How to Implement a Zero-Waste Strategy in Your Warehouse

 

Are you thinking about going zero-waste in your warehouse? Awesome! It's a challenge, but the rewards are worth it. The name of the game here is all about teamwork and getting creative to cut down on waste.

So, what's the deal with a zero-waste strategy? Well, it's basically about doing everything you can to reduce, reuse, and recycle materials so you're not generating a bunch of waste.

But hold up a second. What should you do to make this zero-waste thing happen in your warehouse? And are there any tips and tricks to make it work smoothly? Well, we're about to dive into that, so stay tuned!

What is a Zero-Waste Strategy?

‘The zero waste ideology involves minimising the number of wasted materials and resources. This encompasses the whole production process, from manufacturing to consumption. It also encourages reusing and recycling instead of landfills and incineration or recovery, which is often referred to as energy from waste.’ - Acquisition International

Put simply, to implement an effective zero-waste strategy, businesses must focus on the ‘3 Rs’:

  • Reduce: This means you're doing your best to generate less waste. Try to cut down where you can and for everything else... 👇
  • Reuse: Whenever you can, give things a second life. Don't toss stuff if it's still got some juice left in it. Get creative and use things again and again.
  • Recycle: If you can't reuse something, don't fret. Recycling comes to the rescue. It takes an item and gives it a makeover, turning it into something fresh and new. Our racksack® waste segregation bin is a great way to sort waste materials to make recycling a breeze.

So, remember these 3 Rs, and you're on your way to being a zero-waste champ! 🌍♻️

Implementing Your Zero-Waste Strategy

Check Where You're At

So, first things first, take a good look at what's happening in your warehouse. Be honest with yourself. You may already be doing some great stuff to reduce waste - kudos for that! But there's likely room for improvement, too. Take stock before moving on to the next step.

Set Clear Goals

Don't jump straight into the zero-waste superhero mode. You've got to set some smaller, bite-sized goals along the way. Think of these as your pit stops on the road to zero-waste greatness. For instance:

  • Start by getting cosy with the 3 Rs - reduce, reuse, and recycle.
  • Teach your team the ropes on why zero-waste matters.
  • Consider swapping out those not-so-eco-friendly materials for some greener options.

Sort That Waste Out

Waste can be a messy business, right? So, make life easier with designated waste sorting stations. You know, big, labelled bins for recyclables, regular trash, organic stuff, and anything hazardous.

And here's a handy tip: check out our racksack® waste segregation solutions. They help you keep your warehouse clean, safe, and green. Plus, they don't hog your precious floor space. In fact, here's five reasons why your warehouse should use racksack®.

Team Up With Your Suppliers

Don't go solo on this mission. Team up with your suppliers and let them in on your zero-waste game plan. Ask them to go easy on the packaging and push for eco-friendly materials.

Contact Us

Our Beaverswood® products are all about durability and reusability, which is great for your pocket and the planet.

Need more info? Hit us up to talk warehouse recycling sorting bins, fully recyclable impact protection, and reusable products, such as our super durable ticket holders!

4 Common Warehouse Hazards and How to Prevent Them

Making sure your warehouse is running smoothly and keeping your employees safe is absolutely crucial.

It's pretty alarming when you hear that in the UK alone, 123 workers lost their lives in 2021/22 because of workplace injuries. That's a pretty stark reminder of how important it is to step up safety measures, right?

So, let's dive into it a bit. We'll chat about 4 common warehouse hazards - things like fires and forklift accidents. But don't worry, we won't leave you hanging without solutions – we'll also discuss what measures warehouse managers can implement to prevent accidents and fatalities from these hazards.

Contents

  1. Warehouse Fires
  2. Slips and Trips
  3. Falling Objects
  4. Forklift Accidents

Warehouse Fires

A fire anywhere can be devastating, and a warehouse fire is no different. They can quickly spread and cause multiple fatalities among staff and damage stock and equipment, potentially forcing a whole business to close permanently.

Regular fire risk assessments and PAT testing are critical factors in preventing warehouse fires.

In addition, warehouse managers should encourage workers to report any equipment faults or defects and ensure all fire alarms are working, fire extinguishers are easily accessible, and all fire doors are closed.

A great way to keep fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and fire alarms easily accessible is by using Modulean® Fire Safety Shadow Boards. These boards come in various highly-visible 5S colours, ensuring they stand out in the warehouse, and keep fire equipment neatly organised and stored. They also come in a Rack End Board version, which makes fantastic use of otherwise redundant end-of-aisle racking space.

Slips and Trips

Slips and trips are another common warehouse hazard, usually caused by loose wires, tools left where they shouldn't be, and spillages that haven't been cleaned up.

Although the above may sound like easy issues to fix, the Health and Safety Executive states the following:

'Statistics show slipping and tripping to be the single most common cause of major injury in UK workplaces, and they are often the initiators of accidents attributed to other causes, such as some machinery accidents, scalding and falls from height.'

A key factor in preventing these sorts of accidents is ensuring you don't assume someone else will fix the problem - if you see a hazard, report it immediately or remove it if you can safely do so. Warehouse managers can also use anti-slip tapeline marking tapes and floor signs to highlight hazards.

