ISO 7010 Pictograms: Complete List

Understanding ISO 7010 pictograms

The ISO 7010 standard, first published in 2003 and updated regularly (2019 consolidated edition with 2020-2022 amendments), defines universal graphical safety signage. Each pictogram is designed to be understood independently of language, ensuring effective communication in international, multilingual or emergency contexts where rapid recognition is vital. The standard inherits strict color, shape and composition rules from ISO 3864 on the design principles for safety signs.

History and adoption in France

Before 2014, France used the national NF X 08-003 standard, which had visual and semantic differences from international norms. To harmonize safety signage within the European Union, the order of 4 November 1993 was revised. Since 1 January 2014, all new safety signage installed in France must comply with NF EN ISO 7010 (the European transposition of ISO 7010). Existing signage may remain in place until replacement, but no new NF X 08-003 pictograms can be installed.

Who must comply?

ISO 7010 compliance is required for any safety signage installed in a professional or public setting. It applies to all Public-Access Establishments (ERP), workplaces under the French Labor Code (article R. 4224-24), High-Rise Buildings (IGH), classified industrial facilities (ICPE), construction sites and public transport. ISO 7010 pictograms are also mandatory in evacuation plans compliant with ISO 23601 and NF X08-070.

Standardized color code

ISO 3864-1 defines the color code applied by ISO 7010. Each color carries a specific meaning and is never interchangeable. Pantone and RAL values are strict to ensure immediate recognition under low-light conditions and for color-blind users (with shape contrast as a complement).

• Green (RAL 6032 / Pantone 348) : Indicates safety, return-to-normal, emergency exits, rescue and first aid. Reserved exclusively for evacuation and personal rescue.
• Red (RAL 3001 / Pantone 485) : Indicates danger or prohibition. Used for fire safety equipment (extinguishers, hose reels, alarms) and prohibition pictograms (crossed circle).
• Blue (RAL 5005 / Pantone 286) : Indicates a mandatory action or PPE requirement (helmet, goggles, safety footwear). Exclusive to M (Mandatory) pictograms — white symbol on a solid blue circle.
• Yellow (RAL 1003 / Pantone 109) : Indicates a warning or potential risk requiring attention without immediate action. Yellow triangle with black border and black symbol. Covers chemical, electrical, biological, mechanical and thermal hazards.

Standardized geometric shapes

Shape reinforces the color code and enables immediate identification even when colors cannot be distinguished (useful for color-blind users and emergency lighting).

• Green square or rectangle : Evacuation, rescue, first aid. White pictogram on solid green. Category E.
• Red circle with diagonal bar : Prohibition. Black pictogram on white background, red circle and bar. Category P (Prohibition).
• Solid blue circle : Obligation. White pictogram on solid blue. Category M (Mandatory).
• Yellow triangle with black border : Warning. Black pictogram on yellow. Category W (Warning).
• Red square or rectangle : Fire safety equipment (extinguishers, hose reels, alarms). White pictogram on solid red. Category F.

Composition rules

Beyond color and shape, ISO 7010 imposes strict proportional rules: the pictogram must occupy roughly 80% of the usable surface, the border thickness must be proportional (typically 8-10% of diameter for circles), and any associated text is supplementary and never replaces the pictogram. Minimum display size depends on viewing distance: practical rule = 1 cm height per 1 m of distance (minimum 100 mm side for pictograms displayed at 10 m).

How to verify ISO 7010 compliance of a pictogram

Four quick verification criteria: 1) The pictogram code (E001 to E024, F001 to F010, P001 to P063, M001 to M060, W001 to W085) must be recognized by the standard. 2) Colors must match the listed Pantone/RAL values. 3) Shapes (square E/F, crossed circle P, solid circle M, triangle W) must be strictly applied. 4) The pictogram must be legible at the planned viewing distance. Pictograms downloaded online without an official source are rarely compliant: approximate colors, modified proportions, non-existent codes. Use a certified library such as the one built into Fabrik (2,000+ pictograms updated at every standard amendment).

Penalties for non-compliance

Missing or non-compliant safety signage exposes the operator to administrative, civil and criminal liability. The safety commission may issue an unfavorable opinion, delay the opening of an ERP or order closure until compliance. Non-compliance is also a fault that can be retained in the event of an accident (Penal Code article 121-3). The fine in the French Labor Code (article R. 4741-3) goes up to €1,500 per offense, multipliable by the number of affected workers. In the event of a serious accident with causal link, individual criminal liability of the executive may be engaged.