listener should exceed:

i) 0.6 where the intended listener is in a crew only area

ii) 0.7 where the intended listener is in a passenger area.

No communication system should be capable of producing a maximum C-weighted sound pressure level at the listener’s ear of more than 120 dB when measured using a meter set to fast response.

d) Noise environment - the designer should consider the noise environment and timing of messages, for example, messages on a platform will be more audible when high-speed non-stopping trains are not passing through the station. Opening windows in trains and particular operational situations (such as during acceleration or passing through tunnels) should also be considered. In addition to ambient noise levels, the designer should take account of reverberation.

e) Listener - the hearing ability of passengers should be considered.

2.4.7.6 Tactile media RC043 For people with disabilities consideration should be given to alternative means of

communication such as tactile media. Any proposal should first be consulted with the Mobility and Inclusion Unit at Department for Transport.

RC044 Textural information can provide information regarding safe or unsafe condition, for example, walkways. Variations on this theme are not necessarily expensive, but could have advantages for reducing risk.

2.5 Review and evaluation 2.5.1 General

GM/RT2130 Vehicle Fire, Safety and Evacuation 6.6 Review and evaluation 6.6.1 Safety and emergency signs shall be subjected to a recognised validation

process of review and evaluation designed to demonstrate a high probability of comprehension on the part of the travelling public. A suitable validation process is described in GM/RC2533.

RC045 The review and evaluation stage is necessary to ensure the adequacy of the information design. For symbols to be designed within the categories of Safe Condition, Fire Equipment and Passenger Alarm / Communication Devices (categories referenced in BS 5499-1) additional information can be found in document ITL/GN0002 (available at www.rgsonline.co.uk). Again a suitable cross-section of the passenger population should be tested, in particular the user limitations identified in 6.3.4 of GM/RT2130 and RC006 and Appendix D of this document:

a) General - information should be tested for detectability, discriminability, understandability and subsequent effect on behaviour.




b) Text and symbol - text and symbols should be tested for discriminability.

c) Text - textual statements should be tested for readability, comprehension and memorability.

d) Symbols - experimental testing of symbols is essential even if a standard symbol has been copied, but from a slightly different context. Three types of trial can be used:

i) Recognition - users are presented with symbols and must describe their meaning in a limited number of words

ii) Matching - users must match a list of symbols to a list of meanings

iii) Preferences and opinions - this involves collecting user preferences and / or opinions.

2.5.2 Tests RC046 Tests should also be carried out to assess ease of learning, familiarity and physical

discrimination. The general criterion for acceptance for all subjects is 66% (ISO 9186). If a picture is not understood it should be altered.

a) Passenger behaviour - consideration should be given to possible undesirable behaviours during user testing. Refer to RC006 and Appendix D of this document.

b) Visual cues – compatibility - the individual and combined use of visual cues should be tested for compatibility and comprehension.

c) Auditory information - testing should include variations of speaker, message intelligibility and comprehension, output location and public address system quality and subsequent effect on behaviour.

d) Tactile information - tests should involve visual and hearing-impaired passengers as well as other passenger information types. Additional cues for disabled people should not confuse the general population.

e) Assumptions - assumptions should be checked, for example do not state ‘open door in normal way’ for an emergency situation, if the normal way requires passengers to wait for an electrically controlled sign to come on.

2.6 Records RC047 Records should be maintained of the arrangements for communicating safety and

emergency information for the lifetime of the vehicle. These should be updated if there is a change of use of the vehicle, or if the information dissemination systems of the vehicle are changed.

RC048 Railway undertakings should, for each type of vehicle operated, maintain the schematic diagram of the vehicle referred to in RC034 and RC035 of this document, defining the current locations and types of signs fitted.




Appendix A Emergency and Safety Signs: Check List for Internal Passenger Areas (including areas provided for employees / contractors on non-passenger vehicles)

The content of this Appendix is for information only.

RC049 The word in bold type at the end of each clause (for example ‘warning’, ’mandatory‘) states the format category of the safety sign, to conform to BS 5378 (Part 1 and Part 3) and BS 5499.

