Tag Archives: Modulean™

How to Implement a Zero-Waste Strategy in Your Warehouse

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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

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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 tape, line 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 Power of Visual Management in Boosting Workplace Efficiency

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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 boards, graphic floor markers, 5S 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

 

The Best Way to Make Use of your Rack-End Space

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Introducing a complete space-saving warehouse rack-end solution!

Warehouse space is at a premium in the UK and Europe due to soaring demand. As such, businesses must find smart solutions to do more with less and maximise their warehouse space utilisation.

Fortunately, we have just the thing! Our recently launched Modulean® Rack End Boards are an innovative way to use otherwise redundant end-of-aisle racking space. Not only this, but they’re the perfect complement to many of our other rack-end products, such as racksack®, rack end barriers, half-circle floor markers, weight load notices, and aisle markers.

Let’s take a closer look at each product in detail, shall we? 

 

Modulean® Rack End Boards

Modulean® rack end boards image

Our innovative Modulean® range takes away the need (and the headache!) for custom shadow boards. The ingenious range of standard boards can be used widely across the workplace, removing a great deal of expense and time associated with purchasing shadow boards.

And where better to utilise Modulean® than at the end of aisle racking?

Be gone dead space! Now there’s a nifty Modulean® shadow board incorporating sanitising, cleaning, first aid, or fire safety products instead (all of which come supplied, displayed, and ready to go)! We’ve also got you covered if you’d prefer a rack end board with a simple whiteboard or racksack® affixed instead.

Not to mention each board comes with a title frame, fixings, and a weight load notice to help you comply with regulations. And every board is available with either single or double aisle markers (in the form of our best seller frames4docs®, no less).

So, that’s it! One product, one complete end-of-aisle racking solution to make your warehouse work smarter.

But the clever space-saving solutions don’t stop there. Let’s introduce you to racksack®!

racksack®

racksack® waste segregation image

racksack® is the original market-leading solution for waste segregation. Designed to save valuable floor space and simplify what can sometimes be a complicated and laborious process, this mighty family of products delivers a sustainable, tidier, and more productive workplace.

So how does it work?

We supply racksack® with S hooks (or you can purchase a bungee loop, or wall-mounted hook for the racksack® mini). This makes racksack® easy to secure wherever it needs to go – whether that be on a rack end, trolley, or roll cage. Once hung, racksack® has a large open mouth (which we lovingly refer to as a frog mouth) to easily receive waste. However, its cleverly tapered design enables it to hardly encroach into the floor area. You can also easily empty racksack®, thanks to the three strong handles woven into each side.

Simple, right?

Take a look at the growing range to see if anything takes your fancy (we bet at least one racksack® will catch your eye!), or continue reading to explore the wonderful world of rack-end barriers!

Rack-End Barriers

Adding a Modulean® and racksack® to the end of your aisle racking is all well and good (in fact, we highly recommend it). However, the safety of your staff and the security of your stock should always come first. And this is a task our range of rack-end barriers excels at!

In a nutshell, rack-end barriers protect racking from potential collisions. They ensure vehicles don’t impact your racking but instead deflect off the barrier.

Manufactured from a flexible HDPE polymer with a foam diffuser, our rack-end barriers flex and absorb upon impact due to their unique design. They’re also highly visible to personnel, which acts as a deterrent before an impact even occurs. Not only this, but they’re super quick and simple to install with all fixings provided.

No rack-end is complete without adequate protection. In fact, we believe rack-end barriers are a health and safety must in warehouse environments!

So once you have your rack-end barriers installed and your racking protected, scroll down to learn about half-circle floor markers.

Half-Circle Floor Markers

This is going to be short and sweet!

Our half-circle floor graphic markers can be used underneath our racksack® range, or other bins, to highlight waste recycling areas. As such, they’re the perfect addition to your end-of-aisle racking – especially when used in combination with the other rack-end solutions mentioned in this article.

They feature a super-strong, permanent adhesive to stop them from peeling or lifting, even in high-traffic areas. (Seriously – once you’ve stuck them down, they won’t be shifting for love nor money!)

These floor graphic markers are also quick and easy to install compared to traditional marking methods, which makes using them a no-brainer.

Now onwards, to weight load notices! (Which are more exciting than they sound, promise.)

