MAINTAINABILITY DESIGN TECHNIQUES METRIC - AcqNotes.com

Downloaded from http://www.everyspec.com on 2011-10-29T14:56:01.6-5.3 LABEL DESIGNDOD-HDBK-791(AM)Labels and placards should be designed for easy andaccurate reading at the expected reading distances, vibrationor motion environments, and illumination levels. Toachieve ease of reading, the following factors must beconsidered:1. Color contrast between lettering and immediatebackground2. Height, letter width, stroke width, spacing, andstyle of letters and numerals3. Method of application—e.g., adhesives, etching,decal, silk screen.Each of these factors is discussed in the paragraphs thatfollow.Figure 6-14. Example of Placement of Labelon Vertical Surface6-5.3.1 Color Contrast and Background (Ref. 4)Label background colors should contrast visually withequipment background specified in MIL-STD-1473 (Ref.20). No special additional background for the labelshould be used on the equipment without approval of theprocuring authority. Placards or signs that include theirown independent background should provide maximumcontrast between lettering and immediate background.Shiny metallic backgrounds should not be used for operationallabels, placards, signs, or markings.Instruction plate markings should be printed in whiteletters on a black background. Caution plates (see Fig.6-16) or decals should be printed in yellow letters on ablack background in conformance with AR 385-30 (Ref.21). Danger signs (see Fig. 6-17) should be printed inwhite letters on an oval red background upon a blackbackground (Ref. 22).Figure 6-16.(Ref. 21)Example of a Caution SignFigure 6-15.(Ref. 11)Labels for Valve ControlsFigure 6-17.(Ref. 22)Example of a Danger Sign6-11