At the end of March 2006 there were 364,615 people in the UK who were registered as severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted) – RNIB. The Tactual Braille signs range from Stocksigns is the innovative and visually superior tactile signage system. Braille signs are capable of conveying fast, effective information to assist the visually impaired. They should be used to clearly identify exits, restrooms, entrances and other rooms for the visually impaired and also assist in way finding and navigation through your premises. Braille or Tactual Signs provide facility information in Braille for the visually impaired and also in bold letters and graphics for those who are not.

Braille Signs – Tactual from Stocksigns

The Stocksigns Braille signs range – Tactual – fully comply with Technical Bulletin 24 of the joint Mobility Unit. The JMU is a service provided by the RNIB and the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Tactual signs may be manufactured to suit individual needs including a range of text options, panel colours and layouts. We can advise you on your own legal obligations and ensure that your workplace is complying with the appropriate regulations. Braille can be incorporated into your corporate signage to extend the audience range and the reach of your signs. Braille can be included in information and tourist interpretation boards to extend their accessibility and contact points, such as emergency assistance points, with Braille offer help to vulnerable members of the public.

Stocksigns only supply Braille signs that we manufacture ourselves. As a result not only can we be sure that they are of the highest quality but also that we have the technology and expertise to manufacture any custom made sign with Braille to our own specification.

What to look for in Braille Signs

When choosing braille signs from any supplier make sure they have the following features:

  • Wide spaced, raised text.
  • Highly durable, accurate, grade 1 Braille.
  • Braille locator.
  • Low gloss surface, high contrast colour range.
  • All safety symbols conform to BS 5499-5:2002 and ISO 7010

We also supply many other types of disability signs, including disabled parking signs and induction loop notices for the hard of hearing.

Help protect your staff or family with the Stocksigns Smartsign™

The award winning Smartsign is designed for use on surfaces changing from cold to hot, immediately warning people of a dangerous hazard and helping reduce accidental burn injuries.

– Displays the word ‘HOT’ when the surface temperature reaches 50°C / 122°F

– Designed to “BS 5499 part 1” and conforms to the “Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996”

– Used in both domestic and industrial environments. Ideal for items that remain hot even after being switched off and the user might assume it has cooled down.

Smartsign Applications

Appllications include water heaters, fan heaters, generators, boilers, motors and hundreds of machines/appliances. It is designed for surfaces that regulate temperatures within the range of -30°C and +90°C away from direct UV light.

Smartsign Case Study

Care Unlimited, a group of care homes in Surrey, have had Stocksigns Smartsigns installed.

Surfaces within the homes that change temperature such as water heaters, oven doors, kitchen appliances and machinery have had the signs applied. The signs display the word “HOT” when the surface is above 50°C / 122°F. This sign is particularly useful for Care Homes as children and the elderly are at a higher risk to burn injuries due to sensitive skin.

Reza Shamtally, Care Unlimited Partner comments, “Smartsign is cost-effective and clever in design. It will no doubt help minimise unnecessary burn injuries within our care homes for employees and clients”.

Beach Safety – RNLI Beach Safety Signs

The hottest April on record certainly drew us all to the sea – or so it seemed judging by the traffic jams over the Easter weekend. With this earlier than usual start to the “beach Season” its worth reminding ourselves that the seaside can be a dangerous environment if lack of awareness or respect for the power of water leads to complacency and then possibly onto tragic drama. How can we look after our own beach safety and that of our families, as well as that of others, when we enjoy that Great British institution – a day at the seaside?

Another iconic institurion, the RNLI, has been at the forefront of a campaign to improve beach safety as part of its overall role as ‘the charity that saves life at sea’. Ever since 7 years agowhen a four year old boy was drowned whilst on a beach in Cornwall, the lack of information through signage was seen by Ryan’s mother as a major contributing factor to this tradgedy. Subsequently the RNLI have produced an extremely comprehensive guide to beach safety, in particular the use of beach safety information signs.

For safety at the beach, of course, it is not enough just to put up beach safety signs and have an understandable system of warning flags; people who visit the beach have a responsibility to ‘read, mark and inwardly digest’ what the signs and flags mean, as well as keeping an eye out for the safety of in particular theirs and other children.

When you go to the beach, check whether the facility has been signed up effectively – the signs are on both the RNLI website and the Stocksigns web catalogue (RNLI approved) pages 142 and 143. Here are some examples.

If not, why not tackle the operator or the local council about their absence. It may save a life. Above all, be aware and sensible, we know that water can be terifyingly destructive.

For information on general beach safety signs and their means visit our post water safety signs

As the days lengthen and the temperature rises, so does one’s enthusiasm for taking the bicycle out of the shed and setting off down country lanes, along old railway lines or taking the cycle paths or lanes that are now available to make cycling both more enjoyable and above all safer – safe for both cyclists themselves, as well as other users of the public highways.