Weight Load Notices

No rack-end is complete without a mandatory weight load notice. These nifty notices provide key information on what weights the racking can hold along with other important safety and maintenance advice.

Which is why we include one with every Modulean® rack-end board! Our weight load notices can be printed with weight limits and information, all you need to do is confirm the details you need printed. If no information is received, we’ll supply blank notices for you to add your own information with a marker pen. 

Incorporating weight load notices is just another way in which our Modulean® rack-end boards make the best use of end-of-aisle racking space.

Now onto our last rack-end solution… aisle markers!

Aisle Markers

We’ve all seen them in IKEA as we frantically try to locate a flat-pack cupboard. Or maybe you’ve been in B&Q, desperately on the hunt for some BBQ charcoal before the warm weather disappears.

Whatever the case, aisle markers are the simplest and most effective way to instantly locate the product you’re looking for. As such, we’ve taken the liberty of adding them to our Modulean® rack-end boards to improve product identification in your warehouse.

Each board is available with either single or double aisle markers in the form of our best seller frames4docs®. These make the inserts easy to change and replace as frequently as required.

It really is as simple as that!

And that’s a wrap!

So there you have it – a simple system of complementary rack-end products to transform dead space into working space.

Interested in any of the products (or the whole rack-end solution)? Take a look at the rack-end solutions range or get in touch with one of our busy beavers – we’ll be happy to help!

+44 (0) 118 979 6096

sales@beaverswood.co.uk

Shadow Board Solutions: 5 Safety Options For Your Workplace

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There are some vital components of every workplace that often get sidelined or hidden from view. Here, we will look at how you can use shadow board solutions to benefit your workplace and display important materials.

1. First Aid Board

Modulean Lite First Aid Station Kit Shadow Board Green

Accidents happen everywhere, and the workplace can be one of the places where first aid is needed most of all. Even if you have your fully trained first aiders on staff, it can be hard to know where your first aid boxes are in an emergency. At this time more than ever, clarity and ease are vitally important.

With first aid shadow board solutions, your needs will be met in a way that everyone in the workplace can access easily, whether they are trained in first aid or not.

These boards can be easily set up in common areas around your building and come complete with a medium first aid kit suitable for between eleven and twenty people and an A4 black frame where you can keep your own first-aid insert. This can be used to inform people who your trained first aiders are, where they are located, and other handy information.

2. Dry Cleaning Board

Many office spaces or other places of work have cleaners, but sometimes we need to clean up as we go. Whether for your administration staff or your cleaning staff, a dry cleaning shadow board is a good way to have cleaning supplies on hand throughout the building.

Supplied with a coloured band that will correlate to your choice of board, each dry cleaning board comes with a black dustpan and brush. These are must-haves for those little accidents, or just having a convenient way for cleaners to get those last little spots as they sanitise your workplace.

3. Fire Safety Board

Modulean Lite Fire Safety Shadow Board Red

The importance of fire safety cannot be overstated. Not only does having the correct information on display keep everybody educated and safe, but it is also a legal requirement in office spaces. This can also be an important requirement of your building insurance as a business owner.

However, often fire safety information and fire essentials are placed in kitchens where no one thinks to look at them. You can set up a much clearer alternative with a shadow board that comes with a one-kilo powder fire extinguisher, a fire blanket and a fire alarm. This is an excellent way to set up a clear fire safety station in your office or warehouse environment and works especially well in open-plan spaces.

4. Hand sanitiser board

SHB008 Shadowboard

Keeping hand sanitiser in a visible and easily accessible location has become more important than ever in the past twelve months. Now, it is expected that workplaces will provide employees with plenty of opportunities to sanitise their hands and encourage them to do so as frequently as possible.

If you are struggling with how to encourage your staff members to sanitise, hand sanitiser shadow board solutions could be the answer. Unobtrusive within your office space, this board is ideal for reception areas, offices and common areas, as well as a range of other locations such as warehouses and schools.

This board comes with a range of essentials for sanitisation, including foam hand sanitiser dispenser and alcohol-free hand and surface wipes. If your employees have been bemoaning cracked hands, there is even a moisturising cream dispenser to help keep hands protected from germs and undamaged by regular washing and sanitising.

