Abstract:

Labeling issues pertinent to both nonhazardous and hazardous noise levels are considered and discussed. Among these are pertinent ANSI and engineering standards for warning label design; recommended label content and design criteria; format and presentation variables that affect the likelihood of noticing, reading, and complying with the labels; the effect of user cost of compliance (e.g., comfort) on the efficacy of labels; and conditions that indicate high versus low likelihood of label effectiveness. Particular emphasis will be placed on the experimental literature that has addressed warning label efficacy.