From: Karen Salazar <kls_1**At_Symbol_Here**COX.NET>
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] looking for fume hood safety icon
Date: November 22, 2012 10:18:44 AM EST
Reply-To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU>
Message-ID: <CAA4EBLujPUPmR1g2hqOVfn3B0ufUPO9ySEDp42SsnWqY5ofPfA**At_Symbol_Here**mail.gmail.com>


Kim,

I would caution against icons.  When I was a graduate student in library school, I took a class in usability. We discussed the drawbacks of using icons because users interpret them differently.  This would probably be a problem you might encounter since you are dealing with a user population that has diverse cultures. If the lab manual is going to be completely digital, then I suggest you consider creating a website for it and using the fundamental principles of usability as you go along (http://www.usability.gov/).    Here is a website that was developed with such principles: http://lib.asu.edu/.  We read a paper about its development in class.  As you can see, the use of icons is minimal, while text is prominent throughout.

Karen Salazar




On Nov 21, 2012, at 2:20 PM, Kim Auletta wrote:

I'm working with our Chem dept to update their organic chemistry lab manual. I suggested they add safety icons to the steps to visually illustrate safety requirements, such as when gloves, goggles and fume hoods should be used. We have a language issue with some of our students and the manual is getting very wordy, so students are sometimes missing these important safety tips. 

I can find chemical hazard pictures, PPE pictures, eyewash, shower, etc. I have not been able to find a FUME HOOD small icon picture. Does anyone have a hood icon they can share or know where I can find one? 

thanks!

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Kim Gates Auletta
Laboratory Safety Specialist
Environmental Health & Safety
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794-6200
kim.auletta**At_Symbol_Here**stonybrook.edu
631-632-3032
FAX: 631-632-9683


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