Lasting Impressions

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  • Managing Your Outdoor Space For Dog Walkers

    Managing Your Outdoor Space For Dog Walkers

    Whether you own a large outdoor space or manage one publicly, having the right tools to manage its maintenance is important. It allows you to regulate the movement of animals and their owners, reducing the amount of waste and protecting the landscape from damage. And, while most people will be fully aware of their requirements when using this space, having the right signs will give peace of mind and reassurance that the right information is being shared.

    Types of dog walking signs available

    The type of sign needed for your outdoor environment will depend on any restrictions, requirements or previous activity that has taken place there. With all health & safety specifications, it’s important to do a risk assessment and identify any hazards that may occur. Perhaps a hidden area of your outdoor park is regularly used for dogs to foul in. Or maybe you find that dogs let off of their leads in another area put them at a greater risk of an accident. Knowing this information will ensure you provide and display the right signs in the right locations. The main dog signs available include:

      • Keep Dogs On A Lead

    Even in the most dog-friendly parks, there may still be areas where it is safer for a dog to be kept on its lead. This could be due to the proximity to the main road, access to somebody else’s property or to give respite to park users who aren’t as dog-orientated. Clear instructional signs are the best way to get this message across. Place them on entrance ways and areas where dog walkers are likely to gain access to your space.

      • No Dogs In This Area

    There will be places in your area where you wish to restrict access by dogs and their owners. This could be near restaurants, play areas or picnic corners. In these environments, you may consider hanging a ‘No Dogs In This Area’ sign in the entranceway or surrounding area. Some areas are more specific and state the area of restriction – for example, a playground area. Alternatively, they can just have a firm message to eliminate the presence of dogs in any given space.

      • Clean It Up

    You would expect a responsible dog owner to take care of their pet’s waste and remove it from your site. However, some would rather turn a blind eye and walk away. This is where Clean It Up signs come into play. They offer a handy reminder that visitors are responsible for their animal’s waste and that it should be removed and properly disposed of. With many of these signs, there is space to personalize them with a maximum penalty message too, reinforcing the restriction to all users.

      • Guide Dog

    There are some environments where general dogs won’t be admitted but guide dogs will. This is for the safety of the walker and is information that needs to be signposted clearly. In doing so, you prevent confusion and allow people to use your space freely.

      • Dogs Allowed

    And, in some environments, dogs are welcomed in as part of the family. In this setting, a Dogs Allowed sign will inform owners and allow them to enjoy added amenities without worrying about their pet.

    No matter what restrictions your outdoor space has or what information needs to be passed on to users of your facility, the right sign helps you to do this in a clear, concise way. Here at Lasting Impressions, we design and manufacture safety signs for all needs. If you would like more information about our dog signs, get in contact with our team here today.

  • Your Guide To Pub and Bar Safety Signs

    Your Guide To Pub and Bar Safety Signs

    High foot traffic, large groups of daily visitors and exceeding demands for employees. Pubs are a unique environment and require unique solutions when it comes to health and safety. Considerations need to be made for everyone from the pub owner through to bar staff, catering staff and the customers who visit you every single day. Once you have conducted a risk assessment to identify where the most significant hazards are, you can move on to establishing a set-up that works in your favour. As experts within the safety sign industry, we can help you to do just this here at Lasting Impressions. This guide will cover all of the pub and bar safety signs you may need to consider to keep everyone safe.

    Food and Drink Hygiene

    Here in the UK, the Food Standards Agency is an independent department that works to protect health and consumers concerning food. They provide guidance and regulations surrounding food safety to minimise the risk of contamination, spoiling and the resulting illness. If your pub or bar serves food, one of the first safety areas you’ll need to consider is the catering environment.

    Providing regular training to your employees and ensuring they are up-to-date with any changes in regulations is one way to support this. However, it’s not uncommon to find high staff turnover in these environments. Keeping the most important information and advice within people’s view allows you to reduce the chance of people getting ill or hurt.

    Let’s take a look at some of the signs you may need:

    Food Preparation

    Cross-contamination and poor storage can both lead to serious health complications in catering settings. Preventing these should be at the height of importance within any kitchen. There are a selection of signs available to help you do just this. Consider options such as the Do Not Store Raw And Cooked Food Sign, Cooked Meats Only and The Food In This Freezer Sign.

