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Tips for Wet Location Exit Signs in Your Building
Wet location exit signs require a specific design and must meet certain requirements from various authorities, including state and local codes, in order to be approved for use. That is because these signs could get wet from condensation from things such as an air conditioning unit, or saturated from rainfall, snow, or other elements. Obviously, these exit signs cannot rely on a power source that is derived from a cable or outlet. This means one of the main requirements for wet location exit signs is to be either battery operated or able to store ambient light as energy for later use. Previously, this could be an extremely expensive investment for building owners to implement, but as exit signs have evolved, so have the options and costs.
Locations Requiring Wet Location Exit Signs
Wet location exit signs and egress systems are required for any indoor or outdoor location that can produce condensation or become wet from weather or other elements (such as spray from hoses). Depending on your state or city, they may be required in places you wouldn’t normally consider, so it is important to review your specific location’s rules and regulations to make sure you comply and don’t get hit with a fine. A wet location is generally defined as an interior or exterior location in which water or other liquids may drip, splash or flow on or against the exit sign.
Here is a list of some of the top locations that require wet location exit signs:
Open Air Decks or Patios | Uncovered Porches | Outdoor Dining Areas | Exterior Walls | Water Vessels | Shower Enclosures
Locations that often get overlooked are indoor locations in which sprinkler systems could hit the exit signage during a fire. Be sure to review your building requirements and sprinkler systems to see if wet location exit signs are required. It could end up being a very costly mistake to have an electrical exit sign in place when sprinkler systems go off or the signs accidentally get sprayed with water!
Complying With Wet Location Exit Sign Requirements
The world of exit safety signage is massive. Consider all the locations you find an exit sign in that could be hit by the elements of wet weather or any other liquid or condensation. From parts of hotels, parking garages, cruise ships, and dining establishments… you get the idea. As the exit sign and safety industry continues to evolve, the regulating authorities including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), International Building Code and International Fire Code and the way these products are engineered and installed has offered change for the better and new options to the market.
That means that complying with wet location exit sign requirements no longer needs to be a headache or strain on the bottom line. Even in New York City, which upholds some of the strictest guidelines for exit sign and egress systems, you can now find plenty of cost-effective options to choose from to meet wet location exit sign requirements. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an independent product safety certification organization that tests exit signs and gives them a rating. Reviewing the UL listing can help you choose the most appropriate exit signs for your needs, from dry to damp or wet locations. Besides ensuring the UL listing is UL 924 listed, some other indications you will also want to make sure the exit sign upholds to meet wet location regulations include:
- Exit sign provides illumination without electricity or outlets required.
- Exit sign is listed specifically for wet locations.
- Exit sign meets state, local, and other regulating authorities' requirements.
- Exit sign must be clear of decorations, equipment which may impair visibility to means of an exit.
- Signs marking exits should have the word "Exit" in legible letters no smaller than six inches high and 8-inch letters apply in some boroughs of New York and the city of Chicago.
Additional guidance regarding wet location exit sign requirements is provided by reviewing the various regulating authorities' codes. For example, within the 2015 edition of NFPA 101 Life Safety Code section 7.10, it states numerous requirements to be aware of when choosing a wet location exit sign. One of these requirements is that externally illuminated signs require a level of illumination of not less than five foot-candles (54 lux) at the illuminated surface and a contrast ratio of not less than five-tenths (found in NFPA 2015 edition, Life Safety Code, section 7.10.6.3).
Wet Location Exit Sign Technology
Photoluminescent technology, fluorescent and LED light technology are all options for wet locations in need of exit signs or egress systems. Jessup Manufacturing offers an indoor/outdoor photoluminescent exit sign that can be used in wet locations—Glo Brite® PM 100. This photoluminescent exit sign is designed to be applied to any location, including wet or damp locations or areas exposed to harsh elements and temperature changes. Photoluminescent technology has specifically increased in popularity for exit signage and egress systems throughout the past couple of decades and for very good reason.
Photoluminescent technology has been used for decades across the pond in Europe and started to become more widely used in the United States after the 1993 World Trade Towers truck bombing. In fact, given its impact in the 9/11 tragedy and other unrelated incidents, New York City passed New York Law 26 in 2004, which mandated the use of this technology in all buildings more than 72 feet high. The International Building Code and International Fire Code were also updated in 2005 to require the use of photoluminescent technology in new and existing high-rise buildings.
Photoluminescent exit signs also provide an immediate return on investment – a fact that competing wet location exit sign and egress products cannot promise. Photoluminescent exit signs contain phosphor, which consists of rare earth elements that are found in mixed geological deposits throughout the world. Phosphor particles can absorb, store, and then emit light at a later time whenever they are exposed to light. Long-persistence phosphor (LPP) is an emerging subset of this, which can emit light for a much longer period of time, acting like a sponge by absorbing and holding the light energy, slowly releasing it to provide illumination over an extended period of time. These phosphors can be added to ink, dye, paint, coatings, and plastics to create low-maintenance, no-hassle safety solutions- including wet location exit signs and egress systems. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, photoluminescent exit signs are the most energy-efficient exit signs available on the market today.
Another bonus of using photoluminescent technology for your wet location exit sign option is that this type of exit is extremely simple to install, maintain, and obviously requires zero electricity to operate- making them suitable for even the wettest of locations. This means you will not incur the additional labor and electrical costs associated with the installation of other exit signs and you can be worry-free about the safety of your guests. With no bulbs to replace with photoluminescent exit signs, once installed they are easily maintained for 25+ years. This increased reliability protects against potential life safety hazards even beyond being wet that could result due to the lack of maintenance for electric exit signs.
If your business has some outdoor or indoor component that has the potential to become wet, a waterproof wet location emergency exit sign is essential and required by law. Remember to review your specific city and state rules and regulations to make sure you comply fully and meet the proper requirements. To recap, some of our quick tips for wet location emergency exit signs are:
-Any location that can get hit with liquid needs a wet location emergency exit sign… and don’t forget sprinkler systems!
-Choose a wet location emergency exit sign that is UL 924 listed specifically for wet locations.
