Safety Labels & Signs

Meeting OSHA requirements for safety labels and signs is important, but it misses the point. The point is SAFETY. If safety means going beyond what is required, then that is the right thing to do. Sounds expensive? Not if you make the right choices.

Let's talk about arc flash labeling. There are many suppliers offering printers and supplies for making arc flash labels. Who can you trust? Who should you buy from? What is the best value? What supplies will give you the longest lasting labels?

We've been talking about label quality and how the thickness of the vinyl impacts label life. The basic rule of thumb is that the thinner the vinyl, the longer the label life. Look at vinyl specs and you'll see that 7-year vinyl is typically 2 mil and 5-year vinyl is typically 3 mil.

There is another factor that effects vinyl life, and that is physical damage. That's why, for example, that DuraStripe Floor Marking Tapes are 30 mil and thicker. Floor marking tapes are subject to a lot of physical abuse. But arc flash labels are not in locations in which they are subject to physical abuse. That means their durability is directly related to vinyl thickness.

We use 2.0 mil vinyl for our die-cut arc flash labels. It is not practical to use a thinner vinyl, so this provides maximum durability. The thinner vinyl has a smaller edge profile. It is the height of the label edge that determines the life of the label. The thicker the edge, the easier it is for air and moisture to begin to get under the label and dry out the adhesive.

When purchasing arc flash labels, check on the thickness of the vinyl. As the first step in being sure you are getting the most durable labels possible, look for 2.0 mil die-cut vinyl labels. There are other factors the effect the quality of the label, such as the quality of the vinyl, surface finish, and the quality of the adhesive. But, if you are not getting thin vinyl to start with, you've already lost the game.

For a free guide explaining the information typically found on arc flash labels, visit our Arc Flash Information Resource web site. You can order a free copy of the label guide, and learn a lot more about arc flash hazards and labeling.