Bike safety – bike accessories & cycle routes

Obviously we have to make sure our own bicycles themselves are safe, before pedalling off – tyres, chains, bike lights, cycle helmets and brakes all need to be checked. After that we have to look at our own cycling safety particularly on Public roads and especially in the presence of large vehicles. Nowadays you can see special cycle safety signs on the back of lorries warning of the visibility problems that drivers can have if you get too close.

Secondly, cyclists should use dedicated lanes or pathways (which should be clearly marked with “bicycle only” signs) both for their own safety and out of consideration for others. Life can be so much more relaxed and enjoyable with a bit of common courtesy – ‘do as you would be done by’ is a useful mantra. This cuts both ways of course, and motorists have not only to respect specific cycle routes but more generally need to be aware of other road users, as do cyclists in relevant circumstances. Sometimes exclusive cycle parking locations are provided. Please use them for the security of your own property at the very least.

It goes without saying the law and Highway Code needs to be obeyed. Don’t cross traffic lights at red, for example, or ride more than two abreast. Above all everybody should use their own common sense.

Safety is the responsibility of every road user, and this coupled with politeness, can make the outing, however short, on self powered two wheels an enjoyable and life-enhancing experience- On your bike!

For more information on road signs and bike safety signs visit our on line traffic signs shop or call 01737 77 40 72.

Hazard safety signs play an essential role in the management of your safety, warning your staff and visitors of any potential dangers on the premises.

Hazard signs have a yellow triangle with a black pictogram or symbol on a yellow background with a black border. The yellow part has to be at least 50% of the area of the sign. Many of the hazard symbols currently used have been updated to bring them in line with the new ISO 7010 legislation.

Each sign is categorised as the above depending on the severity of the risk. For example, signs with the word “Danger” are used where the risk is deemed to be higher than those signs using the word caution.

(more…)

The recently published part II of BS5499. provides a uniform family of water safety signs based on the signs produced by the National Water Safety Committee. These signs should be used at all locations where sport or recreational activities are taking place, to warn the public of possible hazards or dangerous situations and to give specific instructions for their safety.

There are three main types of water safety signs you will find when you are around water. Each one has its own meaning, but all of them work to the same system. If you go to the seaside, then there are sometimes special flags to also look out for.

In addition to the water safety signs, you will also find information signs telling you where the toilets are or where you can get first aid. They will also tell you where the public rescue equipment is held.

Water safety signs

1. Hazard Signs

  • Triangle shaped
  • Yellow background, with black symbols
  • They are placed to help you spot a hazard that is not always obvious

They mean that you should be aware of something.

2. Prohibition Signs

Signs that mean you should not do something, are always:

  • A red ring shape, with a line running through
  • White background, red line and black symbols or shapes
  • They inform you of things you are not supposed to do

These signs tell you that it would be dangerous to do something, or go in that place.

3. Mandatory Signs

Signs that mean you should do something, are always:

  • Blue and circle shaped
  • White symbols or shapes
  • They inform you of things you need to do

These signs tell you that you should do something to be safe.

Other signs you might see

Information signs, are always:

  • White background
  • Black symbols or text

These signs help you either find something, or get somewhere.

First aid signs are always:

  • White symbols or text

These signs tell you where important safety items are such as the first aid place, or the emergency telephone.

Water safety flags

At beaches there are flags to tell us when and where it is safe to use the water.

This red flag means it is unsafe to be in the water.

Under BS EN 3 operative from the 1st January 1997, all new certified fire extinguishers used in European Union countries must feature red bodies. In line with familiar UK practice, BS 7863 allows manufacturers to affix coloured identification panels on or above the operating instructions covering no more than 5% of the body surface area and visible through a horizontal arc of 180 degrees when the extinguisher is mounted.

The new harmonised European standard on fire extinguishers – BS EN3 –  which came into effect in 1st January 1997, provides a single standard for fire extinguishers across Europe. It replaced the old British Standard BS 5423, which has now been withdrawn.

BS EN3 is the standard now used for the specification, manufacturing and purchase of extinguishers in the UK. An additional standard BS 7863 details the revised colour coding system and supplements BS EN3.

BS EN3 is not retrospective and pre-existing extinguishers do not need to be replaced with extinguishers to this new standard. However, any replacements as a result of damage, wear or un-serviceability or new extinguishers will need to meet this new, later standard. While BSEN3 has now been in place for a number of years, understanding the colours and codes should be part of your regular health and safety training and form part of your new staff induction programme. There are a number of resources such as Fire Extinguisher Colour Guide Code Charts that can serve as staff information points and training aids. Fire Extinguisher location panels can aid your routine premises maintenance. As well as providing information on the use of the particular fire extinguisher mounted they also give a visual warning as to when the extinguisher has been used and not replaced.