-Make sure it meets all building code requirements and that it meets or exceeds safety standards set by the International Fire Code and the International Building Code.
Consider photoluminescent emergency exit signs for wet locations (such as the Glo Brite® PM 100) as they are rated by almost every safety and hazard prevention organization as the best method of implementing safety signs available on the market at the present time.
Four Ways to Use Graphics Media to Promote Your Business
Graphics media is one of the top ways to promote and advertise for small businesses—and for good reason. This type of advertising can be somewhat unexpected in today’s digital age and grabs the attention of people to make them feel engaged when done properly. With advances in wide-format printers, graphics media can now create some of the most creative and inexpensive advertising you will find for your business. Depending on the product you choose, it can also offer other additional benefits like being slip-resistant, 3D, and even glow in the dark. When using graphics media to promote your business, consider these four types of executions:
1. Use Graphics Media on Your Exterior Space
Many restaurants and retailers are lucky enough to have some type of outdoor space, whether it be a sidewalk space, brick walls, or even a patio. Using graphics media on your exterior space is a great way to make an eye-catching first impression and draw potential customers into your business. We love it when we see businesses use graphics media to:
Create sidewalk displays: Even uneven outdoor spaces can become works of art to advertise your message. By using a product like Asphalt Art®, you can create small to mural-like creations that are NFSI Certified for high traction and ASTM D-2047 certified for slip-resistance. Asphalt Art® conforms to the most uneven asphalt, cement, and brick in front of your place of business.
Use your exterior walls: Plaster your outdoor walls with extra-large signage and easy to read graphics to communicate holiday promotions, products, and events. This is a great way to go beyond an expected window display and attract attention.
Patio spaces: If you have a restaurant patio space and weather permits, make sure you are promoting current drink specials, foods or events with bar and tabletop signage. Use a graphics media that is a printable vinyl and non-adhesive in order to create a durable printed countertop mat that can be easily moved and reused.
2. Advertise in Your Community with Graphics Media
Within your community is a great place to promote your business with branded signage at locations such as business centers, sports facilities, malls, or transportation hubs. By expanding your outreach beyond digital media and your actual storefront, you have the opportunity to reach more people with your brand and promotions. Consider the following ideas for advertising:
3D indoor floor signs: If your business is located within a mall or business center, consider reaching out to the building manager to see if you can advertise within the walkways with 3D indoor floor signs. Jessup’s ClearWalk® consists of a translucent film with a non-slip textured surface. It can be easily applied to a wide variety of indoor surfaces and easily removed without damaging the floor beneath. Because it is translucent, you can also see the floor beneath the graphic and is also ASTM D-2047 certified for slip resistance—a great thing in the winter-time when snow and rain are being tracked into buildings.
Elevators: Depending on your business location, advertising in your building’s elevator with wall or floor signage on how to get to your storefront or current promotions could be a great avenue to consider.
Transportation advertising: With the uptick in people using community transportation, advertising at your local bus, subway and train stations could be just what your brand needed! Create works of art with mural wraps around bus shelters and make your messaging stand out on the floors of the subway station while also offering anti-slip protection. Many transportation stations are also removing billboards in favor of graphics media murals. With graphics media also offering photoluminescent properties, you can also create glow-in-the-dark advertising which is especially helpful for outdoor bus shelters. Reach out to your community transportation offices to see if this is an option for advertising. It offers a sleek, easy to apply and remove option that can be applied to all areas.
Local sports facilities: Community sports centers generally get a lot of traffic, so reaching out to see what graphics media advertising options are available there is a smart idea depending on your brand. From stair advertising where you can put your branding, to large wall murals with catchy sayings and current holiday promotions, or your logo and imagery inside every bathroom door—the ideas are really endless.
3. Use Graphics Media Wisely Inside Your Business
Graphics media is an inexpensive option to promote your business compared to using many other forms of signage and displays. With the variety of films available you also have the ability to create 3D, mesh, textured, and even glow-in-the-dark effects in your signage. Here are a few of the top trends when using graphics media inside your business:
Cashier Counters or Dining tables: With people sitting in front of dining tables or waiting to be rung up by a cashier, having some sort of advertising in front of them just makes sense. Using a product like Jessup’s Matador™, you can create a non-adhesive vinyl product of any shape or size that can sit on bar counters, dining tables or cashier tables to promote the latest events and promotions. One of our favorite things about this type of product is that is can actually be moved and reused time and time again!
4. Don’t Forget Stairs and Escalators
These spaces demand attention because people are constantly using them. By promoting your brand by way of escalators or stair treads you are sure to grab potential buyer’s attention. Using a product like Texwalk® is a smart choice because it is ASTM D-2047 certified for slip-resistance and ASTM E84 Class A certified for flame spread. It also does not require over-lamination and it can be cut into any shape allowing for immense versatility depending on the length of the stairs. This type of product is ideal for stairs and escalator surfaces and can easily be removed after the holidays pass.
When looking for a partner in creating graphics media for advertising your business, we recommend keeping a few things in mind:
- Make sure the films you are choosing work well with your printer. Ensure their printability and durability. Ideally, you won’t have to laminate them unless requested.
- Choose films that are easy to install and remove without damaging surfaces. This will allow you to change artwork and advertising easily and for less cost between seasons.
- Floor graphics and stair graphics should ideally be utilizing non-slip technology.
- Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild when promoting your business. Consider creating murals that make for a great photo to be shared on social media and engage with the public, this helps to increase your brand share!
We hope this has been a helpful list of ways to use graphics media to promote your business.
If you need more ideas or have questions on a project, contact our experts at Jessup Manufacturing to start a conversation.
What is the Best Anti-Slip Tape for My Application?
From commercial to residential, or even water-worthy, having the correct anti-slip adhesives or treads are extremely important in preventing slip and fall accidents and ensuring the safety of everyone. But with so many choices on the market today, choosing the best type of non-slip flooring product for your application can be confusing. You need to consider several different factors when it comes to choosing your anti-slip flooring solution and, in some cases, you still might find with all the choices out there, you need a customized solution. We are reviewing top application locations, various products and discussing what to look for when choosing your anti-slip tape, tread or adhesive to allow you to navigate all the choices and choose the best one for your needs.