A.1 Passenger communication apparatus (PCA) RC050 a) A sign is located on or adjacent to each PCA identifying it as an emergency alarm

and providing instructions for its use. White text on a red background.

b) Where an alarm device cannot readily be seen from within a passenger area an additional sign is provided informing persons in that area of the location of the nearest alarm. White text on a red background.

A.2 External doors RC051 a) Signage located on or adjacent to manually operated ‘slam doors’ discourages

passengers from:

i) Attempting to open or close doors when the train is moving. Prohibition.

ii) Leaning on the door while the train is moving. Warning.

b) A sign located adjacent to manually operated ‘slam doors’ informs persons of the procedure for opening them. Mandatory.

c) A sign located on or adjacent to doors with opening windows warns persons not to lean out of the window while the train is moving. Warning.

d) A sign adjacent to or on emergency door release devices identifies the device, provides instructions for its operation and identifies any restrictions on its use. Where the device is located away from a door it controls, a sign is provided adjacent to the door identifying the location of the device. Where power operated doors or doors with central locking are not provided with an emergency release device, a sign adjacent to the door identifies the location of the nearest door with this facility. Safe Condition.

e) A sign located adjacent to power operated doors warns passengers not to alight or obstruct the doors while the doors are closing. Signage instructs persons to use the PCA if anything becomes trapped in the doors and to use the door emergency override only in an emergency. Warning.

A.3 Fire equipment RC052 All fire equipment is identified by signage with instructions on its operation and precautions

to be taken before operating it. Fire Equipment.

A.4 Staff access / egress doors RC053 Signage located on the passenger side of internal staff access / egress doors adjacent to

passenger areas, instructs passengers not to obstruct that area and to vacate it when requested to do so by traincrew. Mandatory.




A.5 Emergency equipment designated for passenger use RC054 a) Signage informs passengers where emergency equipment designated for passenger

use is located. The signage:

i) Is provided in each vehicle informing passengers of the location and direction in which emergency equipment may be found (location only for vehicles forming non-fixed rake formation trains). Safe Condition.

ii) Informs passengers of what emergency equipment is provided (for example First Aid, tools, ladder). Safe Condition.

iii) Where appropriate, supplies instructions for its use. Safe Condition.

b) Where access to the equipment is via a door not normally for passenger use, instructions on how to open the door are provided. Safe condition.

c) Following industry research (see www.rssb.co.uk research project T424) it is recommended that emergency hammers are no longer provided. The project identified that windows breakable for emergency egress are also liable to break during an accident and result in passenger ejection (see RC055 b) below).

A.6 Emergency egress routes RC055 a) Signage identifies doors dedicated to emergency egress. Where opening the door

requires operation of a device, signage also instructs on its operation. Safe Condition.

b) Windows requiring to be broken as an emergency egress route are not considered to be compatible with the need to contain people in the event of an accident, and to protect against penetration of the windows by derailment debris. As a result, they are no longer considered to be a safe route of exit.

c) A sign located on internal sliding doors indicates the direction of opening. Safe Condition.




Appendix B Emergency and Safety Signs: Check List for Driving Cabs, Guard, Conductor and Van Areas

The content of this Appendix is for information only.

RC056 The word in bold type at the end of each clause (for example ‘warning’, ’mandatory‘) states the format category of the safety sign, to conform to BS 5378 (Part 1 and Part 3) and BS 5499.

B.1 Access door to track RC057 a) Adjacent to the inside of doors a sign mandates that high visibility vests are donned

before going on the track. Mandatory.

b) Adjacent to the inside of doors a sign warns of third rail electrical traction supply on vehicles regularly operating over routes so equipped. Warning.

B.2 Fire fighting equipment RC058 a) A sign located near to the fixed system controls identifies them and instructs on

operation. Fire equipment.

b) A sign identifies portable equipment. Fire equipment.