The New Standard Fire Extinguisher Standard
The main differences between the old and new standards are:

  • A minimum of 95% of the extinguisher body must be red
  • Zones of colour, indicating the contents of the extinguisher, are permitted
  • The markings on the extinguisher must follow a specified layout
  • Pictograms are used indicating the type of fires that the extinguisher is suitable for
  • A minimum body shell thickness is specified
  • Minimum fire performance ratings for the size of the extinguisher are specified
  • Operating temperatures of some extinguishers are increased
  • Some discharge times are increased

Although there are many technical changes and the improvements in the new standard, the most noticeable change is to the colour of the extinguisher bodies.

Fire Extinguisher Colours and Codes

Understanding the colours and codes should be part of your regular health and safety training and form part of your new staff induction programme. In the UK we were used to a system of using the colour of the body of the extinguisher to indicate its contents. However, this system has been peculiarly British with all extinguishers in Europe being coloured completely red.

Since extinguisher colour is no longer used to identify the type of the extinguisher, it falls to the standard pictograms to illustrate the types of fire that extinguisher can be used on. The pictograms are: Fire Extinguisher Types Pictogram

Class A fires involving organic solids; e.g. wood, paper
Class B fires involving flammable liquids
Class C fires involving flammable gases
Class F fires involving cooking oil and fat

A concession was made in this latest standard for a small zone of colour to be available on the body of the extinguisher to further help identify the contents of the extinguisher. A colour zone of up to 5% of the surface area of the extinguisher can be positioned on the top half of the front of the extinguisher body and be visible from 180 degrees. The British Standard BS 7863 outlines the colours that can be used in this way and follows the colour coding that has been used for many years. In addition, there is now a new colour for the Wet Chemical extinguisher (see guide above). The colour codes are:

Red – Water
Cream – Foam
Blue – Powder
Black – Carbon Dioxide
Canary Yellow – Wet Chemical

A further effect of the latest standard is that customised colours (most commonly chromed stainless steel) are no longer allowed; although, as there is no immediate need to change these extinguishers, they (and particularly the stainless extinguishers) may well be in use for some considerable time.

Replacement of Extinguishers
Even though pre-existing extinguishers do not need to be replaced, the gradual appearance of the new, latest standard extinguishers alongside older types may cause some confusion. The continued presence of other coloured extinguishers in an area may suggest to some users that the red extinguishers will contain water but this might not be the case, with potentially serious consequences.

Everyone should now what to do in the event of a fire and this includes being able to select the appropriate type of extinguisher to use. To reduce the chances of confusion, mixing new and old standard extinguishers in the same area or building should be avoided.

Note also that the British Standard on servicing BS5306: Part 4 states that all extinguishers installed in any one building or single occupancy should have the same method of operation and, if intended for the same function, should all be similar in shape, appearance and colour.

Summary for Fire Extinguisher Identification

  • Ensure that all new extinguishers obtained comply with BS EN3
  • Ensure that everyone is able to identify the different types of fire extinguisher and their respective use through training and guides
  • Provide information on the colour standards for fire extinguishers
  • Clearly sign extinguishers and their use with fire safety equipment signs
  • Do not mix extinguishers conforming to the old and new standards
  • Do not mix extinguishers which have different operating methods

Stocksigns has the largest range of fire safety signs on the market for more information on these and our other safety signs why not order our safety signs catalogue or call our Sales Team on 01737 77 40 72.

Emergency lighting is designed to illuminate automatically the emergency escape route (i.e. staircases, landings, passageways etc.) upon failure of the supply to the normal artificial lighting. The emergency lighting must comply with BS 5266: 2005. It is vital that emergency lighting comes on if the normal lighting fails. It needs to be sufficiently bright, illuminated for enough time, and the light sources so positioned that the staff and visitors of a building can be evacuated safely in an emergency

Siting of Luminaires

Luminaires should be sited in the following positions:

  • At each exit door
  • At each intersection of corridors
  • At each change of direction
  • Close to each staircase
  • Close to any change in floor level
  • Close to fire equipment and alarm call point locations
  • At locations that adequately illuminate emergency escape and safety signs

Maintained & Non-maintained Systems.

Non-maintained systems are used in buildings with a limited occupation time, such as offices and shops, and only operate when the power fails. In general, Maintained systems are required for places of entertainment and licensed premises and can be on all the time from normal mains supply, remaining on when the power fails.

For more information contact our sales team on Tel 01737 77 40 72 or sales@stocksigns.co.uk

Safety signs and Disability Discrimination Act

On October 1st 2004 the final stage of the goods, facilities and services provisions part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act came into force. Although the legislation has been in place for some time our need to meet the guidelines is still firmly in place. This article is a reminder of what we need to consider in terms of signs and our obligations to the DDA.

The aim of this legislation is to achieve equality between the disabled and able-bodied; it introduces a basic duty not to treat disabled people less favourably than others. The new basic duty or obligations apply to anyone providing a paid or unpaid service to the public. As a “service provider” you must ensure that access is available to all disabled people and that entry routes, facilities and all information are clearly defined and indicated by suitable signage. The regulations concern access, mobility and site signage, they apply to all service providers, ranging from large corporations to small businesses (not the owners of the premises).

