Tag Archives: signs

General Safety Issues

HURRICANE SANDY REINFORCES NEED FOR VISUAL EMERGENCY SIGNAGE (GUEST POST)

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By Steve Stephenson, Graphic Products, Inc.

In New York City, Hurricane Sandy reached its peak on the night of Monday, October 29, 2012. Most of the city had already been evacuated, but some hospitals were required to stay open. New York University’s Langone Medical Center in Manhattan was one such hospital. 800 of its most-healthy patients had been sent home, but the hospital was deemed safe enough for 215 intensive care patients to remain.

At 7:30 p.m., storm waters flooded the basement of the hospital. Both main and back-up power were lost. The 17-floor building went dark. Elevators and life-support equipment stopped working. For patients who could not breathe on their own, nurses manually squeezed oxygen bags.

Over the next 15 hours, hospital staff moved patients down dark halls and stairwells to ambulances on the ground floor. The evacuation was completed with no fatalities or serious injuries, thanks primarily to the professional actions of the hospital staff. Navigation through the pitch-black stairwells was also presumably helped by glow-in-the-dark emergency wayfinding signs, required by NYC law.

Most emergency evacuations of large facilities are not as leisurely as this one, nor do they always end as happily. In other, faster disasters—like tornados, earthquakes and tsunamis—evacuations can be panicked, deadly events. For facility and safety managers, natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy serve as a reminder that every building, no matter how safe it is usually, can become deadly. Effective emergency signs and labels are an important part of making sure a facility is fully prepared for emergencies. 

Emergency wayfinding
When disaster strikes a large facility during work hours, there will inevitably be workers or visitors who are confused about where they are supposed to go. Having clear, effective wayfinding signs help make evacuations as quick and safe as possible.

Examples of emergency wayfinding signs include: large arrows pointing toward exit routes, the exit signs themselves and instructional signs with messages like, “In Case of Emergency, Use Stairs.”

Facility managers should periodically conduct surveys of their emergency wayfinding signage. Here are some questions to ask:

  • Are the same emergency sign formats used consistently throughout the building?
  • Are signs large and easy to read?
  • Are signs located in obvious places where people would easily see them during an emergency?
  • Are signs reflective and easy to read in dim lighting?
  • Are signs easy to read in no light, when illuminated by flashlights?
  • Are signs durable enough to withstand extreme conditions, like fires and floods?
  • Could the facility benefit from glow-in-the-dark exit route markings?

In 2004, a building code law was passed in New York City that required structures taller than 75 feet to have phosphorescent (glow-in-the-dark) exit path markings for egress routes. This law was passed largely as a result of the proven usefulness of glow-in-the-dark wayfinding signs in the 9-11 World Trade Center evacuations. Since then, numerous other jurisdictions and building organizations have instituted similar standards. In situations where electricity is lost or when lights are obscured by smoke, glow-in-the-dark signs are extremely beneficial for all facilities, not just for tall buildings like the Langone hospital.

Hazardous material labeling and pipe marking

During Hurricane Sandy, many facilities and homes were destroyed by fires caused by natural gas pipe leaks. Pipe labeling is another important element in facility emergency preparedness, as is the labeling of hazardous materials in general. First responders to emergency situations need to know what materials they are dealing with so they can make the right decisions.

Facility managers should occasionally review their hazardous material labeling and pipe marking strategies. Some questions to ask include:

  • Are all relevant hazards communicated on the labels?
  • Are all labels large and easy-to-read?
  • Are labels visible from multiple angles of approach?
  • Are pipes labeled enough times along their length?
  • Are pipe shut-off valve locations shown?
  • Are locations of emergency equipment (such as wash stations) communicated?
  • Can labels being used withstand abrasion and water damage?

Lessons learned from Sandy

Hurricane Sandy was an extremely destructive storm whose power hasn’t been experienced in the area for several decades. But it’s an important reminder that, sooner or later, most facilities will face some type of emergency. Having a building with clear signs and labels is an important aspect of great emergency preparedness.