Falling Objects

Falling objects in a warehouse can prove fatal in some cases - especially if the accident involves heavy stock or equipment too heavy for the racking it's placed on.

In this case, weight-load notices become essential. They're crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient warehouse environment as they provide employees with clear information about weight limits and load capacities, helping to prevent accidents.

Combining weight-load notices with ensuring all items are fully secured can prevent many tragedies.

Forklift Accidents

According to The UK Material Handling Association, the industry experiences over 1,300 forklift truck accidents annually, leading to an average of five accidents every workday in the UK alone.

Often, accidents are due to a lack of training or safety-conscious behaviour by the forklift operator. Warehouse managers can help reduce the risk of such accidents by providing all employees with up-to-date forklift training, ensuring all equipment is regularly checked, inspected, and maintained, and encouraging a clean and tidy warehouse.

Additionally, graphic floor signs are a simple, effective, and highly visible way of warning pedestrians about forklift truck areas.

Plus, while accident prevention is the ultimate goal, impact protection solutions such as rack-end barriers and Rack Armour® upright racking protection can help mitigate injury or damage in the event of a collision into warehouse racking.

At Beaverswood®, we make the workplace work smarter with our range of visual management products, suitable for lean manufacturing and 5S - or any workplace that needs to be safe, productive, and in order.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help make your warehouse a smarter and safer place to work.

The Benefits of Using Shapes in Warehouse Floor Marking

As a savvy warehouse manager, you understand the key to a safe and efficient workspace is organisation. And when it comes to visual management, nothing beats the power of floor marking.

By using vivid shapes to denote important areas and pathways, you can create an environment that's both aesthetically pleasing and supremely functional - the best of both worlds!

In this article, we'll show you how to take your floor marking game to the next level by introducing different shapes into the mix. Whether you're dealing with heavy equipment or fragile merchandise, the right floor marking shapes can make all the difference in creating a safe, organised, and ultimately profitable workspace.

So put on your thinking caps, folks - we're about to explore the exciting world of warehouse floor marking shapes!

Floor Signal Markers

Benefits of using shapes in warehouse floor marking

Increased safety

We all know safety comes first in any workplace, but in a bustling warehouse, it's paramount. That's why smart managers turn to the power of floor signal markers to keep their employees and equipment out of harm's way. By using shapes like circles, crosses, footprints, arrows, T-shapes, and L-shapes to convey vital information, you can create a visual language that speaks volumes about your commitment to safety.

Imagine for a moment a warehouse with no floor marking shapes. Forklifts would zoom past workers, crates would be piled haphazardly, and accidents would be a constant threat. But with the right combination of shapes in place, you can ensure your employees stay safe and your inventory stays intact.

Circles to indicate where vehicles should park, foot shapes to highlight walkways, and T-shapes to show where products or pallets should be placed - the possibilities are endless!

Of course, investing in floor marking shapes isn't just a smart safety move - it's a clever business decision too. By preventing accidents and reducing workplace injuries, you'll enjoy less downtime, fewer compensation claims, and ultimately, a more profitable warehouse.

So why wait? Get your hands on some top-quality floor marking shapes today and give your employees and your bottom line the protection they deserve!

Improved organisation

Let's face it - organising a warehouse can feel like a never-ending battle. But fear not! Using shapes in floor marking can make the process a breeze. By assigning different shapes to different areas, products, and processes, you can turn your chaotic warehouse into an organised oasis.

Imagine using L-shapes to denote where your raw materials are stored, arrows to convey the flow of materials, and circles to mark the location of equipment or inventory. With just a glance, your employees will know where everything belongs, reducing the time spent searching for misplaced items and increasing overall efficiency.

But it doesn't stop there. By using specific shapes to identify areas for packing, assembly lines, or other processes, you can optimise your workflow and streamline your operations. This, in turn, can lead to happier customers, increased productivity, and even higher profits.

So, don't let a disorganised warehouse hold you back. Invest in floor marking shapes and watch as your efficiency skyrockets.

Enhanced communication

In the fast-paced world of warehousing, communication is key. With so much happening at once, it can be challenging to convey messages quickly and effectively. That's where floor marking shapes come in. By using different shapes to communicate different messages, you can create a visual language that your employees can quickly and easily understand.

Arrows are a perfect example of how shapes can be used for communication in a warehouse. They can show the direction of travel, the flow of materials, and even indicate where products should be stored. Footprints can indicate where pedestrians should walk and help prevent accidents. By using shapes to convey messages, you can ensure everyone in your warehouse is on the same page and working towards the same goals.

Investing in floor marking shapes for communication can save time and prevent confusion. When everyone understands what each shape means, they can quickly follow the necessary procedures, resulting in a more efficient and productive warehouse. So, consider using floor signal markers to improve communication in your warehouse and see the difference it can make!

Types of Floor Marking Shapes

Yellow Circle Floor Marker

Floor Circles are an extremely versatile floor marking shape. Need to mark the location of equipment or inventory? Check. Want to show where vehicles should park or where pedestrian walkways are located? Check and check. And by using different colours or sizes, you can create a visual language that’s clear as day.

