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  • Do you need to display CCTV recording signs?

    Do you need to display CCTV recording signs?

    There are certain industries where the activities of personnel have to be recorded for legal and regulatory purposes. Or there are others where CCTV needs to be used for safety and security reasons. Any footage which is recorded should only be used for its intended purpose. During investigations or when there’s an incident, the footage can be reviewed by the relevant people such as the police or investigators.

    If you are a business owner, it may be in your best interests to install CCTV to protect your property and it is an effective way to enhance security. However, if you implement a system in your workplace which involves the use of CCTV you must comply with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

    Regulations are in place that state that surveillance systems should be used in the right way. A Code of Practice has been developed to protect the privacy of members of the public. This includes the requirement of businesses to display correct signage to notify all relevant individuals that they are being recorded for security and/or safety reasons.

    The use of CCTV and security signs always have the potential to reduce theft or criminal activity on your property. If you are recording footage you must notify employees and members of the public, they are being recorded.

    Benefits

    When you prominently display CCTV signs this is a clear deterrent for criminals. There are lots of benefits associated with good signage including:

    If people don’t see the CCTV cameras, they will notice the signs. Signage is designed to get noticed so if your business is being targeted by criminals, signage that is prominently displayed acts as a preventative measure in that their image could be captured on CCTV and used against them in criminal proceedings.

    Signage also demonstrates that a business is well protected. When a CCTV camera is in operation, it can capture important details that can be used as evidence. Using a CCTV system with signage is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to pursuing criminal activity and demonstrating that your business is well protected.

    CCTV signs don’t just deter theft, it also prevents other crimes too such as criminal damage or vandalism.

    What may appear to be a simple solution can be one of the most effective safeguards that you can have for your business. Signage doesn’t just ensure that you comply with legal requirements, it also acts as a strong deterrent too.

  • Which Fire Safety Signs do you need?

    Which Fire Safety Signs do you need?

    The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 provide guidance on the different types of fire safety signs that business owners should use around their premises. The regulations cover many different elements of signage and in particular how information can be communicated to employees and visitors. This would include, for example, acoustic signals such as fire alarms and spoken instructions, illuminated notices and the usual warning and prohibition signs.

    If you own or manage any type of commercial premises, fire safety signs are obligatory. While a fire exit sign is perhaps one of the most common safety signs that you will see, there are lots of different types of sign that will depend on how your business operates. Specifically, the signs that you use will be governed by both the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Health and Safety legislation mentioned above.

    You will need to be familiar with the five main types of fire safety signs that are applicable in the UK;

    • Safety signs (Fire Action Notice) that detail what you should do in the event of a fire.
    • Safety signs that identify fire escape routes, doors and where to assemble.
    • Safety signs identifying the location of equipment such as extinguishers.
    • Warning signs such as ‘Danger’.
    • Prohibition signs such as ‘No Smoking’

    A fire safety sign should also be luminescent so that they can be clearly seen if staff or visitors need to navigate their way out of the premises if the lighting fails. The signs that you need will depend on the layout of the building, how it is used and what equipment is available. A fire risk assessment will identify the different signs that you need.

    The most common fire safety signs include:

    • Fire Action Notice – A notification that alerts visitors and staff of the steps they need to take if they discover a fire.
    • Fire Exits – If a commercial property is relatively small you don’t need a fire exit sign. If it’s obvious where the nearest exit is, fire exit signs are not necessary. For larger or more complex buildings, these signs are crucial. For large buildings, it is important to include directional signs that staff or visitors can follow using the safest exit route out of the building.
    • Fire Fighting Equipment – If a fire does break out, it is important that staff know where fire fighting equipment is so fires can be tackled as quickly as possible.
    • Warning – These are yellow and black, and they are designed to draw attention to some form of danger, such as flammable gas, or liquids.
    • Prohibition – These are red and black and give clear information to staff and visitors to help prevent the accidental start of a fire.

    Understanding fire safety signs is important so you can keep staff and visitors safe at all times.

  • Understanding Fire Extinguisher Signs

    Understanding Fire Extinguisher Signs

    Having a well-structured and understood fire safety strategy in place is vital to protecting your employees, visitors and guests. Fire Extinguishers offer a means to put out small fires or keep danger at bay until the professionals arrive. In your business, these tools offer a feeling of confidence, security and reassurance. And, having the right signage to accompany each one ensures they are used correctly and are preventative, rather than an accelerant in the event of an emergency. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Fire Extinguisher Signs.