B.3 Emergency equipment RC059 a) Sign indicates location of emergency brake valve. Mandatory.

b) Signage informs of the location of emergency equipment. Safe Condition.

c) Signage instructs that track circuit operating clips are to be used first when protecting the line. Mandatory.

B.4 Diesel engine room door

RC060 a) Signage located on the staff accommodation side of the door mandates that ear protection is to be worn in the engine room. Mandatory.




Appendix C Emergency and Safety Signs: Check List for Vehicle Exteriors

The content of this appendix is for information only.

RC061 The word in bold type at the end of each clause (for example ‘warning’, ‘mandatory’) states the format category of the safety sign, to conform to BS 5378 (Part 1 and Part 3) and BS 5499.

C.1 Emergency shut down / isolation controls RC062 Signage which is capable of being read from platform and track level identifies the function,

location and instructs on operation if not readily apparent. Safe Condition.

C.2 Fixed fire fighting equipment RC063 Signage which is capable of being read from platform and track level identifies the function,

location and instructs on operation if not readily apparent. Fire Equipment.

C.3 Doors and adjacent to doors RC064 a) A sign is located on power operated doors warning passengers not to attempt to

board while the doors are closing. Warning.

b) A sign is located adjacent to or on door emergency release devices identifying its emergency function and instruct on its use. Safe Condition.

C.4 Overhead line electrification equipment RC065 A ‘flash’ sign that warns of overhead line electrification equipment (OLE) shall be located

on or adjacent to every cab door, on the nose ends of driving cabs, and at all other points where provision is made for people to gain access to upper areas of rail vehicles (see GM/RT1041 for details of appropriate signs). This sign is also used where an OLE warning line on the vehicle is terminated to avoid an obstruction in accordance with GM/RT2181. Warning.

C.5 Electrical equipment RC066 Typical triangular warning signs and supplementary labels in use on rail mounted vehicles

are shown on the British Rail drawings B3-A0-9000872, B3-A0-9015008 and B3-C0-9029502. The triangular warning sign and the supplementary label can be combined as one sign.

RC067 Certain covers or doors are exempted from the requirements because of their unique locations or arrangements. These are:

a) Traction motor commutator and connection box covers - it is not necessary for the commutator or connection box covers of traction motors to be labelled if the only access to these covers is from the underside of the vehicle.

b) Domestic fittings - it is not necessary to fit labels to 240 V ‘domestic fittings’ for example socket outlets to BS 1363, shaver supply units to BS 3535, etc.

c) Shoegear and shoefuses - it is not necessary to label the shoefuse or any equipment on the shoebeam on third or fourth rail vehicles.

d) Inverters rated at 100 watts or less - it is not necessary to label any inverter rated at 100 watts or less or any associated exposed equipment.

e) Track circuit actuator (TCA) - it is not necessary to label TCAs operating at a voltage level up to and including 57 V ac at 165 kHz.

f) Roof mounted 25 kV equipment - this document does not apply to the siting of roof mounted, exposed 25 kV current collection equipment.




Appendix D Define Audience – Checklist The content of this appendix is for information only.

D.1 Age RC068 Children may not understand information conventions as adults do. Elderly populations

may process information more slowly, forget information, be slow to make decisions, be confused or may learn more slowly.

D.2 Foreign visitors RC069 Foreign visitors bring different cultural and stereotypic expectations and therefore may be

unfamiliar with common English and / or transport conventions. Visitors may have a poor command of the English language.

D.3 Experience RC070 Frequent travellers, particularly commuters, develop established habits and take less

notice of their surroundings. This population is likely to be complacent. Infrequent travellers may be more likely to become confused by the proliferation of information.

D.4 Mental aptitude RC071 It cannot be assumed that all travellers have a high degree of mental ability and / or

common sense. Not all passengers are literate.

D.5 Disabilities RC072 A large percentage of the population have disabilities such as dyslexia, blindness or visual

impairment and hearing difficulties. Wheelchair users are restricted to certain areas on trains and may have less access to visual information.

