To ensure that equipment, some vehicles, rolling stock and industrial plant is in good operating condition, it is important that these are lubricated, greased or oiled at regular intervals. This is to prevent malfunctions or breakdowns in mechanical equipment utilising ball bearings in universal or ball joints. This can include loader arms and winches, hydraulic pistons, and drive shaft joints.

Label Source has a range of products to identify points that require lubrication for routine maintenance, with others that can record the last and next maintenance period for lubrication.

Barcode types or symbologies can be confusing with some end users having trouble in identifying the best one to suit their application. Below is a summary of the more popular types of barcode, covering linear or one dimensional and two dimensional types.

Code 39 is a popular means of labelling assets, property and warehouse racking. It is alphanumeric barcode system, which allows a combination of serial numbering with prefix or suffix lettering. It does not have a built in check digit, and has a low data density (meaning that it takes more space). As a consequence of the density, it is not suitable for labelling of small goods. This linear barcode system is commonly ideal for a maximum of 8-10 characters.

Code 128 is another one dimensional barcode type. Again it can provide alphanumeric barcodes. It does have the advantage of providing a check digit for verification, and with it being a high density format, which makes it more space efficient than code 39, allowing longer strings of data. This code is used for product marking, asset tagging, inventory control labels and stickers for warehouse racking applications. GS1 is a subset of code 128 and is used in packaging and shipping, where the first part of the barcode identifier is customer specific.

Interleaved 2 of 5 is a numeric only one dimensional barcode symbology, with digits interleaved to form a single symbol. It is high in data density , but can only handle even numbers of digits. It is used mainly in warehousing and distribution on documents, packages, shipping boxes, pallets and containers. The horizontal bars at the top and bottom of the barcode are to reduce the possibility of misreading on scanning.

EAN 8 and EAN 13 (8 digits and 13 digits respectively) are the recognised system for barcode marking in globally traded retail products, and incorporate details of the manufacturer, product type, pack size etc.. EAN stands for European Article Number (although this has become international), and includes country of origin, manufacturer, product and check digit. At the point of sale these barcodes  can present information on price, expiration date and batch production date, as well as supporting stock control and product re-ordering.

QR codes are one of the main two-dimensional or matrix. The QR signifies Quick Response and originated in the automotive industry, and have greater storage capacity and fast readability. The can be numeric or alphanumeric, but have the added advantage for product marketing, as these barcodes can be linked to individual URLs, and can be used in commercial applications for tracking, and for product and service advertising. For applications with a small surface area, there is a Micro QR version. QR codes can contain up to 4296 alphanumeric characters, and has an error correction capability. This can be read by mobile phones.

Data Matrix is another two-dimensional or 2D barcode system. This square patterned alphanumeric barcode is more compact than the QR code, and it is often preferred when marking small items or components, especially in electronic, pharmaceutical and aerospace markets. Once more, it can be read by smart phones. These can contain up to 2335 alphanumeric characters Logos can be included in the centre of the barcode as this does not affect readability, which is contained on the perimeter. Data Matrix has a high storage capacity and correction capability, and are smaller in size allowing them to be generally used in asset marking, and product tracking.

A further 2D coding system is Aztec, which is used widely in the healthcare sector for patient, blood product and specimen identification, and transport applications. It has the potential to offer less space to contain data, because it does not have a quiet zone (a blank space needed by other systems when being scanned). This cannot be read by mobile phones, but only by dimensional imaging devices, thus adding an element of security. Aztec codes offer high levels of error correction to prevent mis-scanning. The size can vary on this system, therefore allowing for huge amounts of data to be stored, but it does not support Kana or Kanji characters, unlike QR codes.

Label Source can produce labels incorporating barcodes to customer design. These are available in a wide range of sizes and a diverse range of materials, including self-adhesive substrates including paper, vinyl, polyester, polypropylene, aluminium foil, tamper evident polyester, destructible vinyl and aluminium.

One of the most common problems with pressure sensitive adhesive labels is the selection of the correct adhesive to meet your requirements. If unsuitable adhesive products are used this can lead to poor bonding with your object surface, leading to easy peeling or, in the worst scenario, even falling off completely.

Many factors can impact on the selection of the correct adhesive type. These can include;

1.       If your label is meant to be permanent or temporary, indoor or outdoor.

2.       Differing surfaces on which the label is to be applied. Some materials such as low energy plastics, rubber, powder or paint coated finishes on metals or galvanised steel can prove to be more difficult and not suitable for lower specification adhesives.