Red Cross Floor Marker

For stopping power, floor crosses are the way to go. Think of them as the superhero of floor marking shapes, stopping accidents in their tracks. With their bright colours and visible design, they're perfect for loading dock areas or where hazardous materials are stored.

Yellow Footprints Floor Marker

Foot shapes are the saviours of pedestrian safety. Use them to create a path that employees can follow, preventing them from wandering into hazardous areas. And just like the other shapes, you can use different colours or sizes to create a visual language that's easy to follow.

Green Arrow Floor Marker

Floor Arrows are the versatile workhorses of floor marking shapes. They can indicate direction, flow of materials, or where products should be stored. By using different colours or sizes, you can create a clear visual language that helps employees quickly identify the meaning of each arrow.

Blue T Shape Floor Marker

T shapes are the perfect way to indicate the location of equipment or inventory. They can show where products should be placed or where machinery should be parked. And by using bright colours like red or blue, you can create a visual language that catches the eye and directs employees where they need to go.

Black L Shape Floor Marker

L shapes are the chameleons of floor marking shapes. They can indicate different areas or types of inventory, from raw materials to finished goods to tools and equipment. With their clear visual language and different colours or sizes, employees can quickly identify where they need to go.

Floor marking products don't end there!

Read our other blog post to discover 4 Floor Marking Products You Need.

Conclusion

In conclusion, floor signal markers are a simple but effective way to improve safety and organisation within your warehouse. By using different shapes, colours, and sizes, you can create a visual language that promotes safety, improves organisation, and enhances communication. Whether you need to mark the location of equipment, indicate pedestrian walkways, or show where products should be stored, there's a floor marking shape that can help.

So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring our floor-marking products today and take the first step towards creating a safer, more organised, and efficient warehouse!

Become a Beaverswood® Reseller and Increase Your Revenue Today!

Established in 1984, we make the workplace work smarter with our range of visual management products, suitable for lean manufacturing and 5S - or any workplace that needs to be safe, productive, and in order.

With nearly forty years of reseller experience, not only are our products easy to use but so is our company! Our team of experts support you, our reseller, every step of the way; starting with an advanced reseller toolkit and continuing with drop-ship delivery, excellent lead times, and superb customer service.

We manufacture a wide range of warehouse floor markers and line marking to suit every need. Whether it's floor signal markers, graphic floor signs, or floor line marking tape, we have everything required to keep your warehouse organised, efficient, and safe.

So, why not become a reseller of Beaverswood® floor signal markers and provide your customers with the best in the business? Our products are known for their durability and reusability, making them a cost-effective and sustainable option.

As we always say - Buy Beaverswood®, Buy Once!

T: 0118 979 6096
E: sales@beaverswood.co.uk

The Power of Visual Management in Boosting Workplace Efficiency

Welcome to the Beaverswood blog, where we're always on the lookout for ways to improve efficiency in the workplace!

Today, we're excited to talk about the power of visual management solutions in boosting workplace efficiency.

Visual management is a simple but effective way to communicate important information to employees in a way that's easy to understand and remember. By using visual aids such as floor signs, 5S document pockets, shadow boards, and racksack®, companies can improve communication, organisation, and safety in the workplace.

In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of visual management solutions and the different types of visual management products available. We'll also provide tips for implementing visual management solutions in the workplace and overcoming common challenges.

Whether you're a warehouse manager, logistics coordinator, or safety officer, we believe you'll find value in this post. So, let's dive in and discover the power of visual management!

Rack End Shadow Boards

BENEFITS OF VISUAL MANAGEMENT

Visual management solutions offer numerous benefits to companies of all sectors and sizes. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider implementing visual management in your workplace:

  1. Increased Efficiency:

    Visual management can help employees work more efficiently by providing them with clear instructions and guidelines. By using visual aids such as shadow boards and graphic floor markers, employees can quickly locate tools and equipment, reducing the time they spend searching for them. This can lead to a significant increase in productivity and efficiency.

  2. Improved Communication:

    Visual management solutions can also improve communication in the workplace by providing a common language that all employees can understand. By using standardised labels, signs, and displays, companies can reduce the risk of miscommunication and errors, leading to a safer and more efficient workplace. For example, racksack® has 5 symbol-only designs for worldwide use, helping employees segregate waste in the workplace.

  3. Better Organisation:

    By using visual aids such as 5S document holders, companies can better organise their workspaces, reducing clutter and improving workflow. This can lead to a more organised and efficient workplace, with less wasted time and effort.

  4. Enhanced Safety:

    Visual management products such as graphic floor markers are an easy way to improve safety in the workplace. By highlighting hazards or outlining special requirements, companies can lower the risk of accidents by using this nifty product.

Perhaps one of the most famous examples of a company that has successfully implemented visual management products as part of its 5S lean manufacturing processes is Toyota, which uses a system of visual signals and signs to manage its production line.