What type of anti-slip material is best for you?
There are three main types of materials that are used to make non-slip products. Depending on the type of activity, location and traffic that space sees, it will help decide what type of material is best suited for your application.
1. Grit: The word describes exactly what it does. If you need to have a need for high slip-resistance, such as heavy-duty machinery or a military-grade application, then you will want to look at non-slip product made of grit material. Grit tapes and treads are excellent for commercial applications and can be used indoors and outdoors.
2. Resilient Vinyl: With a rubberized feel, this textured PVC tape or tread is an excellent choice when you need something strong enough for work shoes, but comfortable enough for bare feet to walk on it.
3. Embossed Vinyl: Most commonly seen in bathtub and shower mats, vinyl non-slip products are embossed PVC and non-abrasive. They are designed for both indoor, wet and dry applications and comfortable for bare feet.
Where is your anti-slip application location?
Ladders or Scaffolds: Ladders and scaffolding are two of the top places people are at risk for a slip and fall accident, so it is important to make sure you have the correct anti-slip tread and tape in place whether it is being used for work or at home. Consider if you need to meet specific OSHA requirements, need a mop-friendly tape, will be using the ladder inside or outside, if it will be hit with mud, oil or other product, or even if you will be using it in the dark. From there, you will be able to narrow down your exact product to best suit your application needs.
View products related to this application.
Farm Machinery or Construction Equipment: These types of applications require anti-slip tapes and treads that will stand up to both wet and dry environments, along with meeting OSHA standards to provide a durable, consistent, anti-slip surface. You’ll want to ensure your product’s adhesive system is able to aggressively bond and is extremely durable in order to prevent slip and fall accidents on the floors, stairs or ramps - even when hit with oil, diesel fuel or mud.
View products related to these applications.
Forklifts, Aerial Lifts and Cold Storage Centers: Similar to other machinery and equipment, you will want something that meets OSHA standards and is designed for heavier traffic and tougher environments.
View products related to these applications.
Recreational Vehicles, Snowmobiles, ATVs, Garden Tractors & Lawn Mowers: With these applications you might be looking for an anti-slip tape that is safe for the active movement taking place, certified “High Traction” by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) or potentially want to consider having a product that is mop-friendly for easy cleaning.
View products related to these applications.
Factory Floors, Machine Shops, Auto Service Areas, Garages: Potentially being hit with oil, grease, mud or other liquids, these floors and stairs need to be protected with some of the most heavy-duty anti-slip tapes. You’ll want to look for an anti-slip tape that delivers a consistent and long lasting “high-slip resistance” performance under tough conditions in order to ensure it bonds and is durable when you need it the most. In some cases, you will also need tape with caution messaging (such as: Caution, Slippery When Wet, Do Not Enter, Fire Exit, etc.) to provide additional protection from an accident that also meets OSHA guidelines for caution messaging in the workplace.
View products related to these applications.
Steps, Stairs & Platforms: When it comes to these types of applications, you will want to make sure you choose an adhesive system that will bond to the step and is very durable. Consider if the steps or platform is located inside or outside, what types (if any) of liquids will be present, the amount of traffic and location of steps.
View products related to these applications.
Water Skis, Surfboards, Jet Boards, Boat Skis, Swimming Pools, Pool Accessories & Diving Boards: Anything water related you will want to make sure to have a least a medium grade Resilient product. You might consider a heavy-duty grade to compensate for heavy foot traffic or tougher environments. Resilient products ensure comfort for bare feet, but also are designed for heavy shoe traffic.
View products related to these applications.
Bathrooms, Bathtubs & Showers: When comfort on bare feet is as essential to preventing slip and fall accidents, you will want to look at Resilient products for these applications. Resilient anti-slip tape or treads works great in water conditions and on bare feet. Keep in mind that you will also want a product that is mop-friendly for easy cleaning and potentially designed for shoe traffic depending on the location.
View products related to these applications.
Food Service Areas, Restaurants & Kitchens: With a constant barrage of liquids being spilled on the floor and lots of hustle and bustle, kitchens are some of the biggest culprits for slip and fall accidents. You will want to make sure you choose an anti-slip product that offers excellent protection against liquids, heavy foot traffic and is also mop-friendly for easy cleaning. Depending on if this is for commercial use, you will want a product that also meets certain OSHA requirements to protect your employees.
View products related to these applications.
Fitness Rooms, Exercise Equipment & Gyms: Fitness areas generally need to have a non-slip tape or tread that is foot-friendly and meant for indoor applications. Again, depending on the location you might need to consider a gritter grade anti-slip product if you will be outdoors or for high impact exercise equipment. You will also want something that can easily be cleaned and offers an industrial type application.
View products related to these applications.
Egress Requirements, Fire Exit Safety & Night or Dark: When it comes to meeting egress code requirements or providing visibility to surroundings in dark situations, it is important to have a non-slip egress tape or tread that glows to show the way out or around. Having a photoluminescent grit tape that can be used to mark stairs and corridors is extremely helpful to prevent slip and falls accidents. You might need to also make sure your product meets certain standards such as ASTM and NYC (MEA #235-05-M).
View products related to these applications.
Military or Extreme Environments: When you are needing an application for decks of vessels that will be constantly hit with salt water or other liquids and temperature fluctuations, airplane cargo holds or trains, you will want a product that exceeds MIL-PRF-24667C Type XI and is engineered to perform in extreme environments.
Consider: Safety Track® Military Grade 3810/3820 Series.
Choosing the correct type of non-slip flooring product is an important factor when it comes to the safety of everyone. Make sure to review all the different factors when it comes to choosing your non-slip flooring solution. In 2017 alone a reported 227,760 non-fatal injury cases were reported due to falls, slips and trips in the private industry. And while nothing can assure you will not slip and fall, choosing a non-slip flooring product can help minimize the risk. From consumer applications to the decks of warships, all types of locations require non-slip films to prevent slip and fall accidents. Make sure you choose the best type of product for your application or work with a Jessup Manufacturing representative to custom make a product based on your requirements. Our engineers can recommend the right product to work for your specific environment and usage.