Steve Stephenson is managing partner and chief marketing officer at Graphic Products, Inc. in Beaverton, OR. He has overall responsibility for both marketing and product development for the DuraLabel brand of desktop and standalone labeling systems. Graphic Products offers phosphorescent wayfinding supplies, labeling supplies compliant with OSHA, ANSI, GHS and NFPA, pipe-marking supplies, personal protective equipment and other materials used for industrial safety and productivity.  For more information visit www.DuraLabel.com.

 

General Safety Issues

HALLOWEEN AND ZOMBIE SAFETY (GUEST POST)

By Jack Rubinger, www.DuraLabel.com, 503-469-3024, jarubinger@graphicproducts.com 

Hazard check for October: maintain walkways to eliminate soggy leaves; adjust outdoor lighting; get brake jobs for auto fleet; and most importantly—protect your workers from zombie invasions.

As the undead begin to encroach during the waning daylight hours, it’s critical to make sure your safety signs are OSHA-compliant. OSHA’s primary hazard classifications for danger, warning, caution, and biohazard are designed to be noticed—important when you want to ensure your employees show up for work alive the next day. Use the following information to keep your employees alive and safe, and at the same time avoid being fined by OSHA.

DANGER

Danger signs indicate an immediate hazard which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. Danger signs should be reserved for the most serious hazards and signify special precautions are necessary.

The Danger signal word is printed in white letters on a red background and preceded by the safety alert symbol. The message panel, beneath the signal word, is where the safety message is printed, usually in black or red over white. You can also print in white over a black safety panel. Pictograms may be used to help workers recognize hazards sooner and from safe distances.  In the case of zombie hazard, we recommend the following:

DANGERKeep Clear: Zombie Hazard Imminent 

 WARNING

Warning signs are one hazard level below danger signs. They describe a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

The Warning signal word is written in black on an orange background header and proceeded by a safety alert symbol. The text in the message panel may be printed in white letters on a black panel or black letters on a white panel. Warning signs and labels can be any size and printed in a landscape or portrait format. Keep in mind, alternative design and color options should only be used to improve worker comprehension.

When warning of zombies, we recommend the following:

WARNINGAvoid Contact with Zombies. Always wear Personal Protective Equipment if contact is unavoidable. Contact with skin may result in zombification.

CAUTION

A caution sign indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. Caution signs are used in areas where potential injury or equipment damage is possible, or to caution against unsafe practices. Caution signs should only be used if there is a risk of personal injury.

The Caution signal word is written in black letters on a yellow background and is preceded by a safety alert symbol, except when used for a non-personal injury. The message panel below the signal word contains the safety message and any additional safety symbols. Everything printed inside the message panel is black text on white or white text on black.

Here’s an example of a useful caution sign. Does your facility have a zombie evacuation plan?

 CAUTIONZombie Evacuation RouteKeep aisles clear.

 BIOHAZARD

OSHA 1910.1459(e)(4) states, “The biological hazard warnings shall be used to signify the actual or potential presence of a biohazard and to identify equipment, containers, rooms, materials, experimental animals, or combinations thereof, which contain, or are contaminated with, viable hazardous agents… presenting a risk or potential risk to the well-being of man.” The symbol design must conform with the example shown right and contain the word “Biohazard” or “Biological Hazard.”

The biohazard symbol can be black, fluorescent orange, or an orange-red color. Background color is optional as long as there is sufficient contrast for the biohazard symbol to be clearly defined. A biohazard can also be indicated on a danger or warning sign and may include the safety alert symbol.

If incapacitated zombies are strewn about your work area, they should be tagged with biohazard signs, as shown below:

 BIOHAZARD Avoid skin contact with contaminated tissue

 OSHA also has compliance standards for Notice, general safety signs, fire safety signs, and admittance signs. See the DuraLabel site for a selection of OSHA-compliant signs for zombie hazards and any other purpose.

