Contact: Walt Bishop
(202)974-5230

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPI, EUROMAP Agree on Harmonization of Machine Safety Signs

CHICAGO (June 22, 2000) – The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI) and EUROMAP today announced that they have reached agreement on the harmonization of safety signage for horizontal injection molding machines.

"This agreement marks the culmination of a two-year effort by the two trade associations to develop a set of common icons to denote seven safety hazards association with the machines," said SPI Machinery Division Executive Director Walt Bishop.

The agreement establishes four warning signs and three "mandatory action" signs, according to Bishop. The warning signs denote hazards including thermal, high voltage, pinching/crushing and splashing. The action signs indicate lifting points, instruction manual reference and personal protective equipment.

The agreement, which Bishop said is a voluntary recommended action, will take effect in the fall of 2000. Machinery utilizing the new icons in the United States will include explanatory language in addition to the icons, while European machinery will display the icons alone.

A document explaining the new signage, "International Safety Warning Signs for Horizontal Injection Molding Machines," will be available in August, 2000 from SPI Literature Sales, (800) 541-0736. The cost will be $10 for SPI members, $20 for non-members. Please reference document AN-141 when ordering.

Founded in 1937, The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. is the trade association representing one of the largest manufacturing industries in the United States. SPI's 1,700 members represent the entire plastics industry supply chain, including processors, machinery and equipment manufacturers and raw material suppliers. The U.S. plastics industry employs 1.5 million workers and provides $304 billion in annual shipments.

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