Floor marking tapes are used for various purposes. They help in creating aisles, indicate directions, designate storage or parking areas, divide spaces, and highlight hazards. More recently they have been popularly used to measure out spaces for people in queues that are required to social distance. they are often used in place or paint as they are easy and faster to apply. They are a temporary, convenient, and cost-effective solution that can be availed in various thicknesses and colour options.
Mainly used in commercial and industrial environments, floor marking tapes can often be incorrectly applied. Here are some of the common mistakes that occur during their use.
Not Adhering to Colour Codes
When using tape to indicate a hazardous area where people should be more careful, using the right colour of tape matters. Diagonal striped patterns of alternating colours like black and yellow or red and white are the most easily recognised the world over. Once people see the pattern, they know they should avoid the area marked out for health and safety. If you however used a plain colour, especially one that blends in with the rest of the floor, then people will not be aware of any danger and might stray where they should not.
Training Gaps
As said, floor marking tapes are typically used in commercial and industrial facilities. It is important to train the staff on what different colours or patterns of floor making tapes mean for safety’s sake. Especially in facilities where there are many hazards like electrical dangers, heavy machinery, and toxic chemicals in use. Have different designs of tape in use and ensure staff are repeatedly reminded of what the different colours mean.
Wrong Material Choice
There are different kinds of materials used to make caution tapes. Many are durable because they are used on surfaces that are not subject to roughness. What may be suitable for wall marking may not be ideal for the floor. More so if you have a combination of human footfall and machinery that will keep running over the area. For instance, where you have forklifts in use and are likely to run over the tape, opt for vinyl tape with rubber adhesive that has superior holding strength. You also need to factor in whatever other exposure the tape will suffer. Like if the area often becomes wet, is exposed to the elements or harsh cleaning products.
No Consultation
Caution tapes can be customized in terms of design, materials, wording, thickness, and more. People often end up using the wrong type of tape because they lack knowledge of what would be most suitable for their needs. Being ignorant of anything tape related is not the problem. Failing to consult with those that are professionals is. Manufacturers that make caution tapes can readily advise you on what type of tape is most suitable and what customizations you can include enhancing its safety. Ensure you highlight whatever hazards the tape will be exposed to and the message you want to visually impart so a suitable design can be developed for your needs.