5. Notice Board

Modulean Lite Notice Board with Frames Shadow Board Red

General notices can end up stuck all over the walls in offices. This can lead to damage to the walls, not to mention that many staff members will pass these notices by – both personal and essential professional information – without a second glance.

Using a shadow board as a notice board in a communal area is an excellent way to have a central hub for notices. This board comes with four black A4 frames suitable for high priority notices to be placed clearly in an area that most staff frequent – such as a reception or lunchroom. Never have important information missed by staff again!

Shadow board solutions are a fantastic way to incorporate safety and information stations into your workplace in a way that draws attention and provides clarity for staff. Get in touch with Beaverswood if you require any help setting up your boards in the best way possible.

Easy Ways to Implement Modulean Shadow Boards in The Workplace

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We believe the Multi-purpose Modulean Shadow Boards are a workplace must-have. They organise equipment, deliver key information and flag-up missing tools. Which is why we want to discuss these easy ways to implement a Modulean Shadow Board in the workplace.

Workplace innovations always deserve consideration. Particularly ones that serve multiple purposes, ticking off neatness, safety and communications. We are talking about Modulean shadow boards, a creative and versatile way to organise tools and smaller pieces of equipment or to display vital business information.

Beaverswood is a supplier of Modulean Shadow Boards both in standard and bespoke formats. Either is simply genius. Some even come with the essential workplace tools, like fire extinguishers, ready to attach.

What is a workplace shadow board?

Modulean Shadow Boards in a warehouse

 

 

The basic concept of a shadow board is a system to store tools and smaller pieces of essential workplace equipment or to display physical information and monitoring system. They are quick to erect and can be moved easily – whether they are free-standing or wall-mounted.

The core boards can include ‘shadows’ to show where an item should be hooked or stuck. So your team can quickly slot tools and equipment into a logical and tidy place. Of course, Modulean Shadow Boards are also great for flagging up when something is NOT there too. You can see at a glance that a key item is either in use or missing.

Another advantage of Modulean Shadow Boards is that both standard panels and made to order boards can display essential information. Or include wipe-clean notice boards or pockets for report and evaluation documents.

As an illustration, Modulean Shadow Boards are the ideal First Aid point. Your kit is hung in plain sight, with instructions on what to do in an emergency. A wipe-clean board or document pocket to chart kit inspections and your accident-free record could also be included.

Assigning a role for Modulean Shadow Boards

SHB009 Eyewash and Accident on a Modulean Shadow Board

You can decide how to use this versatile storage and information system to improve your safety, communication and even productivity.

For example, you could use Modulean Shadow Boards to hold your cleaning equipment, alongside a running tally of inspections and tasks. This is a great way to carry out your COVID-19 infection control activities. All your hygiene materials and reporting system will be stored in one place, easily accessible and clear to see.

The shadow board concept is also a brilliant way to manage COVID-19 awareness and hand cleaning stations for staff and visitors. Reminders about social distancing, masks and handwashing could be displayed alongside board mounted hand gel dispensers.

Alternatively, in a busy office environment or meeting room, you can use Modulean Shadow Boards to hold business targets, sales forecasts, open orders, workplace policies or any other business intelligence that staff need to see daily. Everything in one reference point, ready to be updated or switched around as your needs change.

In high-risk workplaces, a Modulean Shadow Board system could store emergency equipment such as eye baths, burns kits or a biohazard kit. All neatly mounted with important safety information.

Design options for Shadow Boards

Modulean Shadow Boards in an office setting

Once you have mapped out a business priority the next step is to decide specific elements to include. Starting with whether you need a free-standing or wall-mounted system and the best size for your aims. Keep in mind Modulean Lite is a compact shadow board option for tighter spaces.

When building up your shadow board system, baseboards can be specified in blue, green, red and yellow, depending on what your communication or storage aims are. So, red boards for safety equipment for example.

The Beaverswood Modulean Shadow Boards range then offers a mix and match opportunity. It could include, for instance, headers, a notice board, magnetic wipe-clean board, and wet or dry report boards. We are also a supplier of Modulean frames4docs, Rainbow Pockets and other Modulean accessories to kit out your system.