Under recent changes to part 2 of the Act, all employers must now ensure that they do not discriminate against disabled people in terms of recruitment and employment conditions. Compliance with the DDA can be achieved effectively by most businesses within a modest budget; however, planning is essential to ensure that the disabled user is not at a disadvantage. The new provisions are a further important step towards ensuring that disabled people have access to services that others take for granted.

10 Sign areas to consider with the Disability Discrimination Act

You are required to make reasonable adjustments to your premises; the areas to be considered are the signing and marking of:

  1. designating disabled car parking bays
  2. setting down points
  3. routes to and around buildings
  4. building entrances and exits
  5. directions to facilities i.e. lifts, stairs, reception, toilets, restaurants etc.
  6. information on additional services available to the disabled
  7. clear indication of help points
  8. emergency exit routes
  9. emergency disabled refuge points
  10. the enhancement of general information signage

For additional advice on signage and the DDA we would recommend carrying out a site survey for your premises.

Over the next few months we will see the adoption of a new standard for safety signs as ISO 7010 is soon to become Pr EN 7010. The change will see safety signs in the workplace move away from being an “International standard” (essentially a recommendation on best practice), to a European norm (meaning the contents of the standard must be written into UK and EU law). ISO 7010 has been developed to provide consistency in design across the EU. We will be phasing in the new designs throughout 2011 and you may notice some design changes to the symbols whereas others will look virtually unchanged. Whilst the new symbols will be replacing the old designs, both designs will still meet your safety obligations.

ISO 7010 – An Overview.

In the late seventies, as the European Community was coming into being, it was recognised that with a large migratory workforce within the EU countries, there would be a real problem communicating health and safety issues.

It was decided to create an international standard based on pictograms. This lead to the publishing, in 1984, of the first health and safety standard; ISO 3864-Safety Colours and Safety Signs, which is still current today and is the basis for both ISO 7010 and BS 5499.

Because ISO 3864 was not grounded in law, it did not become established across the EU. So, in 1992, a European Directive based on ISO 3864 was passed, which made it a legal requirement for member states to write the requirements into their countries health and safety legislation, this was EC Directive 92/58/EEC.
In the UK this took the form of the “Health & Safety (Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.

The Directive was a bit vague regarding the symbols to be used and soon a variety of different symbols had developed across Europe, the “Euro” fire exit symbol being a good example.

The situation regarding these symbols now needed to be rectified.

Here in Britain, this lead to the revision of the previous standard and in 2002, BS5499:2002 Graphical Symbols and Signs, was issued.

The need for correct pictograms across Europe was now evident and so the International Standards Organisation were compelled to update their own standards and so, using BS 5499 as a basis, they split ISO 3864 into two parts:

ISO 3864:2002 – covering shape and colours, as before.
ISO 7010:2003 – covering pictograms.

As previously seen in the Eighties, for these changes to have any impact, it would be necessary to write this standard into law, which is the process we are in the middle of now.

Making ISO 7010 into an EN, means that the status of the standard will change from being a recommendation of best practice, to a European Norm, requiring that the contents of the Standard are written, without change, into all EU countries laws.

This means that there will be a legal requirement for the same sign to be used in every country for the same requirement.
It will mean that a fire exit sign in England will be the same as it would be in France, Spain, Germany or anywhere at all within the EU.

ISO 7010 – A Brief History – milestone timeline

Late seventies – large migratory workforce in the EEC
1978 – BS 5499 – Fire Safety Signs, Notices and Graphic Symbols
1992 – EC Directive 92/58/EEC
1996 – “The Health & Safety (Signs and Signals) Regulations
2002 – BS 5499:2002 – Graphical Symbols and Signs
2003 – ISO 3864:2002 and ISO 7010:2003

our new 2011 catalogue is has been completely updated to include the NEW ISO 7010 safety symbols

Safety signs are placed around shops and businesses, typically warning staff, customers and passersby that there is a hazard or safety issue. The safety signs over time can become dull and dirty from various elements that accumulate on them, this can obscure the valuable workplace safety message but also can make your premises look unkempt. These signs are often made of a hard rigid plastic, vinyl or aluminium, allowing you to easily clean your safety signs with inexpensive ingredients. For added protection and increased longevity email our sales team about having your safety signs made with “POF” protective overlay film.

Things You’ll Need to clean your safety signs:

  • Bucket
    Water
    Mild soap
    Vinegar
    Cleaning rag
    Nylon brush

Instructions for Cleaning your safety signs

1. Fill a bucket with about 2 litres warm water and 2 tbsp. of a mild detergent such as washing up liquid or laundry detergent. For a disinfectant quality, add an optional 1/2 cup of white vinegar.

2. Dip a soft cleaning rag into the cleaner and wipe it over your safety signs.

3. Very gently swish a nylon scrub brush into the cleaner if needed when heavier residue is present, again wiping over the sign until all grime is removed.

