Category: Guides

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.

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:

• Staff Only
• Residents Only
• Visitors Only
• Patrons Only
• Customer Parking
• Reserved
• Disabled Parking
• Family Parking
• Director Parking
• Permit Holders Only
• Disclaimer Signs
• Vehicles Left At Owners Risk

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.

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.

While safety signs and drones may feel like a distant partnership, understanding the risk of these machines gives your business more secure. Here in the UK, there are a number of rules and regulations in place to manage the use of drones or UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know – both about being a business prohibiting drone use and being an owner of one of these machines.

What Is a Drone?

Within the aviation sphere, a drone is known as an unpiloted aircraft. It is essentially a flying robot that is controlled remotely or has been programmed to fly autonomously on a specific trajectory. They have risen in popularity recently, mainly in line with their depreciation in cost. Originally, drones were used in the forces as a means of military protection. Today, they are used for a number of recreational activities including aerial photography/videos and to deliver machinery in a quick, efficient manner.

What Businesses Need to Consider Drone Use?

The use of drones can span a variety of industries. Specifically, it is those that operate above the general public that needs to be managed. Many wedding venues or videographers choose to use drones to record ceremonies, giving a unique perspective on a special day. Equally, businesses may choose to have a promotional video made about their company, which showcases the premises from the sky.

What Permissions Are Needed?

All local councils set their own rules surrounding local drone flying policies. There are several locations in the UK where drone flying is prohibited. This is largely in areas such as national parks or English heritage sites – known as no-fly zones. Websites such as No Fly Drones lists all of the places in the UK where drones cannot be used. For any drone being used for photographic purposes, permission needs to be gained from the landowner.

Do Drone Owners Need a License?

No. At present, there are no license requirements for drone owners. There are, however, regulations supplied by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) that specify:

• A drone must weigh less than 20kg.
• It must be flown in a safe manner.
• It must be in direct sight at all times.
• Care must be taken to ensure it does not collide with another aircraft.
• It must not endanger anyone or anything else.
• It must be flown at a height of 400ft or less.

While you don’t need a license, you do have to take a drone safety test to minimise the risk of accidents. If your model weighs over a certain amount, it must be registered and there is a ban restricting the use near airports. To monitor this, there are synchronisable apps that alert the user if a drone is moving closer to a no-fly area.

What Risks Do Drones Present?

Here at Lasting Impressions, we are all about mitigating risk. And, to do this, you need to understand what types of hazards are common in relation to drones. The exact ones that relate to your business will differ, depending on the manner in which they are used. However, understanding the scope of risk allows you to be better informed when it comes to putting in place restrictions around drone use. Some common accidents or risks include:

• Radio Frequency Interference – If the signal between your remote and the machine becomes broken, it can result in a loss of control. On occasion, the drone free falls and presents significant hazards. Falling objects from height are very dangerous and have the potential to be fatal.
• Invasion of Privacy – As we mentioned above, you must seek permission from the landowner before using a drone with a camera. Without this, you are breaching their right to privacy and open up the scope of criminal activity.
• Aerial Surveillance – There have been reports of drone use to illegally surveillance an area. Again, this is a direct violation of privacy.
• Data Collection – Any data collection should be managed legally and respectfully. Utilising a drone, which can fly largely undetected at height, to gain this information is unlawful.
• Lack of Training – Without the proper training, drone flying can present a significant risk to wildlife, buildings and people on the ground.
• Lack of Aviation Knowledge – There needs to be a clear understanding of the restrictions around flying in public spaces. This includes knowledge of no-fly areas and commercial flight routes. Without this, people can find their drone in dangerous situations with little knowledge of how they have broken a rule.

The Need for Drone Signage

When it comes to safety signs for drone use, there are two categories – prohibition and information.

Prohibitory Drone Signs

As the name suggests, these signs prohibit the use of drones in an area. The responsibility to provide this information in a clear and concise form to guests and visitors lies with you. Our ‘Use of Drones Is Prohibited In This Area’ signs come in both standard and large portrait. We also have residential designs such as ‘Private Property – Remote Controlled Aircraft Prohibited’ or ‘No Drones – Use of Drones and UAVs Prohibited’ designs. All of these are adequate for informing individuals that this action is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

Information Drone Signs

On the flip side, we also have a range of informational drone signs that advise visitors and guests that drones will be flying in the local area. These include ‘Aerial Photography – Caution Drone Operating Signs’ which also come as floor stands for temporary use. Within the floor stand range, you have the option of grey or yellow, depending on the intensity required at any given sight.