What is the Running Man Exit Sign and Where is It Used?
But what about the green-lit pictogram Running Man exit sign?
While the bright red EXIT signs were being implemented all over America, the little green lit Running Man exit sign was being developed by a Japanese pictogram designer named Yukio Oto in the late 1970's. He states that his goal in creating the sign was to communicate to people to "run slowly." The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) was ready to adopt a Soviet Union pictogram, but after hearing about the extensive testing Ota put this sign through, ISO decided to take it into consideration. Ota's sign eventually won out and was adopted for international use in 1985. Ota's design of the Running Man exit sign is argued to have a couple key advantages over the red EXIT signs:- It's green. Red is often the international color meaning danger or don't touch. Green, on the other hand, is a color of safety and means go all over the world.
- It's a pictogram. It's a universal language with no barriers. Visitors speaking any language are able to understand what a person running through a door in a specific direction means.
Australia Makes the Switch to the Running Man Exit Sign
After many European countries, Japan, and others moved away from the EXIT sign, Australia decided to follow suite in 2005. The National Construction Code (Building Code of Australia) shifted away from the word ˜EXIT" to the universal pictograph through the introduction of Australian Standard 2293, 'Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings.' This update brought Australia into line with the international standards outlined in ISO3864-1.Canada Also Moves to the Running Man Exit Sign
In 2010, Canada's National Building Code (NBC) made the change to the Running Man exit sign stating that red and white EXIT or UT†signs needed to be replaced by a sign of a white or green man running towards the emergency exit. The change is largely being driven by the country's changing demographics and reflects a desire to help those who don't speak English or French, according to Phil Rizcallah, director of the National Research Council's building regulations group. The Ontario government now requires every new building or major building renovation undertaken since Jan. 1, 2014 to include these new emergency exit signs. By implementing the green Running Man emergency exit sign, they believe it will be easier for those visiting or immigrants of the country to understand where to go in case of an emergency. They also include that the signs may also be photoluminescent, which allows them to give off their light without the need for electricity.Benefits of the Running Man Exit Sign
We briefly mentioned earlier a few potential advantages of the Running Man exit sign. Advocates of the Running Man emergency exit signs debate those and other reasons why they are superior to regular EXIT signs.- No matter where it is installed, the Running Man exit sign can be configured to your emergency exit location. The sign can be purchased depicting a Running Man going left (←), right (→) or here (↓). And unlike conventional EXIT signs, the Running Man will never have arrows in two different directions, making it crystal clear on where the quickest path to exit is.
- Green is a more sensible color then red when it comes to emergency exit signs. The NFPA does acknowledge this point and it is important to note they never mandated the EXIT signs be in red, simply that a contrast exists between the text and the background. Green is thought to mean go and safety, while many state that red indicates stop or harm.
- It has been argued that the Running Man exit signs are more visible than regular EXIT signs due to the use of imagery and color.
Should Your Building Use the Running Man Exit Sign?
While the NFPA has no plans to substitute the classic American emergency EXIT sign anytime soon, you can't deny the Running Man's widespread appeal. Many large municipalities, as well as international companies within the United States, have begun to add the ISO Running Man exit signs to better communicate safe exits for international visitors in their buildings. NFPA states they have considered the change on several occasions and although they don't object to the Running Man emergency exit sign and the green color, they see no reason to make a mandated change. In fact, NFPA even includes Ota's ISO Running Man within the group of auxiliary symbols that their members may use and also allows the use of pictograms in tandem with the "EXIT" text, where local jurisdictions allow. However, NFPA says they have no current plans to eliminate the classic "EXIT" sign, which they state works perfectly fine stateside. Still, you will notice more green lit "EXIT" signs are popping up throughout the United States (although red is still the predominant color of choice). Even more, in 2006 New York City amended its fire code to mandate that high-rises include the ISO Running Man pictogram sign on fire doors on each floor. There is no denying that exit signs play an important role in keeping people across the world safe. Since the Running Man exit sign is not subject to any language barrier, this universal symbol is a smart choice when it comes to optimizing fire safety procedures within a building. As a leader in fire prevention, Jessup Manufacturing is proud to offer a wide range of emergency exit sign options for your facility, including various Running Man exit signs.
Top 4 Places for Slip and Fall Accidents
BOATS
From small fishing boats to large cruise or naval ships, boating continually ranks as one of the top places to experience a slip and fall accident. Even the safest ships that follow all rules, regulations and technological innovations still have people experiencing slip and fall accidents while aboard. Why? Because when you combine sleek surfaces and the continuous wave motions, accidents are prone to occur. In fact, wet surfaces make up 55% of all slip, trips, and falls in the hospitality industry! By taking proper precautions, you can greatly decrease the risk that an accident will occur while onboard a boat.Tips to Prevent Boat Slip and Fall Accidents:
- For indoor areas of the boat, utilize non-slip tape or a non-slip floor coating in the kitchen quarters where all food prep takes place. Jessup’s Flex Track offers a non-abrasive adhesive to prevent slip and falls and is still comfortable on bare feet.
- For exterior parts of boats, consider a stronger grade of non-slip tape or adhesive such as the Safety Track® 3800 Series which can withstand saltwater and ultraviolet exposure.
- Stairs need to have non-slip stair treads applied and handrails in place.
- Specific areas of the boat that need non-slip tape include: ramps, stairs, baths, pools, and the boat deck.
- Make sure proper signage is in place, including wet location exit signs for outdoor areas of the boat.
- Make sure any rugs are secured to the floor to prevent tripping.
- Check lighting in hallways and exterior to make sure areas are well lit.
- Maintain a clean boat. Mop up wet areas and putting proper signage down immediately and remove clutter, cords or other potential tripping hazards.
- Always wear shoes with friction while on a boat.
