Many powered tools, equipment or machinery, used in the workplace, can cause injury from vibration, particularly if used for extended periods of time. These injuries can include hand and arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), vibration white finger (VWF) and whole body vibration excavators, dumpers, tractors etc.).

These are non-reversible injuries to blood vessels, muscles, nerves and joints in the hand and arm, and can result in pain and cold sensations, numbness, tingling and loss of sensation, loss of light touch, loss of grip strength or dexterity, blanching or whitening of fingers when exposed to cold, and bone cysts in fingers and wrists.

Sectors using such power tools are concentrated in construction, manufacturing, engineering, motor vehicle repair, mining and quarrying, agriculture, fisheries and in utilities. Hand held tools (such as grinders, hammer drills, needle guns or band saws), hand guided machinery (e.g. lawnmowers, chain saws, or compactors) or hand feeding to vibrating machinery (i.e. pedestal grinders) each provide vibration risks.

All such equipment should be risk assessed for the rate of vibration and safe period of use as outlined in the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 and the European Directive 2002/44/EC. Label Source provide a range of equipment labels, tags and signs for marking such powered tools, and for educating users on best practice to avoid vibration injuries. This can include the use of tensioners to support the weight of tools, provision of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), instruction and training on correct tool use, as well as regular breaks from use and health screening.

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As part of a programme of measures to tackle noise pollution, some 47 types of appliances need to be clearly marked with their decibel output during operation, as part of the Noise Emission Directive 2000/14/EC (The Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for Outdoor Regulations, 2001).

These include appliances and equipment powered by diesel or petrol, pneumatic or electrical, for use in construction, in civil engineering, forestry, parks and gardens, to control sound power levels.

Common products to be marked with their noise output levels include lawn mowers, trimmers, chain saws, shredders and chippers; dumpers, excavators, concrete mixers, aerial access platforms and mobile cranes; drills, jack hammers, sanders, arc welders, compactors and refuse collection vehicles.

Label Source has supplied many custom printed labels for product applications, not only including noise emission levels, but also company logos and contact details, CE marking, model numbers or serial numbers. These have been manufactured in a range of pressure sensitive labels in pvc or polyester, and in metals (aluminium or stainless steel), with surface laminates and coatings, all suitable for outdoor use. If you require a quotation please contact us by e-mail (sales@labelsource.co.uk) or by telephone 0800 3761693 (in UK) or +44 1443 842769 (outside UK).

A common perception is that all focus on electricity in the rail industry tends to be on track electrification of the railways. This is understandable considering that all media attention is concentrated on large civil engineering projects, such as HS2 or improvements on the Great Western, Midland Main Line or Trans-Pennine, to name a few. However, this is only one part of rail demand for electricity on rolling stock, ground equipment, mobile equipment or other infrastructure on over-ground and underground trains or urban transport (trams and light railways).

Existing track electrification in the UK comprises two separate systems. The majority of electrified track is powered by 25,000 V AC, while some of the older structures (known as “Third rail system”) operates on 660/750 V DC. Both these high voltage systems can hit the headlines, if contact with live lines result in fatalities or serious injuries from electrocution, or from electrical arcing flashing in the near vicinity of the track.

However, the majority of rail vehicles and other rail application equipment operate on low voltage electricity. This can include lighting, wall sockets, air conditioning, battery charging and fans on carriages. All such electronic equipment designed for control, regulation, protection or power supply on rail vehicles has to comply with EN50155 2007. A further standard EN50121 regulates the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of equipment on rolling stock, signalling and telecommunications to enable safe systems of work and operation.

Other low voltage (LV) uses on the rail network are numerous. These include on train stations; information systems; public address systems; ticket barrier entry systems; heating, ventilation and fire alarms; concourse power and lighting. Platform equipment can include; metering systems; track side degreasers; de-icer control equipment; signalling and surge protection; cable shielding systems; electrically operated; catering equipment; and power traction and control systems. At substations there are numerous transformers, electric switchgear, circuit breakers, isolators, converters and allied power supplies.

All these low voltage applications still carry dangers of electrocution on contact with exposed electrical equipment or appliances, which can lead to cardiac arrest, muscle, nerve and tissue damage, thermal burns (off hot surfaces) or electrical burns.

Here, at Label Source, we have supplied a selection of identification products, such as health and safety signs, safe operation signs, electrical hazard warning labels, PAT test labels, plant maintenance labels and signs, microwave oven safety labels, cable and conductor markers. Examples are 110V labels for battery systems, 230 V stickers for power lighting and wall sockets, 400 V markers for air conditioning, air compressors and battery charges, and 650 V labels for two phase signalling power supplies.

Amongst our range of products, we have a selection of products to identify water supply in pipework (both above ground and underground), in pressure vessels, in treatment equipment, and in storage tanks and drums. This includes the supply to domestic, commercial and industrial locations.

The location of underground pipe systems can be identified by either our rot and chemical resistant, polythene underground warning tapes, or by using scratch detectable tape with stainless steel tracer wires. These can assist in locating pipework or surrounding ductwork to prevent damage during excavations by utility or third party contractors. The underground warning tapes include options for reclaimed water, rain water as well as water main, sewer and drain. They are manufactured from 50 micron (0.05mm thickness) virgin grade low-density polyethylene, and contain no PVC. The tapes comply with a number of standards, including: BS2782 for the testing of plastic materials; BS381C for colours; and BS3012 specification for low and intermediate density polythene. The traceable tapes are constructed from 150 micron thick, and the printed details are coated with a transparent layer to provide scratch and chemical resistance. Again, a range of water pipe, drain and sewer options are available.

Pipeline identification tapes can identify the content of water carrying pipes, and are manufactured to BS1710 and BS4800 for construction and colour schemes. Most of the tapes relating to water content tend to be black on green (colour reference 12D45). Our comprehensive range includes drinking water, mains water, chilled water, bore hole water, condensate, hot water, process water, rain water, boiler feed and cold feed. Click this link to see the full range. Also, we have waste water tapes for drain or effluent, and direction of flow tapes.

In addition, there are several tagging options for pipe fittings and valves. There are blank tags or custom printed tags in indoor and outdoor plastics, and metals (aluminium, brass and stainless steel).

At the outlet point, we have a selection of safety labels and signs for drinking water, not drinking water and hot water to ISO EN 1710 and the Safety Signs and Signals Regulations 1996.

If you do not see what you are looking for in the above, please contact us for quotations on custom printed products.

One of the main health risks from contamination in engineering water systems is the bacterial infection Legionella. This bacteria can be transmitted through water vapour or mist and inhaled, hence leading to respiratory infections. The more severe cases are from Legionnaires disease, which can lead to pneumonia , and other secondary  infections, which can lead to death. The milder forms are Pontiac fever, and Lochgilhead fever.

Legionella microorganisms flourish in temperatures of between 25°C and 45°C, particularly, if an abundance of nutrients such as sludge, sediment or rust reside in the water system.  Structures at risk include cooling towers, air conditioning, hot and cold water systems, humidifiers, spa pools, hot tubs and Jacuzzis, decorative water fountains, dental equipment, ice making machines and dishwashers.

It is necessary that an assessment should be undertaken to prevent or control the risks of a Legionella outbreak. This can involve monitoring, inspecting, cleaning, disinfecting, flushing and sampling.

Label Source has supplied various labels to water system inspection companies and UKAS test laboratories to identify monitoring points, decontamination actions, safety procedures and inspection records. For further information on custom printed labels, signs and tags contact us by e-mail (sales@labelsource.co.uk) or by telephone (0800 3761693 in UK or +44 1443 842769 outside UK).