D.6 Mental state RC073 This refers to people and their reaction to time or other pressures just as it refers to people

under the influence of drugs or inebriated people, who will be more inclined to take risks, misinterpret information, forget and abuse the system. Stress has many influences on behaviour. It is therefore essential that information is positioned and designed appropriately.




Appendix E - Visual Media – Checklist E.1 Use of visual media on trains E.1.1 Static signs RC074 Signs are the most common way of communicating information to passengers, both on

board trains and at stations. Signs can be used to deliver general and specific information. They are particularly useful for delivering specific information at the point of need. Signs can easily be supported by the use of additional media.

E.1.2 Passenger information displays RC075 Dynamic displays are used for transmitting train information, for example train stopping

points or other route information. These could also be used for transmitting safety information. Warnings shall be visually differentiated from ordinary information. The text height that shall be used in association with passenger information systems is given in the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1995.

E.1.3 Leaflets and safety cards RC076 Leaflets and safety cards are transportable and can be given to or placed before

passengers for them to be able to read at a convenient time. They are likely to produce important improvements in understanding emergency information, particularly in relation to general principles.

E.2 Use of visual media on stations (optional) E.2.1 Safety posters RC077 Safety posters are particularly useful when passengers may have some time to spare, for

example when waiting on platforms, however their importance should be identified to the passenger to discriminate them from other general information posters. Safety posters are likely to produce important improvements in understanding emergency information, particularly in relation to general principles. This approach is also particularly important where a passenger may not consider counter-intuitive actions, such as staying on board a train following an accident or leaning out of a train to release a door handle.

E.2.2 Timetables RC078 Messages in timetables can be used to highlight specific information relative to passenger

safety, for example regarding train doors being centrally locked 30 seconds prior to a train’s departure.

E.2.3 Company literature RC079 Opportunities exist to insert safety and emergency messages into company literature

available for public consumption. Particular examples of this are company magazines that are available in rail vehicles and at stations.




Appendix F Detail Design – Guidance The content of this appendix is for information only.

F.1 Detail design RC080 This section provides guidance to the designer for the detail design of visual, auditory and

tactile information. For additional information and guidance, refer to the documents ITL/GN0001 and ITL/GN0002 available at www.rgsonline.co.uk.

F.2 Visual information F.2.1 Sign conventions RC081 When signs are used, sign conventions should always be adhered to as mandated by the

Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 and GM/RT2130. For advisory and regulatory issues concerning visual information, see 2.1 of this document.

F.2.2 Visual coding RC082 Visual messages should incorporate means of coding information (additional cues). This

can be achieved through the use of shape, size, signal words, orientation, colour, position and layout.

F.2.3 Visual cues RC083 Visual cues such as colour and shape should be compatible with one another when

combined, for example a green triangle transmits safe and unsafe messages in the same sign. Green indicates safe conditions, triangles stipulate warning. Single and combined cues should be used consistently.

F.2.4 Colour RC084 Colour should never be the sole means of transmitting information due to possible

deterioration or confusion of colour information. For regulatory issues concerning the use of colour see 2.1 of this document.

RC085 Selection of colour should take account of the following:

a) Red on blue, blue on green or grey on red or vice versa should not be used

b) No more than five different colours should be used on one display

c) Blue should not be used for fine detail

d) The colour contrast between symbol / text and background should be maximised.

F.2.5 Size RC086 Although size is a powerful cue, space constraints are likely to limit coding by this method.

F.2.6 Signal words RC087 An ‘alert’ message, title or caption conveys appropriate information about the importance of

the message. Some caution should be used however, as signal words and colour information interact, therefore if they are not used compatibly they may weaken the message. Some testing should be performed to identify the perceived risk portrayed by different captions. These should then be used appropriately so the message is not weakened through over-use.




F.2.7 Position cues RC088 Signs should be placed at the point of use to highlight the link with the appropriate function

or equipment, however:

a) Posters need not necessarily be placed at the point of need

b) Leaflets should be accessible to passengers at a variety of locations rather than at the point of need

c) Safety information in timetable books should be placed where passengers will read it, for example a short message printed on each timetable or each page is more likely to be read than if it is placed at the back of the booklet or dispenser.

