The equinox has happened, and the days are now getting longer. That means warmer weather is just around the corner. And, what do we all do at the hint of sun? Yep, we Brits head to our local beaches, parks, and lidos.

Before you hunt out your bikini, bucket and spade, to ensure your day out is the best, please take a look at our beach and ocean safety tips:More...

With over two decades of experience in supplying industrial nameplates, you can be sure we have the product for you here at Label Source. 

When you work within an industrial vicinity, it is important to have accurate nameplates which will withstand the harsh conditions. To meet this demand, we supply a range of different materials to create nameplates with, including plastic, anodised aluminium, stainless steel, brass in a variety of colours. 

Here are some of our most popular types of industrial nameplates.

Anidosed Aluminium Industrial Name Plates (Full Colour)

Material: Anodised Aluminum

Thickness: 0.5mm

Benefits of Anodised Aluminium Industrial Nameplates

Hardwearing and durable, we think anodised aluminium nameplates are one of the best materials to use in an industrial environment. It can also be produced to display your own full-colour design which will stand out. All you have to do is upload your design and we will print it onto your anodised aluminium tags.

These nameplates are also:

• Suitable for machine identification
• Ideal for equipment badges 
• Durable
• Abrasion-resistant
• Chemical and oil resistant
• Weatherproof
• UV light resistant

These industrial nameplates can also either be drilled or applied with self-adhesive backing. If you would like them in a different shape, size or thickness too, we can facilitate this for you. Just give us a call on 0800 3761693 (in UK) or +0044 1442 842769 (outside UK). Browse our full range here. 

Custom Stainless Steel Nameplates (Single Colour)

Material: Stainless Steel

Thickness: 0.9mm 

Benefits of Custom Stainless Steel Industrial Nameplates

Nameplates and tags made from stainless steel come with a variety of benefits. For one, these nameplates are fully customisable. You can upload a custom design, select a print colour and even sent artwork instructions with your order. 

Here are a few more benefits of stainless steel nameplates:

• Chemically etched
• Supplied in a range of different fixing designs (fixing holes, self-adhesive backing etc)
• Available in marine grades 304 and 316
• Good for outdoor use
• UV light and water resistant
• Scuff and chemical resistant 
• Ideal for machine badges, dials or industrial branding

If you're interested in our stainless steel nameplates, you can browse the full range here. 

If you'd like to get in touch with us about any of the industrial nameplates and tags mentioned, you can either send us an enquiry or give us a ring on 0800 3761 693 (in UK) and +44 1443 842769 (outside UK). 

Should Children Go To School On Snow Days? 

As the UK was recently hit by the biggest bout of snow since 2013, hundreds of schools shut their doors leaving the children at home to wait out the wintery blast. However, this has sparked anger amongst many parents as schools just taking the "easy option". But should children go to school on snow days? 

The closure of a school when it snows is usually down to health and safety issues. The headteacher of the school makes the decision to close the doors as they understand the area and it's hazards best. However, as seen in Birmingham, sometimes there can be a blanket closure placed over all schools in the surrounding area.

What are the health and safety reasons for snow days? 

Schools always have the safety of the children at the forefront of their mind and snow increases the risk in many circumstances. The three main factors that impact the decision to close a school are as follows: 

• Can the children get to and from school safely? 

It goes without saying that children need to be safe on the trip to and from school. If they are crossing roads or walking along an icy pavement, the chance of a car collision increases. If they do not have the appropriate warm weather gear, traveling to and from school in the snow could also make them ill.

• Is the school site safe? 

Furthermore, the school also needs to be safe. If it is too cold for the children, the facilities are broken or the snow/ice has made the area dangerous, it is much safer for the children to stay at home.

• Are there enough staff to supervise all the school children? 

Many members of staff may not work in the same vicinity as the school and may have to travel far to get to school. If the snow has been worse where they live or it could be dangerous for them to travel to work, it is safer for the teacher and the children to stay at home. 

So, should children go to school on snow days? 

That's up to the jurisdiction of the school, of course. Any amount of snow or ice could make the school and trip to school treacherous and is that really a risk anyone wants to take? After all, one missed day of school can be caught up on quite easily. 

If your child has an examination on the snow day, the circumstance does change slightly. Exams are expected to go ahead at another location if it is not safe for students to get to school. This will need to be discussed with the awarding organisation and the students involved will be notified as soon as possible. 

Safety signs can help reduce the risk associated with snow. You can browse our wide range of safety signs here and hopefully reduce any risk caused by the white winter we have ahead of us! 

IT Asset Tags: What Type Do You Need? 

Think about the most expensive equipment you have in your home or office. Is it your IT equipment? If so, you may need to think about IT Asset Tags to keep your tech equipment safe. 

