Fluorescent tapes are used in workplaces for the marking of equipment, buildings, aisles, corridors, etc. Depending on the place of work, they are either used sparingly or are essential to maintaining safety or general organisation.

Whether they’re a regular part of your workplace or a novel addition, we break down how, where and when to use fluorescent tapes.

How to Use Fluorescent Tapes

Fluorescent tapes are vividly coloured and self-adhesive, making them suitable at marking equipment, hazard identification, and building fixtures, aisles, corridors, staircases, barriers, etc.

Namely, these fluorescent tapes are ideal for highlighting key areas. However, tapes need to be placed and applied properly in order to function well.

Proper use of fluorescent tapes depends on whether they are being used on equipment or marking hazards and fixtures.

Using Fluorescent Tapes on Equipment and Fixtures

When marking equipment, fixtures or hazards follow these guidelines:

• Place the reflective tape near the left or right outside edges of equipment so they can easily be seen. For fixtures and hazards, ensure the tape is placed in an area that can easily be seen from all angles.
• Tape should be placed on the extreme projections of larger equipment too, to ensure that it can be seen.
• Ensure the tape is affixed properly, firmly and neatly. Having tape that isn’t affixed or at obtuse angles can make them difficult to see.
• The tape used to highlight hazards should be accompanied by appropriate safety signage.

Overall, you want equipment to be seen easily when using fluorescent tapes. Not only does it need to be seen by people on foot, but giving plenty of notice to fast-moving vehicles also needs to be considered.

Where and When to Use Fluorescent Tapes

Fluorescent tapes can be used in a variety of industries, namely:

• Agriculture – Fluorescent tapes are often used on farm equipment such as tractors and other mobile equipment, especially considering that the majority of a farmer’s work starts at dawn.
• Staging and events – Most stage-based events need proper marking, meaning fluorescent tapes can be used to signpost equipment, key points on the stage, or aisles between spectator seating.
• Factories – Equipment, hallways and shelves can be marked in factories to ensure they remain identifiable.
• Roadworks – Roadworks can rely on fluorescent tapes on equipment so they remain visible to drivers.

Stock Up on Fluorescent Tapes

Looking for fluorescent gaffer tape? Then check out the full range from Label Source. We stock a wide array of tapes, including orange, yellow, red, blue, green and pink colours.

Marking floors and items is made easy with a tape applicator and dispenser, but its efficiency, effectiveness and safe use rely on a person using it properly.

Lots of places of work rely on the correct marking of floors and items to keep things running. Factories, for example, rely on properly marked flaws to help manage forklift traffic and the organisation of employees.

With just a few rolls of tape, a disorganised factory floor can become an inch-perfect workplace optimised for safety and efficiency.
Below, we discuss the uses of automatic tape dispensers, as well as how to use a tape applicator properly.

What is a tape dispenser called?

There are several different types of tape dispensers, so they can also often come under different names. A handheld tape dispenser, for example, may also be referred to as a tape gun or tape applicator.

How do I set up a floor tape dispenser?

To use a floor tape applicator, you must first apply self-adhesive floor tape to the sticker dispenser. Make sure it is placed properly before then using the tape on sealed floor surfaces. Never use the applicator on floors which are not sealed as this will lead to tape that is poorly affixed to the floor.

Essentially, floor tape applicators should be used on warehouse floors, aisles, clean corridors and assembly and sports halls.

Following the placement of the tape to the dispenser, simply press down on the handle and walk slowly and steadily in a straight line to ensure the tape sticks to the floor and remains neat.

How do you set up a handheld tape dispenser?

To set up a handheld tape dispenser, insert a new roll of tape into the tape dispenser after taking the old one out. Pull a few inches of tape off the end or the roll, then thread it through the roller and teeth until the tape is pulled taut.

All that’s left to do is simply push the tape onto the wheel of the dispenser, with the sticky side facing down.

Why use a tape gun?

If you know how to set up a tape gun (or how to load a tape dispenser), you’ll likely find that it has many more uses than you originally expected. Any time you need to quickly apply tape, your tape dispenser will be there to help you out.

Floor Markings with a Tape Gun

Businesses use tape applicators for a number of reasons, but the major motivation for businesses applying lines and stickers over their floors is to streamline and organise the workplace. For some businesses, it is essential to maximising efficiencies.