4. Wipe down the sign again with a clean, damp rag and allow to air dry.

Safety signs and symbols are important safety communicating tools, they help to indicate various hazards that present in plant site or workplace. At the same time, they warn workers to always keep watching out for those hazards by giving required information and safety instructions.

Safety signs and symbols do not only inform the presence of hazards, but also help create workers’ safety awareness. It is very important in reducing accidents in the workplace more obviously in maufacturing, heavy industry and on construction sites but also important in office based environments too.

To get the most out of health and safety signs and symbols, you should choose the right ones for each work location on your premises. Each work area needs different workplace health and safety signs and symbols. This is because each work area has different types of hazards. A risk assesment of each activity or designated area will help identify hazards. Appropriate actions for ensuring safety can then be drawn up and selecting the appropriate safety signs can then be selected. Where possible safety signs shown be changed (at least their location) to keep the safety message fresh and to avoid “sign blindness”.

Safety Signs and Symbols Standards

Safety signs and symbols consist of messages, words and pictorial symbol with variety of sizes, shapes and colours. All the shapes and colours are standardised. Each shape has different meaning and each colour reflects specific meaning.

Using standardised health and safety signs and symbols will make them understandable and overcome language barriers and the new ISO 7010 standard is the first step towards a global harmonization of safety symbols. More indepth infomation can be found at Safety Signs, Symbols and Colour Codes – a simple guide

Safety Signs – Shapes

The shapes of workplace health and safety signs are triangles, circles and squares or rectangles.

i. Triangles: indicates caution (potential hazards) or warning (definite hazards), for example toxic gas and electric shock.

ii. Circles: mandatory or recommended actions and are normally used to depict an action you must do, for example wearing eye goggles and safety hard hats.

iii. Squares or rectangles: shows information, i.e. general information and emergency information (first aid, fire fighting).

iv. A Circle with a 45° diagonal slash across the middle from the upper left to the lower right: points out forbidden or prohibited actions.

Safety Signs – Colours

The colours used in workplace safety signs and symbols are red, yellow, blue and green.

i. Red signs: designates areas for emergency devices like fire fighting equipment, or to emphasise unsafe or forbidden actions.

ii. Yellow: notifies workers to take caution and be alerted of hazards, reducing necessary risks.

iii. Blue: shows a particular action or behavior, for example instruction to wear personal protective equipment.

iv. Green: designates the location of emergency measures or equipment like first aid kits, evacuation routes, fire exits, escape ladders, or fire assembly points.

Safety Signs – Pocket Guides

Simple pocket guide with at a glance guide to the different colours and symbols used in safety signs make excellent reference material for workplace safety training and can be issued as part of new employee induction training.

There are several elements of school signage schemes that can be used to build school identity. These can range from clear branded welcome boards, navigation signs, information signs, down to standard health and safety signs. They all have their part to play in building school identity.

Why do schools need signage?

1. Improves safety inside schools

Keeping students safe inside a school’s premises is the top priority and signage can help support that. This means making sure that health and safety signs are in the appropriate places.

Schools have to make sure that fire alarms, fire exits and other safety signs are clearly displayed, and every classroom and corridor has a sign which directs students to the nearest fire exit and alarms in case of an emergency.

2. Increases punctuality and attendance

Punctuality and attendance is always a concern for school’s because it reduces learning time when students are not in the classroom. Sometimes, the reason for this is because in larger schools, it can take students more time to navigate themselves to the classroom because they either get lost, or are not aware of the quickest routes. A good way to help students get to classrooms quicker is by installing arrow signs to remind students which directions to take.

3. Helps promote core values and the brand

It’s common for schools to promote their core values and brand identity using signage. These are often displayed in the main entrance, in classrooms or on the walls. When promoting core value, the schools have a real opportunity to communicate to potential students and parents, which might reflect their decision to join your school or another. 

What types of signage should be used in schools?

The information for this header is already in the blog. I think this H2 should be at the top, following the list of signs (school welcome signs, navigational, information signs, safety signs etc). Some imagery of these types of signs should be included with internal linking to the products. 

How to improve school safety using signage?

To ensure maximum safety within a schools premises, you need to make sure signs are placed in all the necessary locations where hazards and risks could arise. This includes cleaning signs in toilets, fire hazard signs in kitchens and warning signs in classrooms with chemicals. Here you can find all the school signs you may need. If you’re unsure about the types of signs required, check out ‘Most Common Workplace Safety Signs in the UK’ 

Once you’ve got the signage. You need to make sure that their positioned at the correct height so they’re visible to children and workers. The positioning of the signs must comply with Safety Signs and Signals Regulations 1996. 

School Welcome Signs

The main school entrance signs and welcome boards are your first signage points of contact with staff, children, parents and visitors and are your primary identity builders. If you start with strong images and messages on these boards, these design elements can then be carried throughout the school and grounds on all the remaining signage.

