Warnings, cautions and notes are used to identify important information. They are used in both equipment operations and maintenance manuals, and computer hardware and software manuals. The meaning of each is a little different depending on the type of manual.
Warnings and cautions are always placed ahead of the step in the procedure they relate to. Icons can be used with either the warning or caution notes for special emphasis. Here are the typical ways they appear in a manual.
WARNING! In equipment operations and maintenance manuals, warning notes warn readers of something that could cause them physical harm. In computer manuals, they warn them of something that could cause them or the equipment physical harm. |
Caution In equipment operations and maintenance manuals, caution notes caution readers against anything that may damage equipment. In computer manuals, they caution readers against anything that may result in a loss of data. |
Note – In all manuals, notes point out something of special interest or importance to the reader. Failure to read the note will not result in physical harm to the reader, equipment or data.
