Lasting Impressions

Tag: Guides

  • Social Distancing Signs – Safety Between Colleagues

    Social Distancing Signs – Safety Between Colleagues

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

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

    Does my business need social distancing signs?

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

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

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

    How many signs do I need to put in place?

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

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

  • What does the HSE say about safety signs?

    What does the HSE say about safety signs?

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

    Safety sign requirements for employers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    BS EN ISO 7010:2020

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

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

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

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

  • A Guide to Designing Your Own Safety Sign

    A Guide to Designing Your Own Safety Sign

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

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

    What is ‘Design A Sign’

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

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

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

    Type

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

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

    Corners

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

    Material

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

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

    Orientation

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

    Size

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

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

     

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

    Portrait:

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

    Landscape:

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

    Symbol

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

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

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

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

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

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

    These are:

    • Identify the hazards

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

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

    • Decide who might be harmed and how

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

    • Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions

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

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

    • Record findings and implement them

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

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

    • Review risk assessment and update, if necessary

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

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

  • Everything You Need to Know About Drone Safety

    Everything You Need to Know About Drone Safety

    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.

  • What do the colours on signs mean?

    What do the colours on signs mean?

    Here in the UK, all safety signs are manufactured to abide by The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. By law, they are required to provide information to employees and visitors to minimise the risk of serious injury in a specified place. To ensure compliance and clear understanding, most signs fall into 4 groupings which are categorised by specific colours. This standardised requirement ensures that signs placed around a workplace can be easily read and instructions followed, without the need for excessive explaining or training.

    Safety sign colours and their meanings

    Red

    We universally recognise the colour red as providing a prohibition. For this reason, it is used on prohibitory signs that are designed to highlight a dangerous situation. This may be a situation that poses a constant threat or one that could be caused without this key information. Generally, red signs feature a round, thick-bordered red circle with a diagonal line striking out an image of the hazard. Additional text is included on the sign to emphasise the warning.

    Yellow

    Yellow safety signs are used to warn readers that they need to take care or specific cautions in a given space. The yellow used here is bold and highly visible, being paired with black for a strong contrast. Most yellow signs use a triangle in the design, which is the universally accepted shape for warning. This has a black thick edge and a black image of the specified hazard within. As with prohibition signs, text is included to further emphasise the warning in question.

    Blue

    Blue signs are some of the most common options in workplaces and are known as mandatory signs. The information given specifies a behaviour or action that must occur to minimise the risk of injury or hazards in a specified area. This includes signs that dictate the use of eye protection for safety or the need for a fire door to be kept shut at all times.

    Green

    Green signs are used for safety and pass on vital information that will keep users safe in the event of an emergency. Think fire exit signs or those used to highlight the location of a first aid box. They are normally rectangular and feature white text and images to emphasise their purpose.

    It is your responsibility, as a business owner, to ensure that safety signs are placed appropriately throughout your property. We can help here at Lasting Impressions, with our wide range of Fire Safety Signs.

  • What are the four main types of safety signs?

    What are the four main types of safety signs?

    This blog post will outline the four main types of safety signs as per the UK regulations. Safety signs are vital for your workplace as they can add a sense of peace of mind for your employees, and will aid in keeping your employees safe.

    Safety signs will provide orders, instructions, information and guidance on codes of conduct around your building. Professional signs will offer information clearly and boldly, making it easy for anyone to understand, which is essential during an emergency.

    It is essential that you understand what signs are needed for your workplace. Nearly every workplace will need safety signs, so make sure you know the different types of safety signs available. These four main types of signs are following the health and safety regulations of 1996.

    Prohibition signs

    Prohibition signs prohibit certain behaviours that may increase the chances of a hazard. Prohibition signs include access signs, general prohibition signs, machinery prohibition signs and prohibition logo signs. Prohibition logo signs can include keep off scaffolding logo sign, no admittance logo signs or no children logo sign; all of these signs are clear and easy to understand.

    Warning Signs

    Warning signs provide a warning about a specific hazard or danger that could affect the surrounding area. General warning signs are included in this category and refer to caution wet floor signs, danger drop signs and beware obstacle signs, to name a few.

    Mandatory Signs

    Mandatory signs inform works, customers, visitors and other individuals that this area requires specific behaviour that must be adhered to. Mandatory signs can include machinery and general mandatory signs; for example, use hand sanitiser, use guard or guards must be in position before starting. Other signs can include mandatory ear protection signs, eye and face protection signs, footwear signs, head protection signs and more.

