New safety symbols: 2024/2025 ISO 7010 Amendments Guide
For a full overview of legal requirements, see our core guide on Fire Safety Signs: A Complete Guide.
Safety signage is not a static field. As new technologies and health risks emerge, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) updates the ISO 7010 standard to ensure consistent global communication.
The most recent sets of amendments, A7:2024 and A8:2024, have introduced critical new pictograms that UK businesses should begin integrating throughout 2025 and 2026.
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Why Do safety symbols Change?
The goal of ISO 7010 is for symbols to be understood without text. When a new hazard appears—such as a specific industrial process or a global health requirement—the ISO creates and tests a pictogram to ensure high "comprehension scores" across different cultures and age groups.
Key Additions in 2024/2025 (Amendments A7 & A8)
The latest amendments focus on industrial thermal hazards, optical safety, and hygiene.
1. Thermal and Steam Hazards (Warning Category)
Industrial kitchens, laundries, and manufacturing plants have long requested more specific warning signs for heat-related injuries beyond the general "hot surface" symbol.
- W071: Hot Surface: The existing symbol (a hand above wavy lines).
- NEW: Hot Content: A new warning symbol specifically for containers or pipes holding hot liquids.
- NEW: Hot Steam: A warning triangle showing steam escaping from a pipe or valve. This is critical for preventing scalding accidents in chemical and food processing.
2. Optical and Light Hazards (Warning & mandatory
The rise of high-intensity LED technology and increased use of UV sterilization has led to new optical safety symbols.
- NEW: Do not stare at light source: A prohibition or warning symbol (depending on the specific application) to prevent retinal damage from high-powered light sources.
- NEW: Optical Radiation Hazard: Refined symbols for environments with non-ionizing radiation.
3. Hygiene and Infection Control (mandatory Category)
The symbols necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic have now been officially standardised for permanent industrial and healthcare use.
- NEW: Disinfect your hands: The blue mandatory circle showing hands being sprayed or washed with disinfectant.
- NEW: Disinfect surface: A mandatory sign indicating that work surfaces must be chemically cleaned between tasks.
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4. Evacuation and fire safety Refinements
The A4-A6 amendments introduced symbols that are now seeing wider UK adoption in 2026:
- Evacuation Lift for People Unable to Use Stairs: A safe condition (green) sign identifying lifts that are structurally protected for use during a fire.
- Large-Scale Fire Zone: A warning for areas (like forest or chemical storage) where fire risks are exceptionally high.
- Evacuation Mattress/Chair: Specific symbols for the location of assisted evacuation equipment.
How to Check if Your Signs are "New" or "Old"
If your safety signs were purchased before 2020, they likely do not include these latest pictograms. While older ISO 7010 signs are still valid for their respective hazards, you should consider updating if:
- A new risk is identified: e.g., you install a new steam-generating boiler.
- A sign is damaged or faded: Always replace with the most recent ISO 7010 version.
- Consistency is required: Audits by the HSE or BSR in 2026 often look for "Best Practice" adherence to the latest standards.
The Importance of Standardization
Using non-standard or "locally designed" symbols is a significant liability risk. In an emergency, our brains process standardised symbols much faster than text or unfamiliar icons. By sticking to the ISO 7010:2020+A8 standard, you ensure that every person on your site—regardless of their primary language—understands how to stay safe.
Conclusion
Keeping your safety signage up-to-date with the latest ISO 7010 amendments is a sign of a proactive safety culture. For 2026, ensure your facility is audited against the A7 and A8 updates, particularly if you operate in the industrial, healthcare, or hospitality sectors.
Browse our catalog for the latest ISO 7010:2020+A8 compliant signs, or speak to our technical team about identifying the correct symbols for your specific hazards.
For full regulatory compliance data, download our Technical Data Sheets for Warning Signs.
Further Reading
Expand your knowledge on related safety topics:
- UK Safety Sign Regulations: Comprehensive Guide 2026
- Safety Sign Materials Explained: Complete Comparison Guide
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