Visually Instructive
Workplace
Industrial Labeling
> Visually Instructive Workplace
What does it mean to
have a
visually instructive workplace?
Brady Corp. has developed
a program called the Visually Instructive Workplace.
A Visually Instructive
Plant (VIP) program helps in creating an organized and consistent
system to make a plant safer. The VIP system pinpoints the areas
in a facility where signs, labels, and tags are necessary; and indicates
the best placement on pipes, equipment, aisles, doorways, and wherever
else they are needed.
Keep in mind that label
printers and label materials are available to handle every type
of labeling need, including highly specialized needs. Machines and
supplies are available to meet the following labeling requirements
in any facility.
Needed information is
easily seen and available at
the location where it is needed.
Equipment Labels:
All machines, equipment, valves, and switches should
be clearly identified and labeled. Information on the labels should
be complete, accurate and understandable. For example, if a coal
pulverizer is designated as CPU2-05, don't label it with just this
number. Completely identify it as "Coal Pulverizer CPU2-05".
Process Flow Labeling:
Use labeling and signs to clearly identify locations
as to where they are in the process. Mark all tubing, pipes and
conduits to identify their function and the direction of flow. Use
signs to identify the areas in your plant in which each step of
the process takes place.
For example,
the coal feeder area might be identified as: "Furnace #2 Crushed
Coal Feeders". The pipe bringing coal into the feeder would
be identified as: "From Coal Bin 2-05". And the outlet
pipe from the coal feeder would be labeled, "To Coal Pulverizer
2-05".
Although this
is a very simple example, it demonstrates that anyone can stand
by the crushed coal feeders and know exactly where they are in the
process and what is happening.
Tubing, pipes
and conduit should be marked at frequent intervals, usually at least
every 50 feet and near bends, such that they can be identified (the
markings are visible) from any reasonable location in your facility.
Instrument Labels:
All instruments and transmitters should be identified
with labels. An identifying number, as well as their function in
the process should be identified. Bar codes might also be used for
quick, automatic identification. However, don't rely on bar codes
alone. People should be able to look at the label and be able to
identify the instrument without the aid of a bar code reader.
Directional Signs
(Emergency Evacuation): Make it easy for anyone
to get around in your facility and find the areas they need to get
to. Don't assume that, because everyone has worked there for a long
time, you don't need directional signs. In particular, emergency
evacuation signs are critical. People, who need to get out of the
building quickly, may be distracted, confused or disoriented during
an emergency.
Safety Signs / Hazard
Warnings: Use large, clear signs and labels to
identify hazardous materials, areas and safety concerns. Identify
who can and who can not enter certain areas. Identify what must
be done before entering certain areas. Provide first aid information,
emergency phone numbers and emergency proceedures.
Don't forget
about maintenance. After a few years signs and labels may become
dirty and unreadable. Have a regular, frequent inspection and maintenance
schedule. Clean dirty signs and labels. Replace missing and damaged
signs and labels. Remove or update out-of-date signs and labels.
Note: Having
your own sign / label maker helps ensure signs and labels are properly
maintained or replaced, in a timely manner.
Lockout /
Tagging: In addition to using lockout tags, use permanent signs
to provide lockout information, lockout proceedures and safety reminders.
Operating Proceedures:
Be sure plant personnel have the information they
need to operate your equipment and machinery. Post start-up proceedures,
shut-down information, process information and safety information
directly on the equipment. That way they'll always have the information
they need for the correct, safe operation of the equipment and machinery.
Maintainance Information:
Post maintenance proceedures and schedules on equipment
and machinery. Be specific about what should be done. For example,
if oil levels need to be checked weekly, don't post a sign that
says, "Check Oil Levels Weekly". Be specific about what
should be done and when it should be done. The sign should say,
"Check oil level Mondays at 8:00 am".
Storage Information
/ Warehouse Labeling: Most warehouse managers
are well aware of the importance of proper labeling and signage.
However, don't forget about storage areas outside of the warehouse
or tool room. Any location that is used for storage, whether temporary
or permanent, should be identified as such. Use signs to present
a description of the materials, tools or equipment that may be stored
at that location. Display the rules that apply to that storage area
-- such as "NO FLAMABLE MATERIALS" or "NO OVERNIGHT
STORAGE".
Note that a number of
different types of labeling materials are available that make warehouse
labeling easier and more effective. Warehouses may find magnetic
backed labels, static cling labels and repositionable (temporary)
labels to be useful.
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The bottom line is:
have the information people need, at the point where
they need it. This includes directional information, maintenance
proceedures, operating information, and process flow labeling. Complet
labeling and signage eliminates wasted time caused by someone having
to return to their office or shop to look up the information they
need. It helps prevent mistakes, by having the correct information
readily available at the point of need. It helps keep your facility
organized, saving time and increasing productivity. And it helps
keep your employees safe and healthy.
Creating a visually
instructive workplace is part of the Kaizen system of continual
improvement. Learn
more about Kaizen.
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