Some boards include the equipment they are designed to store and display, such as a 1-kilo powder fire extinguisher, fire blanket and battery-operated fire alarm for your Fire Safety board. We also sell a coronavirus infection control board that comes equipped with a foam hand sanitiser dispenser, alcohol-free hand/surface wipes, and hand moisturising cream dispenser.

Now that is a neat solution!

Ready to get creative with Modulean Shadow Boards?

Our website shows the standard options within this clever storage and information range. You can also commission boards in diverse configurations and to hold any tools, equipment and information you need upfront and central in your workplace.

When designing your Modulean Shadow Boards to match your business needs, contact Beaverswood so we can find the perfect solution together.

New, Highly Visual Systems For Workplace Messaging

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Clear and unmissable communications are vital in any workplace, including accessible notice boards and reference documents. It is information to keep staff safe, productive and focused on operational priorities. So, what’s new? Introducing, highly visual systems for workplace messaging.

Public sector organisations, industry and commerce all still rely heavily on the printed word. There really is no adequate replacement for workplace noticeboards or for hard copies of paperwork mounted so they can be quickly used for reference and recording purposes.

The trick is to avoid this information being overlooked in your workplace. You also need to display it in a way that protects it from constant damage. Even in offices, information displays can be the subject of both accidental and deliberate destruction or defacement. In warehouses and factories, documents and notice boards also have to cope with environmental factors. Have you ever tried writing inspection updates on damp paper?

Fortunately, the designers of commercial display products have taken these issues into account by formulating highly visual systems for workplace messaging. There are new ways to display documents and messages in your workplace, to keep them readable, durable and hard to miss.

This article explores some of the best innovations in workplace communication systems.

Modulean Shadow Boards

 

Modulean Shadow Boards

Modulean Shadow Boards for your factory floor, office, warehouse or depot.

 

Shadow boards are a creative, high impact way to signal important workplace information but can also include panels to physically mount equipment needed for everyday maintenance and safety.

Beaverswood is a Modulean Shadow Boards supplier because these products are versatile but also sturdy. You can mix and match to get the right configuration for your factory floor, office, warehouse or depot. That includes adding in clear and highly visible graphics noticeboards, and magnetic wipe-clean boards for temporary information. They provide modules suitable for displaying dry or wet maintenance equipment – with even a pull-down paper towel dispenser. You can opt for a First Aid notice board and equipment holder, or an eyewash and accident station.

It basically means that your business or public building can have all its vital equipment and information neatly stored and accessible, both at the same time.

Modulean Lite

 

Modulean lite

Modulean lite – Wall mounted, free-standing and mobile solution.

We are also an online supplier of Modulean Lite, a more recent addition to this excellent range of display boards. This smaller version is ideal for more compact work areas, or to focus on one safety or operational message. For example, it can be used as the best way to mount fire extinguishers and instructions, to display first aid boxes or as a system to hold critical waste disposal tools and guidance.

Like the full-scale notice and equipment shadow boards, Modulean Lite can be wall-mounted. However, it can also be a free-standing and mobile solution, so you can relocate important workplace information and equipment to wherever it’s needed.

Coloured Self Adhesive Document Pockets

 

Coloured Self Adhesive Document Pockets - a Visual systems for workplace messaging

A robust document wallets that can be stuck firmly to different surfaces

When space is tight – or you need to disperse information and reporting systems across a lot of locations – this is a simple but effective display option. You can buy coloured, adhesive document wallets in small numbers or bulk, to match your specific workplace notice needs.

These robust document wallets that can be stuck firmly to different surfaces. They also support colour coded business messaging. For example, red for important safety information or inspection files, green for first aid documents and notices, and yellow for operational materials and assessment forms.

Your everyday business information will be close to hand, easy to see but shielded by a strong plastic cover.

More versatile display options

Beaverswood offers more great ideas for displaying information, reports and equipment in your premises, including Styrene Hanging Pockets for documents on trolleys and racks, ring binders you can wall mount, Frames4Windows and magnetic wrap-around pockets. You can even buy weather-resistant document wallets online, from us.

We only stock workplace display systems that are robust products, designed to be seen but also to stand up well to constant use.

More on the importance of notice boards here.