F.2.8 Layout RC089 Instructions should follow the appropriate task sequence and items that are to be used

together shall be grouped together, for example, ‘turning the power off’ and ‘use the fire extinguisher’ should be incorporated in the same instructions (see documents in 2.1 of this document for guidance).

F.2.9 Borders RC090 Borders help to define the information boundaries. They can be used provided they do not

degrade the message itself. Thicker borders portray greater importance (see the documents in 2.1 of this document for guidance).

F.2.10 Shape RC091 Shape is one of the most powerful visual cues. For maximum discrimination, different

shapes (and symbols) should be designed for maximum dissimilarity. Refer to Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 for mandatory shapes.

F.3 Use of pictures / symbols F.3.1 General RC092 Visual information can be communicated by text and / or pictures. The choice should

depend on the coverage required, the complexity of the message and the space available.

RC093 Symbolic signs are preferable wherever possible to avoid the need to read text, if the symbol reliably depicts what it is intended to represent.

RC094 Symbols can be useful in transmitting information quickly. In practice they often occupy less space than text messages, convey the same information and can be understood irrespective of language (although there may be cultural dependencies). Use standard symbols where applicable. See 2.1 of this document for the mandatory requirements and documents for guidance.

RC095 Whether standard symbols are used or new ones designed the visual context and passenger audience should be considered.

RC096 The use of text to complement the symbols, however, may be beneficial particularly for instructional materials where it may be advantageous for speed, accuracy and long-term retention. Text is more reliable than symbols for portraying meaning, so in many cases it may be required to support symbols. Text alone should not be used unless it is not possible to design an appropriate symbol.




F.3.2 Visual context RC097 When designing the visual context of a sign, the designer should consider the following:

a) Maximise the size and contrast where possible

b) Although good illumination will aid viewing, very high illumination will reduce contrast - this would have implications for station and train lighting, and also for placing posters in direct sunlight or badly lit areas

c) Be aware of other visual information, which may be distracting

d) Consider the implications if the symbol is unnoticed

e) The success of a symbol depends on the strength of its association with its referent (the object to which the sign refers). This depends on whether there is already an established association and / or the ease of learning such an association

f) Whenever a symbol is used it should be applied consistently for a given meaning.

F.3.3 Task context RC098 Consider whether text requires aiding interpretation, it may be better to use just text:

a) Highly predictable symbols will speed recognition, but may produce more errors

b) Consider the number and similarity of symbols displayed within the set. A small number of highly distinctive symbols will produce fewer errors

c) Consider the number of identical symbols displayed simultaneously. The more symbols, the harder the search task

d) Consider the implications of misinterpretation.

F.3.4 Target audience RC099 Consider how familiar passengers are likely to be with other symbols and any likely cultural

associations.

F.3.5 New symbols RC100 A basic issue for designing new symbols is how abstract or concrete to make them (see

also 2.1 of this document):

a) Representational symbols are fairly accurate simplified pictograms, silhouettes or outlines of familiar objects

b) Abstract symbols reduce the essential elements of a message to graphic terms, retaining only a faint resemblance to the original concept

c) Arbitrary (invented) symbols (often geometric shapes) have arbitrarily assigned associations, for example ‘?’ in a circle, or the ‘!’ symbol.

F.3.6 Purpose of the symbol RC101 a) Solid objects are most suitable for pictorial representations.

b) Systems may involve conceptual groups of related objects and are therefore more difficult to represent.

c) Functions and states that are abstract often require additional text. Does the symbol require portrayal of a negative or restrictive concept? Graphical representation of concepts can unintentionally reinforce the concept if the negative or restrictive indicator is not clear (for example, speed limits do not indicate whether to drive below, at exactly or more than that speed).




