Author:

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has now become a legal requirement for employers to provide handwashing facilities or hand sanitisers to employees, guests and visitors. As the virus is a spread through contact, keeping our hands clean at all times is one of the most practical ways we can actively reduce the spread. While this simple task has also had its place within our everyday lives, the life-threatening implications involved when it is done incorrectly now means more focus has to be placed on providing clear and easy-to-understand guidance. As an employer, it is your responsibility to understand the new guidance and implement methods to reinforce it within the workplace.

This guide will look at everything you need to know about appropriate hand hygiene, including how the use of safety signs can help.

What is proper hand hygiene?

The number of surfaces we touch in a single day, or even a single hour, can rise into the hundreds. If you take a few moments to consider where your hands have been over the past 10 minutes, it becomes almost overwhelming to consider the points of contact and potential infection sights we touched.

Hand hygiene is one such way we can prevent the spread of coronavirus. This is true for reducing the risk of us catching the virus ourselves or passing it on to someone more vulnerable. Using water and soap allows us to physically remove dirt from our hands. It makes our hands slippery, causing germs to be pulled or and rinsed away. Additionally, the soap itself will help to break down the virus which is encased in a layer of fat known as a lipid envelope. This makes it more vulnerable and less likely to cause infection.

Studies published in 2013 showed that as little as 5% of people actually wash their hands properly – whether this is by foregoing soap or washing for too short a timeframe. According to the CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention), you need to spend at least 20 seconds washing our hands.

Techniques for proper hand hygiene

Giving instructions for washing hands may seem ridiculous. However, as we mentioned above, such a small percentage of individuals take the initiative to do it according to guidelines. During a time of significant danger from coronavirus, we need to ensure everyone understands where they may be falling short.

The World Health Organisation have created posters detailing the 12 steps to effective hand washing. These are as follows:

1. Wet your hands with water
2. Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces
3. Rub hands palm-to-palm
4. Right palm over left dorsum with interlaced fingers and visa versa
5. Palm to palm with fingers interlaced
6. Backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlocked
7. Rotational rubbing of left thumb clasped in right palm and visa versa
8. Rotational rubbing, backwards and forwards with a clasped finger of the right hand in left palm and visa versa
9. Rinse hands in water
10. Dry hands thoroughly with a single-use towel
11. Use the towel to turn off the tap
12. Your hands are now safe

When should my employees be washing their hands?

With our hands being one of the most high-contact areas on our bodies, it’s important we keep them clean as regularly as possible. The CDC recommends washing your hands:

• Before, during and after preparing food
• Before eating
• Before and after tending to someone who is sick
• Before and after cleaning a cut or wound
• After going to the bathroom
• After changing nappies or helping a child in the bathroom
• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• After touching an animal or pet food
• After touching rubbish

In light of the COVID-19 situation, you should also wash your hands:

• After you have been in a public place
• After you have touched a surface that is frequently touched by others (e.g lift button, door handles, taps etc)

How can I support hand hygiene in my workplace?

Legal requirements during this time demand that you have handwashing facilities or hand sanitiser available at the entry and exit points of your workplace. This provides people with the reminder to clean or cleanse their hands before bringing potentially harmful viruses in.

Alongside this, one of the most effective ways to promote proper hand hygiene is through safety signs. When implemented around high contact locations in your building, they actively promote this new regulation. There are a range of options available to suit your needs.

Instructional Hand Washing Signs

These blue and white signs are designed to give clear directions to the readers. They can be full of information, such as the Prevent Coronavirus – Catch It Bin It Kill It Sign or more simplistic, such as Wash Your Hands Sign.

First Aid Hand Washing Signs

Available in a green and white colour combination, these signs help support the first aid messaging around your workplace. Here, you’ll find signage for hand sanitising which features visual imagery and bold text for clear recognition.

 

Multi-Informational Signs

Finally, for busy locations or areas where staff turnover is high, our multi-informational Social Distancing Sign presents information about the risks, activities to avoid and how to best protect yourself all in one.

Here at Lasting Impressions, we curated the COVID Hygiene / Social Distancing Sign collection in response to demands on UK businesses. Our signs are all printed here in the UK, using wipe-clean materials and customisable to suit your needs. If you have any questions about how best to implement appropriate hand washing in your business, please get in contact with the team here today.

It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that all visitors, guests and employees that enter workplace premises are kept safe. Alongside this, is it important the employees understand their rights and the legislation that is in place to protect them. A report from Finder.com found that 626,000 injuries occurred in the workplace between 2017 and 2018 with 1.4 million workers suffering from a work-related illness during the same period. 147 people were killed at work and over 30 million working days were lost due to work-related illnesses or injury. Accidents in the workplace are having a significant impact, not only on our economy but also the livelihoods of many. And understanding the methods needed to minimise this is important.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about workplace safety – regardless of your industry.

