One of the best parts of writing blogs is hearing from friends all over the world – which affords the luxury of comparing and sharing ideas on ways to keep everyone safer.  Today’s article comes from Matt Hornsby, guest author, from the United Kingdom.  We think you will enjoy reading his version of the importance that information signs play:

The home and the workplace can be a dangerous place. But one thing you can do to make these places less hazardous is by making sure you have the right equipment and information signs in place. Here are 10 spots you might want to consider: 

THE COOKER

 

Of course, the kitchen is one of the most dangerous places you’ll find in the home. Therefore it can be wise to make sure you have fire extinguishers, blankets and fire safety signs near to your oven, hob and grill.

 

NEXT TO YOUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER

 

It’s important to have fire extinguishers around the home or at work, but if you don’t know what purpose they are to be used for, it makes them less effective. Information signs can let people know exactly type of extinguishers are available so they can more safely put out a fire if they need to.

 

AROUND CABLES AND WIRES

 

This is particularly a problem for offices – as phone lines, computers, printers and internet connections all come with their own set of cables and wires. In addition to cable tidies, you should also consider simple warning signs to stop people from tripping over them.

 

IN ROOMS WITH VINYL OR TILED FLOORS

 

Sure, it’s the name of a Bon Jovi album, but ‘Slippery When Wet’ is also a handy piece of information to have in a kitchen, bathroom or anywhere where there is a vinyl or tiled floor. Simple slips and falls can cause serious injuries, so protect against them.

 

AROUND FIRST AID POINTS

 

Should someone have an accident, you want to know that they are able to get the attention they need as soon as possible. So let them know where there is an appointed first aider or kit with first aid signs to guide them.

 

AT FIRE EXITS

 

Getting people out of the building quickly when there is an emergency is already something of a challenge, but if you are able to make people aware of fire exits in advance with the right fire exit signage, you could be giving yourself valuable extra time.

 

AROUND RECYLING POINTS

 

More people are keen to make sure they are recycling to help protect the planet. But you need to make sure people know where they can easily place their plastic, paper and cans – so putting up recycling signs is a great idea.

 

STAFF ONLY/PRIVATE MEETINGS

 

More for the workplace than the home, there will inevitably be areas you don’t want the public to roam. A simple no entry sign will keep people from dangerous areas or places that are only meant for authorized staff.

 

OVER DOOR FRAMES

 

All buildings are different – and some have ceilings and doorways that can be hazardous to those over a certain height! A head injury can be nasty, so simply putting up a sign alerting people could be useful.

 

AROUND SMALL STEPS

Just like low ceilings and doorways, small steps can surprise people and cause accidents. However, putting down some trip hazard signs around them is an easy way to help stop this.

 

Thanks, Matt, for this interesting information.  I am not sure what a “hob” is, but would like to know!  We are very fortunate to have friends like you who will share their knowledge with our readers.  Please let us hear from you again.  You may read more from Matt’s website at: whatishealthandsafety.co.uk