In working life, there are a number of hazards an employee can encounter on a day-to-day basis. This increases when somebody works in a factory or manufacturing setting, mainly due to the machinery they work with.

Machinery brings with it unique dangers, with one of these being machinery entrapment. Machinery entrapment can be costly for both human life and company pockets, so it’s important that employers know how to prevent it.

Below, we discuss the meaning of trapping hazards, how to prevent entrapment and the cost of employers ignoring the dangers of their own machinery.  

Entrapment Hazard Definition

For many people, an entrapment hazard can become their worst nightmare. An entrapment hazard is defined as something or somewhere that could trap the worker. An example of this is a confined space, where workers can become stuck.

So, what is machinery entrapment? Machinery entrapment refers to when a worker’s limb is caught in a machine – this can be anything from warehouse equipment to vehicles. Scary stuff, right? 

How to Prevent Entrapment in the Workplace

The solution to preventing entrapment in the workplace is threefold: risk assessments, good training and proper labelling.

A proper risk assessment means reviewing each piece of equipment and listing:

• The best ways to prevent injury.
• The type of injury that is likely to occur.
• The response in the event an injury occurs.

As part of this risk assessment, labelling should be mentioned. It is important that entrapment hazards in all working places are clearly marked. If there is a chance that a worker could be hurt by possible entrapment in any area, to comply with health and safety requirements, there should be sign warning workers of the risk. 

Case Study

In 2017, Warburtons were fined 1.9million for an entrapment hazard which caused a worker to sustain significant friction burn which required a skin graft. Mr. Thrope passed away in the hospital less than two weeks later, though doctors stated this was due to a kidney infection and heart condition, not the friction burn. 

Mr. Thrope had decided to clean dough which had fallen in between the tins when his right arm became entrapped between the conveyer belt and the molder. There were no signs displayed which warned this Warburton worker of the entrapment hazard at hand and no buttons which could be reached easily if someone was trapped by this machine. 

This is a clear example of why entrapment hazards should be considered utmost importance and employers should avoid accidents like this at all costs.

Entrapment Hazard Labels

Label Source stock plenty of high-quality entrapment hazard labels which will notify all workers of potential areas and machinery which could cause accidents. 

Here's a look at some of the range:

Caution Entrapment Hazard Symbol and Text Safety Sign

Self-adhesive Vinyl or Rigid Plastic

Foot Entrapment Hazard Symbol Safety Sign 

Self-adhesive vinyl or rigid plastic 

Machinery Entrapment Hazard Safety Symbol

Self-adhesive vinyl or rigid plastic 

Browse High-Quality Entrapment Hazard Labels Today

Entrapment hazard labels are essential for workplaces that use machinery. Browse a range of entrapment hazard labels in our machine hazard sign range today. We also stock a variety of safety signs.

Consider checking out our other blog content, such as our post Asphyxiation: What is Confined Space?, which may interest you.

If you would like any help or to ask us about any custom-made safety labels, just get in touch on 0800 3761 693. 

As well as pre-made tags, we also supply a diverse range of blank tags that are ready for engraving. There are a number of different reasons why blank tags are needed, so we have a selection for you to choose from. Blank tags can be used in a number of different ways, to mark machinery, as key ring tags, valve tags, asset tags, name tags and many more. 

They can be used in practically any industry and can be personalised to match many different requirements. We stock brass, steel and aluminium blank tags so you can pick what best suits your requirements, and have them engraved with whatever you need. 

All of our blank tags for engraving are top-quality, created to be both highly durable and attractive. We offer a range of different shapes and sizes to fit your needs and even offer a range of colours so that you can differentiate between the tags. Here are some of the blank tags we offer that are appropriate for engraving: 

Galvanised Steel Tags 

If you need something particularly strong, these tags are very resilient due to their zinc oxide coating. They are resistant to rust, abrasion, immersion in salt water and anti-corrosive. They also last in temperatures of +200c so they are practical in almost every environment. Have them engraved with whatever you require and be assured they will last.

Anodised Aluminium Tags

We have a range of round or square blank tags for engraving. The metal tags can be used to mark machinery as well as a number of other uses. They are particularly versatile as they are corrosive resistant, non-toxic, lightweight and have good thermal and electrical conductivity. 