    The purpose of fire extinguishers in business?

    Providing ample fire safety equipment is just one way that businesses can work to protect the health and safety of their employees. As part of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, they provide a safeguard, alongside items such as fire detectors and alarms. It is important to remember that fire extinguishers are only designed to tackle small fires. And, that their use is not compulsory by those who have not deemed the ‘responsible person’ in a business (this title is normally assigned to the landlord, property owner or appointed fire operative). Fire extinguishers are an effective way to contain small fires in many environments. However, their use needs to be backed by the right education and support, allowing the individual to use them safely and appropriately in any environment.

    Legal obligations with fire extinguishers

    We mentioned the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 above which provides guidance to commercial properties for the availability and use of fire-fighting equipment. It states that businesses are required to assign a dedicated Responsible Person to oversee the management of fire safety risk. This includes carrying out risk assessments, identifying the need for safety signs and/or equipment and implementing a fire management plan.

    Fire extinguisher categories

    In the UK, we have a clear categorical way of identifying different types of flammable materials and the fire extinguishers that should be used to fight related fires. The 6 fire-involved substances currently are:

    1. Class A – Combustible carbon-based solids. These include materials such as fabrics, textiles and paper.
    2. Class B – Flammable liquids. These include diesel, oils (non-cooking), petroleum.
    3. Class C – Flammable gases. These include methane, propane or butane.
    4. Class D – Burning metals. These include magnesium and aluminium.
    5. Class F – Fats and cooking oils.
    6. Electric Spark – These include fires caused by electrical equipment.

    To pair with these, the fire extinguishers manufactured here in the UK are separated into corresponding categories:

    1. Class A Fire Extinguishers – water, foam, dry powder, wet chemical, water.
    2. Class B Fire Extinguishers – water mist, C02, certain wet chemicals, dry powder and foam.
    3. Class C Fire Extinguishers – water mist and dry powder.
    4. Class D Fire Extinguishers – specialist dry powder.
    5. Class F Fire Extinguishers – wet chemical and water mist.
    6. Electrical Fire Extinguishers – foam, C02 and water mist.

    Your exact needs will depend on the results of your risk assessment. You are legally obligated to have a minimum of 2 x Class A Fire Extinguishers installed on every floor of a commercial property. The only exception here is if the property is very small.

    Fire Extinguisher Safety Signs

    As with all safety equipment, visibility should be prioritised during installation. Your fire extinguishers need to be positioned in an accessible and well-lit location with safety signs accompanying them. These signs need to indicate their availability and highlight the type of extinguisher they are. A risk assessment will identify the right class for your business. For example, catering or hospitality businesses are more likely to deal with fires caused by fats and cooking oils than they are with those caused by flammable gases.

    The dangers of using the wrong fire extinguisher

    Using the right fire extinguisher is more important than you may think. Not all fires are fuelled by the same materials and the wrong chemical reaction can accelerate the emergency in question. For example, C02 fire extinguishers (such as those in Class B and or electrical fires) release a 10-15 seconds burst of C02 which is used to suffocate fires. It does this by drawing in all of the oxygen, which can increase the risk of asphyxiation. C02 extinguishers should also never be used on a chemical fire, as this could cause a violent explosion and increase the risk of injury or death.

    Minimise injury risk with the right sign

    The right safety sign will provide all the information needed to give the users confidence in their actions. They work with the rest of your health & safety efforts and will better reduce the risk of injury in the event of a fire. At Lasting Impressions, we have a range of signs that provide clear, concise and easy-to-understand information. All of these are designed in accordance with ISO 7010 – a standardised process of using logos and signs for ease of understanding.

    We currently have options for:

    There are a variety of different styles available too. From detailed and educational signs that provide guidance on the type of fire, each extinguisher is safe as well as simple symbol options. Depending on the depth of information that is needed, how fast your staff turnover is and the details discovered during your risk assessment, we’ll find the right fire extinguisher sign to accompany your equipment.