Modulean® Shadow Board Tool Organisation

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Modulean® Shadow Board Tool Organisation

Modulean® shadow boards are a simple and effective way of organising important workplace items. Designed with the ‘5S’ system in mind (Sort, Set In Order, Shine, Standardise and Sustain) shadows boards have many benefits, including:

  • Improved productivity
  • Easy traceability of tools
  • Staff accountability
  • Workspace utilisation
  • Value for money

Our Modulean® shadow boards are a highly visual and useful tool (excuse the pun) to keep track of tools and equipment. Having a set location for specific tooling helps prevent them from getting lost and brings staff accountability; to return the tools to their rightful place after use. Shadow boards are also great for creating a focal point (or ‘station’), for example a first aid station. Meaning there is a designated location when looking for the first aid kit in order to deal with minor incidents or emergency situations in a timely manner, causing less panic and confusion.

Modulean® shadow boards are available in various colours (blue, green, red or yellow), with products on display, and optional accessories.

Now available in a Lite version with an optional mobile framework stand.

Continue reading to find out more…

5S lean shadow boards for optimised tool stations and tool tracking

5S symbols methodology

   5S is a workplace organization method that uses a list of five Japanese words: seiri, seiton, seisō, seiketsu, and shitsuke. These have been translated as “Sort”, “Set In order”, “Shine”, “Standardize” and “Sustain”. 6S, a modification of the 5S methodology which includes “Safety” as the 6th S.

Modulean® Lite

Introducing our newest addition to the Modulean® range, Modulean® Lite.
A lighter and more compact set of 500mm high x 500mm wide shadow boards to help improve organisation in the workplace and create stations without taking up too much valuable floor or wall space.

Modulean Lite Fire Safety Shadow Board Red
Fire Safety Board [Red]
Modulean Lite First Aid Station Kit Shadow Board Green
First Aid Board [Green]
Modulean Lite Face Mask and Glove Dispenser Shadow Board Green
Mask And Glove Dispenser [Green]
Modulean Lite Dry Cleaning Station Dustpan and Brush Shadow Board Blue
Dry Cleaning Board [Blue]
Modulean Lite Notice Board with Frames Shadow Board Yellow
Notice Board [Yellow]
Modulean Lite Dry Cleaning Station Dustpan and Brush Shadow Board Green
Dry Cleaning Board [Green]
Modulean Lite Notice Board with Frames Shadow Board Red
Notice Board [Red]
Hand Sanitiser Station Shadow Board Blue
Sanitising Board [Blue]

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Designs include:

  • Dry Cleaning Board* – For dry cleaning, consisting of a black dustpan and brush. Each product is supplied with a coloured band to match the board colour of your choice.
  • Fire Safety Board – Supplied with a 1 kilo powder fire extinguisher and battery operated fire alarm.
  • First Aid Board* – Consists of a medium first aid kit (with contents for 11-20 people) and a black A4 frame to take a custom insert.
  • Mask and Glove Dispenser – Consists of an empty face mask box and a glove dispenser for the gloves of your choice.
  • Notice Board* – A notice board consisting of one A4 and two A5 black frames, to take custom inserts.
  • Sanitising Board – Supplied with an alcohol hand gel dispenser and an alcohol-free sanitising wipes dispenser.

[* = Choose from 4 colours]

Modulean® Lite is also available with a mobile framework stand that is 1920mm high x 505mm wide x 400mm long. This framework enables the user to display 4 Modulean® Lite shadow boards (2 on each side). Featuring wheels on one foot for ease of mobility when a change of location is needed. The framework is supplied separately to the boards.

Moodulean Lite Shadow Boards on Black Frame

Moodulean Lite Shadow Boards on Black Frame
Moodulean Lite Shadow Boards on Black Frame
Moodulean Lite Shadow Boards on Black Frame
Moodulean Lite Shadow Boards on Black Frame
Moodulean Lite Shadow Boards on Black Frame

Modulean® Lite shadow boards on the black mobile framework

If the mobile framework is not necessary the boards can also be easily screw-fixed into a wall for a more secure and permanent location.

Each board is supplied with a black self-adhesive title frame, allowing users to customise the header of the board by inserting a custom title or company name/logo.

Hand Placing Insert in Title Frame for Board

Black title frames are supplied with each board allowing for custom inserts

Modulean® shadow boards and Modulean® Lite shadow boards are a vibrant way of stationing and keeping track of important workplace tools.

