How To Build A Train Station

The United Kingdom is currently going through a period of extensive rail modernisation. A new high-speed rail system will bring Britain’s largest cities closer together and huge lengths of existing tracks are being electrified. 

Along with improvements to tracks, new stations are being built around the country. In light of all these new stations, we've put together a simple guide of how to build a train station. 

1. Prepare the ground

Before every train station was built, there was first a barren piece of land that needed to be tamed. Work begins with the uneven ground being brought to the correct level, either through excavation or covering depending on whether the ground is too high or too low. The ground then undergoes compression to prevent future soil movements and the resulting disturbance to the track.

Once the ground has been prepared for the track a layer of gravel (referred to as ballast) is laid on top of the foundation. This is then levelled out and stabilised in preparation for sleepers to be placed on top.

2. Put down the track

After the ground has been prepared and the ballast laid, concrete or wooden sleepers are spaced at regular intervals along the path of the railway line. These act as the ‘crossbars’ that will hold the rails in position.

The rails are then attached and welded together. Sometimes gaps are left between rails to prevent buckling when the rails expand in hot weather.

Further ballast is then laid around the sleepers to stabilise the track.

3. Lay down electrical cabling

Electricity is vital to modern railway stations. At the beginning of the railway industry, an army of train conductors and signalling men were needed to ensure the smooth running of services. This has now evolved into a complicated digital network, with electronic public announcement systems, lighting, signalling equipment, and CCTV. In order to supply this diverse range of equipment with electricity, extensive underground cabling needs to be laid. Railways typically use 240V & 415 and 650V (signalling) power supplies. These are marked with warning labels such as those below.

Danger 240 volts

Danger 240 volts label. Part of our electrical hazard warning label range. Self adhesive vinyl, with clear laminated surface. Rub test compliant, waterproof, chemical and scratch resistant. Supplied in packs of 10.

Price From: £7.68 (inc VAT)

(£6.40 ex VAT)

Danger 415 volts

Danger 415 volts label. Part of our electrical hazard warning label range. Self adhesive vinyl, with clear laminated surface. Rub test compliant, waterproof, chemical and scratch resistant. Supplied in packs of 10.

Price From: £7.68 (inc VAT)

(£6.40 ex VAT)

Danger 650 volts

Danger 650 volts label. Part of our electrical hazard warning label range. Self adhesive vinyl, with clear laminated surface. Rub test compliant, waterproof, chemical and scratch resistant. Supplied in packs of 10.

Price From: £7.68 (inc VAT)

(£6.40 ex VAT)

As all this electricity introduces the chance for electric shock, all electrical equipment should be clearly marked with appropriate signs and labelling. View our range of electrical labels, tags, and signs.

4. Platform

As few people like to board trains using stepladders, the next stage is to lay down the platform.

Platform construction increasingly involves modular systems, in which prefabricated interlocking portions can be quickly laid and joined. Staircases and bridges are also constructed during this stage. These linking different platforms to each other, and allow public access.

5. Signalling

Without signalling, railways would be no more coordinated than a toddler playing with Hot Wheels. To prevent Hot-Wheels-like devastation, train drivers receive instructions from traffic lights, alerting them to trains ahead and hazards on the track. Alongside the installation of signalling equipment, switching equipment is installed to allow the trains to be guided onto the correct tracks.

6. Lighting

No railway station would be complete without adequate lighting. Many platforms are located underground and would be pitch-black without extensive lighting installation. Trains also operate late into the night, and passengers may feel unsafe waiting on the platform if there is not sufficient light to see their surroundings.

7. Telecoms

Once the platform has been constructed and the electrical cabling laid, telecommunications equipment such as the digital timetables, CCTV, and public address systems are installed. Public Address Systems ensure that passengers are aware of train times, platform changes or any delays.

CCTV is a very effective deterrent against crime. Not only does it reduce the likelihood of break-ins and theft, but also reduces ant-social behaviour as people know they are being monitored. It also prevents antisocial behaviour; as the knowledge that they are being recorded may lead to them reconsider their actions.

IT Asset Tags: What Type Do You Need? 

Think about the most expensive equipment you have in your home or office. Is it your IT equipment? If so, you may need to think about IT Asset Tags to keep your tech equipment safe. 

IT Asset Tags are used to mark your property and we stock a wide range here at Label Source. These tags can also be used to organise and keep track of your company equipment efficiently, which is beneficial especially if you have staff who take company equipment home occasionally. 

Whether you need IT Asset Tags for your personal equipment or your company equipment, it is important you find the right type for you. With everything from serial numbers to tamper evident asset tags, here's a closer look at the options available to you. 

IT Asset Tag Options

Numbered IT Asset Tag

£144.60 inc VAT (Roll of 250 labels)

These IT asset tags are numbered and can start from any number chosen. These are ideal for workplaces which have a large quantity of IT technology they want to keep track of. They are made from polyester and are entirely self-adhesive. They are supplied in 4 different bright colours so they are easily identifiable. They can also be written or printed on to provide the company name.