    We also have a specialist team on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have. Installing safety signs in your workplace plays a key role in your legal obligation and the management of employee satisfaction. If you would like to speak to a member of our team to gain a clearer understanding of how to best do this, please get in contact with us here today.

  • 4 Most Common Warehouse Hazards

    4 Most Common Warehouse Hazards

    Research from the HSE shows that 142 people in the UK died through work-related accidents in 2020/21 – an increase of 29 from the previous year. Warehouse related injuries, such as those caused by falling from a height, being struck with a moving vehicle/object, being trapped by something collapsing or overturning or contact with moving machinery are some of the most common causes of these fatal incidents. These constantly moving and bustling environments raise a whole host of hazards that you, as the business owner, need to find ways to mitigate and manage.

    Understanding the most common types of warehouse hazards gives you a heads start on your personalised risk assessment. Let’s look at them here today.

    1. Moving Vehicles.

    Deliveries, both in and out of your warehouse, as well as cranes and other cargo-moving equipment, these all present a significant hazard to health. Collisions and other related incidents are often caused by:

    • Lack of knowledge.
    • Lack of training.
    • Distraction.
    • Improper PPE.

    All employees and visitors should be trained on the appropriate use and speed of these vehicles. Best practices, including alerting surrounding individuals of your plans and using movement sounds at all times, should be undertaken. Our range of Fork Lift & Vehicle Signs are there to help you maintain good vehicle use in your warehouse.

    1. Lifting and Handling.

    Warehouse employees are required to pack away goods, pick-and-pack for orders and re-organise stock to ensure the system works smoothly. This requires a significant degree of lifting and handling. With this, comes the risk of strain-related injuries and accidents when improper training has been given. Training on the safe use and maintenance of equipment as well as appropriate lifting techniques should be issued as standard. Safety signs, such as our Safe Manual Handling poster, are designed to give visual and textual advice to employees as they work, showing the recommended handling techniques.

    1. Working at Height.

    One of the key causes of injuries in the workplace, working at height can be unavoidable in certain environments. Particularly important with pallet work or during storage, full and regular training should be given to prevent individuals from falling and experiencing significant injuries. Signs such as the Work at Height poster provides information about ladder safety, mobile elevating platforms, scaffolding and fall arrest.

    1. PPE.

    Providing personal protective equipment to your employees is a legal requirement. And, this couldn’t be more important than in warehouse environments. Consider items like steel-toe cap boots to prevent injuries from falling items, protective gloves when working with abrasive packing materials for an extended period and ear protection for louder corners of the workplace. Signs such as the Danger Noise Hazard and Ear Protection Zone act as constant reminders to help reinforce this level of protection throughout your employees.

    Proper warehouse safety is essential in managing risk and reducing the impact of hazards. Safety signs are an effective way of doing this and one that is suited to warehouses in all different businesses. If you would like more information about our workplace safety signs, please do get in contact with the Lasting Impressions team today.

  • What Does it Mean to Be ISO 45001 Certified?

    What Does it Mean to Be ISO 45001 Certified?

    Workplace safety is a vital concern, for employers and the team here at Lasting Impressions. Regulations and standards across the world are in place to ensure that, as your employees go about their day-to-day working life, the risk of hazards and accidents is significantly minimised. It is a legal requirement for you to mitigate the factors that could cause both the business and your team irreparable harm. And, there are many days to do this from implementing anti-slip solutions on uneven flooring to installing the right safety sign, when needed.

    As a business owner in recent years, you may have heard of the ISO 45001 certificate. But, what does it mean for business safety? And how can you abide by this specific standard?

    What Is the ISO 45001 Standard?

    Recognised internationally, this global standard is in place to support occupational health and safety. It is issued as a means to protect both visitors and employees from accidents and diseases related to the workplace. The standard was first introduced in 2018 and replaced BS OHSAS 18001. From this date, businesses were given a 3-year period to move from the old standard to the new one.

    While ISO 45001 isn’t a legal requirement, it provides recommendations to help create a safe and healthy workplace.

    It is there to:

    • Reduce risk.
    • Improve safety.

    Difference Between ISO 45001 and OHSAS 18001

    ISO 54001 stepped in to replace OHSAS 18001 with key changes designed to help businesses better mitigate the advertised impact that hazards in the workplace can have on the physical, mental and cognitive health of individuals.