    You should also take into account potential allergies and the cross-contamination that can occur here. Keeping items stored separately and prepared separately is a catering 1-0-1 and there are signs available to help regulate this. Options such as Dairy Products Only, Food Preparation Area Veg & Salad Only and Fish Only allow you to easily delegate storage areas as a preventative measure.

    For employee safety, you’ll also want to implement handwashing and hygiene procedures. Using signs near common contamination points, next to all toilets and in designated spots throughout your kitchen will reinforce these measures for all employees. Choose signs such as Wash Hands Handling Raw Meat and In The Interests Of Food Hygiene Sign.

    Machine Safety

    Staying within the kitchen, you also need to work to prevent injury due to dangerous machinery. Ovens, stoves and mincing equipment have the potential to cause serious harm to employees, especially if they are improperly trained or unaware of certain procedures. Safety signs affixed to the machine itself or within close proximity acts as a reminder to take care and use proper precautions at all times. You’ll want to consider signs such as the Mincing/Mixing Machine Sign, Caution Hot Surface Sign or the Use Knives Safely Sign.

    Cleaning Chemicals

    As part of your general upkeep and housekeeping systems, you’re likely to require several chemicals and cleaning solutions. These will need to be stored and used appropriately. Excessive exposure to certain chemicals can cause skin burns or irritation. Others may present a slipping hazard if spilt and not swiftly dealt with. The signs required here apply to a number of different businesses too and should be prioritised as part of your health & safety internal regulations.

    PPE

    Particularly important for your cleaning staff or those exposed to chemicals on a daily basis, implement PPE requirements. Setting out the standard for protection that you require employees to follow is a protective measure for the business. It also minimises the risk of serious injury and ensures you stay in line with current regulations. You’ll want to consider signs such as Wear Gloves or Eye Protection Must Be Worn.

    You also need to consider the flammability of different chemicals. If there is a chance of combustion, you need to highlight this to employees and potential guests. The Flammable Liquid sign is an ideal choice for this environment. In this type of setting, preventing people from smoking is also vital to minimise the risk of accidents. A simple No Smoking sign provides a clear deterrent to prevent employees from increasing the risk.

    Slipping Risk

    You also need to consider the possibility of slips and trips due to wet flooring during cleaning. It is unlikely that these are any more than temporary issues which arise during certain cleaning rotas. Caution Wet Floor Stands are lightweight and can be positioned in the soiled area. When no longer needed, they can be folded away and stored easily, without the risk of damage or deterioration over time.

    Pub/Bar Specific Safety Signs

    As we mentioned above, the information required in pubs and bars is unique from other settings. And, therefore, there are a number of signs which you should consider based on your individual situation. Some of these are:

    • Please Do Not Hang Around Bar Sign.
    • Smoke-Free Bars, Clubs, Hotels and Restaurants.
    • Children Not Allowed In This Bar.
    • Notice To Customers Pub Sign.
    • Please Leave Quietly.

    If you have a car park on-site, a Car Park Disclaimer Sign will inform visitors of the responsibility for damage, accidents or loss. It’s also advisable to use CCTV signs to advise drivers that they are being monitored for security purposes.

    You may also wish to install Toilets Signs, Disabled Toilet Signs or Ladies/Gents Toilet Signs to help improve navigation. Staff Only Signs will identify prohibited areas, as will Private Signs in a similar design. The best way to identify exactly what signs you need within your pub or bar is to perform a risk assessment and specific where the most significant hazards are.

    The team here at Lasting Impressions have the experience and knowledge to help you identify the right safety signs for your needs. If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of our staff, feel free to get in contact today.

  • Understanding mandatory safety signs

    Understanding mandatory safety signs

    Within any workplace, there are going to be risks. It’s part and parcel of running a business and having employees. However, it is the responsibility of the employer to take actions in order to minimise these. Mandatory safety signs are one such way this can be done effectively. Alongside other signs options including Fire Safety Signs and First Aid Signs, these designs pass across must-follow information to guests and employees. This blog will look at what signs fall into this category and how they should be used in different workplaces.