Destructible IT Asset Label

£124.62 inc VAT (Roll of 250 labels)

Ideal for both personal and company use, these IT Asset Labels will let you know if someone has attempted to steal your property. If someone tries to remove the asset tag, it will automatically fragment and cannot be transferred intact. They're made from self-adhesive vinyl and are available in four distinct colours. 

Self-laminating IT Asset Tag

£134.70 inc VAT (Roll of 250 labels)

This type of IT Asset Tag is suitable for those who work in an environment which entails more wear and tear. These asset tags come with a laminated exterior which can provide an added layer of protection if the equipment is frequently on the go. Available in four different colours and numbered for extra organisation. Made with self-adhesive vinyl to easily attach to your property and keep it safe. 

For more IT Asset Tag options, just click here! We aim to suit your every requirement here at Label Source, so if you have any enquiries just get in touch with us on 0800 3761 693. 

6 SECRETS FOR INCREASING MANUFACTURING PRODUCTIVITY

We’ve all seen it; everything suddenly grinds to a halt in the plant. A part goes missing, a machine breaks down, or workers procrastinate when they should be working. Eventually, production is disrupted, customers are disappointed, and income drops.

High productivity is the holy-grail of the manufacturing industry. When plants are productive, companies are able to produce more products, reduce prices, increase margins, and give staff higher wages. Ultimately, the levels of productivity are what make or break a manufacturing company.

So how do you get sky-high levels of productivity? Here are 6 tried-and-tested secrets that are sure to increase productivity:

1) EMBRACE COMPETITION 

An unexpected observation relating to productivity is that many manufacturing businesses can become unproductive when they are not exposed to enough competition.

A report by the British government found that a historic lack of competition contributed to the UK’s relatively low productivity. The UK’s late entry to the European Economic Area (EEA) meant that British businesses were exposed to international competition at a much later point than their European counterparts, reducing their need for high productivity.

One way to expose your business to increased competition is to start exporting other countries.  Your newfound competitors will have an advantage over your own company in their domestic market, forcing you to become more productive in order to compete. Competition doesn't hinder your business, it makes it stronger.

2) ENCOURAGE LEADERSHIP

Without effective leadership at every level of a manufacturing company, productivity will inevitably suffer. Despite the importance of leadership, many manufacturing companies take an attitude that leadership development naturally sorts itself out; In reality this is extremely unlikely.

To ensure that leadership is desired by employees, companies should raise the attention and significance given to leadership. These cultural changes should be complimented with mentoring schemes, which ensure current employers get a window into the roles and requirements of their leaders before they take on the role.

3) INCREASE INTEREST IN MANUFACTURING

Manufacturing is a broad field, with any area to suit your interest. It covers an almost uncountable number of products, including cars, food, textiles, electronics and more. It then comes as a surprise that many find manufacturing boring!

If employers want to attract the best and most productive employees, they first need to do some ground work of showing people how interesting a career in manufacturing could be. This starts with employers visiting schools, colleges and universities to showcase their field and inspire students.

Opportunities should also be available to do work experience and internships, to give people a taster of the industry.

4) BUILD TRAINING PATHWAYS

One of the most common complaints in British manufacturing is employees' lack of skills. It is easy for the industry to blame other organisations for problem, but ultimately this will not correct the problem. Manufacturing companies must now assume that they need to do the training, and have pathways and processes to develop skilled employees.

Traditional and often mentioned forms of training are still effective, with apprenticeships being one of the most successful ways of developing new talent. Apprentices’ contribution to productivity is also well documented, with an average positive net gain of £1,670 per year per employee in England.

5) ADOPT THE LATEST TECHNOLOGIES

We live in a world of constant innovation, and manufacturing is no exception. The industry has seen a constant stream of new developments, including artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and 3D printing.

Although short-term these new technologies may be very expensive, in the long-term the machines will pay for themselves, as the competitive advantage will increase margins and drive up sales. Stay ahead of the pack by investing in new technology.

6) LOBBY FOR IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE

Many of the possible gains to productivity do not come through internal improvements to the business, but through external improvements to infrastructure.

Before the invention of the internet, all parts of the manufacturing process, including the design, production, and shipping happened, in the same location. In modern times, improved communication has led to each stage in the process being moved to distant locations. Fast internet connectivity is now an essential infrastructural requirement.

Despite the improved communications, most deals and negotiations still happen face to face. Suppliers and buyers may need to negotiate prices, or staff in based in distant locations may need to technical discussions. Reliable transport networks are therefore still vital for manufacturing businesses.

Label Source is a global provider of tagging, labelling, pipeline marking and safety sign solutions. For all your label and signage needs, you can browse our full selection of labels or give us a call on 0809 3761 693.

In movies, quarantine labels and signs are often associated with outbreaks from top secret labs, alien landings, or some other disaster that you have seen on TV. Its not that we are under the impression that quarantine labels in disaster movies ever did prevent the spread of the zombie apocalypse, but in our reality, they really can be a great help to keeping people safe (perhaps not in a zombie apocalypse, but we can cross that bridge when we get to it). 

