Industrial Labeling for All Different Situations
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What is Industrial Labeling?
Most facilities today use a wide range of different chemicals and other potentially dangerous products. Whether it is for cleaning, manufacturing, quality control or something else entirely, it is important to use these items as safely as possible.
When the chemicals or other products arrive on site, or are produced and stored, the primary containers must always be properly labeled according to OSHA standards. Information such as what the chemical is, how it is to be used, and how to respond to an emergency should be clearly displayed on a safety label that is securely affixed to the container.
With this in mind, most facilities have an industrial label printer on site so they can create the high quality labels that they need for these situations. There are many instances, however, when the chemicals are moved to other areas during use. When this is the case, the regulations regarding the proper labeling also change.
In addition, there are also many other situations where a label can be used to help improve the safety or efficiency of a specific process. Understanding how and when industrial labeling should be used is very important for all facilities.
Primary Containers
Of course, the primary containers that are used to hold potentially harmful chemicals or other products will need to have a label that contains all of the OSHA or other agency required information on them. Many facilities, however, reuse the containers when they are done.
Once cleaned out, another chemical or just about anything else can be stored within them. When doing this, it is important to make sure the information on the label is changed. This can be done by printing a new industrial label that can be placed over the existing one.
If you will be using the container for something that is not toxic or otherwise hazardous, you can either put a blank label over the existing one, or scrape the old one away. The important thing is that it should not be visible because that could be misleading and cause improper reactions to spills or other events.
Secondary Containers
If you are going to be moving a specific chemical from a primary storage container into a secondary container for use, it is important to ensure it is clear what is in the secondary container. OSHA does not specifically require that a new label be made and applied to the container, largely because containers may be reused for multiple different chemicals.
Instead, it is permitted to use things like placards or signs, or even include the information in the operating procedures. While these can be good options, many facilities have found that it is cheaper and easier to just print off a new label and affix it to the container.
In most situations, you can apply a new label over an existing one several times before they need to be removed. This is a quick and easy way to make sure the required information is always displayed clearly on any containers used in the facility.
Creating Temporary Signs
Another great way to use industrial labeling is when you need a temporary sign. Many facilities today will take a piece of plastic, wood or metal and use it to make a temporary sign when needed. This is done by simply printing off a new label, and applying to the object.
With most modern industrial label makers, it is possible to create large labels that are easily visible. In addition, you can make multiple labels that can be placed next to each other for a larger sign.
This solution is far faster and more affordable than ordering custom signs when they are needed. The fact that in most of these situations it is important to have the sign quickly makes this an even easier decision for most facilities.
Pipe Markings
Keep in mind also that industrial labeling can be used virtually anywhere that you need to display information. An example of this would be on the pipes that go throughout your facility. Printing off a high quality label that provides information such as which direction the solution in the pipe is traveling, and it is can be very helpful.
Keep in mind that some pipes are very hot, others can be very cold and still others may have condensation on them at times. With this in mind, it is important to choose the right type of industrial labeling stock when printing them off. Fortunately, there are plenty of high quality options to choose from so you shouldn’t have an issue turning these labels into great pipe markings for your facility.
Labeling Vehicles
Most facilities today use a variety of different vehicles to get work done. Some of them are used indoors, such as high-lows. Others are traditional vehicles used to transport items. Labeling them can help with tracking maintenance and identifying what the vehicles are used for, which can improve efficiencies.
Printing off an industrial label and applying it to the vehicle is a quick and easy way to take care of this. In addition, you can print off labels which identify what type of fuel a vehicle uses, for example, or other information such as the max load of the vehicle.
Proper Use of Industrial Labeling
The most important thing to keep in mind no matter when or where you are using industrial labeling is to always put safety first. Since you have the ability to make custom labels on site, it should be simple to always include all the proper information on every label.
Taking the time to make a label that clearly conveys the most important information, and includes other details that can be helpful should be a priority. Even in cases when OSHA does not specifically state what type of information must be included on a specific label, it is a good idea to follow industry standards or else come up with your own facility standard that will help keep everyone safe.
When you put safety first, you will always find that your industrial labeling strategy will be effective.
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