    What are mandatory safety signs?

    These blue and white signs have been designed to prescribe specific behaviours and/or give a specific direction. They are there to provide must-do information to visitors, guests and employees. Mandatory signs visually show the action that is required by all users in an attempt to minimise or eliminate the risk of injury. They form part of the four main types of safety signs and should be used in conjunction with these to offer clear guidance to anyone that enters your business.

    What messages do they convey?

    Depending on the industry in question, the precautions that need to be taken will differ. Mandatory signs are designed to meet all needs, with a variation of messages and designs available. Some examples of common options include:

    • Use Hand Sanitiser – Informs people of the need to use proper hand washing/sanitising techniques in a designated location.
    • Wear Ear Protectors – Informs people of the need to wear protective PPE for ears to prevent injury due to excessive noise.
    • Eye Protection Must Be Worn – Informs people of the need to wear PPE for eyes to prevent injury from wayward flying particles or other threats in construction/manufacturing environments.
    • Masks Must Be Work In This Area – Informs people of the need to wear masks in a designated area for the health & safety of everyone.

    These are just a small selection of the types of mandatory signs available on the market. There are hundreds of options, all made to suit specific needs within a workplace.

    How to establish if your business needs mandatory signs

    As with all safety sign use, you need to first establish where the hazards are within your workplace. A risk assessment is the best way to do this. It allows you to take a walking tour of the premises, speak to employees and understand the locations where risk is high. These are the spots where safety signs come in handy. Our tips for this are:

    • Identify the points of hazard or risk in an area.
    • Establish whether there is a way to eliminate this risk entirely.
    • If not, establish how this risk can be significantly reduced. This may be through a change in process, greater access to PPE or safety signs.
    • If using signs, make sure to establish the clearest way to get a message across. Too many signs will have information crossing over and cause people to become confused. This will hinder any attempt to improve safety.
    • Choose signs that are clear, abide by the ISO 7010 and can be installed on the surface required.
    • Re-address your risk assessment regularly. Situations in workplaces are constantly evolving and you need to ensure the information you have isn’t out of date.

    For more information on how mandatory safety signs can improve your workplace, get in contact with our team here today.

  • Using safety signs to protect health and safety on construction sites

    Using safety signs to protect health and safety on construction sites

    Reports from the HSE show that a staggering 79,000 workers suffered from work-related ill-health within the construction industry. Between 2018 and 2019, there were 30 fatal injuries with 49% being related to a fall from height, 14% due to being trapped and 11% due to being struck by a moving vehicle. Construction sites present a whole host of hazards that are unique to their environment. And, for this reason, it is vital that action is taken to minimise the risk of injury.

    This blog will look at the ways in which safety signs are used to improve health and safety in these settings.

    What regulations control signs and signals on construction sites?

    The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 was put in place to cover all workplaces, sites and premises. It is the regulations set out here that govern the need for safety signs on construction sites. Their use should always be in an attempt to reduce the risk of employees and others. The regulations state:

    • Signs must be clear and legible
    • Signs should be used to identify actions that are prohibited
    • Signs should be used to safeguard dangerous activity and actions that must be followed
    • Signs should be used to warn of specific hazards
    • Signs should be used to direct individuals towards fire exits/equipment or fire-aid equipment
    • The number of signs should be controlled so as not to cause confusion

    While there are no direct rules regarding the number of or type of safety sign you need to have in place on construction sites, it is vital that information about risks are communicated. This information should be freely available and accessible to all workers. You also have a responsibility to protect the safety of all your employees, and safety signs help you do just that.

    Hazards presented on construction sites

    The most common hazards and risks presented in these unique settings are:

    • Falls from height
    • Impact from moving objects (vehicles, machinery etc)
    • Slips, trips and falls
    • Excessive noise
    • Manual handling
    • Supportive equipment collapse
    • Electricity

    In all of these settings, the right safety signs can be used to alert workers of the proper avoidance techniques.

    Construction site safety signs

    Safety signs work for a number of reasons. Firstly, they have a uniformed design as set out by EN ISO 7010. This improves comprehension and ensures information is clearly shared. Secondly, they act as a consistent reminder without the need for additional manual labour. Signs reinforce specific messages throughout the worker’s day, reminding them of the right actions they should be taken. Thirdly, safety signs are designed to be highly visible and hardwearing. This minimises excessive replacement costs and ensures they can be read, even in low light conditions.