Our quarantine labels are designed to alert people of a hazardous area that must remain isolated. Without them, the risk of contamination and infection is real - not just something you see on your TV screen. That's why we supply high-quality quarantine labels that help you caution off contaminated animals, food or other products. To see our full collection of quarantine labels click here. Or to have a closer look at some of our products, keep reading. 

(Quarantine Area Sign)

Let people know that an area is under quarantine with a high-quality sign. This should help prevent accidental access to an area that is intended to be isolated. 

(Quarantined tape)

Quarantine tape deters people from entering a contaminated area. Make clear boundaries between people and contaminated matter. Despite what you see on TV, this is actually very effective. 

(Quarantine sign: Do not use equipment)

Hazardous equipment can become a danger if it is not correctly labelled. Clearly communicate that within this quarantined area, equipment is not to be used. 

If you have any questions about our quarantine labels or any of the other products we supply feel free to get in touch. Our friendly team is more than happy to help, so contact us today. If you are calling because of an alien landing or zombie outbreak, we can not guarantee we can be of help, but happy to try. 

7 Fool Proof Ways To Protect Oil And Gas Workers.

By its very nature, the oil and gas Industry can be a dangerous occupation. This applies to both offshore and onshore, and applies equally to upstream (extraction of crude oil and natural gas), midstream (transportation, storage or wholesale marketing) and downstream (refining, processing or purifying) activities.

Although there have been considerable improvements in safety performance over the past few decades, there is still room for improvement, and the industry should, in no way, be complacent. The industry faces a wide range of potential safety risks, including:

• Vehicular accidents.
• Fires and explosions.
• Falls from height.
• Crushes or entrapment from moving or falling objects.
• Slips, trips and falls.
• Burns, scalds and breathing difficulties from exposure to chemicals.
• Confined space injuries including asphyxiation and hypothermia.
• Manual handling.
• Drowning.

It is a legal requirement for all companies to reduce these incidents to a minimum. Companies have a duty of care to staff, contractors, suppliers, clients and visitors. In a bid to improve safety in the industry, we have prepared 8 fool-proof ways to reduce the likelihood of worker accidents.

1. Value opinions at every level.

Hazards can result when individuals lower down the organisational structure feel that their opinions are ignored. Workers are on the frontline of many of the most important processes, and so companies with two-way communication with their workers are often better educated on potential risks.

On the job feedback should be encouraged and considered for inclusion in safe working practices. Valuing the opinions of all workers, whatever their pay grade, will ensure that when problems arise they feel comfortable reporting the issue to their superiors. This input develops a culture of continuous improvement.

2. Allow workers to rest.

A surprising statistic in the oil and gas industry is that road accidents are the leading cause of death. Although this may seem unrelated, this is in fact due to highly-fatigued workers driving long distances though arduous terrain, often in poor weather conditions.

One of the easiest ways to reduce accidents is simply to ensure workers have sufficient time off. In the industry workers can have 14 hours a day shift patterns over weekly or even monthly periods, even in the most hostile weather conditions. The resulting severe fatigue and drowsiness ultimately leads to careless mistakes.

3. Ensure workers are aware of all potential hazards.  

Workers cannot be careful of a hazard they are unaware of.  During on job training, employees should be informed multiple times of each hazard. Refresher courses for existing workers are also valuable, as they may have forgotten training they received months or even years ago.

The training should encapsulate safe operation of heavy equipment, the importance of good housekeeping, and encourage worker vigilance and responsibility.

4. Regularly perform maintenance checks.

As time takes it’s toll on equipment, seemingly reliable systems can fail when they are most needed. The consequences of an equipment failure can be diverse, and are dependent on the part that failed.

To reduce vital equipment failures, there should be a programme of maintenance checks on equipment, plants, pipelines, and tools. Faulty parts should be replaced or repaired once discovered. Where faulty parts are discovered, improvements to the relevant process should be considered, and even the use of new technology.

5. Mark all dangerous chemicals or hazardous materials.

In the oil and gas industry there is the possibility of contact with hazardous chemicals and materials. These chemicals may be flammable, toxic, corrosive, oxidising, or explosive. These risks should be clearly marked, and employees should be aware of risks from ingesting, inhaling or skin contact.

6. Provide adequate equipment.

To enable your employees to perform their roles safely and effectively, they must have equipment, tools and personal protective equipment that are fit for purpose.

Chemical hazard protective equipment will usually involve gloves, face shields, and protective clothing. Heavy equipment protective equipment will usually constitute hard hats, welding masks, safety boots and manual handling aids.

7. Have an emergency plan.

Despite taking every precaution to reduce the chance of an incident, there is always the possibility of human error or mechanical failure. In this worst-case scenario, an emergency plan has to be implanted immediately 

It is essential that this plan is comprehensive, incorporating major accident prevention, fire prevention, response and evacuation plans. Evacuation routes should be clearly marked to provide safe access away from the hazard area.

First aid equipment and treatment should be on hand in the event of injuries to individuals. Chemical decontamination showers should be a short distance from hazardous chemicals, and first aid boxes close to crush and cutting hazards.