Coloured Aluminium Tags 

If you fancy something a bit more diverse or have a number of tags that will need to be easily recognisable, our range of coloured aluminium blank tags are perfect for engraving. Use them for colour-coded identification and have them engraved with whatever you require. 

We have a diverse range of tags, labels and signage here at Label Source, and hope we have whatever you require. If you would like to talk to a member of our friendly team and get help choosing products that best suit your needs call us on, 0800 3761 693.

Here at Label Source, we pride ourselves on being able to provide a huge range of signs, stickers, and labels for all occasions. We understand that everyone has different requirements and try to cater for all of these. The range of choice may seem overwhelming, so we’ve created this blog post to explain the various label material types, so you can pick the right label material for your needs.

Self-Adhesive Paper

This general label type is ideal for stationary use or where temporary labels are needed. Cost-effective and reliable, these get the job done. Often used in office environments or for packaging, these are easy to write on and come in a range of designs and colours.

Of course, paper labels will eventually get damaged with wear so if you need something that will last we would recommend looking into more hardy label materials. 

Self-Adhesive Vinyl

These are sturdier and longer lasting than their paper alternative. Self-adhesive vinyl is resistant to liquids and is more difficult to damage. They are ideal for indoor use but can also be used in covered outside areas that do not face particularly harsh elements. Like paper, they can also be printed upon. 

Although sturdier than paper, there is a chance that self-adhesive vinyl can wear and begin to un-stick. If you need labels that will constantly face harsher elements or need an outside label that will last, we would advise you to look at a more permanent label material.

Aluminium Foil

We sell an extensive range of aluminium foil labels for a wide range of uses. Unlike some other flimsier label materials, foil can withstand extreme temperatures from minus 45 degrees to up to 130 degrees Celsius. If your labels are to be placed in an environment that exposes them to harsh elements, aluminium foil is a fantastic label material. Unlike general labels, these foil labels won’t become burnt, damaged of unstuck. 

These labels use an extremely strong adhesive, so once they are stuck they are incredibly difficult to remove. This is great for permanent labels and makes them very difficult to steal if you are using them on mobile assets. However, if you plan to move your labels often, you should consider a more suitable label material. 

If you need any advice about which label material types are best for you requirements, we are more than happy to advise! Just give us a ring on, 0800 3761 693.

Chemicals can be very dangerous, and as with any hazardous item, it's important to label chemicals and other substances clearly so that people can identify possible risks.

For instance, if a substance is highly flammable, you should use the appropriate sign or label to make this clear to all.

What does the law say about labelling hazardous chemicals?

Chemical label requirements vary from one country to the next, but here in Britain, the law is currently based on European Regulation No. 1272/2008 (also known as the CLP regulation - CLP stands for 'classification, labelling and packaging'). In England, Wales and Scotland, this regulation is primarily enforced by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive).

Here's what the HSE website has to say about labelling hazardous chemicals:

"Some chemicals need more careful handling than others. Labels can help you identify the more hazardous chemicals, tell you what the hazards are and how to avoid them...where the supplier does conclude that a chemical could cause harm, they are expected to provide information about this on the label...chemical suppliers must use [specific symbols and warnings] where hazardous properties have been identified."

If you are a supplier/manufacturer of potentially hazardous chemicals, it is your duty to label these goods using the appropriate pictograms. Under the CLP regulation, the UK and all other EU member states use the UN's Globally Harmonised System (GHS) to label hazardous chemicals. Standard GHS labels look like this:

These labels and their symbols are recognised internationally, and so all hazardous substances you supply should feature these pictograms as necessary. GHS classifications are explained here.

(Of course, the law may be subject to change when the UK leaves the European Union in March 2019, but given that the GHS is used all over the world - and not just in the EU - there is a good chance that the requirements for chemical labels in this country will remain more or less the same post-Brexit. 

Buy GHS labels >

Here at Label Source, we sell a huge variety of chemical hazard labels and signs bearing GHS-compliant pictograms and warnings. No matter what sort of chemicals you need to label, we can provide a suitable solution - click here to browse all chemical labels and signs.

If you are around hazardous materials, it’s important that everything is correctly labelled to ensure everyone’s safety. Luckily, here at Label Source, we have a huge selection of products that enable you to correctly label any chemical.

There are plenty of different reasons why chemicals need labelling, so here are some of the products we offer. We’ll also cover why hazardous chemical labels are important, as well as the laws you need to know. More...