What regulations are in place?

For the benefit of all within a company, there are numerous legislations and regulations written in the UK’s legal system to protect the health and safety of people at work. It is the responsibility of the employer to uphold these. If not, some come with significant fines and the threat of closing down businesses. Below are some of the most relevant to workplace safety.

Health & Safety at Work Regulation

Originally put into effect in 1974, this regulation was reviewed again in 1994. It sets out the responsibilities that an employer has towards both it’s staff and the general public. This law requires businesses to take appropriate activity to minimise the risk of hazards and risks on health & safety. It includes information on the importance of risk assessments, minimising potentially dangerous risks, appointing a competent person to oversee activity, providing training and education and having a written health & safety policy in place. The Health & Safety at Work Regulation applies to an employer, regardless of industry. However, businesses that have fewer than 5 employees are not legally required to make notes or write down information discovered during risk assessments.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

Covering basic health, safety and welfare issues, this regulation is in place to establish the minimum requirements for a workplace. It extends to most workplaces, other than construction sites, those taking place on a ship or in a min. The main requirements here are the need to provide adequate working environments (good lighting, heating, ventilation and workspaces) as well as staff facilities such as toilets and safe passageways to prevent falls.

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

In environments where Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required to protect the safety of employers, this regulation states that it should be entirely free of charge. This relates to settings where these risks cannot be controlled or eliminated. The legislation covers things such as asbestos removal, excessive noise or exposure to radiation. Here, PPE refers to items such as:

• Protective helmets.
• Ear protection.
• High-vis clothing.
• Safety footwear.
• Harnesses for working at height.
• RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment).

The regulations also put the responsibility on the employee to ensure the PPE provided is used appropriately. It dictates that the items given should be worked in accordance with instructions, that it should be returned as appropriate, that it should be visible examined before use and any defects or loss reported immediately.

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

The purpose of this regulation is to minimise the risk of workplace-related injuries as a result of manual handling or lifting. It states that employees need to avoid the implementation of hazardous manual handling where possible. In the event where this cannot be eliminated, there needs to be a full and professional assessment done of the risk and actions put in place to minimise the hazard. All employees must be provided with information on the weight of each load and full training should be given before the task is carried out.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

Also known as PUWER, these regulations put the responsibility on the employee to ensure equipment is used appropriately. It states that any machinery or equipment used needs to be suitable, safe for use, well maintained and only used by those appropriately trained to do so. Any PPE or protective measures required need to be installed and in full working order. And, machines and equipment need to be used in accordance with any specific requirements. These rules apply to any appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work.

How to protect your employees at work

Along with abiding by the regulations stated above, it is important that you take appropriate measures to protect your employees.

Provide training

One of the most effective ways to minimise the risk of injury is to ensure that all employees are fully educated and informed of the right methods. Providing regular and adequate training is the responsibility of the employer. Ensure that any new information is passed on in a clear and concise manner. And allow employees to ask questions and challenge new procedures too.

Use safety signs

Safety signs are designed to ensure that information is clearly and effectively spread throughout visitors, guests and employees. Some are vital to health & safety, such as First Aid Signs that ensure life-saving equipment can be found quickly or Fire Safety Signs to allow people to evacuate quickly. Others, such as Mandatory Signs or No Smoking Signs can be used to implement restrictions around the premises. However you choose to use them, avoid hanging too many safety signs in one place. This bombardment of information can become confusing and cause instructions to be missed.

Keep areas clean

Regular cleaning and tidying will minimise the risk of slips and hazards. Tidy environments allow employees to move freely, without raising any additional risks. They also improve the ability of individuals to leave a property quickly in the event of a fire or other emergency.

Reduce the risk of slips and trips

Keep wires safely secured away. Ensure spills are cleaned up quickly and efficiently. Check flooring regularly to make sure none of it is raised or broken. Slips, trips and falls are some of the most common workplace accidents and action should be taken every day to minimise these.

Encourage discussions

Create a working environment where colleagues feel comfortable enough to air their concerns. Generally, the employees that work at your premises every single day are more likely to flag issues and threats to their mental health. Host regular meetings and encourage them to come with you with suggestions or recommendations for improvement.

Workplace safety is vital and creating an enjoyable environment for your employees will help you retain them and boost productivity.

Here in the UK, ‘The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 governs the legal requirements for fire extinguishers in the workplace. Forming a vital role in fire safety for employees, visitors and guests, it is vital that you understand the regulations and how they impact your business. In doing so, you’ll avoid costly fines and protect the livelihood of everyone that comes into your premises.