If you are interested in Modulean® please click one of the links below ⬇


Click HERE to find our more about Modulean®…


Click HERE to become a reseller

What are the 4 types of safety signs?

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Having safety signs in the workplace is essential.

A visible instruction from a safety sign gives a clear indication and lessens the likelihood of accidents to employees and non-employees, and therefore creates a safer working environment.

Importantly, having warehouse safety signs will help you to comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 (the Regulations).

In this blog, we’ll cover 4 compulsory safety signs in the UK workplace, as well as introduce you to some lesser-known methods of signage.

Compulsory signs in the UK workplace:

  • Fire safety signs
  • Emergency exit signs
  • Road traffic regulations within the workplace
  • Prohibition signage

These 4 important safety signs can be broken into categories: Prohibition, Warning, Mandatory and Emergency.

Prohibition Signs

A sign prohibiting behaviour likely to increase or cause danger (e.g. “No access for unauthorised personnel”)

These signs should be used for “Do Not” commands. For example – to indicate that smoking is not allowed in a particular area. In the workplace, they should be used to reinforce instructions prohibiting dangerous activities.

Signs prohibiting an activity appear as a circular red band with a single diagonal cross line descending from left to right at a 45-degree angle. The background should be solid white with the imagery indicating the nature of the command in black.

Prohibition signs can also be applied to the floor as a graphic floor marker. For example, you could highlight areas where forklift trucks or pedestrians are prohibited.

Large circular sign symbol of forklift truck and words attention no forklift trucks
Image of large circular floor sign with symbol showing no pedestrain right of way

Warning Signs

A sign giving a warning of a hazard or danger (e.g. “Danger: High Voltage”)

These signs should be used to make people aware of nearby dangers.

For example, a flammable liquid store.

These health and safety signs are required by the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 and in specific cases by the Dangerous Substances (Notification and Marking of Sites) Regulations 1990.

Signs warning of a particular hazard appear as a black band in the shape of an equilateral triangle. The background within the band should be yellow with the imagery indicating the type of hazard in black, positioned centrally on the sign.

Warning signs can also be displayed as graphic floor markers, including half-circle floor signs. For example, you can highlight areas where pedestrians should watch their step, or areas where forklifts should sound their horn to alert others to their location before proceeding.

Watch your step warning sign
circular adhesive floor signs for the warehouse saying Stop sound your horn proceed with caution

Mandatory Signage

A safety sign prescribing specific behaviour (e.g. “Personal Protective Equipment Must Be Worn”)

These signs should be used to indicate actions that must be carried out in order to comply with statutory requirements. For example, self-closing fire doors that must be kept closed to comply with the fire risk assessment should be labelled with “FIRE DOOR KEEP SHUT” signs. An area of a construction site where hard hats should be worn should also have appropriate signs at the entry points.

It should be noted that the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 do not apply to mandatory fire instructions but do apply to health and safety mandatory signs where imagery is required. The minimum regulatory requirement is for the sign to display appropriate imagery.

There are no pictograms for fire safety instruction signs and although mandatory in the UK through inclusion in the requirements of workplace fire assessments, such signs are not considered health and safety signs within these Regulations. Thus the familiar white-on-blue fire safety mandatory signs using text only will remain in place and will not have to be changed.

Fire instruction notices are notices which list actions that occupants must carry out in the event of a fire and are, by convention, written in white text on a blue background but not in the circular format. The colours are used to convey the mandatory nature of the instructions but because of the amount of text typically needed, a rectangular format is used.

The general mandatory sign of a white exclamation mark on a blue circle may be used in conjunction with a fire instructions notice.

Signs indicating mandatory requirements consist of a blue circle with the pictogram or text in white positioned centrally.

A great way to display mandatory signs is through graphic floor markers. For example, you can use either full-circle or half-circle floor markers to highlight areas where Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory.

FLOOR SIGN TO SHOW PPE MUST BE WORN
Large circular floor sign with symbols and text saying hi-visibility vests and footwear must be worn

Emergency Signs

A sign giving information on emergency exits, first aid, or rescue facilities (e.g. “Emergency Exit”)

These information signs should be used to indicate escape routes, emergency exits and first aid equipment.