Drones may be rising in popularity but, as a business owner, it is your right to decide whether they have permission to film on your premises. Here at Lasting Impressions, we design signs that help you safely pass on information in a clear, legible fashion. If you would like more information about these signs, please do get in contact here today.

Water presents a significant hazard and one that many people overlook. The WHO states that drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional jury death worldwide with an estimated 236,000 annual deaths. This accounts for almost 8% of the total global mortality. If your business or property sits by a bed of water, it is important to consider water safety in all activities and actions. At Lasting Impressions, we design safety signs for a multitude of situations. In this guide, we’ll walk through water safety, providing all the information you need to know to stay safe.

Why Is Water So Hazardous?

Of the substantial number of deaths related to drowning in the world, the RLSS UK reports that more than 400 people drown in the UK and Ireland every single year. On top of this, many more non-fatal experiences can result in life-altering injuries. Of these, 85% of accidental drownings happen in open water sites. And, they are largely due to a lack of knowledge and understanding about the dangers these present.

If you manage a swimming pool, open green area or body of water, it is imperative that you have and provide the right information about water safety. Let’s look at the different recommendations for water safety from the RISS.

Swimming Pool Safety

• Provide constant supervision to young children.
• Follow the pool’s individual rules.
• Make sure you have an understanding of features such as the depth, water flow and layout.
• Don’t enter the pool after consuming alcohol.

Open Water Safety

• Be considerate of the impact that cold water can have on your body, including shock.
• Be aware of the lack of safety equipment.
• Be aware of the depth of the water.
• Know that certain underwater items and hazards may not be easily visible from the surface.
• Know that currents can rapidly sweep people away.
• Be aware of uneven banks and river beds.
• Be aware of the water quality.

Running or Walking by Water

55% of all drowning victims were running or walking near a body of water and never intended on going in. The recommendations are:

• Stay clear of the bank edges which can be unstable.
• Where possible, run or walk with a friend.
• Stay in well lit and high traffic areas.
• Have an understanding of basic survival skills.
• If you fall in, try to float on your back.
• Be aware of the UK tides, which are relatively regular and predictable.

Water Safety for Anglers

• Have a clear understanding of CPR and basic lifesaving skills.
• Wear a flotation vest and non-slip footwear.
• Access the area you plan to occupy and opt for one with solid footing.
• Take your mobile phone with you.
• Be aware of flooded wellington boots or waders that can make moving in water difficult.
• Be aware of local hazards, including currents, undercut banks and weirs.
• Keep a throw line on you and knowledge of how to use it.
• Know your location so this information can be passed on if needed.

Signs for Water Safety

While having good knowledge of water safety is the best way to reduce the risk of injury, having the right information on hand is also a smart move. Water safety signs do just this – provide clear and easy-to-understand information that can be read and understood by anyone. Here at Lasting Impressions, we have a variety of signs specifically designed for water safety, to suit all manner of different locations.

General Water Signs

These signs are designed to give the general public instructions on where it is safe to carry out specific activities. These include Fishing, Diving, Swimming and Surfing.

Water Prohibition Signs

These signs are specifically available to reduce risk around water. They include designs such as ‘No Swimming’, No Snorkeling and No Diving.

Water Warning Signs

These signs provide specific hazard information, designed to improve information and prevent injury. They include options such as Danger Shallow Water, Warning Sudden Drop and Beware Strong Currents.

For those running a commercial swimming location or managing an open body of water, performing a risk assessment will highlight the areas that need to be marked with safety signs. We also have an experienced team on hand who can provide advice and guidance around this matter. Get in contact today or browse our Water Safety Signs on our website.

Safety signs are the essence of your business in more ways than one. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to make sure you keep the health and safety of employees, guests and visitors a top priority. And, one way to do this is to make sure the right information is freely available at the most risk-dense spots around the workplace. As with any addition to your work premises, maintenance is key when it comes to making safety signs work for you. In today’s guide, we’ll walk you through the reasons why you should prioritise cleaning and care in your business.

Why Is Maintenance Important?