F.3.7 Design issues RC102 The following design issues should be considered:

a) A sample of potential users of the information (for example passengers) must be involved in the design from the start

b) Keep the design as simple as possible

c) Use solid shapes in preference to lines

d) Incorporate all parts of the symbol within a single boundary

e) Use a closed figure unless there is good reason for the outline to be discontinuous

f) Use standard symbols where possible - always ensure that they are associated with the same referent

g) Avoid ambiguity. Arrows are a common source of ambiguity and should be used with care

h) Always test symbols with a representative sample of the user population.

F.3.8 Dimensions RC103 Symbols must be clearly discriminated at maximum reading distances.

F.3.9 Testing RC104 Experimental testing of symbols is essential, even if a standard symbol has been copied

from a slightly different context.

F 4 Text design F.4.1 Considerations RC105 Reference should be made to the list of advisory and mandatory documents in 2.1 of this

document. The designer should consider the following list of issues.

F.4.2 Quantity of text RC106 Sentences and expressions should be kept as short as possible without destroying the

meaning. Use warnings sparingly to avoid degrading their value.

F.4.3 Text case RC107 The use of all upper case text is acceptable only for titles and for alerting attention, but it

should be used sparingly.

F.4.4 Textual contrast RC108 Contrast should be maximised as far as possible. Contrast is the difference in brightness

between the text and the background, for example white text on a black background or vice versa.

F 4.5 Readability RC109 The meaning of words not only affects correct comprehension, but also the speed of

reading. The following principles are given:

a) Use short expressions

b) Use active sentences, for example ‘removing the fire extinguisher cuts the power supply’, rather than ‘the power supply will be cut when the fire extinguisher is removed’




c) Avoid statements which rely on punctuation, for example the use of commas, where the meaning changes by removal of them

d) Avoid informal or humorous expressions

e) Be consistent in word order and word use

f) Where a statement describes a sequence of events, present words in the order of required actions.

F.4.6 Negatives RC110 a) Avoid negative statements in general text, reserve their use for important,

prohibitions, for example ‘Do not stand close to the edge of the platform

b) Avoid double or multiple negatives

c) Avoid qualifying negatives for example ‘except…’.

F.4.7 Modifiers RC111 a) Avoid vague modifiers, for example ‘many’

b) Avoid redundant modifiers, for example ‘sufficient’, ‘enough’

c) Avoid contradictory modifiers, for example ‘quite extreme’

d) Avoid weak modifiers, for example ‘quite’, ‘rather’, ‘well’, ‘fairly’.

F 4.8 Confusions RC112 a) Avoid phonetic confusions, for example ‘their’ versus ‘there’

b) Avoid common semantic confusions, for example ‘continuously’ versus ‘continually’

c) Avoid jargon and use plain English where possible, for example:

i) Alight = get off

ii) Assistance = help

iii) Droplight = door window

iv) Appliances = emergency equipment

v) Cess = embankment side of the track.

d) Use simple / short words where possible.

F.4.9 Testing RC113 As with symbols, textual statements will also need to be tested.




Appendix G Design – Checklist The content of this appendix is for information only.

G.1 General introduction RC114 This checklist is included to support an ergonomic approach to information design. The

reader may wish to follow the checklist through to completion or refer just to specific sections. Signposts are included where reference to other issues is important. For additional information refer to documents ITL/GN0001 and ITL/GN0002 (available at www.rgsonline.co.uk).

G.2 Process of delivery

Have steps been taken to (re-)design equipment to minimise the need for a message?

G.2.1 Information content Have reasons been stated for the purpose of the message?

Has data been collected from passengers to identify expectations and assumptions?

Have the task goals been identified?

Has task analysis been conducted to identify actions and activities?

Have hazards been identified and described?

Have desirable and undesirable passenger behaviours and actions been identified?

Have the effects of an undesirable behaviour been identified?

Has the required sequence of passenger activities been outlined?

Is the message general or specific?

Is the message being portrayed clearly?

Has the purpose and content been defined?

G.2.2 User variability Has the passenger population been specified? (See 2.4.5 and Appendix D)

Does the designer have sufficient information about the passenger population?

