Take The Safety Sign Test

Can you find the ten problems in this photograph of a safety sign?

Take the safety sign test on our web site to see how many problems you can spot. This ten question online quiz does not require a sign-up... see whether you can spot all ten problems.

This quiz is provided in conjunction with an article about safety signs in this month's issue of Facility Safety Management. Read the article to learn about the the 12 Common & Costly Compliance Mistakes related to sign making.

Safety Signs - Don't Relax Because It's Summer

It's summer time, and the living is easy... or so say the words of an old song. But the living is only easy when safety hazards have been eliminated, guarded against, or properly identified with safety signs and labels. A valuable tool to help you comply with the latest requirements of ANSI Z535 is the OSHA Safety Sign Best Practices Guide. This best practices guide is available free from Graphic Products.

The OSHA Safety Sign Best Practices Guide shows you the latest definitions of signal words and colors used on safety signs. It also shows the latest ANSI symbols, and describes when each type of sign is used. Overall you get a concise guide to making safety signs, that covers everything you need to know right through good sign maintenance for long life.

Related Posts About Safety Signs
OSHA Safety Signs and Labels
Safety Signs and Labels
OSHA Safety Labels, Is That All?

You Don't Always Have To Have A Labeler

Not everyone needs an industrial label or sign printer. Although you can even get a DuraLabel label printer free (call 1-800-788-5572) with a minimum supply purchase, it doesn't make sense if you only need 20 or 30 labels. The answer is the Custom Label Service from Graphic Products.

The Custom Label Service provides an online label design and ordering system that is available 24-7. You can design and order your labels at a time convenient for you.

There is no minimum order. Get as many or as few labels as you need.

It's called the Custom Label Service, and that means you can custom design your labels and get exactly the labels you need.

Give it a try. You can even design a few labels without placing an order, just to see how it works.

OSHA Safety Signs

This blog is primarily about making safety labels, with a focus on labeling that is required by OSHA, although we also cover a range of other somewhat related topics. We have another blog that is loosely targeted at OSHA Safety Signs. It's the place to visit for information about DuraLabel sign printers and sign making supplies.

What's the difference between a sign and a label?

The first thing that comes to mind is the size. Signs are larger and labels are smaller. But, although in general that is typically true, that's not the difference.

The difference is in how it is used. Let's take a 7" x 10.5" arc flash _____ (shown to the right). For now I'll leave it blank what we'll call this.

Here is the definition:

When used to supply information about the object to which it has been applied, then it is called a label.

When supplying information about something other than what it is applied on, then it is a sign.

For example, when applied to a device that presents an arc flash hazard, then the above is called a label, even though it is 7" x 10-1/2" in size. It is a BIG label, but it still is a label.

If it was applied to a door, warning about arc flash hazards within a room, then it would be called a sign, even though it is the same 7" x 10-1/2" size.

However, whether you call it a sign or label is not critically important. What is important is that it deliver the needed information... and that it do that reliability, clearly and durably. To accomplish that you need a DuraLabel printer, the industrial label and sign printers that get the job done... and get it done right.

OSHA Safety Signs

There is a new blog site that focuses on OSHA Safety Signs and topics related to making signs. It is located at: http://www.osha-safety-signs.com/

It discusses topics such as OSHA and ANSI sign making regulations, materials for making signs, codes that effect sign design, equipment and supplies for making signs, and how signs are used in various applications. You are welcome to leave your comments about any of the topics being discussed, or even about your experiences related to sign making.

OSHA Safety Labels, Is That All

I'm always surprised when I read the OSHA press releases about the fines they've proposed. You'd think that company's had never heard about safety, or just didn't care about safety. And maybe that's the case. They have their eye on the dollar and don't really care about what happens.

The next step up seems to be those who do care and do comply with OSHA codes and regulations. That's great and it produces a safer workplace. But is complying with OSHA everything that can b e done to have a safe workplace? Is it everything you should you, or should you do more?

I take the position that in addition to meeting OSHA requirements for safety labels, I should evaluate my facility to see whether there are other labels and signs that I need. Sure it makes good economic sense, but it also makes sense personally for you and your employees. Yes, a potential hazard has been marked by a label, but why not use a sign to remind employees about the hazard well before they reach it? That way they'll be sure to have the needed PPE and tools.

But don't go too far. There is also the potential for information overload. Providing too much information, in particular if it is not immediately useful, can result in all labels and signs being ignored. Then instead of a safe workplace, accidents will start to increase.

The bottom line... use common sense when installing safety labels and signs. Meet OSHA requirements, but examine your facility to be sure it is truly a safe workplace.

The Labeling Web Sites Are Looking Better

Things are improving on the internet. Take a look at the Facility Signs web site that features thermal transfer printers for making signs. It features the best industrial grade machiners for making a variety of signs, including the new DuraCaut line of vinyl cutters for making really large signs, as well as window and vehicle lettering and graphics.

Speaking of the DuraCut, the new DuraCut Systems web site features all three DuraCut models. These range from the 24" DuraCut up through the DuraCut Pro Plus which can cut letters and graphiucs up to 72" tall. All three are large format vinyl cutters that feature precision cutting.

What do these sites have in common, along with other growing labeling sites? It's the DuraLabel 4TTP... the hottest industrial label printer on the market. This best selling four inch thermal transfer printer is beating the competition in speed; in available supplies; and on top of that it will save you 50% on your labeling and sign printing costs!!! (vs. comparable label printers).