Additionally, the healthcare industry routinely uses colour-coded labels and signs to improve staff and patient safety. Overall, many industries have integrated 5S visual management practices into their own processes, whether it's HP, Boeing, Harley-Davidson, Nike, Caterpillar, or Ford.

By implementing visual management solutions in your workplace, you can improve efficiency, communication, and organisation, leading to a safer and more productive workplace.

frames4docs Document Display Pockets

TYPES OF VISUAL MANAGEMENT PRODUCTS

Visual management solutions come in many different forms, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are three types of visual management products that can help boost efficiency in your workplace:

  1. Shadow Boards:

    Shadow boards are a simple but effective way to organise tools and equipment in the workplace. By placing tools and equipment on a board with an outline of their shape, employees can quickly and easily see if a tool is missing or out of place. This can reduce the time employees spend searching for tools and improve workflow.

  2. Graphic Floor Markers:

    Graphic floor markers are a great way to communicate important information to employees in a way that's hard to miss. By placing markers on the floor, companies can indicate safe walking paths, areas where caution is required, or designated storage areas. This can improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace.

  3. 5S Document Holders:

    5S document holders are a great way to organise and display important documents in the workplace. By using coloured document holders, companies can easily display important documents such as work instructions, safety procedures, or quality standards. This can improve organisation and ensure employees have access to the information they need to do their jobs effectively.

  4. racksack®:

    racksack® enables users to create a sustainable, tidier, safer, and more productive workplace. The design on the front displays which type of waste should be deposited in the racksack®, allowing waste segregation to happen efficiently.

Fire Exit Graphic Floor Marker

TIPS FOR IMPLEMENTING VISUAL MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

Implementing visual management solutions in the workplace can be a challenging task, especially if it's a new concept for your employees. Here are some tips to help you implement them successfully:

  1. Start Small:

    It's important to start small when implementing visual management solutions in the workplace. Choose one area of your workplace to focus on and introduce a few visual management products. Once your employees are familiar with the products, you can expand to other areas.

  2. Involve Employees:

    Involve your employees in the implementation process by asking for their input and feedback. This will help you choose the right products for your workplace and ensure employees are invested in the process.

  3. Provide Training:

    Provide training to your employees on how to use visual management products effectively. This will ensure they understand the purpose of the products and how to use them correctly.

  4. Monitor Progress:

    Monitor the progress of your visual management implementation by regularly checking in with your employees and evaluating the effectiveness of the products. This will help you identify areas for improvement and make adjustments as needed.

  5. Be Patient:

    Implementing visual management solutions takes time and patience. It may take some time for your employees to adjust to the new products and processes, so be patient and provide support as needed.

By following these tips, you can successfully implement visual management solutions in your workplace and improve efficiency, communication, and organisation.

Frames4Floors

CONCLUSION

Visual management solutions are a powerful tool for boosting workplace efficiency, improving communication, and enhancing safety. By using visual management products such as shadow boardsgraphic floor markers5S document holders, and racksack®, companies can improve organisation, reduce waste, and increase productivity.

Implementing visual management solutions in the workplace can be challenging, but by starting small, involving employees, providing training, monitoring progress, and being patient, companies can successfully implement visual management solutions and see the benefits first-hand.

Remember, visual management is not just a one-time implementation, but rather an ongoing process of continuous improvement. By embracing visual management solutions, companies can create a more efficient and productive workplace, improve employee morale, and ultimately achieve greater success.

So why not give it a try and see the power of visual management for yourself?

 

Become a Beaverswood® Reseller and Increase Your Revenue Today!

Established in 1984, we make the workplace work smarter with our range of visual management products, suitable for lean manufacturing and 5S - or any workplace that needs to be safe, productive, and in order.

With nearly forty years of reseller experience, not only are our products easy to use but so is our company! Our team of experts support you, our reseller, every step of the way; starting with an advanced reseller toolkit and continuing with drop-ship delivery, excellent lead times, and superb customer service.

T: 0118 979 6096

E: sales@beaverswood.co.uk

 

Warehouse Signage: What are your sector’s requirements?

Signage in workplaces can make everyday life much easier and keep productivity higher. However, it often serves a more serious role, particularly warehouse signage.

From school libraries to vast warehouse complexes, signage serves vital locational purposes. A sensible system of labelling can help staff and automation technology to find items quickly, limiting hesitation and worse still, error.

However, there are times when signs are literally there to protect the health and safety of people who work in that environment. Especially warehouse signage that keeps pedestrians and machines apart, or which reminds people about serious workplace hazards.

The Health & Safety Executive mandate on signage is: “Employers must provide safety signs if there is a significant risk that can’t be avoided or controlled in any other way.” That covers a lot of different situations!

As signs play such a vital role in all modern workplaces, we thought it would be handy to ‘spell out’ what your sector needs to consider.

Signage in public buildings

The type of signage needed by different sectors varies, though the core aims are the same.

For example, in schools, colleges, libraries, town halls and museums – just like warehouses and factories – the objective is to mount public building signage that creates a logical flow of movement and keeps important safety information ‘up front and central’.

From safety inspections and reports displayed on walls to vinyl floor signs.

