Write and seal labels are underappreciated unless you work with them regularly. They are a foundational part of inspection and maintenance, thanks to their ability to communicate information swiftly.

However, you need to know how to use write and seal labels for them to function properly. If information is incorrect, for example, then they are rendered useless. Improper write and seal labels are a one-way road to poor maintenance and calibration.

Below, we discuss the importance of write and seal labels, as well as how to use them properly.

Write and Seal Labels: How They Work and What They Do

In total, you can purchase write and seal calibration labels, asset labels and PAT test labels. These look roughly the same, but will convey different information:

• Write and seal calibration labels contain the calibrator’s signature, date of calibration and when the next calibration is due.
• Write and seal asset labels communicate the asset number, which helps with asset tracking and theft prevention.
• Write and seal PAT test labels communicate when an electrical appliance has been tested, by whom and when.

This information is essential, helping to make sure specific equipment is safe and running as it should. These labels can be in place for several years, so they need to stay intact. How do they do this, you ask?

Well, the hint is in the name. Write and seal labels have a two-part construction made up of a base material and a laminate sheet. This means the label is written on, then sealed via laminate to keep it intact.

Without write and seal labels, it would be difficult to keep track of when key assets need maintenance. In fact, when you look at the number of industries that use these labels, you start to appreciate their utility.

Write and seal labels are used in the following industries: 

• Hospitals and medical research
• Equipment numbering
• Pressure testing
• Maintenance and repairs
• Defence
• Marine
• Aerospace

No matter which industry write and seal labels are used in, though, they need to be used properly.

How to Use Write and Seal Labels

The first step is writing on the label. Ensure you use a marker that can be easily read, and print the information clearly.

A write and seal label usually contains three pre-printed phrases which dictate the information you need to write:

• “Signed”
• “Date”
• “Next Due Date”

All the information written on the label must be correct as it is difficult to amend this afterwards.

Following that, simply pull the laminate backing paper away and press it firmly down on the front of the label.

Finally, stick the write and seal label in a place that can be clearly seen. It’s an easy process but rushing it or making a mistake can have a negative knock-on effect.

Get High-Quality Write and Seal Labels Today

If you’re working with equipment that needs calibration or testing, then you can’t skip out on write and seal labels.

Get your write and seal labels today.

Valve fixing is essential to keep valve tags in place. Without split rings or valve connectors, valve tags wouldn’t be secure, which would leave pipes and valves less organised and potentially dangerous.

However, valve fixing needs to be done properly. If you don’t know how to fix valves or use split rings properly, then you’ll run into problems.

Find out what valve tags are and how to use split rings and valve connectors below.

What Are Valve Tags?

In simple terms, a valve tag is a tag attached to a valve, usually at the end of the pipe. Valve marking tags identify valves, pressure regulators, drainage points, control levers and other valve-related equipment.

This is to help with maintenance and to keep workers safe (and they keep our homes and businesses a lot less leaky too).

The process of valve marking is there to convey specific information. These tags can identify the type of piping, whether the water will be hot, when the pipes were last tested, how the valve should be used, etc.

It’s one of those small aspects of plumbing and maintenance that you can take for granted. But surprisingly, these small tags are a major reason for the reduction in hot water and steam injuries during repairs.

How to Use Split Rings and Valve Connectors

For the process of valve fixing to work, you need to use valve connectors and split rings properly. These keep the tags affixed to the valve safely.

Split rings are most commonly used as keyrings, but they have numerous uses. Our range of split rings use nickel-plated steel, so they will last for a long period of time.

So, how do you use split rings? Simply place the split ring through the hole in the valve tag, as you would your keys. Then affix the tag and split ring to the base of the valve.

To keep this tag more secure, you can use valve connectors. These are a selection of chains that help with valve fixing. At Label Source, we sell three varieties:

• Jack chain
• Ball chain
• S-hook chain

These can be used in conjunction with a split ring to mount tags. By using a valve connector, you can affix a tag around wider pipes or valves more securely.

