The only official copy of this file is the one on-line in the NSLS ESH website. Before using a printed copy, verify that it is the most current version by checking the document issue date on the NSLS ESH website.

Number:	LS-ESH-PRM-1.7.0
Section:	SIGN AND TAG GUIDELINES
04/09/08	04/09/08
Revision:	2
Prepared by:	Lori Stiegler
Approved by:	Andrew Ackerman, ESH/Q Manager

 

1.0              PURPOSE

This procedure establishes the specifications for signs and tags within the NSLS Complex (NSLS and SDL).  Many of these signs and tags will be for accident prevention or hazard information, but others will be purely instructional in nature.

 

2.0              POLICIES

This procedure follows the guidance established in: 

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) section 1910.145, Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags

OSHA - These specifications apply to the design, application, and use of signs or symbols (as included in paragraphs (c) through (e) of this section) intended to indicate and, insofar as possible, to define specific hazards of a nature such that failure to designate them may lead to accidental injury to workers or the public, or both, or to property damage. These specifications are intended to cover all safety signs except those designed for streets, highways, railroads, and marine regulations. These specifications do not apply to plant bulletin boards or to safety posters. (Quote from 1910.145(a)(1))

 

• BNL Standards-based Management System Subject Areas

• BNL Radiological Control Manual

 

3.0              SCOPE

The scope of this procedure applies to signs and tags, and methods of affixing, surfaces to be affixed to, environments, visibility, and making signs.

 

4.0              RESPONSIBILITIES

 

4.1              Engineering/Technical/Scientific Staff:  NSLS engineers, technicians and scientists are responsible to post their equipment, as necessary, following the guidance in this PRM, and the SBMS Subject Areas.  Each group shall develop postings required for their area of expertise: examples are the Electrical Section posting for electrical hazard information, the Utilities Group posting for water flow information.

 

4.2              NSLS ESH Staff:  NSLS ESH staff members shall provide guidance for posting areas with industrial hazards such as noise, magnetic fields, RF fields, lasers, biological hazards, etc.  These may require surveys and measurements beforehand to determine the type of posting.  Subject Matter Experts may be asked to assist.

 

4.3              Radiological Control Facility Support Representatives/Technicians (RCD):  RCD personnel assigned to the NSLS are the only individuals allowed to post radiological signs.  These will be based on their own radiological surveys.

 

 

5.0              SIGN AND TAG GUIDANCE

This section provides guidance for the signs themselves and for their placement.  See Section 6.0 for definitions of signs and tags.

 

5.1              Wording

 

5.2              Visibility

• Place signs at pertinent locations.  When sufficient surface is not available, a tag should be used.  The tag may refer to a nearby sign containing additional information.

• Assure that signs are fully visible from all angles at which the equipment might be accessed (this may require four or more signs if equipment may be accessed from all sides).

• Colors are specified by OSHA for Danger, Warning, Caution and Safety Instruction signs/tags.  Use color-fast inks.

• Lettering size should be adjusted to the distance at which the sign must be read; this will affect the overall size of the sign.

• Too many signs in one location result in loss of impact and disregard of information.

 

5.3              Methods for Affixing Signs

• Adhesive tape (Scotch, duct, masking, etc.):  not recommended; tape dries over time and sign falls down.  Some tapes darken over time and may obscure the wording.

• Double-sided foam tape:  recommended for many environments, but if the sign is too heavy, the foam may split causing the sign to drop.

• Velcro:  good for certain smooth surfaces and practical for signs that must be repeatedly removed and replaced over time.

• Ties:  these are useful when applying tags or when signs cannot be placed on certain surfaces.  Plastic cable ties will work in most cases with the exception of heated surfaces where a wire tie is more appropriate.

• Clear plastic covers:  good for protecting paper signs; sheets of Lexan acting as covers or self-adhesive plastic envelopes or laminations.

• Screws:  may be used for plastic signs if surface will accommodate the screws.

 

5.4              Surfaces onto Which a Sign is Affixed

• Clean, smooth surfaces:  use double-sided foam tape, Velcro, self-adhesive plastic envelopes.

• Surface is irregular or too small for a sign:  a tag is an option (the tag could refer to a more detailed sign at another location); etch information into the surface of the equipment (good for alphanumeric IDs); use a barcode.

• Concrete:  affix sign with screws.

• Hot surfaces:  heat resistant tape used in a label-maker; a tag which does not adhere to the surface (may have to use heat-resistant material and a wire tie).

• Wet surfaces (condensate or weather):  plastic signs are best (do not use laminated signs, they leak over time).

• Painted surfaces:  use a method of affixing the sign even if the paint peels (tags, screws).

 

5.5              Environments to Consider When Affixing a Sign

• Heat:  glue may melt; use heat resistant materials, tags or screws.

• Humidity:  see section 5.4 for wet surfaces.

• Weather (outdoor, wind, rain, etc.):  plastic signs with weather resistant colors affixed by screws are best.

• Radiation areas:  plastic signs are best; adhesive tape (Scotch, duct, masking, etc.) is not recommended; double-sided foam tape is better; screws; some clear plastics may darken over time and obscure wording.

• Darkness:  use illuminated signs.

• Bright light:  use color-fast inks.

• Elevation:  letter size must be large enough to be read at a distance.

• Vibration:  sign must be firmly fixed (such as self-adhesive vinyl signs).

 

5.6              Sign Ownership

• Signs and tags should list a contact and a date when it is necessary to direct the reader or when questions about the contents of the sign might arise.  It is preferable to use job position rather than name.

• Signs/tags with contact names should be periodically reviewed to make sure they are up to date.  If a person leaves the employ of the NSLS signs with that person's name should be updated.

 

5.7              Signs as Barriers

• If access into an area needs to be blocked for some period of time, a barrier may be put in place.

• A number of barriers are in use at the NSLS that have signs which are integral parts of those barriers.  Examples are:  a) cones with retractable barrier tape; b) stand-alone plastic accordion retractable walls; and c) compressions rods that fit into doorways.  See NSLS ESH Highlight #33.

• Caution tape (yellow/black) may also be used as a barrier.  In this case, a sign may be affixed to the tape or nearby that provides the reason for the barrier and other information such as contact names and dates (see template).

 

5.8              Making Signs

BNL has a Sign Shop located adjacent to the Carpenter Shop in Building 422.  Call x5316 for information.  Some capabilities may be seen at this web site: http://epweb.pe.bnl.gov/om/bnlsigns/index.asp

 

6.0              DEFINITIONS

 

Signs/OSHA Definition (1910.145(b)):

As used in this section, the word "sign" refers to a surface on prepared [material] for the warning of, or safety instructions of, industrial workers or members of the public who may be exposed to hazards. Excluded from this definition, however, are news releases, displays commonly known as safety posters, and bulletins used for employee education.

 

Tags/OSHA Definition (1910.145(f)(2) and 1910.145(f)(3)):

"Tag" means a device usually made of card, paper, pasteboard, plastic or other material used to identify a hazardous condition.  Tags shall be used as a means to prevent accidental injury or illness to employees who are exposed to hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions, equipment or operations which are out of the ordinary, unexpected or not readily apparent. Tags shall be used until such time as the identified hazard is eliminated or the hazardous operation is completed. Tags need not be used where signs, guarding or other positive means of protection are being used.

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