Navigational and Wayfinding School Signs

Your wayfinding signs should carry the same branding elements e.g. school colours and logos etc as your “Welcome” School signs. Directories and wayfinding sign systems aim to make navigation around unfamiliar grounds and buildings as simple as possible. These signs are often the second point of contact after the “Welcome Boards” that people have with your school and first impressions count. As well as the functionality of the sign, design and aesthetics should be considered. School names and logos should be recognised at a glance and directional instructions should be instantly understood. An efficient way finding system will help new students orientate themselves quickly and alleviate some of the anxiety felt by new pupils. If they can find their way round easily from the start they will have a much more comfortable and relaxed start to their time at your school. All these small elements help to build a positive feel to the identity of the school.

Information School Signs

Children’s information signs help to create boundaries and guidelines to keep children safe. By publishing some of the guidelines you advertise your commitment to safety and to children’s personal and social development. Our article on using school and playground signs as teaching aids illustrates how they can be used to promote people skills and relationship building as well as traditional learning. For general information signs and notices use your school colours and keep the font used the same throughout. Even the simplest of information signs benefits from adding your school logo – adding authority to your messages. Use bright 3D Pictorial signs in your premises, these not only soften harsh building environments and add colour but work as teaching aids and can help students with learning difficulties. Use banners not only to advertsise school events in the community but also to celebrate success.

They can be used to display fundraising targets, results or just good news.

School Safety Signs

Safety signs have an obvious purpose – they are used to protect and guide pupils, staff and visitors. There is a legislative obligation to have the correct signage in place. However if you have to have them you may as well get them to work harder and promote your school identity. Add you school logo or name to help create uniformity throughout the school. Use braille sign versions of safety signs to aid your commitment to DDA regulations and children with special needs. Many signage companies will carry our signs site surveys to make sure you are complying with the latest safety sign legislation giving peace of mind to staff and parents.

By careful planning your signs can do so much more, whether replacing worn-out signs or going through a refurbishment make sure every sign you purchase works hard in terms of functionality but also helps reflect your school identity.

A substantial body of research shows that using a hand-held or hands-free mobile phone while driving is a significant distraction, and substantially increases the risk of the driver crashing.

Safety Signs and Training for Drivers

Stocksigns offer a range of transport safety signs and driving resources to help protect your staff and fleet. As a working partner of RoSPA we are proud to offer access to RoSPA Fleet Training and consultancy as well as a host of traffic signs.

For more details on Driver Development courses, Advanced Driver Training and Driver Risk Assessment tools such as “Driver Profiler” please call us on 01737764764 for more information.

Prohibition Mobile Phone Safety Signs

The issue of drivers using mobile phones just won’t go away, government and police schemes to raise awareness of the dangers of mobile phones has failed to eradicate the problem. We have a range of safety posters and signs to help you look after your staff and fleet including prohibition signs, traffic signs, information signs and hazard signs. Visit our signs shop or order a catalogue to learn more.

Drivers who use a mobile phone, whether hand-held or hands-free:

  • Are much less aware of what’s happening on the road around them.
  • Fail to see road signs.
  • Fail to maintain proper lane position and proper speed.
  • Are more likely to ‘tailgate’ the vehicle in front.
  • React more slowly and take longer to brake.
  • Are more likely to enter unsafe gaps in traffic.
  • Feel more stressed and frustrated.

They are also four times more likely to crash, injuring or killing themselves and/or other people – RoSPA

The use of symbols and graphical images is a simple safety system used to convey safety messages at a glance. Colours and symbols appropriately used can provide information and warnings of hazards which are essential to safety at work, and in some instances may be independent of language.

The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 require employers to provide and maintain safety signs where there is significant risk to health and safety that has not been avoided or controlled by other means (e.g. safe systems of work) provided that the use of a sign can help reduce the risk. They also require, where necessary, the use of road traffic signs in workplaces to regulate road traffic. Employers must also ensure that all employees receive appropriate information, instruction and training regarding safety signs.  Although most signs are self-explanatory, some employees (particularly young or new workers) may be unfamiliar with the signs used.

What is a safety sign?

A safety and/or health sign is defined as information or instruction about health and safety at work on a signboard, a colour, an illuminated sign or acoustic signal, a verbal communication or hand signal.

A signboard is a combination of shape, colour and symbol or pictogram made visible by adequate lighting and which may have supplementary text.

What are the 4 types of safety signs?

There are four different types of safety signs:

  • Prohibition / Danger Alarm Signs
  • Mandatory Signs
  • Warning Signs
  • And Emergency

Each of these signs has its own colour with different variety of signs.

Safety sign colours

What do Red safety signs mean?

When a sign is Red, it’s usually a prohibitory sign that aims to grab people’s attention for a dangerous situation nearby, such as preventing people from smoking in an area containing flammable materials.

What do Yellow or Amber safety signs mean?

