There are three different tier risk assessment classification. They are defined by their colour, representing low, medium or high assessment level. Based on a risk assessment of exposure limits, these can be marked accordingly with these labels. Also, the labels can be used to quantify the daily or weekly safe limit for use of such equipment. 

       Low                                           Medium                             High

These standards are laid out in the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, and the European directive 2002/44/EC. These measures are to minimise the potential of HAVS (hand arm vibration syndrome) and VWF (vibration white finger) for electrical or pneumatic tools and equipment. There is an obligation on employers to comply with the regulations to prevent workplace injuries taking place when using power tools.

How to prevent Hand and arm vibration syndrome:

·         Ensure tools are maintained

·         Cutting down on smoking

·         Keeping warm

·         Regular exercise

·         Not touching cold items

·         Smoking. Chemicals in Tobacco can affect the blood flow effect 

Hand and Arm Vibration Syndrome can cause significant ill health resulting in long term injuries, affecting the nervous system. This then can lead to numbness in fingers and arms, muscular aches and pains and changes in sensation. This can then be followed by Raynaud’s phenomenon , a painful and disabling disorders of the blood vessels, nerves and joint. Raynaud’s Phenomenon is triggered off buy cold weather, resulting in fingers turning white and cold; then to a blue colour then red. Symptoms can progress if you continue to work with power tools.

Are you at risk of hand and arm vibration syndrome?

Working with any hand held power tools such as

 ·         Concrete breakers

·         Hammer drills

·         Chipping hammer

·         Chainsaws/ hedge trimmer

·         Powered mowers

·         Needle guns

 Then the answer is, yes.

Continue to use these tools and symptoms can become permanent.

Label Source can also help by preventing Hand and Arm Vibration Syndrome. We provide a range of hazard warning safety signs to be displayed in and around the workplace, and labels to be applied to equipment, ensuring that you are taking to right procedures when handling vibration tools. This includes high vibration risk, vibration safety levels and low, medium and high assessment levels. We also provide inspection tags to ensure you that your tools have been maintained. 

If you are worried that you are at risk or may be putting someone at risk by not displaying safety signs please contact our sales office:

On 08003761693 in the UK

or +441443842769 for International calls outside of the UK

or email us on sales@labelsource.co.uk

The European parliament described needle sick injury as ‘one of the most serious health and safety threats in European workplace’. Especially for people working in the healthcare sector where injuries occur at any time when handling needles, syringes or any other needle equipment, which are disassembled or disposed. Other occupations which can also be affected are carers, cleaners and tattoo artists.

The European Agency of Occupational Health and Safety estimates that 1 million needle stick injuries occur every year. This then makes workers more vulnerable and at risk to catching deadly viruses such as hepatitis B and C and HIV. These injuries can expose workers to over 20 different blood borne diseases, as even small amounts of infectious fluid can spread certain diseases effectively, also an injury can cause psychological distress, which is caused by the fear that they may have been infected.

Label Source wants to help you prevent needle stick injuries in the workplace. We provide a range of signs informing you of how to prevent any injuries. Signs which are displayed around the workplace informing people to dispose of used sharps and needles, wear disposal gloves, hand protection, clinical and hazardous waste, clean area and report all accidents, can prevent needle stick injuries from accruing. Our first aid poster, preventing injuries from sharps and needle stick are considered a part of the routine practises by healthcare workers, and other handlers of sharps; so make sure you are following these routine best practices with the help of Label Source.  

Most label printers use thermal technology (heat) to print. However, you can use two different types of thermal printing: direct thermal printing and thermal transfer print.

So, what is thermal printing, and what are the differences between the different types?

What is Thermal Printing?

Thermal printing is a great alternative to laser and inkjet printing, as it requires less maintenance, has a lower cost, and prints almost instantly all while avoiding the bleeding you can get from other forms of printing.

You also, however, need to understand that thermal printing and thermal transfer printing are two different things.      

What is Direct Thermal Printing?

Direct thermal printers apply heat to the paper, turning some parts of it black to form text or images (note that thermal printers use rolls of paper that are specifically designed for this purpose). Thermal printers are most commonly found in shops, where they are used to print customer receipts; since thermal printing requires no ink or toner, it's a cost-effective option.

Direct thermal printers typically have a good shelf life, but they’re not ideal for situations where the printed product will be exposed to sunlight or heat as they’re prone to fading.

In summary, direct thermal labelling is an ideal no-ink solution for labels that don’t need a long life.

What is Thermal Transfer Printing?

Labels that are created via direct thermal printing are not designed to last, and that’s where thermal transfer printing comes in.

Instead of applying heat directly to the paper, thermal transfer printers apply heat to an ink ribbon, which then transfers ink onto the paper.

The downside, of course, is that you have to replenish your printer with a new ribbon from time to time. Still, if you are making labels for inventory, barcoding, or asset tagging, the extra expense is well worth it - thermal transfer labels last a lot longer than standard thermal labels, and they're far more scratch- and abrasion-resistant, too.

When using thermal transfer printing, you also have the benefit of being able to use different types of transfer ribbons that help you to achieve different results.

Thermal Transfers with Label Source

To Recap:

• Direct thermal labelsare cheap, but not suitable for long-term applications
• Thermal transfer labelsare far more durable and less prone to fading, making them great for long-term use

Now that you know how they work, click here to see our collection of thermal transfer labels and other consumables.

You can find all the safety signs, labels, and products you need here at Label Source. Start browsing or get in touch today to find out more.

It is that time of year again; winter is slowly drawing in on us, which means only one thing... Flu season!! Flu is one of the most common causes of sickness absence throughout the winter. It can easily be spread and very unpleasant. Label Source wants to help prevent flu spreading by assisting you with hygiene signs in and around the workplace.

One way to help prevent flu would be by washing your hands frequently. This can prevent infectionss and illnesses. It was discovered that, washing your hands with water and soap routinely can prevent you from a number of infections like salmonella, E. coli 0157, and norovirus that causes diarrhea, and it can spread some respiratory infections like adenovirus and hand-foot-mouth disease.

If you are working within a fast environment, where you feel you do not have the time or access to wash your hands regularly, an easy way to do so would be the use of hand santitisers. This is particularly good if you work in healthcare, where patients are vulnerable to infections and germs. The environment must also be kept clean to prevent germs and infections spreading.

Label Source can help you prevent the spread of germs by displaying personal hygiene signs. We provide a range of signs for personal hygiene, hand washing, hand sanitising, skin protection, hand protection, hair protection and clean areas. These signs can be used within many different industries such as healthcare, catering, manufacturing, food processing, retail and many more. This can prevent the amount of sick days people are taking, as research by the Co-Operative Pharmacy estimated that, 7.6 million working days a year are lost to flu, costing the British economy £1.35Bn.

Label Source wants you to have a healthy winter, so make sure your hygiene signs are displayed to prevent the dreaded flu! Together we can beat flu.

Any questions hygiene signs please contact or sales office:

On 08003761693 in the UK

or +441443842769 for International calls outside of the UK

or email us on sales@labelsource.co.uk