Some things last a long time. Believe it or not, the first aid sign, which is recognisable all over the world, is over 900 years old.

The sign has been accommodated, modernised and used by different entities countless times over. It is the oldest sign we use in modern life and is, in some ways, a testament to how a well-made sign can stand the test of time.

Below, we discuss the history of the first aid sign and why it is has remained so important.

A History of First Aid

When you think of a first aid sign, you commonly think of its red-and-white variant. However, for most of its history, the sign was green and white, which is sometimes still used today.

The classic green-and-white logo comes from the sign’s origins: the Hospitallers of St. Lazarus. This group, which existed around 1119, was founded by crusaders as a military order in a leper hospital in Jerusalem. While this group was eventually used as a military force later in the twelfth century, it was originally a group of hospitallers made recognisable by their distinct green-and-white cross crest.

The order prevailed through the medieval period, receiving protection from King Philip IV of France and eventually working closely with the Roman Catholic Church. While originally being interwoven with leper treatment, the order pivoted to maintaining proper birth conditions well into the 1800s.

While the order became embroiled and eventually dissolved in the fallout of the French Revolution, its green-and-white cross became synonymous with health.

The cross, in red form, was adopted by the Geneva Convention in 1864 as an inversion of the Swiss flag. As wars raged on, the first aid symbol eventually became synonymous with “don’t shoot!” and to signpost the safety of medics and nurses on the frontline.

Both forms now coexist – the red cross is synonymous with the aptly named Red Cross humanitarian charity and the green is used to signpost first-aid-related entities.

The Importance of First Aid and its Sign

Under The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, it is the legal requirement of the employer to enable first aid to occur should someone fall ill at work.

As part of these regulations, a first aid box and an appointed officer should be on-site at all times. A first aid box must be adequately signposted in case of emergency, so an appropriate use of a first aid sign is also legally required.

In essence, a workplace should have an appropriate sign and equipment to direct workers when an accident occurs. Panic can quickly set in, which makes signs and labels that much more essential.

Research in 2018 showed that only 5% of adults have the confidence and skills to act in an emergency. Labels may seem small, but having something objective to hold onto in these moments can be the difference between acting calmly and losing confidence.

First Aid Signs From Label Source

We stock a range of first aid signs in various shapes, sizes and designs. No matter where you work, we’ll have something for you.

A lockout-tagout system ensures industrial equipment stays safe when it is not in operation.

So, should an engineer or maintenance staff attend to a piece of machinery, this system ensures the machine is completely shut off and that all potentially hazardous power sources are isolated.

Below, we discuss what lockout-tagout is, its steps, and the place lockout-tagout labels have in the process.

Lockout-Tagout Definition

Before explaining the procedure, it’s important to know what is meant by “lockout” and “tagout”.

Lockout/Tagout refers to the prevention of turning on a machine by employees or persons. This is done by a series of locks, as well as a procedure which completely shuts said machine down.

The lock, or tagout device, indicates that the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the device has been unlocked and removed.

The Lockout-Tagout Steps

Sometimes, an engineer has to perform maintenance on a machine they have never seen before. This can happen on any day at any time, so there is a possibility that nobody on-site can help said engineer negotiate the complex machine and keep them safe.

Lockout-tagout steps mean an engineer can follow a standardised, specific series of actions to stay safe. These steps are as follows:

• Draft equipment procedures – A detailed, step-by-step procedure should be in writing discussing the equipment’s location and its energy sources.

• Inform staff – Staff should be aware of where, when, and at what exact time maintenance will be occurring. Not only does this allow staff to stay in the loop, but it ensures that the equipment isn’t accidentally turned on at any point.

• Explain equipment shutdown – Explain the shutdown process in minute detail. This step is essential – it must not contain any generalisations and it must explain every part of the shutdown in a detailed fashion.

• Explain the disconnection of primary energy sources – Be as detailed as possible. Generalisations, once again, are not acceptable in this step. Explain how primary energy sources – electricity, steam, water, gas, compressed air, etc. – can be disconnected according to the procedure.

