Before we get started, what is asset tagging, and what are asset tags? Broadly speaking, an asset tag is any label used to identify one's property (or 'assets'). Most asset labels feature a unique serial number or barcode that can be used to distinguish the labelled object from other, similar-looking items.

Asset tagging is frequently used by businesses and other organisations as a loss prevention measure. High-value items such as computers, tools, and electrical appliances will each be assigned a unique serial number (or barcode) and marked accordingly using some sort of label or tag. Additionally, it is quite common for a business to print their name and/or logo on their asset labels for extra ease of identification.

Why It’s Important to Tag Your Assets?

 Asset tags help to minimise the risk that property will be lost or stolen in a number of different ways. Firstly, they can be used to compile a detailed database of one's assets. This means that when a labelled item goes missing, the owner can refer to their database and say, for example, that 'laptop #101158 is missing' rather than simply 'one of our laptops is missing'.

Benefits of Asset Tagging

The benefits of asset tagging, however, go further than just the identification of a specific item. If the database is properly managed, the owner may then be able to get a little more information regarding the lost object's last known whereabouts. For instance, a university library that loans out electrical equipment would be able to identify the last person who borrowed the item in question.

If the owner suspects their property has been stolen, they can quote the lost item's unique serial number when reporting the crime to the police. Asset tags make stolen goods identifiable; not only does this mean that labelled items are easier to track down, it also means that thieves are less likely to target your assets in the first place. Asset tags are a great deterrent!

Types of Asset Tags

A savvy thief may attempt to peel off an asset label in order to conceal their crime, but there are other types of asset tagging systems available for this exact reason.
High-security labelling solutions such as destructible asset labels and tamper-evident asset tags make this tactic unviable.

Destructible asset labels are a form of asset marking that are made of tamper-proof cast PVC vinyl. If you try to peel one of these labels off, the label itself will fragment, preventing it from being peeled off the item.

Tamper-evident asset tags, on the other hand, will leave behind a permanently printed pattern if removed. This means that even if this asset marking is removed, an imprint of the label will remain. Furthermore, it will be clear if someone has removed the label and then tried to reapply it, as the two parts of the label cannot be removed intact.

How Durable are Asset Tags and Labels?

Our asset tagging and tool tagging materials are created with durability in mind. Each type of asset tag is made from a different material depending on its purpose, so you can invest in the asset tagging systems that will be most suited to why, where, and when you need them.

Many of them are made from vinyl, making them suited to outdoor items if required, whereas we also have polyester asset tags for items in areas with higher temperatures.

Tagging Assets with Label Source

Click here to browse Label Source's full range of asset tags and labels, or contact us if you would like us to produce custom asset tags for your organisation.

It goes without saying that sharp objects can be very dangerous. Cuts and scrapes aren't merely painful; they can have serious consequences, including infection, blood loss, and even traumatic amputation (the loss of a limb or other body part because of an accident or injury).

For this reason, it is extremely important to clearly telegraph any sharps hazards on your premises. Sharps hazards come in a variety of different forms, and we at Label Source have a safety sign / label for just about every conceivable one - see below for examples.

'CAUTION - Sharp Blades' Sign

If your premises house a machine with sharp blades, this sign should be placed close to the equipment in question to warn workers and others of the safety risk. We also stock safety signs for machinery with rotating cutters or blades.

'CAUTION - SHARP OBJECTS INSIDE' Label

These self-adhesive dispatch labels can be placed on packages, bags, and cartons containing sharp objects (e.g. needles, blades) that might cause injury if handled improperly. The labels are made of flourescent paper for extra visibility.

Sharps Disposal & Needlestick Injuries Poster

In the unfortunate event of a needlestick injury (or an accident involving another type of sharp object), it's important to know how to react. Displaying this poster on your premises will ensure that the key information is always close at hand; the poster also features instructions for the safe disposal of sharp objects.

Click here to browse Label Source's full range of safety signs.

In environments where flammable materials are present, especially the workplace, it is highly important that the associated risks are properly considered before undertaking operations. In order to properly alert individuals to the possible risks involved with handling certain materials or products, it is highly important that these are indicated in a clear and eye-catching fashion, in order to make the best possible effort to avoid these possible hazards.

