Modern workplaces, however safe they may be, are fraught with hazards. Forklifts, energized equipment, loading docks, busy warehouses, and other hazards can make it difficult for employees to work and move safely throughout a facility.
Floor marking for a factory is an essential component of a safe workplace. The floor lines, stripes, and dots lining facilities throughout the United States can create order, keep employees away from dangerous areas, and mitigate hazards wherever possible.
Here's a look at what OSHA has to say about floor marking, and how it can improve efficiency and increase safety in your facility.
At its core, floor marking consists of lines and symbols, most commonly painted or taped on a floor, that help people move around a facility and avoid hazards.
OSHA addresses floor marking specifically in its standard on materials handling and storage (29 CFR 1910.176). There it states, "Permanent aisles and passageways shall be appropriately marked," though it offers few details or requirements.
To clear things up, OSHA has offered interpretations expanding on these OSHA floor marking requirements. Interpretations state that:
There are no OSHA floor marking requirements for specific floor marking colors; however, a 1972 OSHA interpretation states that lines meant to define aisles may be any color, provided they lay out the aisle.
That said, the agency's standard for safety color codes (29 CFR 1910.144) can act as an OSHA floor marking guide for establishing a color-coded floor marking system. It specifies that red and yellow must be used for marking physical hazards.
Beyond these requirements, employers are free to use whichever colors they see fit for floor marking, provided they use the same colors consistently throughout a facility.
Now that you know the basics, how can hazard floor marking tape protect employees? Here's a quick rundown:
Floor marking isn't just a great tool for mitigating hazards and improving safety; it can also improve organization and efficiency. Here's how:
Using the right 5S floor tape is paramount when creating a safe warehouse. That's why it's recommended to use DuraLabel PathFinder RIGID Floor Marking Tape. This heavy-duty caution floor tape can withstand intense equipment traffic while protecting pedestrians and vehicles in motion.
DuraLabel's Floor Marking Instant Action Guide helps you get started with floor marking. The free guide helps readers understand the appropriate regulations and standards, improve safety and efficiency, and choose the best floor marking method. Request your free Floor Marking Instant Action Guide today.
Learn more about floor marking with this quick overview of common floor signage colors from the DuraLabel Floor Marking Color Chart. The free, one-page guide explains common industry practices, specific uses for various colors, and the importance of color coding throughout a facility. Grab a Floor Marking Color Chart today.
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