DIN Standards Committee Health Technologies
DIN EN ISO 780
Packaging - Distribution packaging - Graphical symbols for handling and storage of packages (ISO 780:2015); German version EN ISO 780:2015
Verpackung - Versandverpackung - Graphische Symbole für die Handhabung und Lagerung von Packstücken (ISO 780:2015); Deutsche Fassung EN ISO 780:2015
Overview
This document specifies a set of graphical symbols conventionally used for marking of distribution packages in their physical distribution chain to convey handling instructions. The graphical symbols should be used only when necessary. This document is applicable to packages containing any kind of goods, but does not include instructions specific to handling of dangerous goods. This document (EN ISO 780:2015) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 122 "Packaging" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 261 "Packaging", the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR. The responsible German standardization committee is Working Committee NA 115-01-03 AA "Markierung" ("Marking") at DIN Standards Committee Packaging (NAVp). Packages are often marked with handling instructions in the language of the country of origin. While this may safeguard the consignment in the areas using the same language, it is of little value for goods consigned to, or through, countries using different languages, and of no value at all if people handling the packages are illiterate. Graphical symbols offer the best possibility of conveying the consignor’s intention and their adoption will; therefore, undoubtedly reduce loss and damage through incorrect handling. Moreover, graphical symbols help ensure safety of workers, who cannot grasp such important information as structure, gravity centre, property, and strength of a package while handling distribution packages. The graphical symbols specified are in accordance with the rules of ISO/TC 145/SC 3, Graphical symbols for use on equipment. The use of graphical symbols does not provide any guarantee of satisfactory handling; safely and properly protective packaging is therefore of primary importance. Distribution packages could deteriorate as time passes and sometimes cannot withstand normal handling before they reach the final destination. In such case, according to the provisions of the distribution contract, we need to decide whether to stop shipping and storing them or to continue to use them by putting proper graphical symbols on them. In any case, handwritten symbols are partially accepted in this standard so that the proper symbols can be added to do the needful on the spot.
