Floor Marking – 7 Common Mistakes

Tony Ferraro | October 23, 2014

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Improving Safety and Organization with Floor Markings

Using floor markings in an industrial facility is a great way to improve safety, organization and provide many other benefits too. Despite the fact that it is an easy item to use, many people end up making mistakes with it. These mistakes can reduce the effectiveness of the floor markings, or even cause them to make things worse than they would be with no markings at all.

7 Common Floor Marking Mistakes

Review the following common floor marking mistakes and make sure you aren’t repeating them in your facility.

#1 – Failing to Follow Color Codes

One of the best things about floor markings is that you are able to decide which colors you want to use. There are many different options to choose from, but the choice shouldn’t be made just on aesthetics. Taking some time to plan out what color you want to have what meaning is very important.

There are many options when it comes to color coding your floor markings. No matter what it is you end up choosing, make sure that it is followed throughout the facility.

For example, some companies decide to use different colors for different areas within the facility. Red tape may mean that it is the fabrication department. Blue tape could be for inspections. Another option is to use colors based on what risks are present in a given area. Whatever you choose, make sure it is well thought out and implemented throughout the facility.

#2 – Failing to use Floor Marking Shapes

For the vast majority of floor markings the best option is to use regular floor marking tape. In some cases, however, using floor marking shapes can provide added benefits. These shapes could be anything from corner pieces to make the turns more precise to foot prints or even just simple dots.

Using these shapes provides you with additional options that can help ensure you are able to convey the message that you desire.

#3 – Improper Installation

When installing floor markings in your facility it is important to make sure it is done properly. If you take shortcuts the tape won’t stick as well and won’t last nearly as long. Installing these markings is actually quite simple when you follow these tips:

Clean Surface – Make sure the floor is clean before putting the markings down
Dry Surface – Always install floor markings on a dry surface
Straight Lines – To the extent possible, try to make sure you are only installing markings in straight lines or individual spots.
Apply Pressure – After the tape is installed, you want to either walk on it or use a roller of some type of apply pressure to it so it will stick properly.

#4 – Improper (or Inadequate) Cleaning

Keeping floor markings clean is essential for getting the most use out of them. If you let dust and dirt build up over them, they will be difficult to see, which defeats the purpose of having them. In addition, if you clean the markings improperly it can cause them to age prematurely.

In most cases, you can clean floor markings using your normal floor cleaning products. The important thing is to try to avoid having water left on them for long periods of time. Once done mopping or cleaning the area, make sure the water is not pooled up so that it can evaporate quickly.

#5 – Lack of Training

Floor markings are an important tool for conveying information to people in the facility. The problem, however, is that many facilities don’t provide people with sufficient training as to what the different markings mean. If someone in the facility is not properly informed as to the message that is trying to be conveyed, it will not be beneficial.

Whether you have formal training events to tell people about the different floor markings or you just hand out illustrations to let people know, it is an important step in ensuring you get the most out of your floor markings.

#6 – Worn Out Markings

High quality floor markings can last for years without a problem. That being said, however, everything wears out eventually and it is important to get it replaced in a timely manner. It is extremely important to keep in mind that the markings in different areas of the facility will wear out at different rates.

Places with heavy foot or vehicle traffic will obviously cause the markings to become warn much more quickly than areas where there is little traffic. Keeping an eye on the condition of all the markings in the facility, and replacing them when necessary, will help ensure you don’t run into any issues with people not being able to see the tape.

Another potential issue as markings become warn is that they can start to peal up, which can create a tripping hazard.

SafetyTac Floor Marking Tape by Creative Safety Supply

#7 – Failing to use Right Type of Markings

There are many different floor marking options to choose from. In addition to selecting the color that you would like, you can also choose from markings made for specific uses. For example, you can choose anti-slip floor marking tape that is made to provide added traction on slippery floors. This is an excellent option for use in doorways where the floor may be wet.

You can also get markings that can glow in the dark, which are ideal for guiding people during emergencies or power outages. If you are going to be installing markings in areas that get hot, cold or wet, make sure to choose the types of markings that are made to stand up to these conditions without a problem.

Getting the Most out of Floor Markings

The bottom line when looking at how any facility uses floor markings is that there is a lot you can do to help ensure you are getting the most you can out of this investment. The fact that floor marking tape and floor marking shapes are so affordable can often make it tempting for companies to just use it without really having a good plan in place.

Looking at the above common mistakes that are made, however, and then really going through things like where you want the markings to be and what message you want them to convey, will help ensure your facility benefits properly from all your floor markings.