Workplace safety made easy: The ultimate guide to asset labels and safety signs

When it comes to the workplace, keeping everyone safe is a top priority. Whether it’s a busy industrial site or a quieter office, clear and compliant labelling plays a huge role in reducing risks and protecting employees. The right asset labels and safety signs do more than just guide people—they help prevent accidents and keep businesses on the right side of safety regulations, avoiding potential fines and legal issues. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for in choosing labels and signs that will make your workplace safer and more secure.

1. Why Asset Labels and Safety Signs Matter for Workplace Safety

Asset labels and safety signs are like quick, visual reminders that keep everyone aware of the rules and any potential hazards. They communicate important information in an instant, making it easier for people to stay safe and avoid accidents. Labels and signs help employees and visitors know exactly where to find essential equipment, understand safety measures, and follow the right steps when handling machinery or hazardous materials. Taking this proactive approach helps reduce risks and builds a culture of safety that everyone can rely on.

2. Types of Asset Labels and Safety Signs

• Warning Signs: These indicate potential hazards (e.g., high voltage areas, slippery surfaces) and are crucial for alerting people to risks.
• Instructional Signs: These signs provide guidance on safe operating procedures for equipment or processes.
• Identification Labels: Used on assets and machinery to communicate ownership, maintenance schedules, and operational limitations.
• Safety Compliance Labels: Labels with critical compliance information can assure workers and inspectors that all standards are met.

3. Choosing Durable Labels for Long-Lasting Safety

Durability is key to effective labeling. Labels that wear out or fade can lead to miscommunication and unsafe conditions. Here’s what to consider when choosing durable labels:

• Material Selection: Opt for materials that can withstand environmental challenges—heat, moisture, abrasion, or chemicals.
• Permanent Adhesion: Ensure labels are equipped with strong adhesives to stay secure over time.
• Fade-Resistant Inks: Inks that resist fading from sunlight or harsh conditions ensure that labels remain legible.
• Temperature Resistance: Choose labels that can endure both high and low temperatures without deteriorating.

4. Ensuring Compliance with Industry Standards

When it comes to workplace safety, labels and signs have to do more than just look good—they need to meet industry-specific standards. Following regulations like OSHA and ANSI, or Australian Standards (AS) in Australia, is key to keeping your business compliant, protecting your team, and avoiding costly penalties. Here are some important points to consider:

• Safety Colors and Symbols: Standards often specify colors and symbols for different warnings. For instance, red usually signals danger, while yellow is used for caution. These visual cues help people instantly understand the level of risk.
• Size and Legibility: Signs and labels should be large and clear enough to be read from a safe distance. This makes it easy for people to spot warnings without having to get too close to potentially hazardous areas.
• Placement: To be effective, labels and signs need to be in highly visible spots where people can see them right away. Don’t hide them around corners or in areas where they’re easy to miss—clear visibility is crucial for everyone’s safety.

In Australia, adhering to local standards (like AS 1319 for safety signs) is essential. These standards specify requirements for hazard signs, mandatory signs, prohibition signs, and emergency information signs to ensure they communicate the right message in a clear and consistent way. Staying current with these guidelines helps create a safer workplace and demonstrates a strong commitment to employee wellbeing.

5. Keep Labels and Signs in Top Shape with Regular Maintenance

Even the highest-quality labels and signs need a little TLC from time to time. Make it a habit to check them regularly for any signs of damage, fading, or peeling. A worn-out or unreadable sign can become a safety hazard, so these routine inspections ensure that your labels stay clear, effective, and reliable. Staying on top of maintenance helps keep everyone informed and safe.

6. Customize for Your Unique Workplace Needs

Every workplace is different, with its own unique safety requirements. Custom labels can address specific needs—whether it’s asset ID tags for special equipment or tailored instructions for handling proprietary machinery. At EvolvX, we offer a wide range of options to meet these diverse needs, including sequential QR codes, wrap-around labels, and high-visibility safety signs. We’ll work with you to create solutions that perfectly match your workplace safety goals.

At EvolvX, we’re all about providing durable, high-quality labels and safety signs that meet tough industry standards. Our products are made to last, built to handle challenging environments, and designed to enhance safety in any workspace. We’re here to help you create a safer, compliant workplace with reliable, customized labelling solutions you can count on.