New sign printer is perfect for facility maintenance

This press release talks about a new sign printer that is perfect for facility maintenance managers:

http://www.i-newswire.com/pr134016.html

Most label printers can only create a 4" wide label, but this printer can do a 9" wide label. This is idea for situations where you really want to create a full-sized sign. It is better than ordering from a catalog because you save so much money and can create a custom sign when you need it. You also get to choose the exact text and graphics that you want on the sign.

This printer is compared to the Brady PowerMark. The difference is that with the SafetyPro plus mentioned in the article above, you get up to 9" by 150' (50' longer than the Brady PowerMark), and you pay far less than you would for the machine and supplies than if you went with the Brady PowerMark.

Check it out, it is worth a look.

OSHA safety guide- a free safety guide

They say that there's "no such thing as a free lunch." Though that may be true, that is just not the case when it comes to OSHA guides. You can get one or several free guides that can help you with compliance related labeling questions. Check out this site:

http://www.industrialsafetyguides.com/safety_guides.html

You simply select as many free guides as you want, checkout and they are sent directly to you. There are ANSI, OSHA and WHMIS guides available. The guides are free, and are geared toward big businesses and government outfits.

Portable label printing made easier

Often when you want to print labels in the field, you have to settle for a portable or hand held label printer than can only do 2". With the product below, the SafetyPro battery pack, you can use your desktop label printer as a portable label printer. The battery pack works with the SafetyPro and the DuraLabel.

The basic idea is that you would use your laptop, your label printer and this battery pack to print on site where your project is. It is a great concept that lets you use the label printer you are already used to as a portable label printer:

http://www.industrialsafetysolution.com/info.php?subject=articles/portable_label_printer.php

If you don't already have a label printer, you can get one on their site:

http://www.industrialsafetysolution.com

Are there alternatives to Brady or DuraLabel?

I've seen far too many people paying far too much for facility safety. Having purchasing power should not exclude companies from getting the best price. Safety labeling can be particularly expensive, especially when you're working with Brady labeling machines or DuraLabel 4 TTP printers. Supplies for the DuraLabel or Brady brand printers can be cost prohibitive for all but the largest companies.

Luckily there is an alternative to Brady and DuraLabel. The following site has supplies that work in DuraLabel printers perfectly, and provide the exact same quality and durability for far less:

http://www.workplacesafetyid.com/labeling_printer.html

This printer and supply line are a great alternative to overpriced Brady and DuraLabel brands.

OSHA compliant labeling in your facility

Is labeling really necessary? If you want to comply with OSHA directives which call for clear hazard communication, then yes. OSHA 1910 gives information on how to properly identify a variety of safety hazards. The following two links can provide further insights into this OSHA code:

http://www.oshalabel.com/osha_1910-144_labeling.html
http://www.oshalabel.com/osha_1910-1200_labeling.html

Of course, safety label printing is not the only thing that you need for plant or facility safety. OSHA compliance is a complex task. A complete hazard communication program will help you make sure you are keeping your employees properly informed, creating a safe working environment.

RTK and NFPA Labeling

Wow, there is a lot that people need to know when it comes to Right To Know (RTK) and National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) labeling! There are a lot of supplies out there that just don't match up to the task of labeling harsh chemicals- a good solid chemical resistant vinyl and a properly formulated thermal transfer ribbon are essential. More to come on this subject for sure.

ANSI 13.1 Pipe Marking and Labeling

I was just reviewing ANSI 13.1, which is all about pipe marking. There are also ASME piping codes, like ASME B31.1 for Power Piping, ASME B313 for Process Piping and ASME B31.9 for Building Piping. I also know that these apply to steam tunnel assessments, steam & condensate explosions, conduit piping and pipe designs & repairs.

So, why is all this important for your facility safety? ANSI standards are important to running a facility that meets OSHA compliance regulations. Pipe marking and pipe labeling are important for the safety of employees and maintenance managers. You can use a vinyl label printer for pipe marking, which is much better than buying expensive pre-printed labels. These types of printers also let you print on-demand, and produce just the right amount and types of labels that you need, when you need them.

Expect more posts on this subject in the very near future.

Safety is important

I don't know of a facility maintenance manager that would consider safety anything but "first place" for importance. Being safe in an office, warehouse or plant requires proper labeling, visual indicators (signage) and proper education. Training is important, but good labeling is even more important, because good labels and signs are a constant reminder for everyone.

This blog reports on news and information that matters to people who are important to the proper maintenance of any facility. I hope that the information you find here will help you get the job done right, and on budget.