Get Reliable Valve Connectors and Split Rings

Get your valve connectors, split rings and other valve fixing products from Label Source. We ensure your valve tags stay affixed permanently.

A lot is written about how to get your labels and signs seen, but not enough is documented about how to keep them safe. Investing in high-quality labels is a waste if they end up damaged, worn down or destroyed through use.

This is where laminated safety labels come in. For specific industries, we highly recommend laminating all of your labels. For others, it’s nice to have, and the investment might be worth your time.

Should you need convincing, we’ve discussed laminated vs non-laminated safety signs below. We’ve also broken down how to laminate labels efficiently at home, too.

Laminated vs Non-Laminated Safety Signs

Laminated safety labels are useful in industries which handle corrosive or dangerous materials. These labels are common in industries such as:

• Chemical engineering
• Scientific research
• Metal production
• Manufacturing
• Oil and petroleum processing

You may still need laminated labels or signs even if your business does not fall within the above industries.

For example, if your business is one that handles goods regularly or posesses signs which are exposed to high levels of moisture or heat, lamination may be a savvy method to both improve product quality and save on replacement purchases.

Spillages, emissions and general wear and tear can degrade non-laminated labels quickly. When considering when to laminate labels, you’ll need to review how often your labels and signs are handled, what chemicals they are exposed to and whether the difficulty reading them is increasing.

In general, laminated labels will always perform better than non-laminated variants. However, the value in this is dependent on your industry.

All laminated safety signs and labels must comply with ISO EN 1710 and the Safety Signs and Signals Regulations 1996.

How to Laminate Labels

If you have a selection of labels and signs you wish to laminate, then you can do so from home. To laminate, you will need:

• Laminating pouches
• Laminator
• Signs or labels

Simply place your label or sign within a laminating pouch, then run them through your laminator. Ensure you are using a high-quality pouch and laminator for this for consistent results.

Poorly laminated signs can be difficult to read and, if your employees or customers cannot read a sign and an accident occurs, you will be liable.

Investing in this equipment may not be in your best interest financially, so purchasing pre-laminated options are recommended. 

Get Pre-Laminated Safe Labels Today

To save time and money, buy laminated safety labels from Label Source today.

All of our laminated signs are waterproof, abrasion-proof and chemical resistant. They are also stocked in rolls of 250 labels, so you’ll always get a cost-effective solution.

Security marking stencils are becoming a popular, cost-effective option to keep assets safe.

One major benefit of a stencil is that it acts as a permanent asset tag. While assets tags have their benefits – which we have already discussed in our blog ‘What Are Asset Tags and the Benefits of Asset Tracking?’ – having a permanent, more explicit option can sometimes work better.

Discover what security marking is and the benefits of marking with stencils below.

What is Security Marking?

Security marking refers to the practice of marking assets to deter theft. Marking stencils not only prevent thefts before they happen, but they also allow for stolen goods to be tracked and found more easily.

The police always recommend that assets, especially valuable assets, are security marked. Security markings can convey whatever information the inscriber wishes, but noting information down such as a postcode, security code or a barcode is recommended.

Security marking allows businesses to etch permanent information on their products. Mostly used for IT and electrical equipment, etching prevents them from being removed easily. Stencilled information can be scratched or gouged away, but this always causes marks on the asset.  Manipulating the security stencil leaves behind clear signs to would-be buyers that the asset is stolen.

The Benefits of Security Marking Stencils

As mentioned, a major benefit of security marking stencils is their permanence. They provide a sense of safety for the most valuable assets a business owns – once it is marked, a business doesn’t need to worry about changing or updating the asset’s information.

There are a number of other benefits:

• Stencils are versatile and can be used on a range of asset materials such as plastic, metal and glass.
• Stencils are tamperproof and can be laminated to increase their resilience.
• Stencils are easily customisable, so businesses can decide exactly what type of information they want on them.
• Stencils use environmentally friendly compounds despite being permanent.

<h2>Get Your Security Marking Stencils Today</h2>

If you think you can benefit from permanent asset tags like stencils, then our range is for you.

Keep your assets safe with our security marking stencils today.