    Construction safety signs are no exception. And they help to ensure a site is compliant with current health and safety regulations. Scaffold Signs act as reassurance as to the stability and safety of supportive equipment. Noise Hazard Signs remind workers of the need for protective ear equipment in specified locations. Temporary Traffic & Site Works Signs ensure guests, workers and employees understand where the use of machines or vehicles may present a significant risk. There are also more comprehensive Construction Safety Signs and Multi-Hazard Scaffold Banners that combine information, warnings, direction and first aid information all into one.

    No matter your need, there are safety signs designed to suit. If you would like any help sourcing the right sign for a specific location, get in contact with our team here today.

  • Managing Safety in Your Business Car Park

    Managing Safety in Your Business Car Park

    Having a car park for the use of employees and guests has a host of benefits. In fact, being able to allocate space for an employee’s car in a safe environment is often one of the benefits cited in job descriptions. As an employer, safety should always be your main focus. And, with a car park to manage, there are additional risks you need to consider. This guide will give you the advice and tools needed to manage your business car park effectively.

    What Risks Are There in Car Parks?

    It’s important to start off by gaining a clear understanding of what the specific hazards are in a business car park. For many of us, managing this unique environment can raise its own challenges when it comes to knowledge and skill set. However, if we take a look at the risks to both vehicle and pedestrian safety, it’s easier to understand where the potential problems can occur.

    Vehicle Collisions

    Some of the most frequent car park accidents happen as a result of vehicle collisions. This could happen between:

    • A parked car and one reversing into a space.
    • A car driving away from a parking space and colliding with one driving past.
    • Driver distraction causing collisions.

    This problem is largely the result of poor car park organisation. You need to ensure that visibility is clear, lighting is ample and there are signs available to help direct the flow of traffic. To prevent these sorts of accidents, you’ll want to make sure you have a clear understanding of where the greatest risks are and what is causing these to become an issue. It is your responsibility to ensure:

    • Car park spaces are well-maintained and kept clean at all times.
    • Appropriate road markings are used to differentiate between car park spaces, driving routes, and pedestrian walkways.
    • All car parking spaces need to be the right size for all sized-vehicles you expect to be using them.
    • Car park grounds should be properly maintained and kept level.
    • If working with a larger space, consider creating designated areas for employees, guests, and suppliers. This will restrict access by various vehicles and reduce the risk of accidents.
    • Ensure you have appropriate car park signs to direct people to the right locations.

    The Safety of Pedestrians

    Car parks are unique in that you regularly have a mix of pedestrians and vehicles moving in very close proximity to each other. While most people take action to protect themselves, the hazard still remains. As an employer, you need to consider how serious the injury to a pedestrian could be in comparison to that of a vehicle. For this reason, implementing the right preventative measures is imperative. Consider points such as:

    • Is the route from the car parking area to the main building safe, clearly marked, and maintained regularly?
    • Are your disabled parking spaces or those for people with children situated closely to the building and in access to a clear route?
    • Is there enough room on each side of the car parking space to allow people to exit and enter their vehicles?
    • What is the procedure in place for maintaining walkways – particularly during bad weather or in the event of a spillage?
    • Could you install physical barriers to prevent pedestrians from straying on to driving paths?
    • Is the car parks amply lit, particularly during the evening and in more secluded areas?

    The Impact of the Environment

    Whether your car park is outside or underground, differing weather conditions can have a significant impact on safety. Factors such as ice or heavy rain can cause surfaces to become slippery while also reducing grip for tires. This is also the case for excessive leaves dropping – all complications that may not be immediately obvious until they are posing a significant problem. Consider:

    • Do you have the equipment, such as grit and trowels, to de-ice or remove snow from areas of your car park? There should be someone designated with this responsibility who can perform these tasks in advance of the main influx of drivers.
    • The same should be said for fallen leaves. Consider whether it would be more proactive to have these trees or bushes cut back during Winter to minimise this hazard. Or, you’ll need designated employees who will be tasked with clearing these away.
    • Are the drainage systems in your car park well-maintained and in full working condition?

