I disagree that language is best avoided. It is best used with clear meaning. If people do not understand it they need to learn it.

Given where a lot of stuff is made these days, should we get used to reading "紧急停止" then?

   - Andy.

I disagree that language is best avoided. It is best used with clear meaning. If people do not understand it they need to learn it.

Given where a lot of stuff is made these days, should we get used to reading "紧急停止" then?

   - Andy.

When in Rome etc.

The examples below show just what good wording can indicate. They just lack one thing. The indication to PUSH the button not rotate it, as may be directed by the stupid arrows.

emergency stop button - Bing images

Note the language used Andy.

Z.

These RED stop signs are better than the green one. They are obvious in their instruction and result if used. PRESS TO STOP is the clear message.

Emergency Stop Symbol - Bing images

RED is good, it aligns with RED at traffic lights=STOP.

Just like motor starter switches RED  = STOP. (And GREEN = START or GO).

Z.

Zoomup said:

When in Rome etc.

Well, even the French have the word, "STOP" on their road signs. 

Well, I learn something new every day.

Z.

Zoomup said:

RED is good, it aligns with RED at traffic lights=STOP.

Just like motor starter switches RED  = STOP. (And GREEN = START or GO).

No, see reply a few minutes earlier regards BS EN 60073.

Red means "DANGER" or "FAULT".

Green means "SAFE" or "NORMAL"

It also aligns with BS 7671 colour for protective conductor- was green, but now green-and-yellow (because internationally no-one could agree on solid green) - being the protective conductor, or "safety conductor".

Germany used to go with "red" = "safety conductor" (protective conductor), but I'm led to believe that the red there meant to indicate  "do not mess with this" ... I'm not so sure about that last little anecdote.

This is all very inconsistent. An emergency stop mushroom switch actuator is coloured RED. Red for "danger. I think not. It is RED for STOP. Green can not mean SAFE if a machine is switched on. Traffic light colours are internationally known. 

Zoomup said:

Green can not mean SAFE if a machine is switched on.

If it's not safe, you shouldn't use it ... PUWER, EAWR, H&S@W etc Act.

The OP referred to the arrows, which is a slightly different matter. In fact, does it matter? I know that to start some of my machinery, I have to twist the stop button before pressing the green one. I can feel which direction is effective, I do not need to look. Actually, it is clockwise; so clockwise to go, but when I want water, I turn the tap anti-clockwise.

On the road: green for go, red for stop. In my DB, red for go and green for stop. I acknowledge that green = safe electrically, but back to the traffic lights. Pelican crossing: for the pedestrian, green = safe (and go). For the driver red = stop (and safe for the pedestrian). Green does not mean go for the driver, but may do so if safe (it's in the legislation).

Brake lights are red.

So I think that Zoomy makes a good point. For most people, anything red = stop; green = go.