If places like factories had no floor organisation, they would be akin to chaos. Floor markings are a cost-effective option to shore up the long-term maintenance of walking traffic, as well as segregate two lanes of traffic for vehicles.

Floor markings can also synergise with safety symbols, meaning they can be an essential tool in workplaces having effective safety protocols.

Processing and Packaging

Once you know how to load a tape gun, whether handheld, floor-marking or otherwise, a tape gun can be used to seal boxes, package items, make quick repairs and more.

Find Your New Tape Applicator Today

Considering a tape applicator? Then browse the range of tape applicators and dispensers here at Label Source.

When you think of workplace efficiency, what comes to mind? Workdays filled with little procrastination, economical meetings and attentive staff are some common images and ideals businesses strive for, but how is this achieved?

Commonly, the best way to facilitate efficiency is to focus on the small things: workspaces, seating and, often forgotten, general signs. Here, we discuss how general signs can improve in-work ergonomics and performance.

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is a broad term, but principally, it is the scientific practice of identifying interactions between humans and other elements in a working system.

To break the word down to its bare components, it means “science of work”; overall, ergonomics is about facilitating efficiencies and maintaining long-term health.

Ergonomics can refer to a wide spectrum of alterations to the working environment: chairs, desks, mouse positions, promoting good posture, facilitating in-work exercise, labelling, etc.

Most importantly, ergonomics is not a one-size-fits-all practice. An office, for example, consists of macro and micro-ergonomics. It’s the design of buildings, the organisation of our workspaces and the distance of monitors from our eyes; ergonomics refers to both big and small work-based situations.

If done properly, ergonomics can:

• lower business costs
• improve productivity
• better quality of product or service
• better employee attitudes
• provide a safer working environment

How to Improve Workplace Ergonomics

To be an ergonomic workplace, you don’t have to invest in the latest technology – nobody expects every workplace to have desk treadmills or bikes. Sometimes, little changes complemented by finely-tuned systems and procedures are all a business needs.

One method of improving in-work efficiency and ergonomics is the use of general signs. General signs are ideal for office and retail environments, but each can have a key place in improving the functions of a workplace, workspace and how co-workers interact with each other.

A few examples include:

• Office, Retail and Housekeeping Signs – These include health and safety posters, private property signs, warning signs, signs which delegate rooms and areas, and disclaimer notices.
• Engraved Plastic Signs – Identifies rooms, facilities and restricted areas. Helps to manage workplaces and keep people traffic organised.
• Public Area Signs – Customer-facing public signs which manage customer traffic and ensure there is segregation between employee and customer spaces.
• Metal Door Plates – Signposts doors and entryways, including safety-related terms such as “Mind Your Step”, “Mind Your Head” and “No Exit”.

How Ergonomics Improves Work Performance

A successful ergonomic change is measured by improved productivity, efficiency, safety and quality of a worker’s day-to-day existence. Not only does ergonomics improve in-work performance, but it makes employees happier outside of the workplace, too, by reducing the prevalence of MSDs, improving mental health and, as consequence, their quality of life.

However, strictly in terms of work performance, ergonomics broadly improves the following:

• Reduction in costs – By directly reducing risk factors, a business is able to reduce the prevalence of injury and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). In the UK, 498,000 workers suffered from work-related MSDs in 2018/19, leading to 6.9 million lost working days. The most direct way to prevent these is through ergonomics, leading to more working days, less time off sick and, in business terms, a better bottom line.

• Improvement to work quality – Work quality is what suffers most when workers are overworked or under non-ergonomic conditions. If workers are feeling physically and mentally under strain, all training is rendered useless – the end product will not be as good as it could be.

• Improvement in productivity – Ergonomics is directly tied to efficiency. Even the laziest, least efficient worker in a business will perform better in a well-optimised workspace with good posture compared to a workspace that flies in the face of good ergonomic practice. A 2007 study in the European Journal of Social Sciences, titled Productivity and Ergonomics: A Strong Relationship Leading to Best Working Results, revealed a strong relationship between ergonomics and total productivity, thus scientifically proving that the usage of ergonomic productivity saw a statistical increase in productivity.

• Better employee-employer relationships – Employees notice a lot, so concerted efforts to improve workplace conditions for them will be rewarded with better work, behaviour and, most importantly, the employee-employer relationship.

How General Signs Promote Better Workplace Ergonomics

So, how do signs and labels play into workplace ergonomics? Essentially, signs and labels can help remind and educate employees on how to properly undertake correct form, processes and posture during work.

