Notice signs are everywhere. Whether they are warning about small issues like wet paint or dangers like slippery floors, notice signs help keep people informed and protected.

However, proper use of notice signs is vital. Clumsy placement and lack of integration into existing safety policy can have a litany of knock-on effects. Warning signs in the workplace are essential to signpost hazards and keep staff safe, so care and attention is required.

Below, we discuss the importance of safety signs, what notice signs mean and how to use them as part of your workplace safety policy. 

The Different Types of Notice Signs

The purpose of notice signs and stands is to inform people of potential dangers. Notice signs are usually bright yellow with bold black lettering so people can more easily recognise them. There are a variety of notice signs and stands available, namely:

• Cleaning-in-progress signs
• Maintenance signs
• Out-of-use signs
• Fork-lift trucks signs
• Wet floor signs

Notice signs can be markedly different. However, they are all unified by their central goal of improving safety. Each notice sign meaning is understood through the use of clear lettering and a harmonised, distinct symbol.

How to Use Notice Stands & Signs

When it comes to using notice stands and signs, you need to follow two methods of best practice:

• Place them in an area where they are visible.
• Integrate them into existing safety practices.

The HSE advises that “[the] long-term visibility of the warning signs, i.e., lighting, degradation due to exposure to UV, corrosion, size, positioning, orientation should be considered”. This means that, where possible, notice signs should be placed in areas where activity and exposure won’t damage them.

As for integrating them into a safety policy, ensure the usage of notice signs is written into your company’s safety documentation. For example, if a member of staff is handling paint, or if they spill something on the floor, it should be in the written process to use a notice sign afterwards.

Without a safety policy a worker understands, notice signs are practically useless; they need to be unilaterally used across the business.

Looking For High-Quality Notice Signs

If you’re going to use notice signs, then you want them to last. Our range of notice signs can be easily stored and used for a long time, plus we have a variety of options for different safety hazards.

Where there are pipes, there is flow. Sometimes, the flow of a pipe’s contents is obvious. At other times, such as with diagonal or horizontal piping, it can be difficult to ascertain.

That’s where flow direction tape comes in. This nifty tape can help plumbers and construction workers identify where gas or liquid flow is coming from, thus keeping them safe.

Below, we discuss what flow direction is in more detail, and how to use it. 

What is Flow Direction Tape?

Flow direction tape is literal – it identifies the flow of gas or liquid in a pipe. This is important for maintaining safety during maintenance, safety assessments and renovations.

Identifying the flow of gas or liquid in a pipe is a prerequisite to numerous plumbing protocols. Without flow direction tape, it can take longer to identify and rectify issues with pipework.

Flow direction tape helps by not only showing the direction of water in the pipe but by being resistant, too. The majority of flow direction tapes are resistant at a variety of temperatures, and their adhesives still work from around -10°C to 50°C.

How to Use Flow Direction Tape

Flow direction tape is reasonably easy to use, but application errors can have negative long-term effects. For this reason, it’s important to get it right. To apply flow direction tape, you must:

• Identify the flow of gas or liquid for a pipe. It’s important to establish this beforehand, as using the tape incorrectly can mean safety hazards later down the road.
• To correctly establish the water flow, simply find the location of the pump and work from there. For a more accurate assessment, there are a variety of longitudinal calculations and equipment a professional can use.
• After establishing flow, use a tape in the direction of that flow. Ensure it is pressed down firmly, and turn off any hot water for the adhesive to settle.
• Place tapes along the pipe so they are easily read at various points. Tapes are typically applied at drain valves, flange joints and ducting.

It is also important to use the right pipeline tape colour:

• Ochre - Gases
• Green – Water
• Light Grey – Steam
• Violet – Acids and Alkalis
• Red - Fire Services
• Light Blue – Air
• Brown – Minerals and Oils

Get High-Quality Flow Direction Tape Today

At Label Source, we stock a variety of flow indication tapes which provide high-quality and good value. If you require pipework maintenance, then you need to check out our range of pipe identification products.

How do you keep wires safe, and how do you truly know if electrical equipment is secure? Ever since the advent of electricity, employers and workplaces have endeavoured to keep electrical equipment safe.

Thankfully, the (BS 7671) Wiring Regulations have been developed to apply a nationwide standard of electrical safety.

Below, we discuss what BS 7671 is, why wiring labels are needed and give a short history of why the regulations are important.

What Do The BS 7671 Wiring Regulations Protect?

The regulations specifically put action plans in place, primarily to protect against the risk of fire from electrical wiring. In addition to protecting against fire, the regulations:

• Protect against electric shock.
• Protect against thermal effects and damage.
• Protect against voltage.

For this reason, BS 7671 is mandatory and far-reaching. If electricity is being passed through a device, then BS 7671 regulations must be followed with appropriate labels. 

The History of BS 7671

The origins of BS 7671 can be traced back to 1882. In that year, after electricity began to enter more households, a document entitled “Rules and Regulations for the Prevention of Fire Risks Arising from Electric Lighting” was published.

These rules were expanded on in 1897 with “General Rules recommended for Wiring for the Supply of Electrical Energy". As electricity and technology developed, these initial rules were iterated upon.

Since 1882, there have been 18 editions published. The most recent edition was released in 2018, with an amendment in 2020.

Each edition and amendment usually concerns a new technology. For example, the 2020 amendment dealt with car charging.

The Role of Inspection BS 7671 Labels

So, why are BS 7671 labels needed? Under the 17^th edition of the BS 7671 Regulations published in 2008, all electrical equipment must have identifiable labels on them covering the item’s inspection details. These labels include:

• Installation inspection labels.
• Three-phase colour coding.
• Distribution board details.
• Cable schematics.
• Circuit breaker information.

Overall, the labels should provide as much information as possible in a clear, concise manner.

Make Sure You’re Regulation Ready

If your workplace uses complex electrical equipment, then you may need BS 7671 labels. Our range of wiring labels can help by allowing you to present all the necessary information to stay within the latest regulations.