    Emergency Escape/Fire-Aid Signs

    These signs provide information about emergency exits, rescue facilities or where first aid is located. Emergency escape/fire-aid signs can refer to danger fire risk signs, L.P.G. highly flammable signs and more.

    Contact us

    If you have any questions about our safety signs, feel free to contact a member of our Lasting Impressions team today. We are always happy to help with questions you might have.

  • Are safety signs really necessary?

    Are safety signs really necessary?

    When it comes to safety in the workplace, correct signage is essential. Unlike those used for decoration, these vital signs provide key information to all workers, guests, residents, visitors, etc. And, specifically for construction sites and other hazardous environments, they are also a legal requirement. In today’s blog, we’ll look at why safety signs are so essential.

    Preventing Injury

    One of the primary uses of safety signs is to prevent injury and accidents. By keeping key information to hand at all times, everyone is kept aware of the correct code of practice. This extends right across the sign spectrum, from fire exit signs through to quality control signs and even hotel signs.

    Ensuring Compliance

    It is important that your business stays compliant with all legal requirements. Many safety signs are designed to help you do just this, ensuring you are providing key information to all guests. They are also one of the most effective ways of guaranteeing that every worker on site follows your individual rules – something that can have an impact on various insurance policies too.

    Provide Direction

    There are various situations where a visitor to your workplace may find themselves unfamiliar with the layout. Equally, there is always the chance that (especially in larger buildings) where experienced staff may find themselves in an unfamiliar part of the building. In these instances, directional safety signs ensure that everyone is still able to vacate the premises in the event of an emergency.

    Legal Requirement

    As mentioned above, safety signs are a legal requirement for many working environments. Some of the most comprehensive legislations surrounding this includes the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals Regulation) 1996. This states that:

    ‘Safety signs and signals are required where, despite putting in place all other relevant measures, a significant risk to the health and safety of employees and others remains.’

    Safety signs are required is a risk assessment made under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 indicates that they are the most suitable method for reducing risks to employees. This applies to the whole of Great Britain, excluding Northern Ireland.

    Here at Lasting Impressions, we pride ourselves in offering one of the largest online collections of safety signs for all businesses. Get in touch today and let a member of our sales team work with you to ensure your work building is fully compliant and up to date with all current legislations and UK law requirements.

  • Which safety signs should your construction site display?

    Which safety signs should your construction site display?

    No matter where your construction site is located, there are specific regulations you need to follow in terms of signage. All workers, guests and visitors must have access to clear information which keeps them safe at all times. Therefore, it is important that you have the right construction site signs on display at all times. This blog post will list and explain some of the signs you may need.

    Fire Escape Route Signs

    If your site is small (such as a single house renovation) and there are clear escape routes, you may only need to have a simple fire exit sign above the relevant doorways. With larger sites, it may be necessary to create an escape route to the closest exit using directional signs to guide users. These will feature arrows pointing in the correct direction.

    Assembly Point Signs

    It is vital that you have safe points where individuals can assemble during a fire or emergency. This is where assembly point signs come in handy and form a vital role in your workplace.

    Fire Equipment Signs

    This form of signage directs the reader to the closest piece of fire equipment, whether this be a fire extinguisher, blanket or alarm.

    Fire Door Signs

    Ensure everyone knows which doors are fire doors and which can be used freely with fire door signs. These should be placed on every entry and exit door that complies with current legislation.

    PPE Requirement Signs

    Construction sites pose specific risks to the well-being of workers. Therefore, it is vital that you have signs informing employees of the relevant PPE (personal protective equipment) requirements. This includes noise hazard signs and multi-hazard scaffold banners.

    Temporary Traffic & Site Works Signs

    Organising traffic on a construction site is vital to ensuring the safety of every visitor. The right traffic signs will help you do just this, restricting access and directing vehicles down the safest route.

    General Building Site Signs

    Finally, specific to construction sites, there are many informative building site signs that you will need. This includes Site Entrance signs and Danger Men At Work Signs.

    Here at Lasting Impressions, we have a wide range of construction site signs available at the best online prices. Get in touch today if you need any further information.

  • A Guide to Water Safety

    A Guide to Water Safety

    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.