Safe condition signs appear as a green rectangle or square with the imagery or text in white positioned centrally. As is the same way for mandatory signs, some UK fire safety signs in this category are not required by the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.

For example “PUSH BAR TO OPEN” is not required to comply and there is no imagery with that meaning.

Emergency exits can also be highlighted via graphic floor markers.

Fire exit floor sign

Colour / Meaning or purpose / Instruction and information

  • Red

    • Prohibition sign
    • Dangerous behaviour; stop; shutdown; evacuate

  • Yellow / Amber

    • Warning sign
    • Be careful; take precautions; examine

  • Blue

    • Mandatory sign
    • Specific behaviour or action; wear protective equipment

  • Green

    • Emergency escape / First-aid sign
    • Doors; exits; escape routes; equipment and facilities

Breaching these strict health and safety regulations is a criminal offence. Enforcement by the relevant authorities can result in serious fines or imprisonment as outlined by the Health and Safety Executive.

Action can be taken against companies, individual managers and responsible persons.

Safety signs lessen the likelihood of accidents to employees and non-employees, and therefore creates a safer working environment.

 

How to Display Your Safety Signs

frames4docs®

There are lots of ways to display workplace safety signs. Often they are affixed to walls using screws. However, our Frames4Docs enable you to display safety notices without the need for drilling into walls. With a self-adhesive or magnetic back, you can easily frame and display important safety signs and notices. The clever design also allows for easy insertion and removal of safety notices without the necessity of moving the frame.

Modulean® Shadow Boards

Safety signs can also be displayed via our Modulean® Shadow Board system. Using the standardised Board 2 (Notice Board), you can display up to four A4 safety signs or notices. The beauty of Modulean® is you can then add to the modular display in the future, depending on your needs. For example, you could add Board 7 (First Aid Board) or Board 10 (Fire Safety Board) to store important safety products.

Modulean Lite small shadow boards on wall

Graphic Floor Markers

Wall safety signs can be supported with floor graphic markers. These can come with symbols and words, just symbols, or as half-circle floor markers.

This is a great solution for when you need to get an important safety message across without going to the extreme of painting your warehouse or workspace floor.

Large round floor floor sign warning of fork lift area
General waste

Safety Signs FAQ

What safety signs are compulsory for workplaces in the UK?

For workplaces in the UK, the following safety signs are compulsory to comply with the Health and Safety Regulations 1996: Fire safety signs, Emergency exit signs, Road traffic regulations within the workplace, and Prohibition signage.

What are warning safety signs used for?

Warning signs should be used to make people aware of nearby danger, for example, a flammable liquid store. These health and safety signs are required by the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 and in specific cases by the Dangerous Substances (Notification and Marking of Sites) Regulations 1990.

What does the colour of safety signs mean?

Red safety signs are used as prohibition signage and dangerous behaviour; meaning to stop; shutdown; or evacuate. Yellow / Amber signs are warning signs, meaning to be careful, take precautions or examine. Blue safety signs mean that a sign is mandatory and that specific behaviour or action should be carried out, such as wearing protective equipment. Green signs signal an emergency escape or first-aid available. Green safety signs can also be used to label doors, such as exits, escape routes, equipment and facilities.

Organising the Industrial Workplace for More Productive Workflow

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Organising the Industrial Workplace for More Productive Workflow.

Workplace organisation is a visual and physical method of correctly organising the workplace. It ensures that only required material and equipment is present and that it is stored in a manner that aids the efficiency of the production facility or workplace.

 

Workplace and Stock Organisation

 

It goes without saying that labelling the workplace makes life a lot easier when searching for specific inventory or paperwork.

In the industrial workplace you can label shelving, racking, bins, boxes, trays, cupboards, folders… anything and everything!

Label holders and ticket holders are the most common and cost-effective method of labelling within the workplace.

Our label and ticket holders are available with a magnetic or self-adhesive backing which allows the holder to be fixed to either a magnetic receptive surface, like warehouse racking, or to a non-porous surface like wooden shelves in offices.

Labelling also improves stock control and logistics. Simply fix the labels underneath the relevant inventory and they will instantly be easier to locate.