Legal requirements for fire extinguishers in the UK

These regulations state that you are required to have a minimum of 2 x Class A fire extinguishers on every storey of a building. The only exception to this rule is where smaller premises are involved. In this instance, you may only need 1.

A Class A fire extinguisher is used to put out carbonaceous fires – ones involving wood or paper. There are 3 different types which meet the regulation – 3-litre foam, 6-litres foam and 9-litre water. These are required in all businesses, no matter the type. However, there are some environments where other types, such as CO2 extinguishers, may be required to fight electrical fires.

Fire extinguishers should be positioned next to exits and fire alarm call-points. According to the BS5306 British Standard, you should never be more than 30 meters away from an appropriate extinguisher on any given level of the building. Each extinguisher needs to be fixed to the wall or attached to an appropriate stand which discourages them from being moved around.

And, all extinguishers should be clearly signposted with appropriate ID signs to establish their type along with how and when to use them.

Different types of fire extinguisher

As we mentioned briefly above, there are a number of different types of fire extinguisher. And, the one most relevant to your business premises depends on the activity and hazards presented there. Let’s take a look at the different fire extinguishers and the appropriate ID signs for each one.

Water fire extinguisher

Designed for use with solid combustible fires (Class A), water extinguishers can be used to put out flames accelerated by wood, paper, fabrics and coal. They create a cooling effect which penetrates the burning material and prevents it from relighting. These extinguishers should NOT be used on electrical fires, with flammable liquids or on flammable metal fires.

Each water fire extinguisher should be accompanied by this ID sign.

Carbon Dioxide fire extinguisher

Also known as a CO2 fire extinguisher, these are filled with pure carbon dioxide. This is a completely clean extinguishant which leaves behind no residue. It is recommended for use on electrical fires alongside other flammable accelerants, including petrol, oil and solvents. CO2 extinguishers fall into Class B.

Each carbon dioxide fire extinguisher should be accompanied by this ID sign.

AFF Foam fire extinguisher

Aqueous Film Forming Foam fire extinguishers are designed to offer a very fast way of diminishing flammable liquid fires. The foam itself reduces the risk of re-ignition and makes it an ideal choice for fires involving organic material. This includes cardboard, paper, wood and coal.

Each AFF Foam fire extinguisher should be accompanied by this ID sign.

Powder fire extinguisher

Marked by their blue label, powder fire extinguishers are designed to combat a range of different fires. The chemicals found within the dry powder are designed to inhibit combustion and release oxygen which diminishes the flames. As a multi-purpose fire extinguisher, they can be used on Class A, B and C fires as well as those involving electrical equipment. The powder released can affect visibility and can be hazardous to those with breathing issues. For these reasons, they are generally not recommended for indoor use unless there is no alternative.

Each Powder fire extinguisher should be accompanied by this ID sign.

Wet Chemical fire extinguisher

Specifically designed for use on Class F fires, wet chemical fire extinguishers are suitable for use in and around kitchens. They can be used on cooking oils and fats. The wet chemical is designed to cool down burning oil, reduce flames and chemically react to create a soap-like solution. This prevents re-ignition. These extinguishers are marked by a yellow label and can also be used on Class A and Class B fires.

Each Wet Chemical fire extinguisher should be accompanied by this ID sign.

L2 Powder fire extinguisher

These graphite powder extinguishers are recommended for use against lithium metal fires. The powder is designed to smother the fire through the use of magnesium. This works in a similar way to sand – it removes the heat while actively reducing the amount of oxygen available. They need to be used on flat surfaces and the user must be standing relatively close to the fire in order to administer the powder. They are suitable for Class D fires.

Each L2 Powder fire extinguisher should be accompanied by this ID sign.

Water + Additive fire extinguisher

In some fire extinguishers, chemical additives are used to increase the effectiveness. They are sometimes known as Hydrospray extinguishers and are generally smaller than standard offerings. These additives remove the water’s natural surface tension, making it wetter. This means it sticks to and soaks into the accelerant more than normal water.

Each Water + Additive fire extinguisher should be accompanied by this ID sign.

Finding the right fire extinguisher for your business

The best way to establish the risk of a fire is to do a risk assessment. Here, you’ll be able to identify hazards and notice where there is a possibility for a fire to occur. At Lasting Impressions, we have been working with businesses of all different shapes and sizes to establish their safety needs. In many cases, this means noticing where there is a risk of fire and advising on the best safety tools and signage to combat this.

If you have any questions about the right fire extinguisher, are looking to improve signage in the workplace or would like to discuss an individual project, get in contact with our team here today. We’re on hand to ensure your business premises are as safe as it can possibly be.

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.