Directional signs are used in a variety of settings and for a variety of purposes. In this ultimate guide to different types of directional signs, we’ll review the benefits of wayfinding signs and how to best implement them for your purposes. For example, directional signs can help communicate the following:
Where to locate essential emergency response and first aid supplies- Where exits are located – including emergency exits
- Where essential worksite resources are located – such as PPE wear
- Where potential worksite hazards may be present
- Where the site’s office, loading/unloading or warehousing stations are located
- Where restrooms or other visitor amenities can be found
How well your directional signs serve in their role depends on the quality of your signage printing – which is why many companies partner with an experienced commercial printer to manage their directional (and other forms) of signage.
The Benefits of Different Types of Directional Signs
Directional signs are available in an array of designs, each purpose-built for a different objective. When directional signs are matched to the right application, they provide the following benefits:
- Faster, more efficient navigation through your space – Whether your directional signs are installed on a construction site, an apartment complex, a college campus, a museum, a sports stadium – anywhere really – they will promote faster (and less frustrating) navigation through your site or venue. For some settings, faster navigation is about promoting a better customer or visitor experience – and that’s obviously important – but for some areas, efficient navigation is a matter of visitor or worker safety. For instance, on a construction site directional signs ensure workers know where to go in the event of an accident or medical emergency, ensuring they respond faster when such an incident occurs.
- Better emergency preparedness – Directional signage isn’t just used to point people in the right direction, so to speak. They can also be designed with essential bits of information that can speed up an emergency response.
For instance, directional signs can use a combination of arrows and visual iconography to indicate where first aid stations, fire extinguishers, showers, eye wash stations and evacuation areas are located. When workers need to quickly find these emergency response stations or resources, directional signs ensure they can do so. As employers are responsible for their workers’ safety, directional signs ensure your worksites are compliant with relevant safety regulations and ensure your employees are protected. - Separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic – Directional signs are useful for pointing out ideal routes for both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Keeping pedestrians – workers and visitors alike – away from vehicles is important and easily managed with directional signage. If your facilities include warehouses or loading and unloading areas, directional signs are a must-have layer of safety for your people.
Why Companies Partner with Commercial Printers for Their Directional Signs
Commercial printers are the go-to experts for all types of signage, including safety signage and directional signs. There are several reasons why businesses seek commercial printer partners for this purpose. They include:
- Compliant signage designs – Commercial printers maintain deep libraries of signage designs that are compliant with OSHA and ANSI design standards. If your company is required to remain in compliance with these standards, a commercial printer will ensure your directional signs include the proper signal words, colors and iconography to stay in compliance. This extends to all forms of occupational and safety signage, so commercial printers can serve as a single-stop signage shop for your company’s needs.
- High-volume production capacity – Commercial printers have access to top-of-the-line printing equipment, as well as expanded printing capacity for commercial or industrial-level projects. With this additional equipment, commercial printers can guarantee faster production, higher volume production and on-time delivery for their clients’ directional signage needs.
- Advanced signage solutions – A commercial printer can do more than print on paper-based media. They can also print on vinyl and metal, which is the preferred medium for heavy-duty, durable signs – such as workplace safety signage. If your directional signs are intended for harsh environments, like construction sites, metal signage is the best option to ensure long-term value.
Another directional signage option that commercial printers offer are floor and wall decals. Both can be installed anywhere in your facility, and both can provide wayfinding and directional guidance no matter where they go. Floor and wall decals can also be designed to convey important information for emergency preparedness reasons and are extremely durable. They’re also non-slip and therefore safe for people to walk on.
In addition, reputable commercial printers can provide responsive customer service and adjust their processes as needed – like increasing/decreasing volume or making changes to print designs.
Directional Signs Improve Safety, Efficiency and Convenience in any Setting
Directional signage is an important layer of worker, customer and visitor protection, but it serves in other important roles as well, like improving traffic efficiency through the property and improving the customer or visitor experience. As an important safety and efficiency measure, your directional signs should be trusted to an experienced commercial printer.
