Biohazard Symbol
Symbol warning of biological substances that pose a threat to living organisms.
International · 1966 – present
Emergency Exit (Running Man)
ISO 7010 safety sign indicating the direction of emergency exits.
Description
The emergency exit sign (ISO 7010 E001–E007) depicts a running figure moving toward a door, indicating the direction of emergency exits and escape routes. The design was created by Japanese designer Yukio Ota in 1979 and adopted internationally. The symbol uses green as the safety color (indicating a safe condition or the way to safety). It replaced earlier text-based exit signs in many countries because it is language-independent and recognizable under stress. The running figure design is one of the most successful examples of international pictogram standardization.
Origin & Cultural Context
Designed by Yukio Ota in 1979 for the Japanese government. Adopted by ISO 7010 and used internationally.