RESTAURANTS
Because of all the grease, oil, liquid and food in restaurants they are a common offender for slip and fall accidents. Most restaurants take some measures to prevent slip and fall accidents and have floor safety procedures in place, but whether employees are following them appropriately is another question. Here are common best practices when it comes to slip and fall safety prevention at restaurants.Tips to Prevent Restaurant Slip and Fall Accidents:
- Install slip-resistant flooring. Because the floors of restaurants are being hit with all sorts of liquids, the texture of the floors is extremely important in not only the back kitchen, but the dining and bathroom areas. Choosing a flooring that is slip-resistant will help with the daily hustle, including patrons and employees moving about.
- Install an anti-slip film that is mop friendly to high traffic areas. Using a product like our Safety Track® 3500 Resilient™ Medium Grade anti-slip film around beverage areas, sinks, bathrooms, or in front of the stove can be an extra inexpensive barrier to further prevent slip and fall accidents.
- Consider adding stair treads and ramp tread. Many people are moving around restaurants quickly, so if your establishment has stairs, consider adding stair treads as an added layer of protection.
- Use a NFSI certified floor cleaner to clean your floors. This will ensure they are not slippery, but still perfectly clean.
CONSTRUCTION SITES
OSHA continually puts fall violations within the construction industry as one of their top offenders. In fact, within the construction industry alone 991 workers lost their lives on the job in 2016. Having a fall prevention program in place and implementing a workplace slip and fall training can help give employers and employees the necessary training and tools needed to recognize, assess, and control potential slip, trip, or fall hazards. Consider these tips when working to prevent construction site slip and fall accidents.Tips to Prevent Construction Site Slip and Fall Accidents:
- Put a clear statement or policy in place regarding the company’s strategy behind your slip and fall program. Help employees understand the purpose of the program and what is expected of the employer and employee, including their responsibilities in slip and fall prevention.
- Training your employees is the greatest way for them to feel confident in their daily duties. A slip and fall training should be part of all employee onboarding and a continual slip and fall education should be held daily, quarterly, or yearly depending on the employees’ position. OSHA found that these types of training can reduce the risk of workplace injury and illness by up to 60%.
- Know your workplace slip and fall risks and continually assess the area for changes.
- Make sure you have the right equipment and products for slip and fall prevention. This will vary depending on your job, but common products used for slip and fall prevention within the construction industry includes:
- Correct footwear
- Handrails on stairs series greater than 3
- Caution signs for level changes
- Grit tape and grit treads in areas with liquid present or where heavy duty resistance is needed
POOLS
Swimming is the fourth most-popular sport in the United States according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Like any activity involving water, slip and fall accidents are bound to happen. In fact, over 39,500 people annually will seek hospital emergency room care for injuries involving below-ground pools and about 10,000 will need treatment for injuries related to above-ground pools according to the United States Consumer Product and Safety Commission. By limiting the dangers and hazards around pool areas, we can significantly work to prevent pool injuries from slips and falls. You can start by reviewing your pool and applying our tips to help prevent accidents from occurring.Tips to Prevent Pool Slip and Fall Accidents:
- Start by checking the deck of the pool because it is the most common place for a slip and fall to occur. Often made of concrete, it can create a slip-n-slide effect if not monitored properly. Put proper safety signs in place and work to keep the pool deck dry. This can be easier said than done during busy times, but by making sure to review your horizontal depth markers on the pool deck it can help. They should be slip-resistant to be in accordance with the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Also, make sure the pool deck is slip-resistant at minimum within 4 feet of the pool according to 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.
- Slide platforms and diving boards should have slip-resistant walking equipment. If steps are being used to access either of these, then the steps should be self-draining, with corrosion resistant stairs and ladders and slip-resistant stair treads.
Steps and ladders should be continually reviewed to make sure they have a slip-proof surface that is working well.
How to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents for the Aging Workforce
Jessup has several easy to implement tips to help create a safer work environment for the aging workforce:
- Start by creating or updating your workplace slip and fall program. A fall prevention program can offer both employers and employees with the necessary training and tools to recognize, assess, and control potential slip, trip, or fall hazards. These fall prevention programs should include a clear company policy, slip and fall training programs (these should be used during onboarding and continually as reminders for employees) and a complete slip and fall workplace assessment.
- Don't rush workers. We all know the temptation to rush through a job when it is near the end of a shift or because of pressure from a manager to meet a deadline. Unfortunately, this type of carelessness is a top reason that slip and fall accidents occur. Consider offering flexibility or give the aging-workforce a say with their schedule, work tasks and conditions, when possible to prevent being rushed. Another consideration would be to avoid assigning repetitive tasks or prolonged sedentary tasks and let employees work at their own pace to prevent rushing.
- Have the right slip and fall prevention products. Once you complete a slip and fall workplace assessment, you will easily be able to spot areas where you need to add non-slip adhesives, stair treads, signage or other prevention products. Some locations are more prone to slip and fall accidents than others, including:
Bathrooms
Everywhere you go and all the research you do on fall prevention (and we do a lot of research on that topic here!), always points back to bathrooms being a huge culprit of slip and fall accidents. Make sure you review all your bathrooms and talk to your employees about how they feel the bathroom conditions are. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that over 235,000 people 15 years and older visit emergency rooms each year because of bathroom-related injuries, so it is well worth a bit of extra effort to invest in the right products to prevent bathroom slip and fall accidents. Considering that as we get older, we generally need to use the bathroom more often throughout the day, the aging-workforce will likely be visiting the bathroom during work hours.- Consider applying a medium grade non-slip product around the sinks and toilets. A medium grade non-slip tape like Safety Track 3500 can withstand shoe traffic, is certified "High Traction" by the National Floor and Safety Institute (NFSI) and is also mop-friendly for easy cleaning.
- Take a second look at all your bath mats or rugs which can be worn or have curling edges that cause a tripping hazard, especially for the aging-workforce. Make sure to use a non-slip tape underneath all rugs and mats to prevent any shifting.
- Double check the bathroom conditions. Chipped tiles or peeling linoleum should be replaced and bathrooms should be regularly inspected for water spills. When cleaning, remember to use a slip resistant product so you aren't undoing all your hard work.