For example, there are numerous back safety and lifting signs and labels that not only improve productivity but also reduce the possibility of injury. Other signs can be used to remind employees on how to sit properly, poster-style resources to educate employees, as well as safety-related signs to prevent head injuries for example.

Overall, health and safety, and by extension labels, are interwoven with ergonomics as they keep employees safe, healthy and performing well.

Organise Your Workspace With General Signs

To give your workspace an ergonomic boost to productivity and work quality, consider our range of general signs. These signs help to keep workplaces organised and functioning fluidly.

The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 ensures Welsh remains as an official language in Wales. This means, legally, it cannot be treated less favourably than English in any part of daily life.

With regards to road signs and other publically displayed signage, these were made as a legal requirement in the Welsh Language Act 1993. This is what leads to the variety of bilingual signs in Wales, and to a mix of surprise and confusion for non-native visitors.

However, what was the journey to achieving this legal requirement, and why were they introduced in the first place?

The Battle For Welsh Signs

According to the ONS, the number of Welsh speakers in the UK now sits at 874,700 (just under a third of the Welsh population). While almost all of these speakers are also adept at English, making these speakers feel involved is essential in keeping the Welsh language alive, as well as accommodating people who are native Welsh speakers.

Historically, the battle for bilingual Welsh signs occurred during the 1960s and 1970s following several court cases due to the defacement, destruction and removal of English-only signs in Wales by the Welsh Language Society (Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg).

Following that, a series of peaceful protests and defacement of non-bilingual signs began in Wales. The results were successful as the 1972 Bowen Committee recommended that Welsh should be included on all road signs.

As a natural consequence of bilingual Welsh signs, safety signs and any other signage soon had an expectation to include native speakers thanks to the Welsh Language Act 1993, culminating in the aforementioned landmark measure in 2011.

What About Other Native Languages?

While there are bilingual Irish and Gaelic road signs, they have not seen the same translation into safety signs as their Welsh counterparts.

Whether it’s down to the number of speakers or simply a lack of support, Wales remains the only region in the UK where all signs are expected to be bilingual, no matter which part of the country you’re in.

Get Your Welsh Bilingual Safety Signs Here

Stock up on Welsh bilingual safety signs at Label Source. We have a full range of labels and signs for a variety of workplaces which satisfy HSE standards.

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Gas cylinders, especially compressed gas cylinders, need to be handled properly. If safety standards are ignored, then the consequences could be fatal.

Thankfully, proper gas cylinder safety is easy once a process is set up. Here, we discuss how to keep gas cylinders safe in transit and in storage, as well as how gas cylinder tags help.

Keeping Gas Cylinders Safe In Storage

When cylinders become damaged, there may not be apparent signs immediately. However, exposure to high levels of heat or damage to the shell can lead to shrapnel explosions which, depending on luck, can lead to injuries or fatality.

So, guaranteeing that cylinders are safe is essential. To keep gas cylinders safe in storage, an employer must follow HSG139 ‘The Safe Use of Compressed Gases in Welding, Flame Cutting and Allied Processes’. Broadly, the guidelines state cylinders must:

• Always be kept upright with a chain or strap in an appropriate cylinder cart.
• Be stored well away from combustible materials and traffic.
• Be kept in a well ventilated, dry place.
• Have all their valves checked to ensure they are closed, and protection devices are in appropriate shape.
• Have correct gas hazard signs around them and you should ensure proper gas cylinder tags are being used.
• Be segregated once empty.
• Never be put in lockers or other confined spaces to avoid gas build-up.
• LPG (Liquid petroleum gas) should be stored separately from other canisters.

Keeping Gas Cylinders Safe In Transit

When transporting gas cylinders, you must ensure the vehicle in question is suitable for purpose. Plenty of storage must be available, and gas cylinders must be stored in a way where sharp turns or accidents won’t cause the canisters to fall or break.

The vehicle must also be signposted, stating that it is carrying dangerous, toxic or flammable items. The driver must be trained in handling cylinders and driving a vehicle containing dangerous goods, too.

Overall, the carriage of goods must satisfy the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Receptacles Regulations.

Get Your Gas Cylinder Tags Here

If you’re a business who handles gas cylinders, then make sure to follow the above advice and ensure you are stocked up on gas cylinder tags.

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