Always test messages with a representative sample of the population. Refer to checklist G.5 and Appendix D.

G.2.3 Determine contextual constraints G.2.3.1 General constraints Have additional constraints to those identified in 2.4.6 of this document been identified?

If signs will be used in emergencies, are they visible during a blackout (luminous)?

Have space constraints been identified?

Are there any aesthetic constraints which may impinge on design?

Have ambient noise levels been identified?

Have maintenance requirements been stated? (for example cleaning)




G2.3.2 Information location Have appropriate locations been identified and specified?

Have locations been specified according to the passenger’s task(s)?

Have locations been specified with regard to sequence of passenger activity?

Have the number of messages been specified?

Have instructional signs been specified to be located next to the referent equipment?

Always test message locations. See checklist G.5 of this document

G.3 Media options and combinations Have appropriate media been chosen according to the recommendations in section 6?

Have appropriate media combinations been chosen?

G.4 Detailed design G.4.1 Visual information Has the decision to use text or symbols been made?

If symbols only are used, please follow the design guidelines F.1, F.2 and F.3 of this document

If text only is used, please follow the checklist points in F.1, F.2 and F.4 of this document

Where both text and symbols are used, follow F1, F.2, F.3 and F.4 of this document

G.4.1.1 Shape, colour and layout Have methods of visual coding been considered? (Refer to 2.4.7 and Appendix F of this

document)

Are the visual codes used compatible with one another?

Have the rules for designing with colour been followed? (Refer to 2.4.7 and Appendix F of this document)

If signal words are used, are they appropriate to the message?

If signal words are used, are they compatible with the colour coding?

Has placement been specified as being where the information will be used?

Do instructions follow the appropriate task sequence?

Are items that are to be used together grouped together?

Do the borders degrade the message at all?

Have shapes (and symbols) been designed for maximum dissimilarity?

Do visual messages comply with the relevant HSE, RGS and BSI Standards?

Always review and test visual designs. Refer to checklist G.5 of this document




G.4.1.2 Use of pictures / symbols

Has the purpose of the symbols been defined?

Has text been added where required?

Has the symbol type been chosen appropriately?

(Representational, arbitrary or abstract)

Are symbols strongly associated with their referents?

This will depend on whether there is already an established association and / or the ease of learning such an association. This is likely to require testing.

Wherever a symbol is used, is it applied consistently for a given meaning?

Has the visual context been taken into account?

Has the task context been taken into account?

Have passenger assumptions, knowledge and expectations been taken into account?

Has portrayal of negative or restrictive concept been avoided?

Have passengers been involved in the design of the symbol?

Are the symbols simple?

Have solid shapes been used in preference to lines?

Have all sections of the symbol been incorporated within a single boundary?

Have closed figures been used?

Have standard symbols been used where possible?

Are standard symbols used associated with the same referent?

Has all ambiguity been avoided?

Do symbols comply with relevant HSE and BSI Standards?

Always test symbols.

G.4.1.3 Text design Have warnings been used sparingly?

Are sentences and expressions as short as possible?

Are the character and dimensions compliant with BS 5499?

Is the text a mixture of upper and lower case (except for information highlighting)?

Has the contrast been optimised?

Have active sentences been used?

Have statements that rely on punctuation been avoided?

Have informal or humorous expressions been avoided?




Is the word order and word use consistent throughout?

Have action sequences been presented in the required order of action?

Have negative statements been reserved for important prohibitions only?

Have double or multiple negatives been avoided?

Have qualifying negatives been avoided? For example ‘except’

Have vague modifiers been avoided? For example ‘many’

Have redundant modifiers been avoided? For example ‘sufficient enough’

Have weak modifiers been avoided? For example ‘quite’, ‘rather’, ‘well’, ‘fairly’ etc

Have phonetic confusions been avoided? For example ‘their’ versus ‘there’

Have common semantic confusions been avoided? For example ‘continuously’ versus ‘continually’

Has the use of jargon been avoided?

Have simple / short words been used as far as possible?