Stairs
No matter what age, stairs can easily be a slip and fall hazard. Stairs can include flights of stairs, or the couple stair steps into a forklift machine. Wherever you see stairs in your facility make sure you pay special attention to “slip and fall proof†them. Luckily the investment in products is generally very minimal and can make a huge impact on the reduced number of accidents. Easy tips and products to use to prevent stair slip and fall accidents include:- Both carpeted and non-carpeted stairs should be considered. Add non-slip stair treads to both is a simple and easy way to prevent trips and falls.
- A product like Flex Track 4100 is not only easy to apply and remove if needed, but is available in both fine or medium grade. If your employees have bare feet it is also comfortable.
- Double check all railings are secured in place
- Provide “Watch your step†signage if a single step exists
- Slip resistant shoes. By requiring the proper footwear for your employees, such as having closed toed rubber soled shoes, you will prevent a slip and fall accidents
- Handrails for any stair series greater than three
- Caution signs alerting of turns, drops, ramps, or random stairs
- Use grit tapes and grit treads around areas that see liquid (this could be oil, gas, water, etc) or require heavy duty resistance of your workers. This could include: ships, pool decks, or water parks.
- PVC tapes and treads that are rubberized and textured are a great choice for the restaurant industry, fitness centers or spas. These tapes and treads are strong enough to prevent slips with work shoes, but also comfortable for bare feet.
- Vinyl anti-slip products are a great option in nursing homes, doctors offices, and hotels
- Use mats and runners with caution. Although they provide slip resistance, make sure they are in good shape, not curling at the ends and that they aren’t able to shift on the floor to create a potential tripping hazard.
- Use de-icer, shovels and salt right away to prevent slips and falls outside in incremental weather.
Some final helpful and easy tips to prevent slip and fall accidents in the aging workforce include:
- Provide extra training for management on managing an aging workforce
- Offer ergonomically correct workstations for those who require or request them.
- Open the lines of communication and start a conversation with older workers to develop strategies to help avoid issues. Consider creating an anonymous reporting system to protect employees from being called out on reporting unsafe practices or offering tips.
5 Ways to Use Graphics Media in Your School
1. Graphics Media in School Hallways
Using graphics media in school hallways is one of the best ways to add color, express school pride, and even prevent against slip and fall accidents while you’re at it! Extending the school’s values and messaging and adding pops of color throughout the halls make school a brighter, happier, more inspiring place to be. With no space being off-limits for graphics media that means you can post thought-provoking questions on lockers, mural inspiration on the walls of the halls and so much more. A few of our favorite clever and creative ways to consider using graphics media within school hallways include:- Using non-slip floor graphics printed with Tex Walk® to prevent slip and fall accidents and offer a pop of color throughout the school hallways. Consider a funny saying or song leading throughout the school or to the office to get them excited or laughing.
- Create wayfinding with graphics media using your school mascot as a creative way to keep people moving throughout the school and create a more unified experience.
- Larger than life motivational messages through the hallways of school are a great inspiration and with easy application and low cost can be changed out with the seasons or in conjunction with big school events.
- Brightly colored graphics media peel and stick wallpaper in what would otherwise be a “grey†hallway or corridor.
2. Graphics Media in Gymnasiums and School Cafeterias
Graphics media comes in handy when schools want to update their gymnasiums or cafeterias in order to create a more unified experience because it is cost-effective, slip-resistant and can be easily switched out throughout the year to reflect different sporting accomplishments or even school lunch menus. By extending the school’s brand identity, you offer the students and teachers an improved experience within the school, making it a more enjoyable place to spend time. Great ways to incorporate graphics media in school gyms and cafeterias include:- A short term graphics media like Tex Walk® is great if you want to frequently change out your visual graphics with the sporting season or lunch menu. A product like Tex Walk® is also great on the ground because of its non-slip properties.
- Full-size peel and stick wallpaper of your school mascot is a great way to show school pride throughout the gym or cafeteria
- Create messaging with graphics media to display game rules, school rules, mission, and value statements for guests to read.
3. Graphics Media in Teacher’s Rooms
Teacher’s rooms should be a place to inspire students to do their best work and also create a place of safety and community for children. A popular idea that many schools have been onboarding is renaming teacher’s rooms, “houses.†Houses (aka teacher’s rooms) each have their own color, logo, or even symbol and this is displayed on their door and throughout the classroom itself in-order to help students connect with one another in their classes. The houses can display their specific logos or color schemes around the school to promote classroom pride, applying graphics media onto flags, school grounds, or even printed on clothing. Other popular ways to use graphics media in teacher’s rooms include:- Peel and stick wallpaper has been incredibly popular for teachers because of its low-cost, easy application and removal, and ability to customize to fit their classroom needs.
- Larger-than-life window graphics displaying current curriculum, classroom expectations, or even school mascots to keep school pride, inspiration, and the feeling of community running throughout the school.
- Using graphics media on desks and cubby’s to keep students engaged and interested, assign seats or cubby’s, or remind them of expectations in a creative and unexpected way.
- Graphics media is an excellent way to organize areas of the classroom or provide direction on the walls in a brightly and playfully.
4. Graphics Media outside the School Building
Graphics media isn’t subject to only indoor spaces! Using graphics media around the exterior of the school building is a great way to create some unexpected attention and engagement with your students, parents, and other visitors. Great ideas to consider using graphics media outside the school building includes:- A great place to start is the walkway leading up to the school. Using a non-slip safe product to prevent slip and fall accidents like Asphalt Art® and create a large floor mural or inspirational messaging that welcomes your staff, students, and other visitors. It sets the tone for your school and will surely make students more excited to be there before they even step foot into the building!
- Consider wrapping outdoor columns and drab brick walls in bright colors or with your school mascot as a creative welcome sign to visitors.
- Any stairs outside use a non-slip graphics media to prevent slip and fall accidents while offering a creative way to display messaging or brighten up a space.
