Answers:
Many types of symbols for package labelling are nationally and internationally standardized. Some requirements and symbols exist to communicate aspects of consumer use and safety. For example, class 1 to 9 hazardous goods symbols. It is a common understanding for handlers of goods and the message is passed down easier from one to another.
For Hazard signs, it is to communicate the characteristics of the product and how to handle the product. At the same time warn people to keep out from the product. An example is will be shown below:
This is a hazard sign for Flammable Gas. It indicates to the workers handling such goods that any material which is a gas at 20°C (68°F) or less and 101.3 kPa (14.7 psi) of pressure and which is ignitable at 101.3 (14.7 psi) when in a mixture of 13% or less by volume with air; or has a flammable range at 101.3 kPa (14.7 psi) with air of at least 12% regardless of lower limit. Thus when handling the dangerous goods they need to be extra careful with the surrounding temperature and gas compound. This also applies when they are transporting and storing the dangerous goods with this harzard sign logo.
Different hazard sign logos indicates different characteristics and nature of the different dangerous goods thus all required different handling and care. The reason for having such signs is to allow workers to truely know the nature of the goods that they are handling and thus take extra care. In addition, the sign also tells whether the goods can be stored with other goods. Overall, it is to reduce accidents from happening and ensure the safety of the workers.
For other symbols on the packaging of the product, it has different meanings; some explanation of the symbols shown below:
This symbol is regularly seen on packages. It is there to remind people to place their rubbish in a rubbish bin rather than dropping it on the floor. It is also aimed at making people aware that they have a responsibility to keep the environment around them tidy and litter free.
These are internationally recognisable symbols for recycling, they are seen on many packages too. Again, it is to remind the consumer of the potential recycling properties of the package he/she is about to throw away. It is aimed at encouraging the consumer to recycling packaging rather than throwing it into a general rubbish bin.
This symbol also means that the material is recyclable. However, the letters ‘alu’ mean aluminium. It means the container is manufactured from aluminium and that it can be recycled and used again. Drinks cans manufactured from aluminium and may have this symbol.
Going into some of the logos for logistics purpose (during handling and transportation)
The logo above is to communicate to those handling the package to keep out of the rain and not to store it in damp conditions. It is normally found on card-based packages which would be damaged if placed in contact with water. Thus workers seeing such logo would know that the product cannot make contact with water or stored in damp conditions as it may damage the product.
The broken wine glass suggests that the product inside the packaging could be easily damaged if dropped or handled without care and attention. Thus when handling such package, the worker will be extra careful not to handle the package too roughly or drop it which will cause the product inside to be damaged.
The logo seen opposite tells those handling the package that it must be stored the right way up. The arrows point towards the top of the package. It is because if the package is tilted, the product inside may be damaged thus requiring the packaged to be facing upwards so was not to be damaged. In this case, the worker will know that the package cannot be tilted therefore considering it as a factor while storing it or consolidating with other products.
