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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Caution and Warning?

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The difference between caution and warning lies in the severity of the potential hazard or injury they indicate.

  • Caution: This term is used to warn against potential hazards or to caution against unsafe practices that can result in minor or moderate injury. Caution signs are typically used for minor hazard situations or when there is a chance of non-immediate or potential hazards. Examples of caution signs include overhead/clearance hazards, wet floors, certain PPE requirements, and RF hazards.
  • Warning: This term indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. Warning signs are used for pinch points, arc flash, blocking rules, and machines with guards. They are meant to represent a hazard level between "Caution" and "Danger".

In summary:

  • Caution is used for minor or moderate injury scenarios.
  • Warning is used for situations that could result in death or serious injury.
On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Caution and Warning?
  • Comparative Table: Caution vs Warning

    • Comparative Table: Caution vs Warning

    Here is a table that highlights the differences between caution and warning:

    Feature Caution Warning
    Purpose Tells the reader to proceed carefully. Stronger than a caution notice; it means "Don't do this" or that this step might be irreversible, such as leading to permanent data loss.
    Impact If a reader doesn't heed the caution, they can lose money, lose work, or open themselves to a security breach. If a reader doesn't heed the warning, they can lose money, lose work, or open themselves to a security breach.
    Example "We don't recommend using a broad 0.0.0.0/0 range that would allow all traffic.". An example of a warning is not provided in the search results, but it would typically involve a stronger admonition than a caution, such as "Don't do this" or "This step might result in permanent data loss."

    Both caution and warning are used to notify readers of potential issues or dangers, but a warning is generally considered more severe than a caution.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.