    Theft

    Leaving your car and valuables unattended in a car park inevitably brings up the hazard of theft. There are very few environments where this risk can be entirely eliminated. However, if you are offering your business car park to employees or visitors, you’ll want to take actions that minimise the risk of thieves and criminals gaining access to these vehicles. We recommend:

    • Installing CCTV systems and CCTV signs around your car park. Not only will this allow you to monitor the entire space, but it will also act as a deterrent.
    • Use a ticketing or ANPR system that recognises license plate numbers to restrict who is able to access the car park.
    • Consider hiring car park security staff to physically monitor the space when it’s in use.

    How to Perform a Risk Assessment for Your Car Park

    As with the implementation of any safety measures, it is important that you perform a risk assessment for your business car park. This will flag the specific hazards, where they are most prominent, and which are likely to cause the most damage. You can use this information to decide on what areas of risk can be entirely eliminated or which need to be better managed through new procedures or technology.

    There is no structured risk assessment as it needs to be individual for your business. However, a good risk assessment will:

    1. Identify the hazard.
    2. Decide who might be harmed and how.
    3. Evaluate the risks and decide on the necessary actions to eliminate or reduce.
    4. Record your findings and implement actions.
    5. Regularly review risk assessment findings and update, if necessary.

    Car Park Safety Signs

    We have mentioned above how the right car park safety sign can significantly reduce the number of hazards. Here at Lasting Impressions, we have a range of General Parking Signs, including:

    Alongside these, our CCTV signs provide a sense of security all day and night. Here at Lasting Impressions, we specialist in safety signs for all environments and, specifically, those designed to help business owners. If you would like support in creating a safe car park or cannot find what you’re looking for, get in contact with the team here today.

  • How to maintain good hand washing hygiene with the right safety signs

    How to maintain good hand washing hygiene with the right safety signs

    If you take a moment to consider the number of surfaces you are likely to touch on a daily basis in the workplace, the number is sure to add up. In fact, studies show that we touch our faces an average of 16 times an hour. With germs including coronavirus spread easily through physical contact, we are being advised that regular and thorough hand washing is one of the best ways to minimise contamination.

    For business owners, this presents a new challenge. How do you ensure employees follow the new guidance rigidly? How do you actively protect their health while reinforcing the importance of this simple task? One highly effective way is through the use of safety signs – particularly those tailored towards appropriate hand hygiene.

    What are the current handwashing guidelines?

    In truth, the guidelines for washing hands properly have been around for years. Those within the medical industry, for example, are required to ensure they use hand soaps and sanitisers appropriately to minimise the spread of germs. It is just in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that these recommendations are being highlighted more visibly to the general public.

    Guidance from the Centres of Disease Control and Prevention states that you should wash your hands after you have been in a public place, touched items of surfaces frequently touched by others and before touching your eyes, nose or mouth. To do so properly, you should:

    • Wet hands with cold or warm running water
    • Apply soap and lather it between your hands, ensuring to cover the backs, all fingers and underneath nails.
    • Hand washing should be continued for at least 20 seconds. The recommendations are to hum/sing ‘Happy Birthday’ fully 2 times to achieve this time frame
    • Rinse your hands under warm or cold water
    • Dry using a clean towel.

    When handwashing facilities aren’t available, you should use a 60% min alcohol-based sanitiser. This shouldn’t replace hand washing and should only be used as an alternative in the interim.

    How can hand washing signs help?

    Consistent and repeat reminders are an effective way of ensuring compliance with new regulations. Safety signs such as our Prevent Coronavirus – Wash Your Hands or our Sanitise Your Hands should be placed in high contact areas. They act as a nudge, reminding people that the threat is very much still out there and that precautions should be taken seriously. They are available in 3 sizes to suit your needs and come in either a self-adhesive vinyl or 1mm rigid plastic – both of which can also be cleaned and sanitised easily.

    We have a selection of handwashing signs designed to support the fight against coronavirus available on our website. If you have any questions or are interested in designing a bespoke sign for your business, get in contact with the team here at Lasting Impressions.