Once you’ve performed a risk assessment and installed the relevant safety signs, the information is readily available for all to see. But, without a proper maintenance schedule, you’ll likely encounter problems. Modern safety signs are designed to be incredibly hard-wearing and durable. They come in different materials (at Lasting Impressions, we have self-adhesive vinyl or 1mm rigid plastic) meaning you can install them inside or outside, depending on your needs. And, they are designed to last for an extended period of time. This doesn’t mean you can ignore them though. A poorly cared for safety sign will:

• Become illegible for individuals to read.
• Get overlooked by busy or new employees.
• Fail to capture attention or actually reduce the risk in question.
• Pose their own safety risk if they fall off of wall or surfaces.

All of these scenarios will reduce the effectiveness of your signs and mean you aren’t actively reducing hazards in the workplace. You run the risk of more accidents and the chance of legal action by disgruntled employees.

Location-Specific Maintenance Challenges

You’ll likely install safety signs in numerous locations around your premises. And, different spots require different maintenance to keep them looking their best.

Kitchen/catering Safety Signs

Kitchens are notoriously hot and greasy environments. From the steam from dishwashers through to oil spray from frying pans, the signs that you have in these spaces are likely to become grubby very quickly. Even though most are manufactured from wipe-clean materials, grease can become difficult to shift over time. Equally, the high moisture content in the air can cause more flexible designs to become damaged over time if the condensation isn’t wiped from them regularly.

It pays to consider the material you opt for in these environments – especially in locations such as over the stove or near cooking appliances. Choose something hard wearing and durable to minimise damage.

Bathrooms Safety Signs

There will be situations where you need to convey specific messages in bathrooms and toilets around your premises. The signs you use here are exposed to a high-bacteria environment with toilet spray and dirty hands. If you don’t have a structured process for maintaining and cleaning these signs, there is a risk of cross-contamination from person to person. Antibacterial spray and wipes should be used regularly to kill off unwanted germs and keep the environment hygienic at all times.

External Signs

In some instances, the safety signs that you need will be installed on the outside of your building. This could be in a farming or agricultural environment or around a construction site. These signs are exposed to harsh weather conditions, mud spray from machinery and general dirt build-up. It’s very easy for them to become entirely illegible – especially if they’re not checked or maintained regularly. Again, with a range of materials available, it’s easy to choose the style that best withstands these environments. But you’ll still need a routine in place to minimise the risk of these issues.

Installation Maintenance

You also need to ensure that, no matter the style or type of safety sign you choose, that it is installed and secure at all times. Signs that have fallen off the wall present both a tripping hazard and aren’t able to do their job properly. Signs that have started breaking away from their support are unlikely to be seen as easily. Consider also any additional lighting that you’ve put in place to make sure the sign is legible in all environments. If this breaks, how will an individual read the vital information available in the event of a power cut? And, could this put them in real danger? Installation maintenance is just as important as cleaning when it comes to your safety signs.

How to Maintain Your Safety Signs

Due to their design, it’s very easy to keep the signs around your business clean, legible and installed correctly. We recommend incorporating the following steps into your weekly or bi-weekly routine.

• Wipe down the surface of all signs with a damp cloth. Use a mild soap, if needed, to shift tougher stains.
• Dust signs regularly. A build-up of dirt and grime can make a sign appear older than it is, encouraging people to ignore its messages.
• In moisture-rich or dirty environments, opt for 1mm rigid plastic signs that can withstand harsh surroundings without warping or becoming damaged.
• Wipe away excessive moisture or rain when spotted on signs. This will help to reduce damage and keep the message clear.
• Check any screws or fittings on a monthly basis to ensure the sign is firmly affixed to the wall.
• Check self-adhesive signs to make sure they haven’t started peeling away from their surface.
• Replace signs when they start to look weathered or old.

It’s important to have a system in place when it comes to caring for your safety signs. They are there to help mitigate risk and keep your employees, guests and visitors safe. Therefore, they must work effectively and do their job to the highest standard. Here at Lasting Impressions, we have over 40 years of experience in designing and supplying safety signs to all manner of customers and businesses. And, this time has given us knowledge on how to get the most from your signs over the years. If you would like to speak to a member of our team or have a specific enquiry to make about one of our signs, please do get in contact here today.