IT Asset Tags are used to mark your property and we stock a wide range here at Label Source. These tags can also be used to organise and keep track of your company equipment efficiently, which is beneficial especially if you have staff who take company equipment home occasionally. 

Whether you need IT Asset Tags for your personal equipment or your company equipment, it is important you find the right type for you. With everything from serial numbers to tamper evident asset tags, here's a closer look at the options available to you. 

IT Asset Tag Options

Numbered IT Asset Tag

£144.60 inc VAT (Roll of 250 labels)

These IT asset tags are numbered and can start from any number chosen. These are ideal for workplaces which have a large quantity of IT technology they want to keep track of. They are made from polyester and are entirely self-adhesive. They are supplied in 4 different bright colours so they are easily identifiable. They can also be written or printed on to provide the company name.

Destructible IT Asset Label

£124.62 inc VAT (Roll of 250 labels)

Ideal for both personal and company use, these IT Asset Labels will let you know if someone has attempted to steal your property. If someone tries to remove the asset tag, it will automatically fragment and cannot be transferred intact. They're made from self-adhesive vinyl and are available in four distinct colours. 

Self-laminating IT Asset Tag

£134.70 inc VAT (Roll of 250 labels)

This type of IT Asset Tag is suitable for those who work in an environment which entails more wear and tear. These asset tags come with a laminated exterior which can provide an added layer of protection if the equipment is frequently on the go. Available in four different colours and numbered for extra organisation. Made with self-adhesive vinyl to easily attach to your property and keep it safe. 

For more IT Asset Tag options, just click here! We aim to suit your every requirement here at Label Source, so if you have any enquiries just get in touch with us on 0800 3761 693. 

The Top Four Workplace Health and Safety Hazards 

In 2016, UK businesses were fined a whopping total of £32,438,677 for not complying with health and safety standards. Furthermore, it has been found that complying with health and safety standards save each company around £75,000 on average.

With these staggering amounts in mind, can you really afford to not protect your employees from health and safety hazards? 

In the UK the average worker spends around 40 hours a week at their job, a place where they should be safe. However, each workplace comes with its own set of potential health and safety hazards which need to be addressed accordingly.

Label Source works to combat health and safety hazards, so today we're looking at the top 4 workplace health and safety hazards and what you can do about it.

1) Electrical and Wire Hazards

Working with any electrical equipment can increase the risk of injury substantially, so companies who work with electrical equipment and wiring should take extra precautions when it comes to health and safety. 

To reduce the risk of health and safety breaches when working with electrical equipment and wires, take the following steps: 

• Do not connect an extension cord to another extension cord
• Avoid using liquids near the equipment 
• Label wiring correctly (Find wiring safety labels here >)
• Try to keep wires hidden away to avoid a tripping hazard 
• Calibrate electrical equipment frequently (Find electrical calibration labels here >) 
• Clearly identify any electrical hazards or voltage levels 

 Browse our full range of electrical equipment safety labels/signs here. 

2) Fire Hazards

Fire can occur even in office environments, so it is vital that every health and safety precaution is taken when it comes to this lethal hazard. It is incredibly important that all businesses mark fire exits and fire safety evacuation procedures for their employees and frequently ensure their fire alarm systems work. 

The following steps should be taken to avoid this workplace health and safety hazard: 

• Make sure no fire exits are blocked (Find fire access safety signs here >)
• Ensure all employees know fire evacuation procedures (Find fire evacuation procedure signs here >) 
• Display fire exit signs clearly 

Browse our full range of fire health and safety signs here. 

3) Asbestos 

Asbestos is a known carcinogen and is known to cause cancer as well as lung fibrosis. Asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999, but this hazardous substance is thought to still be found within 500,000 public buildings still. Asbestos is harmless when left undisturbed, but incredibly dangerous when airborne.

Those working in the construction industry should be especially careful to follow health and safety precautions if they believe they may be near this substance. 

Browse our range of Asbestos Warning Signs, Labels & Tapes here. 

4) Slips, Trips, and Falls

Falls in the workplace are a very common workplace health and safety hazard and should be addressed within all working environments. This workplace hazard reportedly costs employers over £512 million a year in lost production and other costs. Obstructions, spillage and working at a height all contribute to this health and safety hazard. To prevent gaining a fine for a fall within the workplace, take note of the following precautions. 

• Avoid any obstruction in your walkways
• Be sure to signal cleaning that is taking place and that the floor may be slippery (Find slippery surface sign here >) 
• Warn people of uneven floor surfaces (Find caution uneven floor surface here >) 
• Make sure wet floor signs are used (Find wet floor sign here >) 

Browse our range of signs to avoid slips, trips and fall workplace hazards here. 

We hope this helps you avoid the biggest workplace health and safety hazards within your company. For all your label and signage needs, you can browse our full selection of labels or give us a call on 0809 3761 693.