    Key differences include:

    • ISO 45001 being process-based.
    • ISO 45001 considers both the risk and the opportunities for risk.
    • ISO 45001 including the views of interested parties.

    For businesses that are already certified with OHSAS 18001, you will need to migrate to the new standard by:

    • Performing an analysis of the interested parties.
    • Ask yourself how the risk associated can be controlled through existing management systems.
    • Establish the scope of the system.
    • Use the information to identify risks, processes, assessment criteria and to set KPIs for tracking.

    Most of what was used to abide by OHSAS will still be relevant.

    ISO 4001 and Safety Signs

    Reducing risk around the workplace requires control management – a factor that safety signs are designed to support. Acting as administrative control, they help you to create a communication strategy that allows you to pass across information about a residual risk and reinforce the safety procedures around it.

    At Lasting Impressions, we have a wide array of safety signs designed to help your business abide by legal requirements and current safety regulations. For more information or to speak to a member of the team, please do get in contact with us here today.

  • Is it Time for a Safety Sign Audit?

    Is it Time for a Safety Sign Audit?

    Prioritising safety in the workplace falls under the remit of the business manager/owner. It is your legal obligation to ensure that the right safety signs, safety equipment and measures are in place to either eliminate or reduce risk. A comprehensive risk assessment will help you to do this but there are other factors to consider when creating a strategy designed to support your health & safety measures. A safety sign audit is one way to identify whether your current system is working or whether adaptations are needed. In this guide, we’ll discuss whether it’s time to put one into action.

    What is a safety sign audit?

    An audit is an unbiased and overlooking assessment of the safety measures put into place in a business. It helps you to better understand what aspects are working, which ones need to be removed and how to better improve the risk-reducing measures you’ve put into place. Audits go hand-in-hand with other annual assessments of your business – ones designed to create safe, productive and thriving environments for both customers and employees.

    Why is it important for your business?

    As companies expand and grow, their demands change. Environments that could have been well-managed with one sign become too complex, with multiple activities occurring at any given point. Employee numbers grow, staff turnover increases and the general knowledge within the business changes. Updates to safety legislation also have an impact on existing safety set-ups – where you may once have abided by all recommendations, the business may now fall short.

    It is important to analyse, audit and review your safety activities on a yearly basis to ensure you remain compliant with legal guidelines. And, an audit is an all-encompassing and effective way to do this.

    Carrying out a safety audit – our tips

    As with a risk assessment, there is no legal structure as to how this should take place. What you must do is create a logical way to record your findings so they can be reviewed at a later date. You will also make note of any challenges you’ve encountered and the suggested measures to minimise these. Here are some of our top tips when it comes to auditing your business and focusing on your safety signs.

    Start from outside

    Safety signs aren’t just relevant inside of the building. Many hazards are specific to outdoor environments on your business land, including those in parking spaces and presented on outdoor walkways. You will need to establish how significant of a risk these are and how to manage them. For example, if you receive a lot of deliveries throughout the day, you may need to consider signs such as the ‘No Vehicles Beyond This Point Sign’ to manage the flow of traffic. Or the ‘Caution Heavy Vehicles Turning Ahead’ sign to reduce the risk to pedestrians.

    Consider too how visible your existing signs are. Have they become worn or aged over time? Can the information printed on them still be read easily? Do you need to look into solutions for low-light corners of your car park or walkways? We recommend that external signs be manufactured from our 1mm rigid plastic to provide added durability against varying weather conditions. And it is important to install them at eye height and close to the hazard in question to minimise the chance of misunderstanding.

    Check all walkways

    The most common types of hazards involve slips, trips and falls. And, the most hazardous places within businesses where these happen are in walkways. It pays to review all corridors, hallways and paths throughout your business, as well as non-structured paths that are frequented often. Organising the flow of traffic is a brilliant way to bring structure and can easily be done with Directional Signs. They provide clear information to employees, visitors and guests, advising them of one-way systems or traffic moderation methods that exist across your business.

    Again, take note of low-light conditions. Walkways can be an essential tool when leaving the building in an emergency. Therefore, you may wish to consider Photoluminescent designs. These specialist surfaces absorb the energy from both natural and artificial light throughout the day. In the event of a power cut or blackout, they emit a green glow that allows the information to be read and directions to be understood. These are an effective alternative to installing additional lighting.

