December 2006 - Association of Equipment Manufacturers Established Free Database of Safety Pictorials

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has established a free, online database of pictorial illustrations that can be used in the design of safety signs, manuals, and other training materials. The pictorials cover both hazard identification and avoidance. AEM established the database to promote greater consistency and clarity in descriptive safety communications. Currently, the database includes almost 100 pictorials that are common to many industry segments and product lines.

The database can be accessed from the AEM Web site at www.aem.org/technical/PictorialDatabase, and is searchable by body area, by hazard type, or by action, as well as by keyword. All images are in black and white. They are downloadable in .eps or .dxf formats. The pictures can be imported into a variety of graphics programs and are fully scalable to whatever size is desired by the user.

The association plans to expand the database in the future to add product-specific images. AEM is also working with several other associations and industry groups to include materials from industries not represented by AEM. Most of the association’s members manufacture mobile equipment. The association also provides a way for visitors to submit, for consideration, graphics that are not already included in the database.

The association cautions that the database covers only the pictorial aspect of safety signs and other materials, and does not cover text or other facets of safety messaging. Designers should consult all applicable laws, regulations, and standards for safety compliance.

For additional information about the database, contact AEM's Dan Moss at (414) 298-4149.

COPYRIGHT ©2005, ISO Services Properties, Inc.

The information contained in this publication was obtained from sources believed to be reliable. ISO Services Properties, Inc., its companies and employees make no guarantee of results and assume no liability in connection with either the information herein contained or the safety suggestions herein made. Moreover, it cannot be assumed that every acceptable safety procedure is contained herein or that abnormal or unusual circumstances may not warrant or require further or additional procedure.