Here at Label Source, we supply a huge variety of flammable labels, which are suitable for a large number of industry requirements, and are able to be used in a number of environments. These range from general safety labels, to those which are specifically designed for use with particularly dangerous items, such as gas cylinders.

Here's a closer look at a few of the flammable labels we stock in our Hazardous Substances & Chemicals range:

Hazardous Goods CHIP Labels

These labels are designed to indicate when hazardous goods are present in certain loads or packages, to ensure safe treatment and handling in transit. These can be chosen in four standard sizes, which correspond with the capacity of the package in question, with a number of hazards to choose from, including flammable, highly falmmable and extremely flammable.

Gas Cylinder Storage Signs 

Compressed gas cylinders often contain substances which are highly flammable, which is why we supply a range of labels which are specifically designed with this purpose in mind. 

GHS Hazard Warning Labels

GHS stands for 'globally harmonised system', which means that these labels are ideal for companies who send their items overseas, due to the fact that the symbols can easily be understood and verified in any country. In addition to this they are also compliant with CLP regulations.

To see our full range of labels for hazardous chemicals and substances, click here!

Here at Label Source, we not only supply a huge selection of printed labels, but also stock a wide range of writable labels too! These allow company details and notes to be added by hand, providing you with the freedom to alter and customise your labels as and when required.

Here are just some of the writable labels we are able to provide here at Label Source:

Jumbo Write and Seal Labels
These writable labels are self laminating, making them easy to customise and protect in just a few easy steps. Not only are they resistant to damage from abrasions and chemicals, they are also water and weatherproof, making them ideal for use in a variety of environments. 

Uses for these labels include: 

• PAT & Electrical Testing
• Inspection
• Identification
• Equipment Numbering
• Maintenance & Servicing
• Quality Assurance
• Calibration & Safety Checks

Equipment Marking Labels 

 If you're looking to keep a clear visual record of your equipment inspections and safety checks, our choice of inspection and status labels are ideal! While some of these labels are for general use with a variety of items, we also supply labels for specific use with certain equipment, such as the fire extinguisher label above.

These can provide information on:

• Maintenance
• Servicing
• Reconditioning 
• Testing
• Repairs 
• Calibration

Stock Control Labels 

In addition to our range of testing and safety labels, we also have a great selection of warehouse and shipping labels, which can be used in order to efficiently manage stock operations. Thanks to the fact that these writable labels are made with self-adhesive vinyl, they can also be easily applied, and are able to withstand the demands of almost any environment.

These can be used for a number of applications, including:

• Stock checks
• Inspections
• Dispatch & Distribution 

To see more of our writable labels, head to our homepage here to view our full selection.

An Argos store in Plymouth has reopened after health and safety chiefs shut it down following the discovery of asbestos. The Argos store, as well as a construction site next-door were both closed suddenly after the Health and Safety Executive discovered the asbestos. The construction site - a former Derry's department store, which is currently being converted into student flats - was where the asbestos was found, and Argos was closed as a safety precaution. 

The Argos store was closed for a week, and work had stopped on the construction site as a precaution in case there were any airborne asbestos fibres. After extensive monitoring, all areas of the site was cleared and wok recommenced on Monday (20th February), and the Argos store re-opened the next day (Tuesday).

Asbestos is a natural fibrous rock that was widely used within buildings until 1999. It was widely used from the 1950s to the mid-1980s, due to it being a good insulator and having good fire protection properties. You will find asbestos in buildings built before the year 2000. Asbestos materials present a risk to your health when the fibres become airborne.  This will happen if you cut, drill or break materials containing asbestos. It's the biggest occupational disease risk to construction workers; and therefore, safety precautions need to be put in place.

Safety signs and labels need to be put in place to warn workers of the presence of asbestos and that suitable safety precautions are made. Here at Label Source we stock an excellent range of Asbestos Safety Warning Labels and Signs to ensure your workers are aware of the substance, reducing the risk to their health and safety. If you wish to view our range of Asbestos safety labels and signs please click here.