Signage is an important feature for a business. They can be a vital part of the marketing strategy, helping to draw the attention of people to the business. Signs can also be part of a business’ brand identity, especially those that contain business name and logo. They can also have other benefits such as conveying important information, helping people find where they want to be, and so on.

However, there are more important signs, particularly with regards to safety and security. These are especially vital in facilities such as industries, plants, and other areas where there is an increased risk of accidents and other hazards. Having these signs installed will not only guarantee the safety and security of the employees, but they can save you huge amounts of money by preventing damage and destruction of the facility and/or equipment. Below the expert signage designers and sign printers at SAS Graphics have provided a number of esssential tips on how to properly install them for the best results.

Types of Vital Facility Signage

There are several types of signage that should be installed in a facility. However, the most important ones that should always be present include:

  1. Fire safety signage

Fire safety signs refer to a collection of workplace safety signs that are used to prevent the risk of fires, and in the event of one, its neutralization and safe exit of all employees. They are vital in facilities where there is a high risk of fires, for example, industrial complexes that contain flammable substances. They include:

  • Fire hazard warnings – they warn of possible fire hazard. For example, in areas where there are flammable substances
  • No-smoking – they prohibit smoking. They can be installed in areas where there is a high risk of fire hazards, or to designate smoking-free zones – for example, in educational institutions, indoor office areas, etc.
  • Firefighting signs – they mark fire alarm activation points as well as the location where firefighting equipment is stored
  • Emergency exits – these mark the exits that should be used in the event of a fire.

When these signs are properly installed, they mitigate the risk of a fire occurring in the facility. And even in the event of a fire, they help to ensure that there is minimal or no loss of life and damage to the property, thus saving you a lot of money in the process.

  1. Electrical hazard signs

Electricity is a vital component of a facility, especially industrial facilities that require a large amount of electrical power. However, this also brings about the risk of electrical accidents, which are one of the major threats to workplace safety. However, with proper signage, the risk of electrical accidents can be reduced greatly, saving a facility a lot of money. Electrical signs usually include warnings (for high voltage, live electrical equipment, and risk-of-electrical-shock areas), and notices (informing employees to lock hazardous areas).

  1. Hazardous material signs

Facilities usually use of a range of substances in their operations, some of which might be hazardous. For example, acids, corrosive chemicals, poisonous gases, flammable substances, radioactive substances, explosive substances, health hazards, and other dangerous substances. Having signage to warn employees and anyone else of the potential dangers posed is a great of minimizing the risk of an accident that could be potentially life-threatening, and/or cause extensive damage to a facility.

  1. Safety instruction signs

These are signs that offer instructions with regards to workplace safety. They include signage used to mark locations of safety equipment, or instructions regarding safety measures that need to be observed – for example, washing hands, washing eyes, etc. They are important to a facility, as they help to reduce the occurrence of workplace accidents, which in turn ensures that operations continue smoothly without any interruptions.

  1. Admittance & restricted access signs

Admittance & restricted access signs are used to mark restricted areas where there is no admittance or where access is limited to authorized persons only. They help to prevent the risk of workplace accidents by closing off areas where hazards are likely to occur. They also restrict access to areas where sensitive equipment is being used or stored, thus minimizing the risk of its damage.

  1. Wayfinding signs

They are used to help employees (and other individuals) navigate a facility with ease, and at minimal risk of an accident. They include road signs (in case of a large facility), pedestrian areas signs, parking signs, indoor directional signs, emergency exit signs, and others.

Tips for Installing Facility Signs

When it comes to workplace safety, how signs are installed is just as important. Therefore, it is vital that your facility’s signage correctly to minimize the risk of costly accidents. Below are some signage installation tips that can help you achieve the best results:

  1. Choose signs that are easily understood

For the signs that have been installed in a facility to be effective, they must be easily understood. Vague signage will only cause confusion, which can even be more dangerous in an emergency. Therefore, when buying or designing signage, you should ensure that they will be easily understood by everyone who sees them. In fact, where safety and hazard warning signs are concerned, the signs should be universal, and designed as per the relevant health and safety signs regulations. A good graphics and signage company can help you design universal and regulation-compliant signs.

  1. Choose the best location for the sign

The other important aspect to consider with regards to signage is the location. The signs must be installed in locations where they are needed. For example, you cannot place an exit sign where there are no exits, or a fire hazard sign where there is no risk of fire. When choosing the location, you also need to consider other factors such as weather, access to lighting, and durability of the signage. You can always install some emergency lighting as well, which will especially be useful in the event of a fire or power outage so people can find exits easily. These should undergo Emergency Light Testing regularly to ensure they still work if there ever is an emergency.

  1. Make sure the signs are properly mounted

The mounting technique is also important, especially where safety and hazard warning signage is involved. For maximum effectiveness, a sign should be mounted in a well-lit area that is easily accessible and where the sign is conspicuous. The mounting should also be done in such a way that the sign is not obstructed. Lastly, a mounted sign should not pose any hazard by being distractive or obstructive.

Summary

Proper signage is important in facilities, as it can guarantee the smooth running of things. If you do not have proper signage in your facility, or the current ones are old and outdated, installing new ones can help to protect lives and even save money. You just have to make sure that the signs you purchase or have designed meet the relevant signage regulations.