Controlling swathes of the public is a difficult job, but it would be impossible without the right warning systems and deterrents.

Economy hazard tape is something we have all seen around big events, accidents, construction sites and police scenes, but we never appreciate the psychological effect it has as a deterrent.

Here, we break down hazard tape regulations and when and how to use economy hazard tape.

Hazard Tape Regulation

The use of hazard tape is covered in the HSE’s ‘Protecting the Public’ guidelines. Therein, the guidelines indicate that hazard tape should be used once a perimeter is set out.

So, before any tape is put in place, you must ensure you set up a perimeter. Within this perimeter, you must perform a risk assessment and ensure there is no possibility of the public entering the cordoned-off area.

The only other guidance the HSE has is to prevent the hazard tape from becoming a tripping hazard and to work on establishing the perimeter during hours where public presence is lessened.

Detailed instructions can be found on the HSE website.

What Do Hazard Tape Colours Mean?

Yellow Hazard Tape

Yellow is used for incidents where only caution is necessary. This is a hazard area that has a low level of safety but isn’t necessarily a danger to life. Congested work areas are an example where yellow tape could be used.

Red Hazard Tape

Red is used for medium to high levels of danger. It essentially means there is a danger to life, and people should not enter without a supervisor's permission. Confined spaces, overhead dangers, and other threats are commonly behind tape like this.

Existing alongside these hazard tapes are outliers such as yellow police scene tape.

How to Use Hazard Tape Effectively

Hazard tape needs to be used with both employees and the public in mind. In order to do that, the following process should be followed:

• Determine what type of hazard tape is needed. As mentioned, yellow is used for caution, and red is used for danger. Other options have specific uses like police tape for crime scenes.
• Ensure the entrance to the hazardous area is properly labelled. Ensure the tape is secure, as you don’t want it sagging or creating bumps to trip over.
• Remove the tape only when the hazard has been eliminated.

Buy Reliable Hazard Tapes

Label Source has a pedigree in producing high-quality, reliable labels, signs and tapes. Discover our range of economy hazard tape to find out more.

What separates efficient businesses from those who aren’t? Usually, it comes down to communication. By complementing verbal communication and processes with written signs and labels, a business can improve its internal efficiency.

However, you can go a step further than simple signs and labels.

Document pockets, for example, are an excellent method of conveying information and preserving it in a protective but readable state.

Whether they’re propped on notice boards, workbenches or cabinets, information held within document pockets is safe, secure and available to its intended audience.

Discover how to use document pockets and a variety of their uses here.

How to Use Plastic Document Pockets

Heavy-duty document holders are suitable for documents that employees need to handle and sign, or to be used as short-term signs or information posters.

The use of document pockets is dependent on the information that is being put in them and where employees are likely to need it.

So, if employees are responsible for a job on their shift that needs to be noted on paper, placing this form in a document pocket near where the activity is occurring is recommended.

Uses for these relies on the type of document pocket you’re using, too.

Uses for Document Pockets

Broadly, two types of document pockets are used in industry:

• Self-adhesive spine label pockets – these offer permanent attachment to non-metal surfaces. These can be used as adhesive plastic card holders and general holders in sizes A4-A7. Suitable for non-metal racking, shelving, cabinets, workbenches and notice boards.

• Magnetic display pockets and plastic sleeves – these allow document pockets to be affixed onto metal surfaces. Thanks to their magnetism, these pockets can be moved around easily. These are suitable for metal racking, shelving, cabinets and storage containers.

Using the right document pocket in the right place can provide several efficiencies for a business. They can consolidate information, provide a chain of responsibility, remind staff of safety protocols and facilitate the development of a conscious, responsible workforce.

Discover Plastic Document Pockets

Whether it’s for work rotas or safety information, our range of heavy-duty document pockets is versatile, robust and crystal clear.