Similarly to traffic lights, yellow or amber signs send a warning to viewers, which is an indication to take precautions in the environment their in. This includes being in an area with dangerous chemicals, high voltage electrical equipment or even to be careful of the step on the street.

What do Blue safety signs mean?

Blue safety signs are mandatory signs which instruct people to undertake an action before proceeding. This could be wearing protective clothing,  keeping a fire door shutt, making sure premises are tidy and applying hand sanitiser.

What do Green safety signs mean?

Green safety signs are informative for the reader to signal safety, directing them to areas such as exit routes, first aid stations and assembly points.

What are combination safety signs?

Under ISO 7010 legislation safety signs can be combined to give multiple messages.

Combination sign

This sign gives a hazard warning (yellow) that the site is dangerous. It gives a prohibition instruction (red) that there must be no unauthorised entry and a mandatory instruction (blue) that a course of action must be taken – visitors report to site office.

These multi message signs are ideal for construction sites or garage forecourts where a combination of messages can be delivered in one place in potentially dangerous environments.

When are barrier tapes used?

Barrier tape can be used where the marking of dangerous locations is deemed necessary (e.g. highlighting the edge of a raised platform or area or restricted heights). They can be used internally or externally to help alert people of a hazard or danger.

We supply a range of different tapes such as reflective hazard warning tapes, self-adhesive photoluminescent tape, graphic barricade tape and pipeline identification tape. Please call a member of a sales team on 01737 774072 to discuss your tape requirements.

black and yellow hazard barrier tape

 

ISO 7010

Large elements of the British Standard BS5499 symbols have been changed since the introduction of ISO 7010. The basic principles of understanding safety symbols have remained the same i.e. colour and shape of out line symbol but some of the icons/symbols have changed.

For more advice contact our sales team on 01737 774072 or send us an email.

RED

Meaning or Purpose

Prohibition/Danger alarm

Instruction and Information

Dangerous behaviour; stop; shutdown; emergency cut-out devices; evacuate

Features

Round shape; black pictogram on white background; red edging and diagonal line; red part to be at least 35% of the area of the sign

An Example 

1440 Strictly No admittance safety sign

YELLOW

Meaning or Purpose

Warning

Instruction and Information

Be careful; take precautions; examine

Features

Triangular in shape ; black pictogram on yellow background with black edging; yellow part to be at least 50% of the area of the sign

An Example 

2813 - warning overhead cables

BLUE

Meaning or Purpose

Mandatory

Instruction and Information

Specific behaviour or action e.g. wear personal protective equipment

Features

Round shape; white pictogram on blue background; blue part to be at least 50% of the area of the sign

An Example 

mandatory-hard-hat-area

GREEN

Meaning or Purpose

Emergency escape or First Aid

Instruction and Information

Doors; exits; escape routes equipment and facilities Return to normal

Features

Rectangular or square shape; white pictogram on green background; green part to be at least 50% of the area of the sign

An Example 

Fire Exit sign with left arrow

RED (fire fighting signs)

Meaning or Purpose

Fire fighting equipment

Instruction and Information

Identification & location

Features

Rectangular or square shape; white pictogram on red background; red part to be at least 50% of the area of the sign

An Example 

Fire alarm call point landscape layout sign

Stocksigns ideas to help build your green credentials

Many companies are committed to recycling and purchasing non-toxic supplies, but they still work in buildings whose materials, electrical systems and waste systems were in place long before being “eco” became the business buzz word of the moment and before the economic benefits of being green were truly understood. Different companies will have different factors to consider when improving their green credentials. For example a solicitors firm will have different concerns than a construction site. But one way (more…)

Best And First -Dyson Stick Vacuum V8, Is the Dyson V8 worth it?

Dyson believes that cordless Vacuum Cleaners(create a solid https://www.bestandfirst.com/vacuum-cleaner/) are the future, whether handheld vacuum or robot vacuum, yet battery innovation has been the big sticking point. The latest V8 cordless claims to last two times as lengthy and to be able to completely replace a corded vacuum.

The Dyson V8 Absolute is the current in a long line of Best Handheld Vacuum(interested to see the https://www.bestandfirst.com/best-handheld-vacuum/), which started life as the DC16 in 2007. Ever since, they have actually ended up being more powerful, and with enhanced energy-efficiency and batteries, they last longer between fees. They’ve also gained flooring devices and sticks to transform them right into full vacuum-cleaner replacements.

The large distinction between the Dyson V8 vacuum and last year’s V6 is that the new Dyson cordless insurance claims to last for as much as 40 mins battery life. Is it ultimately enough to clean up the whole residence?

You can get it on BestAndFirst. The email address you previously opted in to receive updates will have the shipping status in 1-2 business days. Leave us your email so that our customer service can contact you.

Best Vacuum Cleaner(read this awesome blog post on how to do https://www.bestandfirst.com/best-vacuum-cleaner/)

Easy to Use

Unlike a corded vacuum cleaner, there’s nowhere to save the unused upright the cleaner, which would add weight, yet it is a little bit of a pain.