Vital warehouse signage

Within industrial, fulfilment and logistics premises, signage needs become more complex, though. Especially warehouse signage, where slips, trips, falls and collisions are a daily risk.

Fortunately, floors, structures like columns, racking systems and even glass can all be used to provide warehouse staff with essential directional and hazard warning information.

Some warehouse signage needs to be permanently fixed in place – such as signs to indicate where forklift trucks operate and exit points. However, regular reviews are still vital as information fatigue and sign ‘blindness’ can creep in.

When doing a risk assessment to make sure warehouse signage is still intact and doing its job, consider new ways to convey important information. This could refresh attention levels and adherence.

Fortunately, there are innovative warehouse safety products being developed all the time, to improve compliance and avoid accidents.

Racking up good signage protocols

Periodically the layout and workflow of a warehouse can be altered. Leading to the need to assess and update shelf and rack label holders, for example.

Again, this is not just about keeping productivity high and avoiding confusion or mistakes. If you have unequivocal and logical labelling for aisles, racking systems and shelves, it creates a confident and assured way of storing and then retrieving items. Less confusion equals a safer working environment.

A sign of the times

Whichever sector you operate in, you may need to review COVID-19 safety signage regularly. Have you got sufficient clear floor-level information about safe distancing and plenty of reminders about PPE protocols? Complacency can be counteracted by upgrading or changing your signage and information periodically.

Checklist of key signage

One of the easiest ways to update warehouse signage – and safety information in other sectors – is to hit the floor! There are cheap, easy to use floor markers and half circle markers to cover vital messaging. This includes:

• Forklift operational areas
• Fire extinguisher locations
• Fire exit locations
• Speed limits
• Hazardous areas.

Also, as racking poses a considerable risk, have you got the latest rack safety charts on display?

In laboratories and some manufacturing environments, you need specialist PPE and safety equipment signs. Including reminders to wear eye protection and signage to show where equipment is available.

Does your building need signage for a Quarantine Area? That’s something else that can be achieved with floor markers.

Firm grip on safety solutions

It’s worth emphasising that some safety signage for workplaces needs to point people to vital equipment to enable them to respond quickly. For example, modulean shadow boards that hold cleaning apparatus to manage spills, first aid equipment or COVID-19 related items.

Warehouse signage – or signs in any sort of workplace – come down to this. You need to walk every square foot of your premises and consider all potential risks, then post up information wherever there is a “significant risk that can’t be avoided or controlled in any other way.”

If you need help with any of that, Beaverswood offers free safety product advice.

Which floor tape applicator is right for you?

Sometimes a simple gadget can save you impressive amounts of time and money. However, the humble, inexpensive floor tape applicator can also save you from a backbreaking chore.

The floor of a busy work environment can be the optimal place to put hazard indicators, directional information and traffic management signs. It was certainly a great canvas for COVID-19 social distancing messages, for instance.

The ‘downside’ of communicating at ground level though, is that putting appropriate marking materials in place can be tricky. As well as time-consuming and a pain in the …back!

Fortunately, it all becomes much easier with a floor tape applicator. This piece of equipment enables you to stand upright, and straddle your tape route, delineating swiftly and accurately.

Why is that such an ingenious purchase? Here’s the ‘low-down’ on why you should buy floor tape applicators from Beaverswood.

Use the floor to stay safe

There are HSE guidelines on the best way to manage floor-related risks. As it is such a big part of safety in warehouse environments, factories and engineering plants, for example.

This largely focuses on reducing the chance of slips, trips and falls, the UK’s primary source of accidents at work. Though keeping people away from dangers like electricity sources is a high priority too.

Marking out hazards and operational zones in workplaces becomes inexpensive and adaptable when you use a strategic combination of floor tape and vinyl signs. You can use a variety of these safety products to send unmissable warnings to pedestrians and off-road vehicle drivers, and guide warehouse operatives on best practices.

Using floor tape correctly

Floor marking tape seems a simple purchase, but it offers diverse choices and usages.

You can buy waterproof, anti-slip floor tapes to warn and control foot traffic. These adhere to multiple surfaces brilliantly and create traction even in places where there is considerable moisture or greasy residue.

Easy to spot strips of high-vis floor tape on the edge of steps or platforms are a highly effective way to maintain warehouse safety. Especially a brand that can be seen in poor light.

One of the most common ways floor tape is used is to indicate exits and entrances for fire safety management.

However, not all floor tape is solely for safety. This ground marking material is handy for directional information too. Such as showing the edges of aisles in a warehouse, to keep staff ‘on track’ or to zone special areas. All of this keeps staff moving seamlessly and can boost your productivity.

Taping large, complex work sites

As this is such a versatile way of staying H&S compliant and reducing workplace accidents, there could be multiple places to put floor markings on your premises. Including outside in car parks and bay approaches, as well as on internal floors, steps and walkways.

Also, even the best floor tape will need to be replaced at some point, not least as a risk assessment may show a new area of concern, or your field of operation could shift.