3.       Surface textures. Is your surface smooth and flat, curved, stippled or textured, or uneven?

4.       Operating conditions. This can include low or high temperature use, high levels of humidity, presence of moisture, resistant to chemicals, excessive ultra-violet light or need to be flame retardant.

Bear in mind that most adhesives prefer to be applied at temperatures of 10° C, and need to be applied to clean, dry, dust free surfaces, with an absence of oil or silicone sprays. On treated surfaces, after initial application, the adhesive will continue to cure and fuse to the surface, to create a secure bond after 24-72 hours.

Label Source has a wealth of experience in handling a wide range of adhesive and material types. If you have experienced any problems, why not give us a call? Our technical advice department will be able to discuss your applications and come up with products to suit. For further information please contact Label Source by e-mail on sales@labelsource.co.uk or by telephone 0800 3761693 or 01443 842769.

Recent research by The Independent has revealed that more than half a million social homes in England fail to meet the most basic health and safety standards. Almost a quarter of a million of those properties were regarded as containing a category one safety hazard, which refers to incredibly dangerous safety issues such as inadequate security, vermin infestations, dangerous boilers, exposed wiring and overloaded electricity sockets. These statistics are particularly worrying in the face of the recent Grenfell Tower Fire tragedy, in which it is believed around 80 people died due to disastrous health and safety failures. 

Bad health and safety issues are not only confined to social housing either, as it is believed that millions more are suffering the same fate in privately rented properties across the UK. This is why it is important to ensure your tenant's housing meets the required health and safety standards at all times. Increased pressure will be placed upon government ministers, local councils and housing associations to improve social housing, which is why you should be ahead of the game when it comes to improving health and safety within your own letting properties. 

Something as simple as safety signs can make a big difference to the outcome of a dangerous situation. Here's a look at some of the necessary safety signs to ensure the safety of your tenants at all times.

Access and Emergency Safety Signs 

Acess and Emergency Safety signs play an essential part in ensuring tenants know what steps to take in the occasion of a fire. Signs that state things as simple as 'This area to be kept clear at all times' or 'Fire door keep shut' can make the difference between life and death in those situations.

Fire action safety signs are crucial to ensuring tenants know the safest routes out of the building. On the fire action safety signs that we stock here at Label Source we also include a blank area to write precisely where the fire assembly point in your building is. To browse our full collection of Access and Emergency Safety Signs, just click here. 

We also have a range of other safety signs that fit health and safety requirements in all buildings. These include: 

• Access and Escape Safety Signs 

• Projecting Fire Equipment Safety Signs 

• General Hazard Warning Signs

Plus many more categories, which you can browse at your leisure here. 

If you have any custom requirements for your health and safety signs, feel free to get in touch with us on 0800 3761 693 or contact us here. 

When working in an industrial environment, you need the Industrial Labels to match. From custom made to the ability to cope with outdoor weather, you need an industrial label that fits all of your requirements. That's why here at Label Source, we stock a multitude of different labels suitable for whatever purpose you require. Here's a look at some of our most popular ranges.

Industrial Labels for all purposes: 

Custom Made Asset Industrial Labels

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In any workplace, Asset Tagging is a necessary requirement to ensure the safe keeping of your property. Labeling your machinery, tools or equipment with your own Industrial Labels is a sure-fire way to keep your company uniform and safe from thieves. For many companies, maintaining the brand image with a logo etc. is the best way to do just this - which is why we have our very own Custom Asset Tag maker here at Label Source. Here you can create your own Custom Asset Industrial Labels with ease. Just click here to find out more.

Safety Industrial Labels

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No matter what kind of industrial environment you work in, Safety Signs are an essential part of any workplace. Ensure your workers are in the know by labeling all equipment correctly and safely notifying them of any health risks. From Hazard Warning Signs to Personal Protection Signs, we have everything you could need to ensure your workplace is correctly signed with industrial labels. Our safety label signs are strong and durable, meaning they will keep your workers safe for years to come. 

Hazardous Substances & Chemical Industrial Labels

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Hazardous Substances & Chemical Industrial Labels are vastly important in any industrial facility that deals with chemicals. Wherever chemicals or potentially harmful substances are involved, there should be an industrial label to notify workers of this. All of our Hazardous Substances & Chemical Industrial Labels are compliant with the BS 5278 and Safety Signs and Signals Regulations 1996, so you can be sure you're meeting health and safety regulations with these industrial labels. To make them even more sturdy, these labels also come in rigid plastic, alongside self-adhesive vinyl, and self-adhesive tapes. 

To view more of our industrial label ranges, simply click here! Alternatively, you can get in touch or call us on 0800 3761 693.