Different Types of Warning Signs

Author: John Dever
Warning signs are generally used for indicating potential hazards, obstacles or dangers which might require urgent public attention. The Health and Safety Regulation Act of England requires the use of warning signs wherever there is an obstacle or safety threat that cannot be removed by any other immediate human process.
The signs have to follow certain specifications and should compulsorily use visual symbols. If a specific condition is not covered under a fixed category a general warning sign with a standard triangle (generally red and white) containing an exclamation mark. Scientific Research proves that the use of graphic signs is 85% more effective in accident prevention and disaster aversion than written instructions and text signs

Different kinds of Warning Signs for Public Safety

Different Types of Warning Signs

Warning signs for public safety are based on UNECE (Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals). UNECE was designed to increase safety on roads and prevent accidents by standardizing warning sign signage. Warning signs are grouped into some major types like Danger warning signs, prohibitive signs and mandatory signs.
Road Danger warning signs are of various types like Slippery if wet, bridge is frozen, sharp turns ahead, 30% down grade signs. These signs act as warnings to drivers who are driving at high speeds.
If equipment like snow trucks, tractors and forklifts are prone to cross certain roads, general drivers are cautioned against their arrival by signs like "tractor crossing". Other kinds of signs include "sharp curves", "fork bend ahead", "two way road" , "unguarded level crossing" and "level crossing with barrier"
Prohibitive signs include signs like "Work in Progress – do not cross" or "high voltage – do not touch". These signs stop people from accessing an area which might cause potential physical harm. Signs like "no left", "no right" or "no parking" also warn drivers or the general public about restrictive areas.
Mandatory signs include signs meant for protecting the environment like "wild fowl passing". These signs are deemed compulsory by the World Environmental Cell to atop passing drivers from hurting passing animals who might wander in from the nearby woods.
Different kinds of Internal Warning signs
Internal warning signs refer to signs put up by employers like "slippery floors", "old stairs".  Fire equipment safety signs are square or oblong signs with red and white color schemes. Danger safety signs in office include signs like yellow oblong triangles with graphic designs of lighting striking the ground (these signs are placed near high voltage boards).
Employers who believe in equal opportunities also provide warning signs in Braille and touch sensitive verbal warnings signs for the hearing impaired. If you are an independent professional/ artist you can employ the same kinds of signs to warn clients/visitors about danger zones in your studio/work house.
As a responsible employer you can go for a safety sign audit, where a team from the health and safety group will evaluate the potential hazardous points in your work premises. They will present a comprehensive report to you about the location and the number of warning signs you should put up in your office and also brief you about delivering safety instructions to your employees.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/regulatory-compliance-articles/different-types-of-warning-signs-6219245.html
About the Author
John Denver is a local author who works to promote small businesses, including Warning Signs.

Points to Consider in Chemical Spill Cleanup

Author: Keyword Performance

Spills occur on small and larger scales. The latter tends to encompass oil spills or substances that have found their way from a facility into a stream, lake, or similar water source. The Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Rule, or SPCC, requires that such industries, companies, and facilities have guidelines and procedures to prevent and prepare for oil spills, but what about small-scale hazards? Even when a chemical spills inside a workplace, bystanders can still be contaminated, and the substance may find its way to a drain. As a result, workplaces of all types must be prepared with effective procedures and training for chemical spill cleanup.
Chemical spill cleanup tends to be far quicker than handling an oil spill or water contamination. Nevertheless, in order for cleanup to be effective, and not result in a fire, environmental hazard, or illness, workers must be ready and aware of the following facets:
Know Before You React
Not all chemicals are identical. As a result, spill cleanup supplies must vary to effectively cleanup the substance. Workers, before deploying any absorbents or neutralizers, need to first consult the MSDS.
Protect Yourself
Chemicals splash, contaminating or injuring bystanders or workers. In order for cleanup to go smoothly, workers handling the procedures must not only be trained but they also need personal protective equipment on hand, including goggles, gloves, or, in some cases, a full-body protective suit.
Decontaminate Anyone Exposed
Bystanders splashed or hit by the spilled chemical must be decontaminated. For this aspect, all except cleanup workers must leave the area. Those contaminated need to remove their exposed clothing, contain, and dispose of it, and must flush their skin or eyes with water or a similar substance.
Containing and Controlling The Spill

After the chemical has been identified, contain and control it: remove or block all sources of fire, ventilate the area, surround drains with socks, and possibly add a neutralizer before an absorbent is directly applied to the spill. A neutralizer, a loose material, is added over the liquid, from the perimeter inward to prevent splashing. The substance changing color indicates it is fully neutralized.
After, the absorbents are directly applied to the spill. Consulting the MSDS determines whether a universal, oil-only, or hazmat absorbent is used. Loose absorbents are additionally helpful, and like a neutralizer, are sprinkled directly on top of the substance. This time, however, the loose absorbent turns the spill into a gel, making it easier to scoop up and contain. Workers can brush or shovel up the gel, adding it to a five-gallon polyethylene bag or pail or a larger container, and then identify it. Once the substance is packaged for disposal, it can be placed inside a hood or other ventilated area.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/regulatory-compliance-articles/points-to-consider-in-chemical-spill-cleanup-6222710.html
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