Determining the safe viewing distance of a label depends upon many factors, including
• Lighting, background, letter type and visual acuity.
Other factors to consider in determining label size, include:
• The complexity of the message, the reaction time necessary, and the
angle the label will be seen from. In many situations it is better to
use multiple labels that are strategically positioned instead of one
large one.
Many times letter size may need to be larger than the values shown on the graphic for a variety of reasons:
1. To make the label more noticeable from other information displayed in the area.
2. To enable legibility under low light, or other poor viewing conditions.
3. To alert persons sooner than the minimum safe viewing distance.
4. To convey special importance for portions of the message.
5. To improve legibility for persons who have vision problems with small text.
Example of text message letter heights and *minimum safe viewing distances.
* Minimum safe viewing distance refers to the closest
distance a person can be to the label and still have time to follow the
safety label's message to avoid the hazard.
| Minimum Safe Viewing Distance | Minimum Letter height for Favorable reading conditions | Recommended Letter height for Favorable reading conditions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ft or less* | 0.8" | 8 points | 0.08" | 8 points |
| 2 ft | 0.10" | 10 points | 0.16" | 16 points |
| 3 ft | 0.12" | 12 points | 0.19" | 19 points |
| 4 ft | 0.14" | 14 points | 0.22" | 22 points |
| 5 ft | 0.16" | 16 points | 0.25" | 25 points |
| 6 ft | 0.18" | 18 points | 0.28" | 28 points |
| 7 ft | 0.20" | 20 points | 0.31" | 31 points |
| 8 ft | 0.22" | 22 points | 0.34" | 34 points |
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