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Self-adhesive peel away fixing

 

Magnetic attachment fixing

 

 

Waste Organisation

 

Industrial workplaces get through tonnes of waste. Keeping your waste segregated not only helps the environment but it also keeps the workplace safer by preventing slips and trips on casually discarded waste.
If recycling is important to you then segregating waste into categories is an essential process of helping the environment. Having waste collection units designated for mixed recycling (or more specific waste products like plastics, cardboard, metal etc) is good practice for the workplace. Waste can often be a by-product-afterthought of the manufacturing, packaging and logistics process but within every industrial setting it is accumulated significantly every working day. Not only is abandoned waste an eyesore, but it can also cause genuine and painful slip and trip hazards for pedestrians. We have a solution for this: racksack®.

The racksack® is easily attached to end-of-aisle racking and shelving with metal ‘S’ hooks, saving valuable floor space.

Organise your industrial waste into categories. The racksack® was designed specifically to help facilities to segregate industrial waste. Designs include:

  • General Waste
  • Mixed Recycling
  • Mixed Paper & Card
  • Plastic Only
  • Shrink Wrap
  • Plastic Strapping
  • Glass
  • Wood & Timber
  • Cardboard
  • Aluminium
  • Metal
  • Electrical

 

In addition to the racksack® we also have racksack® trolley which is designed to fit onto standard order picking trolleys enabling the user to collect waste as they go, as well as the racksack® rollcage which, similar to the racksack® trolley, is designed to be attached to a rollcage container to easily collect waste on the go.

 

The blue and green racksack® on the end of warehouse aisle racking, and the various waste design prints

 

racksack® trolley and racksack® rollcage – designed to help collect waste on the go!

 

Tool Organisation

 

Shadow boards are a simple but effective way of organising important workplace items. Designed with the ‘5S’ system in mind (Sort, Set In Order, Shine, Standardise and Sustain) shadows boards have many benefits including: Improved productivity, easy traceability of tools, staff accountability, workspace utilisation and value for money.

Our Modulean Shadow Boards are a highly visual and useful tool (excuse the pun) to keep track of tools and equipment. Having a set location for specific tooling helps prevent them from getting lost and brings accountability to return the tools to its rightful place after use. Shadow boards are also great for creating a focal point, or ‘station’, for example a first aid station, meaning there is a designated location when looking for the first aid kit to deal with minor incidents or in an emergency situation, causing less panic and confusion.

The Modulean Shadow Boards come in various colours and accessories, and is now available in a ‘Lite’ version with an optional mobile stand.

 

5S lean shadow boards for optimised tool stations and tool tracking

 

Safety Organisation

 

Clearly indicated safety signs and instructions are an essential feature for workplace health and safety in many professional working environments. Identifying company safety policies, procedures, routes and locations is important for the safety of staff and visitors on any premises, especially industrial settings. With safety in mind, high visibility signage is a must.
Health and safety is a company responsibility for the encouragement, regulation and enforcement of workplace health, safety and welfare and occupational risks. A simple, highly visual signal or framed sign can help comply with all of these responsibilities.

We offer a wide range of floor signals, signs and document display products (pockets and frames) to help emphasise and clearly display important messaging and safety protocol information. Available in various colours for colour coding.

Floor signals, markers and Frames4floors™ offer highly visual and easy to understand instructions. Made with tough, durable PVC material these floor products are designed to be able to withstand everyday pedestrian and vehicle traffic, with an aggressive adhesive backing suitable for application onto clean, flat, sealed surfaces. Floor signals are a simple way of highlighting walkways, traffic flow, pallet positions and general marking on the floor. Floor markers and Frames4floors™ are ideal for permanently displaying important information.

Document pockets and Frames4docs™ highlight and accentuate important information which can be changed frequently on notice boards or communal areas.This is not only for safety organisation, productivity can also be improved with the display of reports, targets, rotas, even daily quotes!

 

Frames4floors and floor signals, Floor marking products combined to mark out and identify areas of the warehouse floor

Floor signals and Frames4floors™ can be used to mark locations and display visual messages

 

Frames4docs™ on a notice board to help emphasise important information with colour coding

 

Organisation is a safe, clean, neat arrangement of the workplace which provides a specific location for everything, and eliminates anything not required.

 

For more information about implementing effective organisation solutions in the workplace, please contact us.