- Using graphics media on exterior doors to display directions or wayfinding to help people find their way and feel more comfortable upon entering the building.
5. Graphics Media in Bathrooms and Locker Rooms
If your school was anything like mine, the bathrooms and locker rooms were probably a little gray. Thanks to graphics media, gone are those days of tired-looking spaces. By applying inexpensive graphics media onto bathroom stalls, bathroom floors, walls and even lockers you can brighten up spaces and even prevent slip and fall accidents! Some creative ways to use graphics media in school bathrooms and locker rooms are:- Use non-slip graphics media on the floor of the bathroom, especially around the sink areas, to prevent slip and fall accidents. Consider putting a funny phrase, school colors or other fun imagery.
- Graphics media looks great on lockers or bathroom stalls to brighten up spaces. You can write inspirational messaging, school mottos, logos or mascots to keep a unified look throughout the school building.
- Peel and stick wallpaper works great on the walls of bathrooms or locker rooms and can easily applied and even more easily switched out with the seasons, sports, or events that happen at your school.
Why Choose Graphics Media for Your School?
- Cost: Graphics media is a great value. Between all the options, sizes and customizations many people think it will be pricey. However, graphics media is generally fairly inexpensive to create and extremely easy to install and remove which means cost savings back to the buyer.
- Easy Installation and Removal: As mentioned, all graphics media offers easy installation and removal. Graphics media doesn’t leave any residue behind when removed. This is why it’s such a great option for school sporting or school events. You can also apply graphics media to most any indoor AND outdoor surface.
- Unexpected and Attention Grabbing: Trying to inspire and surprise students is not always an easy task. However, graphics media pieces are often times the talk of the school or event they are placed in. With a variety of options when it comes to the films you can use (3D, mesh, textured, and even glow-in-the dark effects), the possibilities are truly endless.
- Many Features and Options: Graphics media films can do everything from float on water, to offer non-slip properties. Films can be chemical-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and antibacterial and certain films are also NFSI Certified for high traction and ASTM D-2047 certified for slip resistance.
What You Need to Know About Photoluminescent Emergency Signage for Passenger Rail Cars
F.A.Q. on Photoluminescent Materials Used For Emergency Signage:
What is photoluminescent material? Phosphor is the main ingredient found in photoluminescent materials, including photoluminescent emergency signage. Phosphor can absorb, store, and emit light at a later time when it is exposed beforehand to light. APTA states that photoluminescent material (which they call PL throughout their readings) is material that has the property of emitting light that continues for a length of time after excitation by visible or invisible light has been removed (i.e., self-illuminating).Where should you apply photoluminescent emergency signage in passenger rail cars?
APTA safety standards designate several areas that high-performance photoluminescent material should be used and how it should be applied. It is important to follow their requirements to ensure the safety of all employees and guests onboard. Location 1: Door Exit Handles, Latches or Operating Buttons All door exit handles, latches, or operating buttons should be marked with high-performance photoluminescent material using one of the following methods:- Outline stripping that is no less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide to the extent practicable around the perimeter of the opening device;
- Area-wide pad that is applied to the door or door frame directly behind the handle or latch with no less than 16 square inches (103 cm2).
- Mark side door exit locations without independently powered emergency lighting.
- Each side door opening intended for emergency egress leading to the exterior of the car shall be marked with a minimum of 144 square inches (929 cm2) of HPPL material placed no higher than 18 inches (45.7 cm) off the floor, with its lowest point no higher than 6 inches (15.2 cm) off the floor. This marking may be comprised of one or more panels placed either on the door and/or in its immediate vicinity. A door with two leaves that open for emergency egress is considered a single door opening. So, 144 square inches (930 cm2) of HPPL material is sufficient for that door opening.
- To provide some illumination at the floor for passengers and crew members as they exit, to the extent practical, the material should not be placed on a door leaf/panel that is intended to open for emergency egress or on the part of a wall or partition that would be covered by a door leaf/panel in any position.
- Signs and markings used to comply with the low-level egress path marking (LLEPM) requirements contained in the APTA Standard “Rail Transit Vehicle Low Level Exit Path Marking†may be counted toward this requirement to the extent that they meet the criteria noted above (e.g., HPPL door delineators required to meet the LLEPM requirements that are installed on the door 18 inches. off the floor would count as 36 square inches of the 144 square inches required).
What should you look for when choosing a high-performance photoluminescent (HPPL) system?
The manufacturer or supplier of the HPPL material should be able to provide independent laboratory certified test result reports showing that all tested samples of passive HPPL material, as used in the finished component configurations (including any cover or protective coating if used, but not including text or graphics), complies with the minimum luminance criterion of 7.5 mcd/m2 , after 1.5 hours, when tested according to the provisions of ASTM E-2073-07, “Standard Test Method for Photopic Luminance of Photoluminescent (Phosphorescent) Markingsâ€, with the following three modifications:- Activation: The HPPL material shall be activated with a fluorescent lamp of 40 W or less and a color temperature of 4000-4500º K that that provides no more than 1 fc of illumination as measured on the material surface. The activation period shall be for no more than 1 hour.
- Luminance: The photopic luminance of all specimens of the HPPL material shall be measured with a luminance meter as described in 5.2 (of ASTM E-2073), a minimum of 1.5 hours after activation has ceased.
- Luminance in mcd/m2: The test report shall include a luminance measurement of 1.5 hours after activation has ceased.
How to Participate in OSHA's Safe and Sound Week 2019
- Prevent workplace injuries and illnesses
- Improve compliance with laws and regulations
- Lower costs, including significant reductions in workers' compensation premiums
- Engage workers
- Enhance social responsibility goals
- Increase productivity and enhance overall business operations
Management Leadership
When leadership shows they are committed to implementing and maintaining health and safety programs, it provides continuous improvement throughout the workplace. Workers know that safety and health are important to the success of the business when management leadership is sincere and supports their words with actions. Some ways management can be involved include:- Delivering a safety and health message to kick off Safe + Sound Week to all employees.
- Being present at planned events during Safe + Sound Week.
- Announce specific program goals and create or update the policy.