With a stick and drive cleaner head affixed, the Dyson V8 Absolute manages like a cylinder vacuum’s wand without the weight of the attaching tube and main unit to drag around on the flooring. It really feels very different to an upright, however utilizing it quickly becomes natural. The greatest distinction is that because most of the weight is in your hand it’s a whole lot easier to pick up and relocate the soft roller cleaner head around without dragging it across the flooring. It converts to a handheld when needed.

In spite of weighing just 2.6 kg and being lighter than a lot of various other cordless vacuums, I found that after cleaning up an entire home with the Dyson digital motor v8 I could really feel the muscles in my hand and arm start to ache. Relaxing my hold and allowing the head on the floor take the weight helped, however it is something you have to get used to.eufy robovac(elements of a https://www.bestandfirst.com/eufy-robovac/)

Battery life

Dyson asserts the V8 will last for 40 mins without a powered head, making use of the crevice tool or similar suction-only accessory. You can get free tools worth 75 when you add to basket. The combination tool could be very convenient for you. It will last as much as thirty minutes with the fluffy head attached, as much as 25 minutes with the standard spinning brush head or seven minutes when in optimum powerful suction setting.

 

I found the battery life greater than long enough. An extensive tidy of 4 spaces, a kitchen area, a shower room and a flight of staircases with both carpet and hard flooring surfaces, including cleaning around the sides with the crevice tool, and utilizing the mini motorized tool directly the stairways, left me with one-third of the battery left.

A lighter weekly clean left about fifty percent in the storage tank, while I could utilize it for a whole day of tidying up throughout and after DIY without issue. A complete fee takes five hours and the Dyson V8 Absolute can be stored in a wall-mounted dock that holds and charges the main device, plus has clips for two devices. The various other devices, including the various other motorised heads have to be stored separately, which is a little bit messy.

Performance

The V8 can be found in two variations: the Dyson V8 Absolute and the V8 Pet. The Pet is the starting version and comes with one large motorised brush head, a gap and mix device and a smaller motorised go to cleaning the stairways and various other bits. The Absolute also comes with the cosy go to cleaning difficult floors.

The heads and devices can be connected straight to the V8 or via the stick, which is light sufficient to raise with the crevice tool to reach the corners of the ceiling.Small Vacuum Cleaner(Small Vacuum Cleaner’s website)

The Dyson V8 Absolute is the most flexible, easy to use and practical vacuum cleaner I have actually ever before made use of. Previous models wouldn’t constantly do the whole residence on a fee; the V8 will certainly be able to clean also a five-bed residence in one go, which is a big step forward.

With the weight of the motor and battery in your hand, it has to do with as tiring to make use of as an upright, regardless of being much lighter and extra manoeuvrable than the majority of other vacuums. There’s also a question over how much time the batteries will last. It has a two-year assurance, but similar to a mobile phone, the batteries will at some point discolor, indicating it could not last as long as a corded vacuum.

It is still a compromise, between power, battery life, weight and utility, however the Dyson V8 Absolute strikes the most effective balance so far. It is fully capable of replacing a corded model for even the messiest of work with the included benefit of a handheld vacuum cleaner constructed in. The V8 only actual issue is the cost, which is really high indeed.eufy robovac 25c(post (eufy robovac 25c))

BestAndFirst has this model on sale right now. BestAndFirst gives us a tech cool way concerning how to deal with the daily dose of technology in our lives in a healthy and smart way! Tech lifestyle products will be the hottest main recommendations on BestAndFirst.




BEST AND FIRST – DYSON V11 VACUUM, DYSON V11 REVIEW

Best And First – Dyson Pet Vacuum, Dyson Vacuum for Pet Hair

Best Pet Carpet Cleaner Vacuum

Best And First – What is Roborock? Roborock makes great vacuums

eufy RoboVac G30 Edge Review

Stocksigns have produced an A5 reference guide to assist you with understanding the type of way finding needed for the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) and SFA (Step Free Access) improvement schemes.

Network Rail have undertaken a comprehensive program to improve many managed station facilities. Under the Disabled Peoples Protection Policy (DPPP), access to platforms is being improved. This usually means the provision of a new footbridge with lifts or when possible, lift towers developed next to an existing footbridge giving a step free route between platforms.

Although new rail signage schemes are sponsored by Network Rail in most cases the signage should be complementary to what is in existence on the station. Station signage is usually specific to individual operators. Most train operators have their own typeface, colour scheme, and corporate identity that specifies what is required.

At Stocksigns we understand the signage requirements for these projects supplying DDA compliant signs in a train operator’s correct branding. Stocksigns have the knowledge that not only allows us to offer a compliant signage package but will offer it in a design that uses the correct identity. Our signs can bear directions, warnings, names, and advertising to help guide customers on their journey.

The Stocksigns DDA Signage Solutions guide has been designed as an easy reference tool depicting the various generic sign types and their applications.