The accurate interpretation of safety signs is crucial to prevent injuries and save lives. OSHA has set industry standards that clearly define what a safety sign is, how it should be used and where it should be placed. However, when it comes to deciding whether to use a sign or a label to convey a message, OSHA leaves that part up to each company.
Every construction company and jobsite will have different priorities and constraints when it comes to choosing safety labels and signs. It may often require experimentation with different kinds of materials and designs to determine what is most effective, but these basic definitions apply:
- safety labels are most commonly made of an adhesive backed vinyl material to apply directly to a surface; and
- safety signs are constructed from a hard-backed material designed to attach to walls, doors, fencing and more.
How to Choose Between a Label and Sign
OSHA does not specify whether a sign or label should be used to communicate vital safety information as long as the message is communicated in an obvious, long-lasting and legible way.
Labels are most commonly made to convey identification or instruction. They are typically made of an adhesive vinyl material to instantly peel and apply directly to a surface. This makes labels convenient to apply to a variety of items and areas for inventory labeling, product packaging, identifying tools and materials in a warehouse or office, and equipment instructions and warnings for machine guarding, lockout/tagout (LO/TO) and more.
Signs consist of a hard-backed material for durable, long-lasting messages that can be hung or mounted onto many surfaces. They can be used to create large wayfinding messages, safety instructions and procedural signs for a variety of workspaces, and other general facility signs that need to remain intact in work environments with different degrees of exposures. Signs are a bigger investment due to their size, use of higher-quality material and more complex design elements like graphics and specialized text.
To determine whether a sign or label is the best choice, ask:
- What kind of environment will the message be in? Will there be minimal industrial and environmental exposures, or will the message likely come into contact with light, moisture, solvents, chemicals or other materials?
- How durable must the message be? Can the material be flexible or must it remain rigid?
- Will the message be indoors or outdoors?
- Who needs to see this message and where? Consider the amount of information that needs to be conveyed. It is important to ensure messages remain clear and legible to viewers at all times.
Transform Labels into Durable Signs
Adhesive labels can be turned into sturdy signs using sign blanks to communicate safety messages in hard to label areas and locations that need temporary signage. Choose the sign blank size and material that is best for the environment, ranging from strong fiberglass and aluminum, to corrugated plastic for temporary sign applications. Sign blanks also have the ability to provide visibility from all angles with 1-way, 2-way and 3-way design options for both indoor and outdoor use:
- 1-way is a flat, one-sided semi-rigid white plastic material allows viewing from one direction. Attaches to fences, walls and doors;
- 2-way is a flat, two-sided durable translucent white plastic material allows viewing from two directions – an ideal solution for posting in hallways and areas where visibility is limited; and
- 3-way is a flat, three-dimensional v-shaped durable translucent white plastic material allows signs to be seen from 180°, ideal for critical safety signs that need to be seen from multiple angles, such as emergency exits and wayfinding.
Sign blanks are available in a variety of materials that range in durability and purpose. Many come with pre-drilled holes at the corners for easy hanging or mounting. Sign blank materials include: steel, corrugated plastic, aluminum, reflective aluminum and fiberglass. Consider the environment and installation method when choosing the material.
Environment
- Will the message be indoors or outdoors?
- Does the sign need to endure certain temperatures?
- Will it be in direct sunlight or low light?
- Is there a chance it will come into contact with moisture, oil, solvents, or chemicals?
Installation Method
- Will the message be permanent or temporary?
- Where will this message be applied? e.g.: on a post, wall, door, barrel, storage container or fence.
Breakdown of the features of each sign blank material
Steel
A steel sign blank is made of a ferrous metal (iron) material with a solid 24-gauge steel backing for heavy-duty signs that also allow magnets to stick to it. It’s highly resistant to most chemicals, stands strong to impact and withstands low temperatures. This material is mainly for interior signage as it will rust fairly easily. Apply to piping, shipping containers on refrigerators and more.
Corrugated Plastic
Use this low cost corrugated plastic sign blank for temporary mounting locations. The tough corrugation provides a thick material that is lightweight and retains its flat surface shape, even after being bent. This material is made for mild environments that will come into little or no contact with prolonged UV exposure, low temperatures and strong solvents. This material is ideal for temporary sign applications on poles, fences and more to communicate wayfinding, site-specific hazards and warnings and other general safety information in warehouses and other indoor facilities.
Aluminum
Aluminum sign blanks are lightweight and reliable in locations that contain harsh environmental exposures including chemicals, abrasion, moisture and sunlight. This is an ideal material for DIY sign creation using multiple adhesive labels, which apply seamlessly to this surface. This corrosion-resistant material can withstand low temperatures. It won’t rust, making it highly durable for outdoor applications. Apply aluminum signs on fencing, poles or other difficult to label locations that conventional labels cannot adhere to.
Reflective Aluminum
This material offers the same lightweight construction and durability as the aluminum sign blank but can also instantly add extra visibility. Enhance visibility indoors and out with reflective aluminum signs to keep messages highly visible both day and night. This material is perfect for low-light conditions and for signs that need to be seen from long distances and an ideal solution for construction sites and confined spaces.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is the sturdiest of the sign blank materials. It provides the highest resistance to impact and is stronger than most metals. The thick material lasts 25+ years outdoors and will retain its shape and durability in high and low temperatures as well as exposures from various external stresses. However, contact with strong solvents such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and trans-dichloroethylene will jeopardize this material. This provides a smooth, clean surface for labels that is ideal for placement in areas where label application is difficult, such as mounting on walls with challenging textures that most signs cannot adhere to. Fiberglass is a worthwhile investment if you need a permanent sign solution.
Invest in Label and Sign-Making Solutions
Streamline the safety labeling process by designing and printing materials on-demand with a industrial label printer. Look for label design software with built-in templates for common industrial applications like 5S, GHS, pipe marking and more. Improve visibility to dangerous work areas with adhesive floor signs. Consider customizing floor signs with a message tailored to the work environment.