If you have a large site to cover, multiple locations to manage safety-wise, or a highly diverse range of risks to ‘tape off’ this is a big commitment of time. Unless you find a supplier of well designed warehouse floor marking equipment.

Advantages of using a floor tape applicator

A floor tape applicator can make quick work of this highly necessary task. It’s also a way of creating accurate floor markings in warehouse and manufacturing environments, indicating risks in a clear and unambiguous manner.

As the likelihood of mistakes goes down when you place floor tapes with this handy device, you are reducing wasted materials. Saving money on floor-level signage.

Also as it puts the floor tape in contact with the surface evenly and firmly, you may find your floor marking lasts longer too.

The best floor tape applicator

Are you now wondering where to buy floor tape applicators?

Beaverswood sells an inexpensive but robust version that’s smooth and easy to use. It takes floor marking tapes up to 100mm wide.

It is one of a range of versatile warehouse floor marking materials and equipment we sell. Including highly quality floor tapes and vinyl safety stickers.

All of which offer quick order responses. You could even say that when you order our floor tape applicators, you can quickly ‘hit the ground running’ with your next floor marking project.

Anti-slip roll: Where to install in your workplace

One ‘slip up’ with your flooring could cause injury, and cost you H&S fines, lost productivity and a dented reputation. Yet the best anti-slip roll paves the way for better floor safety.

Accidents involving wet, greasy or sticky floors can be costly, but preventable. They contribute to the biggest cause of workplace injuries – trips, slips and falls – and therefore to absenteeism and millions of pounds of lost revenue for the UK economy.

They can also damage your reputation as an employer and a supplier, particularly if you fail a Health & Safety inspection for something so easy to guard against.

It is certainly an issue the HSE ‘comes down hard on’. It covers it extensively in its ‘Getting to grips with slips and trips’ guidelines.

One of the most valuable safety products you can buy to prevent this type of accident is a humble but effective anti-slip roll. This ingenious self-adhesive tape costs very little, but creates a reliable surface underfoot, even in challenging work environments.

However, knowing the best version to specify, and where to apply an anti-slip roll in your workplace helps in optimising all the advantages it provides.

Features that ‘mark out’ anti-slip roll

You can buy various types of floor markings, and some may claim to provide a reasonable amount of traction for foot traffic. However, there are important design aspects that set anti-slip roll apart from other floor tapes.

This includes the fact the tape is made from a specially manufactured thick carrier that’s been combined with diamond-hard aluminium oxide. This is a proven combination to create a highly effective slip prevention surface.

The adhesive used also needs to be a specialist type, that creates a reliable, pressure-sensitive fix without damaging the surface beneath.

This sort of tape is also hard, durable and water-resistant. Adding to its value as a safety product in areas where there is excessive moisture.

Make sure the product you buy also has the ability to create an anti-slip surface where grease and other floor pollutants can settle, and in areas where there could be extremes in temperature.

Anti-slip roll performance measures

Buying the best anti-slip tape for commercial floors doesn’t need to involve great expense, but it does ‘pay’ to only purchase quality versions. Leading anti-slip roll brands can be used in a multitude of both internal and external locations, for example.

Also, you need a safety tape product that adheres to concrete, tarmac and other common flooring materials, easily and completely. It must stand up to considerable wear and tear. This can be vital, as slip prevention tape that frays, peels back or lifts too easily not only fails to do its job, it could present a trip hazard too!

Plus, finding a supplier of reliable anti-slip roll ensures you don’t have to replace your floor markings and surface layers too often. Saving time and money.

Anti-slip roll added bonuses

Beaverswood anti slip yellow and black roll tape

The best anti-slip tape rolls are also multi-purpose. For example, tape in the universal warning colours of yellow and black flags up high-risk areas in your workplace.

Or, you can use floor tape that’s anti-slip as a directional and segregation aid, marking out pedestrian boundaries or indicating the edge of steps, curbs and other structures. Anti-slip rolls even offer a way to mark out safe manoeuvring areas for off-road vehicles in warehouses, for example.

Planning taped floor areas

As this is such a low cost but high-value safety product, you don’t need to be frugal in your usage.

Your latest workplace risk assessment may well suggest areas that need anti-slip tape replacement, or new risks from wet or polluted floors. This is especially true in the winter months when feet can drag in moisture and debris.

Find anti-slip rolls in different widths, so you can fit it easily into a variety of different locations, including thinner tapes for steps or tight spaces. Another example would be sourcing wider anti-slip tape rolls to mark out high-risk walkways, where a fall could put a pedestrian into traffic, or some other workplace danger.

Don’t forget the best anti-slip rolls come in different colour choices too, so you can vary their use and safety ‘signals’.

Beaverswood supplies a range of anti-slip roll widths, in Black/Yellow, Yellow, Black, Green and Grey.

We also sell clear anti-slip tape for when aesthetics matter, but you still need to keep people’s feet stable. Such as in foyers and entrances, or on potentially slippy areas within public buildings.

Do you need made-to-order anti-slip rolls, in a particular width or colour?

Get in touch with Beaverswood’s versatile customer service team, to get a firm hold on your floor surfaces.