    Consider fire safety

    Fire safety signs are some of the most important in your business. They are essential in all businesses, playing a key role in your legal responsibility and helping to keep people safe in the event of an emergency. We have written a blog post all about UK Fire Exit Regulations here and a blog post about ‘How To Create a Fire Escape Plan For Your Business’ here. During your safety sign audit, review whether the measures you have in place work. When carrying out a routine fire safety drill, were employees able to leave the building in an organised and safe manner to find their meeting point? Did the fire safety signs in place do their job effectively or were some individuals left confused about the best means to exit?

    Consider education/training

    It is important to look at the state, positioning and usability of the safety signs in your workplace. But, it is equally as important to consider the training and education put in place for employees. UK safety signs are designed to be universally understood – specifically those manufactured in accordance with ISO 7010. However, you still need to ensure that people understand how they’re supposed to be used to get the best results. It helps to explain the individual hazards, the reasons why certain measures are put into place and to gain an understanding from them as to whether any issues haven’t been addressed.

    A safety sign audit should give you a better understanding of how well your business is handling the challenges posed to it with the right signage. If you would like support or advice on carrying one out or identifying signs for different hazards, please get in touch with the team here today.

  • Choosing a Fire Assembly Point in Your Business

    Choosing a Fire Assembly Point in Your Business

    As part of your fire safety procedure, identifying an assembly point is a proven way of directing individuals away from the heart of an emergency. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to take reasonable actions to protect individuals in the event of a fire. This includes implementing a plan for emergencies, maintaining appropriate fire safety measures and providing relevant information to all indoors. So, as part of this, how do you go about choosing the right fire assembly point for your business?

    Is a Fire Assembly Point a Legal Requirement?

    As part of the UK fire safety laws, you are required to create an emergency plan that sets out how individuals will leave the building safely. It must also include a safe area where individuals can assemble and where a fire marshall can carry out checks to ensure that everyone is there. As part of the Regulatory Reform Order 2005, these emergency routes must lead to a place of safety as directly as possible. And, the BS999 standard notes that these assembly points need to be far enough away from the building to prevent any interference with the first or the rescue services.

    How to Choose a Fire Assembly Point

    For new businesses or when moving into new premises, it is important to carry out a detailed risk assessment. Not only will this identify any areas of concern that need to be dealt with, but it will also help you to establish the best route of escape.

    From here, you will need to consider the following factors when choosing a fire assembly point:

    • The assembly point should be well-known and clearly marked.
    • Any signs used to direct people from the building must provide information about the assembly point location.
    • Consider multiple assembly points for larger buildings.
    • Ensure the location is far away from the building but not too far to walk.
    • Make sure the individuals using the assembly point can do so safely and without risk from emergency vehicles or other road traffic.
    • Assembly points should, ideally, not have to be accessed by walking across a road or trafficked area.
    • Avoid areas with additional hazards.
    • Ensure the area has good lighting.

    Choosing the Right Signs

    Once you have chosen the right assembly point, appropriate signage ensures these locations remain highly visible and easy to locate. To identify a single spot, opt for a Fire Assembly Point With Tick Sign. For larger businesses with multiple assembly points, opt for designs with either ordered numbers or with letters – depending on your corporate choice. Or, personalised designs such as the ‘You Nearest Fire Assembly Point Is With Blank Sign’ can be customised and changed as needed.

    At Lasting Impressions, we have a wide range of fire assembly point signs. With several sizes and the option of either self-adhesive vinyl or 1mm rigid plastic to fit your needs, we’re here to improve safety in your workplace. If you have any questions or would like to speak to one of us, please do get in contact here today.

  • What Signs Do You Need For an AED?

    What Signs Do You Need For an AED?

    AEDs or Automated External Defibrillators save, on average, 20 lives per year here in the UK. With cardiac arrests noted as being a ‘health care crisis’ and with some 300,000 people experiencing them every year, having an AED can provide a means to helping extend someone’s life. For many businesses, having an AED installed offers peace of mind and assurance to both employees and visitors. With any first aid solution in the workplace, the right safety signs will ensure they can be located and used in the event of an emergency. So, what signs should you have for an AED?

    What is an AED?

