Signage in the Warehouse: Safety and Protection
Workplace safety is one of the most important aspects to consider in any work environment, but even more so in a warehouse where people, lifting equipment, and goods converge. To minimize the risk of accidents, it is essential to use appropriate signage
Vertical signage in warehouses
All safety signs have in common the need to communicate clearly and unambiguously. Any ambiguity could indeed endanger the lives or health of the people they are intended for. The current regulations provide for the presence of the following categories of safety signage that must be present in logistics warehouses:
- Prohibition signs: have a white background, a red round border, a red band inclined at 45° from left to right downwards, and a black pictogram
- Danger signs: characterized by the yellow colour, the pictograms of danger signs are black, as well as the borders. They are triangular or have a triangle inside them with the vertex pointing upwards. Supplementary texts are black
- Mandatory signs: also called prescription signs, these have a white background and a white pictogram on a blue round background. The texts, if present, are white if the background is blue and black if the background is white
- Emergency or rescue signs: these signs have a green background, white pictograms, and borders. Any texts are white on a green background and black on a white background
- Fire signs: characterized by a red background, white pictograms, and a white perimeter border. Any supplementary texts will be in white on a red field and black on a white field
Directive 92/58/EEC and European Standard EN 15635 establishes the obligation to install load capacity signs on shelves to ensure the safe use of the storage system. These signs must comply with specific criteria, including the description of safety signs, the maximum load per current level, the height from the top of a current to the top of the next level, the height from the base plate to the top of the current of the first level, the maximum load of the module with all levels, and supplier data such as name, logo, and next annual technical inspection.
Horizontal signage
Mainly characterized by visual elements on the floor, horizontal signage must ensure the correct and safe circulation of vehicles and people within particular perimeters.
The signage traced on the flooring can be classified into different types, depending on the message to be communicated. According to safety standards, hazards, prohibitions, or information are represented with shapes and colours, similar to road signs. In this way, horizontal signage represents an important tool for the safe management of vehicle and people movements within warehouses and depots.
The paint used for signage must be resistant to wear and abrasion; therefore, special resin-based paints are used. In addition, to minimize slipping, anti-slip adhesives applied directly to the floor or stairs are used.
Ensuring safety represents a fundamental priority for every company. Training, prevention, responsibility, and maintenance are crucial elements to minimize hazards to people, potential malfunctions, and material damages.
Signage, particularly horizontal signage, is subject to wear and tear and therefore requires regular maintenance to continue to be efficient over time. It is important to include a specific program within the warehouse traffic plan so that control and restoration are carried out with the right periodicity. In this way, safe and well-signalled structures can be guaranteed for all users.
FERCAM Logistics & Transport cares about the issue of workplace safety, which translates into safety for its employees, customers, goods, and those travelling on the roads. As a transport company, we do our best to ensure high safety standards in all company perimeters and structures.
