It’s important for us to give you a guide for measures to implement safety in signage projects. The signage industry in Kenya is constantly evolving and growing beyond expectations.
Most sign manufacturers in Kenya, who happen to be printing companies mostly, have acquired good machines ranging from laser cutting machines to rotogravure machines.
These signage machines have come in handy to complement large-format printing machines, which were the mainstay for signage in Kenya for over a decade. But what measures can they put in place to ensure safety in signage projects or safety in the workplace?
First of all, safety signs can improve workplace safety in a great way. But in this article, we intend to discuss the safety measures to implement while undertaking safety projects from fabrication to installation.
Equipment to use to enhance safety in signage
Here is a list of personal protective equipment(PPEs) that you can put on during signage manufacture and installation:
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- Hard hats – They serve to protect your head from potential injuries. Yes, hard hats, also known as safety hats, are not just construction workers or ‘bodaboda’ riders. All sign manufacturers in Nairobi need to make use of them during the signage projects. They can come in handy to protect you from potential head injuries from falling objects. Click this link to get a gist of why you should put on safety hats during sign-making and installation.
- Reflective Jackets- Safety jackets are built to ensure you are visible in low-light areas. Installation of most signage is in the evening hours. There is a high chance that where you are installing your sign is close to the road. You can minimize the chances of car or motorbike accidents by putting on reflective jackets.
- Safety Boots – These help you avoid stepping on sharp objects like nails or broken steel. Sign-making is a process that involves fabrication. As such it’s highly likely, there are nails on site, welding rods, steel bars, and many other things. To avoid hurting your feet, you must put on protective boots.
- Eye protective gear – You should put on protective glasses. During fabrication, put on the glasses for ‘welders’. If your work involves hazardous chemicals, flying debris, or projectiles, we advise you to put on protective eyewear.
- In the case the installation of the sign is at a height above your height, we advise using cranes, ladders, and scaffolds for safe installation. They help you stand at heights with confidence, and most importantly you are at ease doing your work at high altitudes.
- Safety tape – Use these truck traffic reflective warning safety tape to demarcate or barricade your working area.
Why safety signs are important
Adding visual aids that warn people of potential hazards in the workplace or on signage installation signs can go a long way to ensuring everyone is safe. Safety signs in the workplace serve as silent guardians. They alert individuals to potential hazards and provide instructions for safe behavior and emergency procedures.
Here are some of the reasons why safety signs are important in the workplace.
They alert individuals to potential hazards
We design safety signs in such a way that they can attract attention to possible danger quickly. It’s important to indicate the areas which might need caution. This can help prevent accidents or injuries.
Safety signs provide clear instructions for safe behavior.
These signs contain clear instructions for good behavior in specific situations. E.g a sign may remind individuals to put on PPEs or follow certain procedures when working in certain situations.
They can indicate the location of important safety equipment.
Safety signs can indicate important areas for safety equipment e.g fire extinguishers, eye wash stations and first aid kits. This ensures that employees can quickly locate and access these resources in the event of an emergency.
Safety signs reinforce safety training and awareness
These signs help to reinforce the safety training employees receive and maintain a high level of safety awareness. They inculcate and foster a culture of safety within the company. We achieve this by constantly reminding employees of the potential hazards in their environment and the precautions they should take.
Assist in compliance with health and safety regulations
Workplace safety signs and symbols are often required by health and safety regulations. This is to ensure that your are clearly communicating potential hazards to your employees and visitors. By displaying the appropriate safety signs, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to safety and comply with regulatory requirements.
Support a diverse workforce
It is incumbent upon you to ensure that individuals with varying levels of language proficiency and education understand the safety signs and symbols easily. By using symbols that people can relate with universally, can effectively communicate important safety information to a diverse workforce.