The best anti-slip tape to keep your staff safe this winter

Protecting employees often begins at ground level. When Winter increases the risk of damp floors within workplaces, how can rolls of the best anti-slip tape be an ideal H&S problem-solver?

Some of the wettest Winter months on record were experienced in parts of the UK in 2020/21. This also means sunshine in England and Wales was in very short supply last winter.

Could the Winter of 2021/22 bring more of the same, or worse?

The reason this matters to employers is not simply because snow, ice and torrential rain effects staff mood and transport. More wetness means more chance of moisture transfer into workplaces, creating serious Health & Safety risks.

This is the sort of Winter peril that adds extra stress to factories, warehouses and other buildings that use or store liquids too, or which tend to have a lot of moisture in the air. Creating multiple ways floors can become damp.

As slips, trips and falls are the biggest cause of accidents in UK workplaces, it’s an issue that demands constant attention.

Easy way to stay on top of floor safety in Winter

For many companies, the quickest, cheapest and most obvious solution is finding the best anti-slip tape. Especially as modern manufacturing methods mean you can buy anti-slip tape that does an outstanding job!

How can a simple roll of tape be such an advantage when you’re looking for anti-slip flooring materials to eliminate Winter risks in workplaces?

For one thing, it’s a versatile option.

You can fix specialist floor tape down anywhere, in any situation, including stairs, doorways, and loading bays, as well as many outdoor locations. There will be a size and type of tape that matches any situation.

Also, you create a good grip on floors – without adding a trip hazard – as tape lies flush to the ground. If you choose a product that offers the assurance of an immediate fix for many slippery surfaces, that’s strong enough not to peel pack, fray or snag, of course.

Clearly, much depends on sourcing the best waterproof anti-slip tapes, that feature heavy-duty adhesive for permanent and reliable grip.

What else to look for in the best anti-slip tapes

The leading range of anti slip tape rolls offer you more important benefits too. Passing reference has already been made to how rolls of special flooring tape from safety product suppliers provide a semi-permanent solution.

That’s due to the incredible durability of modern anti-slip tapes. You won’t have to replace configurations frequently

Also, our anti slip tapes are quick and easy to apply, but it’s likely to surprise you what a hard, tough surface they create. That’s because the thick moisture-resistant material used has been impregnated with diamond-hard aluminium oxide.

Now that’s good grip!

Our anti slip tape has also been rigorously tested and approved as a way of managing wet floors, even when oil or grease is mixed in with the moisture.

Giving employers ‘strong’ peace of mind that feet will be firm on walkways and stairs, to protect your safety record year-round.

Options for the best anti-slip floor tape

As well as buying anti slip tape in various sizes – to fit your needs flawlessly – you can also opt for different colours or a clear anti slip tape. This gives you an ideal way to use tape that creates grip as a warning and directional aid too.

The availability of different colours of anti slip flooring materials is also significant when aesthetics matter.

For example, you may simply want to be confident of a non-slip surface in warehouse environments and a yellow/black zigzag tape is ideal as a risk warning too.

However, in the foyers and hallways of buildings, managing foot-traffic safety in winter requires flooring materials that prevent slipping, but also look good. Making transparent anti slip tape rolls a superb option.

Where to buy products to beat Winter slippage

Did you know that every snowflake has six sides or points, to enable water molecules to form in the most efficient way? Also, snowflakes are clear, not white (it’s a trick of the light).

More importantly, the most efficient and clearest way to combat the risks of snow, ice and rain creating slippery surfaces in your workplace is to contact us. We can provide low prices and fast delivery for the best anti-slip tape rolls for your site.

Why use floor marking tape?

Floor marking tape might not be something you think you need in your workplace, however, it can be vital for the safety of your space. Read on to find out why, and where you can buy this essential floor marking tape.

Floor Tape

Selecting the correct floor marking tape can help you to delineate different areas of your workplace. This is especially important if you work in a factory setting, where some areas involve driving or heavy machinery, and some areas need to be workspaces or even walkways.

Separating these areas with the correct floor marking tape can help to prevent people from accidentally wandering into areas that they should not be in. This can help to reduce the number of accidents that may occur due to this.

Beaverswood Supply Co offers a range of floor marking tape in 50mm wide and 33M long, in different colours to suit your space. But what colour should you use for which area of your workplace?

Yellow

Yellow tape can be used on the floors around areas that are being used as aisleways or traffic lanes. You may also utilise yellow tape in areas where work cells are present. While you would not generally use yellow tape to indicate danger, it is a useful colour for indicating traffic, as it is bright and has high visibility for both pedestrians and those in vehicles.

Black/yellow

Black and yellow tape is suitable for use in areas where there may be health or physical hazards to employees. This is one of the most important types of tape to have on hand in areas where you have heavy machinery or chemicals, as it alerts employees to either stay back or be properly equipped to cross the line.

White

White tape can be more generally used and is often used on stairways or in other areas to show fixtures and/or equipment that is not colour coded under any of the other colour categories. This could include workstations where there are no health or physical hazards, carts, displays and racks. This tape is used to highlight the area rather than warn against entry.