• Explain the disconnection of secondary energy sources – As above, explain how to disconnect secondary energy sources. Trapped heat, fumes or tension in springs all have an element of danger, so explain the process of releasing pressure and residual energy from the equipment’s system.

• Lockout/Tagout – Once the above steps are complete, double-check all of the above has been tended to and then lockout/tagout the equipment. There should be as many locks on the system as there are people working on it, so if there are four engineers performing maintenance, then four locks should be used. Only one key should be in circulation, too. Finally, apply an appropriate lockout/tagout tag.

• Verify the lockout – Verify that the system is locked out. There are several methods to do this, including engaging the machine's buttons to test the response, visual inspection of electrical connections, valves, etc. and direct testing of the equipment while checking temperature gauges, pressure gauges and circuitry by a qualified electrician.

• Perform maintenance – Once the maintenance has been completed, undo the locks and/or tagout tags. Ensure the work area has no tools or items left behind, confirm that all persons are away from hazardous areas, check whether controls are in a neutral position, remove devices and, finally, re-energise the equipment. As a final step, notify employees that maintenance has been completed.

What Does the Law Say?

According to the Provision of Work Equipment Regulations:

“Every employer shall ensure, that where appropriate, work equipment is provided with suitable means to isolate it from all its sources of energy.”

As for employers, the regulation states:

“every employer shall take appropriate measures to ensure that reconnection of any energy source to work equipment does not expose any person using the equipment to any risk to his health or safety.”

Get Your Lockout-Tagout Labels Here

Lockout-tagout requires the use of plastic lockout tags to convey information and ensure the above steps are followed.

All of our range complies with the latest regulations, so browse our lockout products today.

We have officially joined The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF), the leading trade body for the safety industry in the UK.

Founded in 1994, the BSIF is the leading association for the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Directive, as well as being recognised as a “competent authority” by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). This means the BSIF has active links with the government and over 130 trading bodies.

We’re set to join its 210 members from across the length and breadth of manufacturing and distribution of safety-related products.

What Does This Mean For Us?

For us, our membership with the BSIF means we are now officially recognised for applying the most current of health and safety guidelines to our product ranges. This includes standard products, bespoke customer designs and everything in between.

This means customers like you can enjoy peace of mind that we comply with current regulations.

The BSIF is a key independent voice, and its association with us is a major sign of trust. Through the BSIF, we are able to demonstrate the following qualities:

• A commitment to safety and ethics in our industry.
• By working with other members of the BSIF, we can deliver enhanced safety messages as well as see more opportunities to develop the market.
• Attain support from the BSIF in exports, activities, networking and exhibitions, especially through UKT&I schemes.

Overall, this collaboration means we will be able to provide the best products to those who matter: our customers.

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Find out more about Label Source here. To keep up with the latest signs, labels and health and safety news, be sure to follow our Facebook and Twitter.

Fluorescent tapes are used in workplaces for the marking of equipment, buildings, aisles, corridors, etc. Depending on the place of work, they are either used sparingly or are essential to maintaining safety or general organisation.

Whether they’re a regular part of your workplace or a novel addition, we break down how, where and when to use fluorescent tapes.

How to Use Fluorescent Tapes

Fluorescent tapes are vividly coloured and self-adhesive, making them suitable at marking equipment, hazard identification, and building fixtures, aisles, corridors, staircases, barriers, etc.

Namely, these fluorescent tapes are ideal for highlighting key areas. However, tapes need to be placed and applied properly in order to function well.

Proper use of fluorescent tapes depends on whether they are being used on equipment or marking hazards and fixtures.