  • Social Distancing Signs – Safety Between Colleagues

    Social Distancing Signs – Safety Between Colleagues

    As we move into the second half of 2020, it’s clear that the threat of COVID-19 is still very much in play. More and more of us are going back to work and venturing out into the world. However, even these freedoms are met with restrictions tailored to keeping us safe. Social distancing signs are a custom-produced category for the Lasting Impressions team, developed to meet this very specific need. As of now, the recommendations still remain that we should try to maintain a 2-meter distance from anyone we don’t live with or who isn’t in our support bubble.

    Returning to work brought back a degree of normalcy for many of us. However, it’s important that we don’t forget just how important the guidelines still are. In this blog, we’ll take a look at how you can improve safety between your colleagues through the use of social distancing signs.

    Does my business need social distancing signs?

    Any environment where multiple people from different households are forced to interact requires some degree of preparation to protect its workers. Whether you’re customer-facing or B2B, minimising person-to-person contact should still take precedence. One of the most effective ways of ensuring a new instruction is upheld is through constant reminding. And, this is where social distancing safety signs come into place.

    It’s only human for us to gravitate towards our colleagues when returning to work. After all, for many of us, it has been 3 or 4 months since we last interacted with someone outside of our families. And building strong colleague relationships is the foundation to growing a business successfully. However, during this time of risk, business owners need to implement ways to nudge colleagues into remembering the need to stay distanced.

    Signs such as our ‘Please Avoid Contact With Others’ are unobtrusive enough to maintain a friendly working environment while still being highly visible. Others such as the ‘Maximum Occupancy Of This Canteen’ sign help you to regulate communal areas and offer a practical way for employees to maintain this new in-work requirement.

    How many signs do I need to put in place?

    As with the recommendations surrounding signage in the workplace, there is no set number of visual additions you need to implement. However, it is important to do a risk assessment to identify the areas of concern. The HSE have a number of templates available to download on their website that can help you do just this. Pay attention to the areas around your building that traditionally become congested or where colleagues tend to socialise. Also, note the walking routes around your building – where two paths cross over, is there space to distance appropriately? Our COVID Workplace Directional Signs can help you build in One-Way systems and No Entry layouts that protect your employees at all times.

    If you would like more information about our new Coronavirus Social Distancing Signs. Additionally, you can browse the range on our website or contact a member of our experienced team today.

  • What does the HSE say about safety signs?

    What does the HSE say about safety signs?

    The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are the UK government agency responsible for regulating and enforcing workplace health, safety and welfare. The information available on their website relates to businesses from all different industries and has been compiled to help companies keep legally compliant at all times. The HSE presents information on safety signs, including what employees must do and the existing regulations they must follow.

    Safety sign requirements for employers

    According to the HSE’s website, employers must take the following 3 precautions when using safety signs to control risk in the workplace.

    1. Make use of road traffic signs to regulate road traffic and protect pedestrians.
    2. Keep all safety signs in good condition at all times.
    3. Ensure employees understand the information on unfamiliar safety signs and are aware of the actions they should take in different settings.

    The Health & Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996

    The key law governing the use of safety signs in the workplace is detailed on the HSE’s website for the use of employers and duty holders. This regulation sets out what must be done to comply with a focus on safety signs and signals. Within this, the main specifications include:

    • Safety signs must be used where, in spite of other safety measures being in place, there is still a significant risk of hazard.
    • Safety signs must be clear and legible at all times.
    • They should be used to identify prohibited actions, such as restricted access.
    • They should also be used to give guidance on safeguards such as wearing PPE.
    • They should be used to warn of a potential hazard such as excessive noise.
    • They should be used to direct individuals towards fire exits or first aid equipment.
    • Employers should be cautious not to use too many signs resulting in confusion.

    These regulations are set in place through a UK law and are recognised across the EU.

    This means that, when working with international employees, they are likely to understand the message put across.

    BS EN ISO 7010:2020

    Set in place to standardize the look of safety signs, BS EN ISO 7010:2929 is an international standard. It is used across the EU and recognised in all governing bodies. The standard applies to manufacturers who produce signs and symbols as well as health & safety advisors, manager and fire advisory services.

