Wind energy is quickly becoming a cornerstone of the UK energy market. The latest government statistics list wind energy as the country’s second-largest electricity source. In fact, wind energy accounts for 1/5^th of the UK’s energy production.

However, as wind leads the renewable market, both public and energy sector workers need to be aware of wind turbine safety.

Below, we’ll explain the wind turbine safety rules, common safety issues and the role of wind turbine signs and labels. We’ll also look at how safety regulations may evolve. More...

Industry plant safety and maintenance are complex processes, but both begin with something simple: labels. As with anything relating to industrial safety, awareness, education and warnings are the foundation of a good safety policy.

Alongside signs and labels, routine maintenance checks are the cornerstone of industrial plant safety. Unless aspects of the plant are tested regularly under different conditions, then employees can’t stay safe.

So, what does industrial plant maintenance look like? What are the stand-out aspects of industrial plant safety, and how do labels reinforce it? We’ve discussed all you need to know below. More...

Photoluminescent products are an important lifeline for many industries. From stickers to glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark items are found everywhere.

Reflective safety armbands, also known as hi-vis armbands, are one such product. However, instead of being used to signpost areas or dangers, they are used to keep track of people. Some of us need to work in poor lighting, meaning being seen is of paramount importance. More...

Thankfully, the COVID-19 pandemic is getting more under control, and people everywhere can start thinking about a return to normal. The work from home revolution has been big for businesses and workers everywhere, though returning to the office will still happen for most of us.

However, just because some of us are returning to the workplace, that doesn’t mean we can’t stop being vigilant. As a business owner or employee, you must ensure you stay as safe as possible.

So, how do you ensure returning to work after COVID is safe? What is the latest return to work office guidelines, and how do labels and signs help with this? More...

Scaffolding is an essential part of modern construction. The practice has been used as far back as ancient Greece, but in modern times, it is thankfully much safer than its origins.

These days, there are stringent regulations for constructing and dismantling scaffolding, as well as a list of very specific materials to be used.

There is also a range of signs, labels and other pieces of equipment to help with the organisation of scaffolding, such as scaffold safety banners. Scaffold safety banners display a range of health and safety guidance, helping to keep workers safe.

Discover all you need to know about scaffolding safety requirements and the role of scaffolding safety banners below.

Scaffold Regulations Safety Requirements

Safety scaffolding requirements can be broken up into three categories: design, supervision and inspection. There are regulations for each of these steps.

Scaffold Design

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, a scaffold must be erected and designed to a set standard. These standards state that all scaffolding must:

• Appease the tube guidance outlined in NASC Technical Guidance TG20.
• Have a bespoke design and calculation.
• Have adequate strength, rigidity and stability.
• Be constructed by a “competent person”.

Essentially, all scaffolding must use the correct materials, be created specifically for its use and by someone who is trained.

Scaffold Supervision

As we’ve mentioned, everyone involved in constructing scaffolding should be trained. However, as an additional safety measure, these trained people must be supervised by at least one other professional.

At a minimum, another professional must check every scaffold gang after it has been constructed. All stages of the scaffolding – from construction to dismantling – must be supervised by a trained individual.

Details on supervision and the regulations around it can be found via the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CIRS).

Scaffold Inspection

The inspection of scaffolding by the supervisor needs to be comprehensive. All scaffolding should be inspected:

• Before and after installation.
• Checked regularly, with no more than 7 days between inspections.
• Directly following circumstances that may impact the scaffolding (poor weather, high winds, slips, etc.)

The baseline of scaffold health and safety is checking. There must always be a process whereby scaffolding is consistently reviewed at all key stages.

What Are Scaffold Safety Banners?

Scaffold safety banners can help ensure the above safety measures are followed. In total, scaffold safety banners can:

• Display health and safety information.
• List requirements for PPE.
• List prohibited people.

You cannot underrate the importance of keeping staff informed through banners and notices, plus, at Label Source, you will be getting banners protected with PVC and high-quality metal eyelets.

Scaffold safety banners help you fulfil safety obligations, safeguard workers, and mitigate legal and financial liabilities. What’s more, they contribute to hazard awareness, helping employees navigate on-site hazards related to the scaffolding. 

Safety scaffolding signs are paramount for reducing accidents. Whether notifying employees that scaffolding is incomplete or warning pedestrians to keep out of the construction zone, the right scaffold banners can save lives in extreme circumstances.

How to Stay Safe Using Scaffolding

When it comes to using scaffolding safely, there are scaffold requirements you should fulfil to ensure you’re engaging with it properly. These may include:

• Providing and/or undergoing proper training
• Wearing the correct PPE
• Using safety belts and lanyards while on the scaffolding
• Ensuring planking is secure
• Being aware of other workers both above and below you on the scaffolding
• Raising and lowering materials safely, by hoist, hand, or debris chute
• Not overloading the scaffold
• Being mindful of which parts of the scaffold should be stood on

Of course, one of the most important parts of scaffolding safety is ensuring everything is signposted correctly for ease of communication and understanding. 

Browse Our Range

Our scaffold safety banner range is resistant to all types of weather, and ready for multiple uses without sacrificing quality. Browse the site safety notices available today.