How can you choose the right safety signs and labels for your manufacturing facility?

1 Assess Risks

Before selecting safety signs and labels, you must thoroughly assess the risks present in your manufacturing facility. This involves identifying areas with potential hazards, such as machinery with moving parts, chemical storage, or high-traffic zones. Once these risks are identified, you can determine the types of signs needed to warn employees and visitors effectively. For instance, areas with a risk of chemical exposure may require signs indicating the necessity of personal protective equipment (PPE), while machinery zones might need warnings about moving parts or automatic operation.

2 Regulatory Standards

Compliance with regulatory standards is non-negotiable when choosing safety signs and labels. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets guidelines that must be followed. These regulations often specify the design, content, and placement of safety signage to ensure consistency and understanding. Familiarize yourself with OSHA's requirements or those of your local regulatory body to ensure that your signs meet legal standards, thus avoiding potential fines and enhancing workplace safety.

3 Sign Visibility

The effectiveness of a safety sign is directly related to its visibility. Signs must be placed at eye level and in well-lit areas to ensure they are easily seen by employees. The size of the sign should be appropriate for the distance from which it will be viewed; larger signs are necessary for greater distances. Additionally, consider using reflective or illuminated signs for areas with poor lighting or for operations that take place during low-light conditions to maintain high visibility at all times.

4 Clear Messaging

Clarity is crucial for safety signs and labels. They should convey their message quickly and unambiguously using simple language and universally recognized symbols. This is especially important in facilities with a diverse workforce where language barriers may exist. The use of pictograms can transcend language differences and communicate hazards and instructions effectively. Ensure that the text is concise and the font size is large enough to be read from a reasonable distance.

5 Durability Factors

Manufacturing environments can be harsh, so the materials used for safety signs and labels must withstand the conditions they will be exposed to. This includes resistance to chemicals, extreme temperatures, moisture, and regular wear and tear. Materials like vinyl, polycarbonate, and metal are commonly used for their durability in various environments. Additionally, consider the adhesive quality for labels and the mounting method for signs to ensure they stay in place over time.

6 Continuous Review

Finally, the selection of safety signs and labels is not a one-time task. As your manufacturing operations evolve, so too should your signage. Regularly review and update your safety signs and labels to reflect changes in processes, equipment, or regulations. This also includes replacing any signs that have become worn out or damaged to ensure that they remain effective. A continuous review process will help maintain a culture of safety and compliance within your facility.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?