Thanks, Jack, for these important warnings to protect our workers!  Safety posters placed in just the right spots may help, as well.

 

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

TOP TEN PLACES FOR INFORMATION SIGNS

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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

General Safety Issues

DO YOU KNOW THE SIGNS OF STROKE?

Are you aware that stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and that approximately 137,000 Americans die each year, resulting from stroke?  Cause of stroke is usually either a clot blocking the blood vessels, or bleeding in the brain.  It is important to recognize the signs of stroke and get medical help immediately.  The faster a person can receive medical attention, the greater their chance of recovery.  Because death or serious disabilities can be caused by stroke, here are some important symptoms to watch for:
q Sudden numbness, paralysis, or weakness in face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
q Abrupt vision changes.
q Slurred speech, drooling, or feeling confused.
q A severe headache that feels different from normal headaches and comes on quickly.
If you are with someone whom you suspect may be having a stroke, call for help immediately.  Some signs of stroke may be that the person may not be able to smile, talk, such as speak simple sentences, or raise both arms.  A rule of thumb to remember is S-T-R, which describes things you may ask them to do while waiting for an ambulance.  But a doctor must diagnose and treat the person, and time is of the essence!
There are many factors that contribute to stroke.  Keep these in mind:
à High blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes, obesity.  These are conditions that should be monitored often.  Salt intake should be limited.
à Risky behaviors, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or physical inactivity.
à Heredity also plays a role in the risk of stroke.
Because I lost both my parents and three of my grandparents to stroke, I have known that there are things I must do to try to stay healthy.  I love to eat sweets, and I would be fibbing if I told you I always eat healthy.  But I exercise every day, (I still walk my dog Buddy every day, as well as go to the fitness center), watch my blood pressure, and try to avoid stress if possible.
A stroke can be debilitating for an individual and their family, as well.  We are fortunate that physical and occupational rehabilitation can restore patients to their normal functions in some cases.  By paying attention to our bodies and living a healthy lifestyle as much as possible, we all must try to avoid being a victim of stroke.
Source:
Centers for Disease Control
Web M.D.
Are you aware that stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and that approximately 137,000 Americans die each year, resulting from stroke?  Cause of stroke is usually either a clot blocking the blood vessels, or bleeding in the brain.  It is important to recognize the signs of stroke and get medical help immediately.  The faster a person can receive medical attention, the greater their chance of recovery.  Because death or serious disabilities can be caused by stroke, here are some important symptoms to watch for:
  • Sudden numbness, paralysis, or weakness in face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
  • Abrupt vision changes.
  • Slurred speech, drooling, or feeling confused.
  • A severe headache that feels different from normal headaches and comes on quickly.
If you are with someone whom you suspect may be having a stroke, call for help immediately.  Some signs of stroke may be that the person may not be able to smile, talk, such as speak simple sentences, or raise both arms.  A rule of thumb to remember is S-T-R, which describes things you may ask them to do while waiting for an ambulance.  But a doctor must diagnose and treat the person, and time is of the essence!
There are many factors that contribute to stroke.  Keep these in mind:
  • High blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes, obesity.  These are conditions that should be monitored often.  Salt intake should be limited.
  • Risky behaviors, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or physical inactivity.
  • Heredity also plays a role in the risk of stroke.
Because I lost both my parents and three of my grandparents to stroke, I have known that there are things I must do to try to stay healthy.  I love to eat sweets, and I would be fibbing if I told you I always eat healthy.  But I exercise every day, (I still walk my dog Buddy every day, as well as go to the fitness center), watch my blood pressure, and try to avoid stress if possible.
A stroke can be debilitating for an individual and their family, as well.  We are fortunate that physical and occupational rehabilitation can restore patients to their normal functions in some cases.  By paying attention to our bodies and living a healthy lifestyle as much as possible, we all must try to avoid being a victim of stroke.
Source:
Centers for Disease Control
Web M.D.