    It was created to ensure the symbols used on safety signs can be internationally recognised, ensuring clarity and consistency. This should be regardless of native language, culture or the setting in which they are used. There are 2 further standards that work to create a uniformed sign design here in the UK. These are:

    • ISO 3864-1 – Refers to the shape and colour of safety signs.
    • ISO 3864-3 – Refers to the graphical symbols used in safety signs.

    When purchasing a sign for your workplace, it is advised that you purchase from manufacturers who abide by these standards. Here at Lasting Impressions, we have a wide range of safety signs that conform with both the recommendations from the HSE and BS EN ISO 7010:2020. Browse the website, design a bespoke sign or contact us today for more information.

  • A Guide to Designing Your Own Safety Sign

    A Guide to Designing Your Own Safety Sign

    Standard safety signs are designed to be used in a variety of different environments. Using universal colours and symbols, they convey clear messages which can be interpreted to suit each individual setting. Because of this, we have a wide range of styles and designs available on the Lasting Impressions website. From Fire Safety signs through to General Safety Signs, we’re confident that our comprehensive range has something for everyone.

    Regardless of this, there are situations where the right sign is seemingly unavailable. Perhaps this is in relation to a very specific, niche environment. Or perhaps it’s for an unusual hazard that keeps showing itself in your workplace. One of the most important things to us as a business is to help support other companies in the management of health and safety. This is why we offer a ‘Design A Sign’ service. In this guide, we’ll talk you through the process and help you to identify ways to design the right signage for your needs.

    What is ‘Design A Sign’

    Lasting Impressions is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of safety signs. We recognise their significant importance in the workplace. Our ‘Design A Sign’ service does exactly what it says on the label. It allows you to design your own sign, to fit your exact needs. Manufactured with the same keen attention to detail as the other signs available on our website, this service allows you to:

    • Customise branding.
    • Customise message.
    • Create time-sensitive signs for events.
    • Maintain safety in unique and challenging environments.
    • Protect safety at all costs.

    We have created an online process that supports you during the design of your sign. It is there to make this process easy and simple – an effective way of producing signs that work. Let’s go over the different areas of customisation that are available with this service.

    Type

    All safety signs serve a purpose. They are there to provide information, warnings, and advice to minimise the risk of injury. When designing your sign, establishing its purpose is the first step. What actions do you want the reader to take? There are 5 sign types available in our system which include:

    • Prohibition – Do you want to prevent an action from taking place?
    • Warning – Do you want to warn the reader about a potential hazard?
    • Mandatory – Do you need to provide mandatory information to staff and visitors to help them remain safe?
    • Emergency/First Aid – Do you need to provide first aid information or advice on how to act in the event of an emergency?
    • Fire Safety – Do you need to advise on fire safety information to help in the event of a fire?

    Corners

    For all of our signs, you have the option of two different corner types – straight or rounded. The choice here is purely aesthetic. You just need to choose the one that best suits your needs.

    Material

    Next, consider the material that you wish your safety sign to be manufactured from. Take into account where it will be displayed – indoors or outdoors? On a permanent surface or a temporary one? What maintenance will it receive? Will you be able to use strong chemicals to remove dirt or are you limited to the cleaning materials? You also need to consider how you need the sign to perform and whether it has vital information that needs to be read in low-light or dim environments. The options we have available for our custom-made signs include:

    • Self-Adhesive Vinyl – Easy-to-install without any additional installation equipment.
    • 1mm Plastic – Durable and hard-wearing option for use inside and outside.
    • 5mm Foamex – A PVC board that is both rigid and lightweight.
    • Alupanel – Composite sheet with polythene core sandwiched between aluminium skins.
    • Photoluminescent Plastic – Finished with a glow-in-a-dark top layer that glows in low light conditions.

    Orientation

    We offer two orientation options – landscape and portrait. The right choice for you depends on visibility, available space for installation, and your individual requirements.