Safety signs have their place in all working environments. They are designed to help convey messages of caution, pass along vital information and keep everyone on the premises safe. As such, they are vital. Hanging signs around your workplace is an effective way to better manage employees, visitors and guests. But, did you know that there are many mistakes to make with signs? And, if they are overlooked, they could be causing more problems than they’re helping? In today’s guide, we’ll go through common safety sign mistakes to help you identify and avoid them in your own workplace.

Things to Consider

The safety signs that we use here in the UK all conform to ISO 7010. This means that they are printed with a series of universally recognised logos to ensure they are understandable by all, regardless of language barriers or skill set. While this system is in place to minimise the risk of confusion, it’s important to make sure the messages you’re putting across make sense in a given place. And, that they aren’t contradicting themselves or overcomplicating a process. Using these signs to your advantage and having a clear understanding of the signs available is the best way to organise the best safety setup in your business.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common mistakes seen in working environments today.

Incorrect Placement

One of the biggest mistakes that ill-prepared businesses do is install their signs in the wrong places. Remember that safety signs are there to convey a message about an upcoming hazard or reinforced rule. They need to be placed in the optimal location to ensure they are:

• Seen instantly by all employees, visitors or guests (even if it’s their first time on your premises).
• Legible so that they can be viewed in a range of different lighting situations.
• Unobstructed by both permanent or temporary structures.
• Located close to the hazard to ensure the information/advice is read immediately before the risk.

Consider the following scenario. You hang a ‘Caution Hot Surface Do Not Touch’ sign on the front of the door to the canteen. Your intention is to advise anyone who passes in that numerous surfaces can cause burns or scalds if they come into contact with skin. However, the individuals passing into this space are likely in a rush to meet the demands of your customers or employees. It’s also likely that, in the rush to make sure mealtime runs as smoothly as possible, they are already too far away from the sign when the hazard occurs to remember what the sign says.

A comprehensive risk assessment is the best way to identify where the hazards are situated in your workplace. When you find an area where a risk would be better managed with signs, ensure that they are:

• Installed at eye height and indirect eye-sight of the individual as they approach the caution.
• Kept properly lit, either with additional lights or by using photoluminescent signs.

Not Maintaining Signs

Safety signs are designed to withstand harsh working environments. But, just like all the other equipment on your premise, they need to be properly maintained. The images and colours used to convey messages are printed in bright, highly visible colours. And, to keep these legible for all visitors, you need to ensure dirt and grime is removed efficiently. This is particularly important in certain environments – such as kitchens where dirt and grease are inevitable. Here at Lasting Impressions, we offer our signs in both self-adhesive vinyl or 1mm rigid PVC. Both of these can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and won’t degrade easily over time.

You’ll also want to make sure that older signs are replaced when they start to look worn. It’s easier for new employees or visitors to overlook an unkept sign, believing that it relates to a past instruction and not one that is still relevant today. And, ensure that all fixings are secure to keep the information directly in the eye-sight of the reader. Your safety signs are an investment into the health and safety of your employees and should be treated with the highest importance.

Too Many Signs Placed Together

We’ve mentioned the need for a risk assessment in order to identify the risks in a working environment. But it pays to remember that there will always be risks. Even in the best-regulated environment, hazards will still arise – some of which you won’t be able to predict or reduce. Performing an assessment of your work environment should flag up the most pressing hazards and those that post the biggest risk to safety. It’s important, when picking signs, that you use them to convey the most important messages.

If you place too many signs close together, the messages will become overwhelming. Passers-by will likely ignore them because of an inability to understand exactly what they should or should not be doing. Equally, it will become difficult for readers to understand which signs are focused on them and which are irrelevant. Too many signs, while it may seem like a fully protective measure, is more likely to make a lot of things fall through the woodworks.

Improper Signs

When selecting the right style of signs for your hazard, it’s important that you choose one that conveys the entire message. In some scenarios, a simple logo and line of text will be enough to warn people of a hazard, like with the Main Switch Sign. However, other situations may need more explanation, such as the ‘Danger. Men Working On Electrical Circuits’ sign. During the risk assessment, decide how complex of a message it is that you need to convey. Ask guests and employees for their input to make sure you choose the right styles for that specific environment.

Here at Lasting Impressions, we specialise in the design and supply of custom safety signs to suit your businesses needs. If you have any quhttp://estions or would like to speak to a member of our team, please do get in contact here today.