Always test textual signs.

G.4.2 Auditory information Have acoustic signals been designed in the lower – middle frequency ranges?

Have auditory messages been designed to take account of ambient noise levels?

Have auditory signals been limited to just those that are strictly necessary?

Have auditory signals been tested by a cross-section of passenger types?

Have considerations been given to hearing-impaired passengers?

Have speakers been trained in the delivery of messages?

Do verbal messages begin with an acoustic signal?

Have the messages been scripted for consistency?

Are messages short and simple?

Have auditory signals been tested for loudness?

G.5 Review and evaluation Has a suitable passenger sample been chosen for testing messages?

Have messages been tested in their specified locations and operational environments?

Have messages been tested according to the passenger task(s)?

Have messages been passed for appropriate content?

Have the symbols been tested for detectability, discriminability and recognition?

Has text been tested for detectability, discriminability and readability?

Has text been tested for memory and comprehension?




Have possible undesirable behaviours been considered during user testing?

Have the nature and causes of undesirable behaviours been considered in design?

Have all assumptions been checked?

Have messages been designed to accommodate limiting users?

Have messages been tested by a cross-section of limiting users?

Have visual codings been checked for compatibility and comprehension?

Have signal words been checked for compatibility with colours?

Have auditory signals been tested for intelligibility, comprehension and subsequent effect on behaviour?

Have tactile media been tested by disabled and able-bodied passengers?




Definitions Designer Any person or organisation responsible for designing the process and delivery of information dissemination to passengers.

Emergency signs Signs provided on trains indicating what to do in the event of a fire, accident, or other emergency.

Photo-luminescent material A material that absorbs light in the presence of a light source and emits that energy over a period of time after the light source has been removed.

Safety announcements Announcements made on trains specifically to give safety information.

Safety signs Signs provided on trains to give safety information.




References The Catalogue of Railway Group Standards and the Railway Group Standards CD-ROM give the current issue number and status of documents published by RSSB. This information is also available from www.rgsonline.co.uk.

Documents referenced in the text RGSC 01 The Railway Group Standards Code Railway Group Standards GM/RT1041 Warning Signs and Notices for Electrified Lines GM/RT2130 Vehicle Fire, Safety and Evacuation GM/RT2181 Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) Warning Line on Traction and

Rolling Stock Other references The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1995 ATOC Engineering Extranet site – Safety Signs

The ATOC Engineering Extranet is an on-line resource that includes documentation and downloadable artwork relating to passenger safety signs and symbols (www.atoc.org).

BR/BCT 610 Public information on train safety and emergencies BS5378: Part 1:1980

Safety signs and colours. Specification for colour and design (superseded)

BS5378: Part 2:1980 Safety signs and colours. Specification for colorimetric and photometric properties of materials

BS5378: Part 3:1982 Safety signs and colours. Specification for additional signs to those given in BS5378: Part 1 (superseded)

BS5499: Part 1: 2002 Graphical symbols and signs. Safety signs, including fire safety signs. Specification for geometric shapes, colours and layout

BS5499: Part 5: 2002 Graphical symbols and signs. Safety signs, including fire safety signs. Signs with specific safety meaning

BS5499: Part 6: 2002 Graphical symbols and signs. Safety signs, including fire safety signs. Creation and design of graphical symbols for use in safety signs

BS ISO 9186: 2001 Graphical symbols. Test methods for judged comprehensibility and comprehension.

BS ISO 80416-2: 2001 Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment. Form and use of arrows

DIN 67510 Long time afterglowing pigments and products. Part 1 and Part 2 Railway Safety Principles and Guidance Part 2 Section F Guidance on

trains ITL/GN0001 Graphics guidelines for safety signs (available at

www.rgsonline.co.uk/) ITL/GN0002 Guidelines for symbol design and testing (available at

www.rgsonline.co.uk)




BR Drawings: B3-A0-9000872 Typical signs and labels B3-A0-9015008 Typical signs and labels B3-C0-9029502 Typical signs and labels