Green/white

A combination of green and white tape is often used to mark exclusion zones but does not necessarily indicate hazardous materials. It may simply be indicating the presence of materials that should be avoided and/or treated with care. It may also delineate one workstation from another to create workplace clarity.

Red

Floor marking tape in red is commonly used in areas working with metal or other materials that might produce scrap or defective materials. It indicates these, as well as rework and red tag areas. This makes it extremely useful for factory environments.

Red/white

Red and white striped floor marking tape is also important, as it can indicate areas that should be kept clear. The reason for this is both safety and compliance, as shown by the red and white stripes. Areas, where this tape may be used, include safety equipment or electrical panels that may be dangerous or need to be accessed quickly. It warns employees not to linger in these areas or set up any work equipment there.

Blue

Blue floor marking tape is another tape often used in factory settings to indicate that there are raw materials present, works in progress, and there may be finished goods present. It shows that employees should demonstrate care in these areas, and be mindful of the materials present.

Floor Lane Marking Tapes 50mm x 33M

As you can see, using the correct floor marking tape can be vital for making your workplace safe and productive, giving employees a clear view of where certain activities take place, and where they should avoid. Floor marking tape can even help your workplace to be more compliant when it comes to health and safety, as long as everyone understands what each colour means. Be clear with your employees on this.

While you can buy floor marking tape in a range of supply stores, turn to Beaverswood for the toughest and most durable self-adhesive tape in every colour you might need. View the range to choose the correct tape for you and to add clarity and security to your workplace.

Floor Marking Paint: The Options You Need To Be Aware Of

Your internal flooring and the surface around your premises are a ‘blank slate’ for directional and safety signage. We show how the strategic use of floor marking paint also keeps you compliant.

The floor in any workplace – but especially ones operating heavy machinery and warehouse equipment – provides the perfect place to put symbols and words that keep people safe. You can also use paint to map out routes and to provide site guidance to keep everyone ‘on track’ outside too.

It’s natural for people to look down as they move around. So, when you buy industrial strength spray paints online, you can put information right in their line of vision.

This article explores the external and internal use of commercial spray paint, applicators, and stencils for multiple commercial purposes.

Internal safety warnings at ground level

Applying durable painted lines, signs and wording on your workplace floor helps you to meet site safety obligations. Including indicating exits or the location of safety and first aid equipment.

You can highlight hazards in your building with floor marking paint, especially when you create ground-level indicators in stereotypical black and yellow. Zigzags, lines and signs in black and white or red and white are also widely recognised as part of ‘Keep Clear’ messages.

That’s not the only universally accepted way to use coloured paint to transmit workplace information. For example, you could buy yellow spray paint and an applicator to mark out aisles and traffic lanes within your building. White indicates equipment locations, whereas blue, green and black are often used to colour code materials storage.

Common practice is to use orange floor marking paint to show where scrap or defective materials should go. One of the best ways to use neon or luminescent paint is to mark stairs or other places that pedestrians need to walk carefully in poor light.

Painting a picture of better productivity

Painting strategic safety messages within workplaces go alongside using floor marking paint to improve operational efficiency.

For instance, you can use spray paint canisters to delineate different work zones and ‘box off’ equipment or places where staff cluster to work. Or to show pathways that are logical walking routes.

When you apply floor markings consistently across your building, it creates a logical and easy to understand workplace layout. It also helps you to spread fields of operation to avoid bottlenecks or people wandering into dead ends!

How to create ground-level signs externally

HSE guidelines on slip and trip prevention including recommendations for the logical use of floor markings internally.

However, in the Workplace Transport section of the HSE website, employers can also find ways floor paint should be used to stay compliant, including:

  • Clearly marking out crossings in yards and on private approach roads
  • Adding widely-understood road signs to areas where HGVS, LGVS, off-road vehicles and cars move around your site
  • Speed controls
  • Location of traffic calming measures such as humps, junction markers and warnings about sharp bends, blind corners and steep gradients.

The HSE guidance states: “By law, road signs used to warn or inform drivers and pedestrians in private workplaces must be the same as those used on public roads, wherever a suitable sign exists.” As you can buy spray paint online from us, it gives you plenty of options to create ‘suitable signs’!

Other ways to use our durable paint include ‘SLOW’ indicators, and ground signs to show no parking zones, stop lines and the edges of routes for vehicles, cycles and pedestrians. You can also create painted road signs when work is being done on your sites, such as road improvements or new building construction.

Like inside your building, a common practice for ground signs on private land uses certain colours. For example, white paint for traffic control and yellow to manage to park.

Read more about how best to use ground and floor paint to create risk management signs in The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.

Have you ever wondered, how effective are floor signs?

The fact that ground-level markings are everywhere shows they work.

The trick is to find a bulk supplier of durable paint for floors, roads and car parks. Especially if you have traffic moving around constantly, within and outside your building.

Fortunately, Beaverswood sells cost-effective 750ml cans of floor marking paint, with re-usable stencils and both hand-held and wheeled paint applicators.

Everything you need to get your floor-level messaging unmissable!