Facility signs improve safety and communication in the following ways:
- Pointing out hazards in the work environment
- Relaying important information about site procedures and regulations
- Helping people respond quickly to an emergency
- Directing traffic around and through the worksite
These are critical safety goals that facilities are required to strive for. High quality facility signage helps companies in that mission, which means a commercial printer can help your organization maintain compliance, while protecting workers.
What Types of Facility Signs are Needed in Work Environments?
Safety signs are characterized by their versatility, as they can be used to deliver many types of information. For example, the following facility signs can improve safety and communication among employees:
Danger, warning, and caution signs – Facility safety signage is categorized into three groups – danger, warning, and caution signs. Each are used to point out potential hazards in the work environment and protect workers. Caution signs are reserved for hazards that may cause minor or moderate injury if safety precautions aren’t followed. Warning signs are for hazards that may cause severe injury if precautions aren’t followed, and danger signs will cause severe or fatal injury without the proper preparations. Each sign is categorized by a certain color (yellow for caution, orange for warning and red for danger), and most have symbols or icons to visualize potential threats. There are danger, warning, and caution signs available for every type of hazard.
OSHA and ANSI requirements dictate that these signs must be placed near the identified hazard. The signs must also be visible to everyone approaching the hazard before they are at risk.- Notice signs – Notice signs provide general information about the facility and its areas. These signs can be used to ward people away from a restricted area, alert people that they are entering a high-risk work zone and point out important procedures that visitors must follow. In short, notice signs are a catch-all type of signage that can be used to communicate any form of information.
- Safety instructional signs – Safety instructional signs are usually color-coded green and perform a couple of important roles. They are used to communicate general safety procedures that workers and visitors are expected to follow, and safety instructional signage points out the location and nature of any health, safety, or emergency resources. If an accident does occur, this signage helps people respond accordingly.
- Directional (wayfinding) signs – Directional signage is used to direct vehicle and foot traffic through the worksite. These signs are vital for safety and efficiency reasons, and are typically placed around the facility’s entrances.
- Fire hazard signs – Fire hazard signs are purpose-designed for fire-related emergencies and hazards. They may be used to point out emergency fire exits or extinguishers or provide instructions in the event of a fire. Fire hazard signage is particularly useful for facilities where elevated fire risks are present, such as intense heat sources or the presence of flammable materials.
- Emergency exit signs – Emergency exit signs are required for safety compliance and must provide people with a clear way out in the event of an emergency or disaster. Emergency exit signage design is regulated by OSHA and ANSI and must comply with rules regarding letter size and color. Exit signs must also be positioned so that all sight lines to the signs are unobstructed. One must be placed above every door that leads into a hallway connected to the building’s primary exit, and every sign must be backlit.
Many of these signs are regulated by federal agencies, including OSHA and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ANSI’s signage design requirements are detailed, so OSHA usually relies on them for regulatory purposes. ANSI’s requirements address colors, text, the use of symbols, and other important signage design considerations. Any facility sign used should meet these requirements to guarantee compliance with safety regulations.
How a Commercial Printer Can Help Customize Your Facility Signage
Many businesses partner with commercial printers for their facility signage needs. A commercial printer guarantees compliance with safety signage regulations, along with high quality printing materials and processes. Most importantly, a commercial printer can customize safety signs for its clients. Here’s why that is important:
- A commercial printer can scale up their processes to meet high-volume needs – Commercial printers are equipped to handle extremely large runs of facility signage, so they can meet the demands of any client, no matter how extensive those needs are. If a client’s print needs change or grow suddenly, a commercial printer is best positioned to meet those changing needs, so there’s no lapse in regulatory compliance.
- A commercial printer has a library of compliant safety signage designs to choose from – An experienced commercial printer has access to specialized signage design libraries guaranteed to be compliant and effective. If desired, a commercial printer can brand safety signage with the company’s logo and name, and clients can pick and choose the signs that make the most sense for their facilities.
- A commercial printer can develop facility signs using durable materials – Commercial printers also have access to high quality occupational signage materials. For instance, aluminum is a popular material option for facility signage because it’s durable, resistant to corrosion and lightweight. Commercial printers also have specialized processes that can be used to print vividly on metal, making for high-visibility, highly effective safety signs.
Improve Safety and Communication with High Quality Facility Signs
Facility signage is a valuable workplace safety and communication tool. These signs ensure your employees remain alert to their work environment, protects visitors who may be unfamiliar with your facility, and guides people should an accident or emergency occur.
There are many reasons why organizations should prioritize workplace signage for their facilities. If your company needs to enhance workplace safety at its facilities, an experienced commercial printer can support your safety initiatives with high quality facility signs.