    These sophisticated, but easy-to-use, machines analyze the rhythm of an individual’s heartbeat. If they determine that there is an irregularity and cardiac arrest happening, they will deliver an electric shock (defibrillation) to try and reinstate a consistent and healthy heartbeat. While there is currently no legislation in place to say that all businesses must have an AED, many companies choose to have one fitted as a precaution. Specifically, businesses such as gyms, leisure centres, swimming pools or those in the healthcare industries may wish to consider having one fitted as a means to prevent more serious illness in an emergency.

    Is Specialist Training Required?

    AED machines are designed to be used by anyone. Once turned on, they will provide either visual or audible prompts that walk you through several simple steps. Because the machine analyses the heartbeat of the person in question, it will only deliver a shock if needed. While no previous training is needed to use on, CPR is highly recommended before and after the admittance of a shock. And this should make up a compulsory portion of your first aid training internally.

    Where Should My AED Be Positioned?

    With all safety equipment, it must be positioned optimally to ensure it can be located easily. AEDs are most effective if they are used as quickly as possible so you want to ensure it is in a highly visible location and one that is clear from obstacles. Make sure that signage used to direct people to the defibrillator, such as our AED Emergency Projecting Sign, are at eye level and maintained to keep the message clear. You may also want to consider installing an informative sign, like the AED Defibrillator & CPR Safety Poster nearby, which walks individuals through the stages needed to administer this support.

    Knowing how to provide first aid and provide a means of support to the ambulance system is one of the best ways to keep your employees and visitors safe. At Lasting Impressions, we design and manufacture tailored safety signs to suit every need – including your first aid activities. For more information or to ensure you find the right sign for your needs, please do get in contact here today.

  • What Are 3 Employee Responsibilities In A Safe Workplace?

    What Are 3 Employee Responsibilities In A Safe Workplace?

    In the UK, a large percentage of the responsibility for building a safe workplace lies in the responsibility of the employer. You need to ensure that the working environment you provide has the tools and measures in place to prioritise wellbeing and care for everyone who enters. However, there are limitations to what an employer can do and a degree of responsibility must fall on the employee too. Everyone working under one roof must take action to reduce the risk of accidents and injury. Let’s take a look at 3 employee responsibilities that help to build a safe workplace here.

    1. Take Reasonable Care Of Their Own Health And Safety

    No matter how many measures a business puts into place, accidents will happen if the employees don’t actively try to keep themselves out of harm’s way. For example, if an employee is asked to complete a task that they have not been trained on or do not feel comfortable completing, they should ask for assistance. Undertaking activities that present a real risk to their health and wellbeing isn’t beneficial to anybody.

    1. Take Reasonable Care Of Employees, Visitors, Guests And Members Of The Public

    While carrying out tasks in and around the workplace, employees must make a keen effort to reduce the risk of injury to others. This means working in a safe manner and keeping with their training. If a task is deemed unsuitable for completion around a certain body of people (for example, moving heavy loads when visitors/customers/guests are using a walkway), it should be halted and rescheduled for a safer time.

    1. Report Safety Concerns

    While a risk assessment is a widely accepted method of identifying hazards, it is hard to identify every risk without the support of the employees. These individuals are in the working environment, day-in-day-out. They become privy to potential risks that may not be overly evident at all times. For this reason, it is vital that employees have a method and feel comfortable enough to report safety concerns to higher management. They must also ensure that any injuries, illnesses and work-related injuries are reported so that preventative measures can be put in place.

    Workplace safety should always be a keen focus for both the employee and employer. With the right tools, including safety signs, you can actively reduce the risk of injury and create a more secure corporate setting for everyone. Here at Lasting Impressions, we have the experience and means to help you create a safe place to work every single day. For more information or advice, please do get in contact with us here today.

  • Do I Need CCTV in My Workplace?

    Do I Need CCTV in My Workplace?

    Safety in the workplace is incredibly important, whether you run a high-risk business or just want to make employees feel comfortable. Over the years, closed-circuit television or CCTV has continued to increase in popularity. Technology has become more available and, even the smallest businesses and premises, can now afford to have CCTV installed around the workplace. But, when does this become essential? And, are there any legal requirements that state you must have it installed? Read our latest guide to discover more.

