How To Choose The Right Material For Your Safety Sign

Safety signs are an effective and simple way to reduce risk in the workplace. Here in the UK, they also ensure your business stays legally compliant with current regulations and that your employees can work safely at all times. To suit the needs of various industries, safety signs are available in many different materials. And, if this is the first time you’re setting out to tackle a specific hazard, the options may be confusing. In this blog post, we’ll look at how best to choose the right material for your safety signs.

Why Does Material Matter?

All safety signs that are designed around the ISO7010 standard are made to be easily recognisable and legible. They are used to ensure certain messages can be read and understood clearly by everyone - regardless of native language or experience. While the printed material used on a safety sign may be clear, the structure of the sign needs to support this too.

Businesses need signs that can withstand external elements and last for many years. Poorly maintained or older signs can begin to deteriorate, making the pictograms or font harder to read. Those that aren’t wipe-clean will be harder to maintain and increase the potential for information to become distorted. The right material will ensure the message you are trying to get across remains clear and easily legible to all.

What Materials Are There?

Here at Lasting Impressions, we make signs in four different materials:

• Self-Adhesive Vinyl - This flexible gloss vinyl has a permanent self-adhesive backing. It is capable of bonding to most types of smooth, clean surfaces and works best when fitted in the interior of a building.
• 1mm Rigid Plastic - Made from a 1mm HIP plastic, these hard-wearing signs can be fitted both internally and externally with a wipe-clean surface for easy maintenance.
• Photoluminescent Plastic - These specialist signs are covered in a unique coating that absorbs natural light throughout the day. In the event of a power outage, they will glow and ensure information printed on them can be easily read. They are best suited to internal use and in areas where key safety messages cannot be missed.
• Alupanel - Tailored specifically for outdoor use, these aluminium composite signs have a plastic core. They can withstand extreme weather conditions.

How To Choose The Right One For You?

Firstly, consider where the hazard you are tackling is. If it is indoors and next to a smooth surface, consider the self-adhesive vinyl signs which require minimal installation. For fitting to hard, rough materials such as brickwork, the 1mm rigid plastic options offer a durable solution. And, if you need to alert people of a hazard outside the building, the alupanel signs offer the durability you can trust over the years.

We also recommend working with a specialist team when implementing new safety signs into your business. Here at Lasting Impressions, we can help you identify the right option for your business. If you have any questions or cannot find the sign you’re looking for, get in contact with us here today.