    Size

    The size of your sign, again, depends on a number of visibility factors. These include low-light situations, viewing distance, and the other signs around your building. Our suggestions for size versus viewing distance are below:

    Viewing Distance Ideal Landscape Sign Size Ideal Portrait Sign Size
    Up to 10 meters 300mm x 100mm 200mm x 300mm
    Up to 15 meters 450mm x 100mm 300mm x 400mm
    Up to 20 meters 600mm x 200mm 400mm x 600mm

     

    To meet your needs, we offer a wide variety of size options to fit your needs. These include:

    Portrait:

    • 450mm x 600mm.
    • 300mm x 400mm.
    • 200mm x 300mm.
    • 150mm x 200mm.

    Landscape:

    • 600mm x 450mm.
    • 400mm x 300mm.
    • 300mm x 200mm.
    • 200mm x 150mm.
    • 600mm x 200mm.
    • 450mm x 150mm.
    • 300mm x 100mm.

    Symbol

    The best signs have clear and concise symbols that visually explain the message it needs to portray. This combined with your own customised text can be used to reduce the risk of injury, minimise the intensity of a hazard and provide instructions, where needed. Our expert team is on hand to help you create concise wording and symbols that prevent information from being misunderstood.

    At Lasting Impressions, we understand the unique needs of safety signs and businesses across a wide spectrum. That’s why we provide the ‘Design A Sign’ service – to ensure you have the tools to manage hazards and risks at all times. On our website, you can design and download the sign in advance to placing any orders. This gives you the opportunity to review the design and discuss potential changes with the rest of your team.

    Visit our ‘Design A Sign’ landing page and make your way through each section to create a sign that perfectly fits your needs. If you need any support, guidance, or have any questions, get in contact with our team who are always here to help.

  • What is the five-point HSE plan for carrying out a health and safety assessment?

    What is the five-point HSE plan for carrying out a health and safety assessment?

    As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure employees work in an environment where hazards are minimised and their safety is prioritised. The Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999 dictate that you must identify the hazards, understand the risk posed and take actions to minimise this. To do so, we recommend you perform a risk assessment covering the 5 points specified by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

    These are:

    • Identify the hazards

    Take a walk around your workplace and visually identify the hazards posed. These can be as simple as wires that haven’t been securely fastened and could cause trips through to exposure to chemicals in specific environments. Talk to your employees and ask for their opinion – remember they are the people who spend the most time in these settings so will have an in-depth understanding of risks.

    It’s also worth reading the guidance available on the HSE’s website and speak to any trade associations for their professional opinion. If you work with specialist equipment or use chemicals on a regular basis, many of these come with the manufacturer’s instructions. These will highlight the potential risks along with suggestions on how to minimise them. Consider long-term hazards too such as extended exposure or technological difficulties.

    • Decide who might be harmed and how

    Once you’ve written down the potential hazards faced in the workplace, you need to identify who is most at risk. Think in terms of people groupings, such as the elderly, young or pregnant women. These people are particularly at risk in many scenarios. Understanding the circumstances that cause certain people to be at risk will give a clearer understanding of how this harm can occur. And, therefore, how best to minimise the risk too.

    • Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions

    Once hazards have been identified, come up with the ways in which the risk can be minimised. Think about whether the hazard can be eliminated entirely and how? In many situations, the risk is posed by factors that are essential to business life. Here, you’ll need to consider what actions can be taken to minimise the risk as much as possible.

    An example would be on a building site where working at height is essential to completing a project. Here, the use of PPE is a reasonable precaution to minimise the risk of specific hazards and protect the safety of employees. Or to combat the ever-present risk of fires in office buildings, ensuring that fire doors remain unblocked and easily accessible minimises the risk of accidents in the event of an emergency.

    • Record findings and implement them

    It’s important to make a record of the hazards and risks you’ve identified, along with the precautions suggested to minimise them. This process is normally collaborative and will need to be assessed later on down the line. Having an accurate recording of your risk assessment findings allows others to continue making informed decisions for your business.

    There is no specified layout for this. Just ensure the information is clear, detailed and easily accessible by those who will need it.

    • Review risk assessment and update, if necessary

    As we mentioned above, risk assessments will need to be reviewed on a regular basis. This is to accommodate emerging technology, changing business direction and growing employee numbers. Set an appointed time frame for readdressing these issues and make sure the information recorded is updated in line with this.

    If you would like more information about risk assessments or how safety signs can help to minimise hazards, contact the team at Lasting Impressions today.