    What is CCTV

    Also known as video surveillance, CCTV is a system of networks with cameras and recording equipment. It is used to monitor a building and its surroundings 24/7 with recorded images and audio available for download as needed. They are known as ‘closed circuit’ systems, as they operate independently from other receivers and offer a private means of monitoring. Generally, these systems make use of high-end surveillance cameras that feature lenses designed to improve the image quality, even in low-light conditions or at night time.

    Why Is it Important for Business?

    Reports have shown that having a CCTV system fitted on business premises can reduce certain types of crime. Many business owners, especially those with smaller or private companies, cannot afford the loss or damage that can come from a burglary or theft. The financial implications this entails, as well as the threat to downtime and the impact it can have on the mental health of employees, can be devastating. Private CCTV systems have risen in popularity as a result with private cameras said to outnumber public cameras by as much as 70 to 1.

    Having one of these systems in place can:

    • Help you to ‘witness’ a crime for yourself.
    • Provide evidence during a court case to strengthen the fight for a conviction.
    • Make it easier to identify the individuals who caused the damage.
    • Provide eyes on ‘hidden’ areas around the property.
    • Be used more widely as a neighbourhood crime deterrent too.
    • Provides a view of your property when it is empty.
    • Provide a means of monitoring a property that is cheaper than hiring security staff.
    • Helps to reduce the risk of fraudulent insurance claims.
    • Offers a level of protection for your employees.

    CCTV can also be used to monitor employees if required. For example, if you believe someone to be stealing from or not following the proper rules while you’re not on-site, this monitoring system can be used to prove or disprove your case. There are a multitude of reasons why you may choose to install a CCTV system.

    Do I Need to Have It?

    There are many legal requirements you need to follow when starting a business. And, if you’re doing so out of your pocket or with limited funds, paying out for a CCTV system may be one of those costs you’re wondering if you can eliminate. In the UK and to date, there are no legal regulations in place that state that you have to have a surveillance system in place. The choice is entirely up to you as to whether you feel like this is a vital addition to the business or whether you can afford to leave it for a while.

    If you do choose to have CCTV installed, you must make sure that you follow the data protection laws and use the system only for the purpose it was intended. You will need to register your details with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and pay a data protection fee unless you are exempt.

    And, on top of this, you will need to:

    • Implement a system to control who has access to the recordings.
    • Use safety signs appropriately to tell people that they are being recorded.

    How to Install it Safely in the Workplace

    If you decide that CCTV surveillance is essential in the workplace, you will need to:

    • Make sure all employees and visitors are alerted to the fact that they are being recorded.
    • Ensure that cameras are not installed in private areas of the workplace where there is an expectation of privacy, such as toilets or changing rooms.
    • Provide access to anyone who requests footage from your cameras within one month.
    • Appoint a dedicated person within the business who is responsible for the management, storage and review of the footage taken.

    It also pays to make sure you stick within other legal guidelines and take into account the risks associated with installing CCTV.

    Think about:

    • Will the installation of CCTV cause damage to employee trust? This can be overcome by training sessions to explain the implementation of these systems and guidance on the benefits it will offer, such as more job security.
    • Whether your system will become an infringement on GDPR. You will need to maintain high levels of security around the personal data that is collected and should only be kept for a designated period. Actions must be taken to prevent unauthorised access and safety signs must be used to make sure employees and visitors are fully aware.
    • Is CCTV surveillance in any way overly intrusive? Be aware of the Human Rights Act 1998 and make sure that none of the cameras or footage extracted could be violating the privacy of your employees.

    How Can Safety Signs Help?

    As we’ve mentioned above, you need to make sure that everyone is aware that they are being monitored. Safety signs are an effective way to do this, giving clear and legible information to both visitors and employees. The implementation of ISO 7010 has ensured that the logos, colours and messages used on modern-day signs can be read and understood universally, eliminating the risk of miscommunication.

    At Lasting Impressions, we have a wide selection of CCTV related signs to help you with this. From our CCTV in Operation Security Sign and our CCTV Images Are Being Recorded Security Sign with fillable fields for contact information and management title. We have a variety of choices to suit your business, in both landscape and portrait, as well as numerous sizes and both self-adhesive vinyl and 1mm rigid plastic.

    For more information about installing CCTV safely in the workplace or to speak to a member of our team, please do get in contact here today.