Floor Tape Color Meaning: Three Things You Should Know
So you’re searching for the best floor tape for your workplace? The options seem virtually limitless, however, when it comes to floor tape color there are a multitude of ways to approach the topic. In order to make the best choice possible to meet your needs, here are a few tips that can help you make sure your system is as effective as possible.
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Make It Easy
When assigning your floor tape, try to make things as simple as possible. If you are able to group multiple meanings into one tape color do so, just make sure that they are related enough to make sense. It is best to only have a handful of colors in your system in order to simplify things as much as possible. This also has the added benefit of making things much easier on your employees; especially if they have never worked in a lean workplace before. Furthermore, new employees may have come from a facility that uses just one color of floor tape. It is important to remember that new employees are going to have to get used to the system, so simplicity is key. The best strategy for keeping things easy to understand and implement will literally “make or break” the transition period for your workers. Additionally, be sure that you have the key to each color clearly labeled and placed in various easy to see and commonly trafficked locations in the workplace.
Be Clear and Intentional
You want to make sure that your colors are distinct enough so they are easily differentiated, yet clear and concise so that each color’s meaning is immediately identifiable. One of the main ways to do this is to put some thought into what each color is going to represent – don’t be afraid to break conventional thinking with floor tape color meaning if you think it makes sense for your specific business (like if a machine or material in a certain area is the same color as the tape that you’re going to use to designate it). By the same token, making each color have a clear purpose means you have to strike a balance between principle #1, “taking it easy,” and being “clear and intentional.” If a color represents too many things it’s going to lose some of its purpose. It may take some experimentation to find that balance.
Follow a Template
If you’re not sure where to start, you can always use these guidelines provided by OSHA for color meaning to get started.
- Yellow tape designates caution, and is to be used in walkways, aisles, and locations with possible slipping or tripping hazards.
- Red signals danger or to stop; use it around stop signs and bars, fire protection equipment, and other such items.
- Orange means warning, and is usually associated specifically with machinery or motorized equipment.
- Green means go, safe, or “good” and includes first aid supplies, eye wash stations, showers, safety information or instructions, etc.
- Blue means general information and can also sometimes indicate caution. Use blue with machinery that is out of order or has moving parts.
- Striped tape of two different colors usually indicates a special area such as an electrical hazard, a dead end, or a drop/falling hazard.
In the end. Floor tape should be a helpful, easy to understand tool that not only enhances the organization of a workplace, but also the safety of a workplace. Take time to brainstorm the different ways of how color coded floor tape may benefit your business.
If you have any questions about floor tape, please contact Creative Safety Supply and ask about our SafetyTac Floor Tape.
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