Using Fluorescent Tapes on Equipment and Fixtures

When marking equipment, fixtures or hazards follow these guidelines:

• Place the reflective tape near the left or right outside edges of equipment so they can easily be seen. For fixtures and hazards, ensure the tape is placed in an area that can easily be seen from all angles.
• Tape should be placed on the extreme projections of larger equipment too, to ensure that it can be seen.
• Ensure the tape is affixed properly, firmly and neatly. Having tape that isn’t affixed or at obtuse angles can make them difficult to see.
• The tape used to highlight hazards should be accompanied by appropriate safety signage.

Overall, you want equipment to be seen easily when using fluorescent tapes. Not only does it need to be seen by people on foot, but giving plenty of notice to fast-moving vehicles also needs to be considered.

Where and When to Use Fluorescent Tapes

Fluorescent tapes can be used in a variety of industries, namely:

• Agriculture – Fluorescent tapes are often used on farm equipment such as tractors and other mobile equipment, especially considering that the majority of a farmer’s work starts at dawn.
• Staging and events – Most stage-based events need proper marking, meaning fluorescent tapes can be used to signpost equipment, key points on the stage, or aisles between spectator seating.
• Factories – Equipment, hallways and shelves can be marked in factories to ensure they remain identifiable.
• Roadworks – Roadworks can rely on fluorescent tapes on equipment so they remain visible to drivers.

Stock Up on Fluorescent Tapes

Looking for fluorescent gaffer tape? Then check out the full range from Label Source. We stock a wide array of tapes, including orange, yellow, red, blue, green and pink colours.

Marking floors and items is made easy with a tape applicator and dispenser, but its efficiency, effectiveness and safe use rely on a person using it properly.

Lots of places of work rely on the correct marking of floors and items to keep things running. Factories, for example, rely on properly marked flaws to help manage forklift traffic and the organisation of employees.

With just a few rolls of tape, a disorganised factory floor can become an inch-perfect workplace optimised for safety and efficiency.
Below, we discuss the uses of automatic tape dispensers, as well as how to use a tape applicator properly.

What is a tape dispenser called?

There are several different types of tape dispensers, so they can also often come under different names. A handheld tape dispenser, for example, may also be referred to as a tape gun or tape applicator.

How do I set up a floor tape dispenser?

To use a floor tape applicator, you must first apply self-adhesive floor tape to the sticker dispenser. Make sure it is placed properly before then using the tape on sealed floor surfaces. Never use the applicator on floors which are not sealed as this will lead to tape that is poorly affixed to the floor.

Essentially, floor tape applicators should be used on warehouse floors, aisles, clean corridors and assembly and sports halls.

Following the placement of the tape to the dispenser, simply press down on the handle and walk slowly and steadily in a straight line to ensure the tape sticks to the floor and remains neat.

How do you set up a handheld tape dispenser?

To set up a handheld tape dispenser, insert a new roll of tape into the tape dispenser after taking the old one out. Pull a few inches of tape off the end or the roll, then thread it through the roller and teeth until the tape is pulled taut.

All that’s left to do is simply push the tape onto the wheel of the dispenser, with the sticky side facing down.

Why use a tape gun?

If you know how to set up a tape gun (or how to load a tape dispenser), you’ll likely find that it has many more uses than you originally expected. Any time you need to quickly apply tape, your tape dispenser will be there to help you out.

Floor Markings with a Tape Gun

Businesses use tape applicators for a number of reasons, but the major motivation for businesses applying lines and stickers over their floors is to streamline and organise the workplace. For some businesses, it is essential to maximising efficiencies.

If places like factories had no floor organisation, they would be akin to chaos. Floor markings are a cost-effective option to shore up the long-term maintenance of walking traffic, as well as segregate two lanes of traffic for vehicles.

Floor markings can also synergise with safety symbols, meaning they can be an essential tool in workplaces having effective safety protocols.

Processing and Packaging

Once you know how to load a tape gun, whether handheld, floor-marking or otherwise, a tape gun can be used to seal boxes, package items, make quick repairs and more.

Find Your New Tape Applicator Today

Considering a tape applicator? Then browse the range of tape applicators and dispensers here at Label Source.