- Walking job sites with workers to better understand daily tasks and were potential injuries could happen.
Worker Participation
Creating an effective safety and health program means aligning with workers to gather their collective experience, knowledge, and insight to find solutions to workplace safety and health challenges. Workers are in their jobs day in and day out, often knowing the biggest potential hazards associated with them before management does. When management partners with workers and involves them in finding solutions, not only do workers feel more invested in the program itself, but solutions that might have been overlooked are uncovered. To make this type of alignment work, workers must feel free of any fear of retaliation or discrimination (e.g., for reporting an injury or hazardous conditions), so make it clear to your employees that you have an open-door policy when it comes to reporting slip and fall hazards and consider creating a hazard reporting system or allow them to anonymously fill out a form to report the concerns. OSHA offers several ways you can engage your workers during Safe + Sound Week including:- Asking workers for suggestions and feedback to the current safety and health program.
- Creating a suggestion box or suggestion email address/hotline that goes directly to management to discuss health and safety-related concerns for workers.
- Use this week a re-training for workers on safety and health programs.
- Recognize and award efforts of workers and teams that continually contribute to make the workplace safer.
Find & Fix Hazards
- Involving workers, who often have the best understanding of the conditions that create hazards and insights into how they can be controlled.
- Reviewing all available information about hazards that might be present.
- Conducting inspections to identify new or emerging hazards.
- Investigating incidents to identify root causes and potential solutions.
- Evaluating options using the "hierarchy of controls."
- Considering how to protect workers during emergencies and non-routine activities.
- Checking that existing controls are intact and remain effective.
5 Tips to Prevent Workplace Falls:
1. Use anti-slip film that is certified “High Traction†by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) on heavy machinery, ladders, and stairs. The Safety Track® 3500 Resilient Medium Grade can withstand heavy foot traffic in commercial environments and is also mop-friendly. Safety Track® 3200 Heavy Duty Grade is excellent on stairs to offer high slip-resistance both inside and out. This product is resistant to oil, mud, and diesel fuel, making it an excellent option to prevent slip and fall accidents. 2. Know OSHA requirements around fall prevention to help in prevention. A few that are often overlooked and cited include:- Employers are required to offer safe, secure fall protection where workers are exposed to falls from the following heights: 4' in General Industry Workplaces, 5' in Shipyards, 6' in the Construction Industry and 8' in Longshore Operations.
- Vertical lifelines or lanyards must have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds. They must be protected against being cut or abraded, and each employee MUST be attached to a separate vertical lifeline and anchor points capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per attached employee.
- Employees working on a surface with an unprotected side/edge that's six feet or more above a lower level must use approved fall protection (this can include guardrails, safety nets or personal fall arrest systems)
Preventing Airport Grounds Slip and Fall Accidents
1. Assess the grounds
Before you can prevent a slip and fall accident on the grounds, you need to educate yourself and team on where they are most likely to occur. Walk the grounds with operations managers in all departments who know the day to day activities and can give you insight on common problem areas. Make sure to walk the entire area, which could include tarmac steps, delivery areas, ramps, and food prep areas. Be on the lookout for the following:- Uneven changes in walking surfaces. This is an easy slip and fall or trip hazard which can be easily remedied with caution messaging tape, railings, or a non-slip film.
- Little to no lighting/visibility. In dark areas or outdoor areas, be sure all lightbulbs are in working order and use floor level illumination or egress path markings to define the walkways and steps.
- Clean up clutter. This is a common tripping hazard that can easily be fixed. Electrical cords are common culprits on airport grounds, and an employee should be assigned the task of cleaning up areas at the end of their work shift and during it.
- Easy to access cleaning supplies. Make sure wet floor signs, paper towels, mops, etc. are all available in convenient locations at the airport and your employees are aware of their location and can access them.
2. Stairs Should Be Treated with Treads
Tarmac stairs, vehicle steps— any type of stair can cause quite a headache for airlines. Tarmac stairs are often subject to the outdoor elements and can easily become slipping hazards. Other stairs, such as cargo transport vehicle stairs are also potential hazards if the proper traction is not in place. Adding peel-and-stick anti-slip stair treads is an inexpensive and easy to implement fix in preventing accidents. Stair treads should be checked and replaced immediately if dull, as they are a vital part of preventing slip and falls when climbing steps. For example, consider an employee hurrying deliver cargo to the plane. He is rushing in the rain and slips on a step, causing an accident. Or perhaps a young child who is preoccupied with walking down the tarmac stairs and accidentally slips. These are both all too common occurrences and why having stair treads on steps is so important in airport grounds slip and fall prevention programs.3. Make Flooring Slip-Resistant
The texture of your floor, especially the airport ramp floor, is essential because they are constantly being hit with high-levels of traffic and elements from outside. If you do not have slip-resistant flooring in place, add an anti-slip film that is certified “High Traction†by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), like our Safety Track® 3200 Heavy Duty Grade. When it comes to cleaning non-carpeted floors, use cleaning solutions that don’t leave a slippery residue. It is important to note that bleach will sanitize, but should not be used as a cleaner because on top of grease, it can create a very slippery environment. Make sure you are using NFSI-certified cleaning products that are designed to keep your floors with a high level of traction.4. Use Caution With Mats
Although mats can offer a good front line of prevention against slip and fall accidents, they can also cause them if not properly maintained. Make sure you assess the quality of any mats you have because when airport grounds crew is hurrying, or guests are walking, they are not always paying attention and the mat may buckle, posting a huge hazard. Tips for ensuring mat safety include:- Secure any mats down. This can mean purchasing mats that have a high-traction backing, or you can easily put an anti-slip tape underneath the mat to prevent movement.
- Mats should only be on clean and dry floors. Mats sitting on top of floors that commonly get wet will add to the potential for a slip, trip or fall. The mat can easily shift across the floor if it is wet underneath.
- Check your current mats condition. If they look frayed, worn out, or buckled— go ahead and replace them. This is a small cost compared to a person tripping and hurting themselves. Alert all employees to report problems with mats to the management team.