Archive: May 2019

Guide to Designing Industrial Safety Labels

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How to Design Industrial Safety Labels

Designing industrial safety labels is not a task to take lightly. The right labels can simplify actions, make people conditions safer and give workers a better idea of what to do with or around a particular object. Like common traffic symbols, specific colors, shapes and written content can make a notable difference in how people interpret a safety label, and these features can even save a life. If you need to design new industrial safety labels, consider these important elements to stay compliant and safe.

Important Elements of Safety Label Design

Any safety label design should include several key elements, including:

  • Content: Your safety and warning labels should convey exactly what a person needs to know and do to avoid getting hurt. Make sure your content is action-oriented and tells the reader precisely what will happen if they don’t follow instructions.
  • Pictures: Another factor to consider for your safety labels is the pictogram symbol you should include. This step is critical for communicating with anyone who does not read the label’s native language well. A professional pictogram will convey a severe hazard for the reader to avoid.
  • Signal word: A signal word is similar to a headline that will grab someone’s attention. A signal word such as “Warning” can communicate both the probability and severity of the hazard.
  • Durability: Finally, you should use a durable material that will stand up to the elements. Choosing squared or rounded corners that will prevent dangerous handling and opting for process that will hold up to chemicals is important depending on the industry you’re in.

Safety and Warning Labels Design Tips

As you consider how to create safety and warning labels, you’ll also need to look at the impact of color and shape. Color impacts everyday life as well as the subconscious. In the U.S., for example, red often means “stop” while green means “go.” The colors on your safety labels should be bright, bold and easily visible. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have created a chart that shows what colors mean in the workplace to aid in creating safety label designs.

Symbols and shapes are some other essential elements of safety label design. Consider, for example, the octagonal shape of a stop sign that lets drivers know to stop. The appearance of safety labels conveys similar information. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed symbols that communicate information when words aren’t enough. For example, yellow triangles with exclamation points inside usually mean danger, warning or caution.

Choose American Nameplate

If you need more tips for designing industrial safety labels, American Nameplate can help. We have years of industry experience and one of the fastest turnaround times in the nameplate industry. We can get you safety and warning labels quickly and help you through the design process. Contact us today to learn more.

Signs You Need to Update Your Nameplate

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How to Know When to Update Your Nameplate

Your brand should be evident in your products and in all that you do, including your nameplates. If it’s been a while since you last looked at your nameplates or your company has recently undergone significant changes, these could be signs you need an upgrade. Stay ahead of the competition by watching out for these common reasons you should change your nameplate.

1. You Changed Your Logo

Consistent corporate branding is necessary to generate company recognition. Everything from your email signatures to your store displays should feature an easily recognized logo. Whether you changed your font style or colors or completely redesigned your logo, you should update your nameplate to match this new theme. American Nameplate can use chemical etching, screen printing, and even stamping or embossing processes to revise your nameplates to reflect a logo change.

2. Your Company Merged With Another

Another reason to change your nameplate is if your company recently merged with another. Similar to a logo change, a merger will typically result in updated branding. As you start reviewing your products, take some time to look at your industrial labels as well so that the entire product reflects the branding change.

3. You Expanded Your Product Line

Expanding your company to offer more products is an exciting time, and it’s also a way to know your nameplate needs a makeover. Your nameplates’ current design may not work for additional product models. You may need to add a new model or product numbers, manufacturing dates, and additional safety information. It’s a good idea to check for any changes you should make, then build off your existing design to create a nameplate update that better fits your new products.

4. Your Product Changed

Likewise, you’ll know when to update your industrial labels if your product has changed. Maybe you haven’t released a particular product to the market in a while, or you’re upgrading some well-known merchandise with additional features. You can enhance your brand awareness by redesigning your nameplate to reflect these changes.

5. Your Competitors Updated Their Nameplates

Most companies are in tune with what their competitors are doing, including a change to their branding. If you notice that your competitors’ nameplates are more recognizable than yours, then you will know it’s time to update your industrial labels. Take a hard look at how your branding and messaging compares to your competitors, and work to catch up if you’re behind. Our nameplate specialists can help you stay up to date with the market and walk you through the best eye-catching nameplates or labels in the industry today.

Redesign Your Nameplate Today

When you notice signs you need to update your nameplate, don’t wait. American Nameplate is an industry leader with one of the fastest turnaround times in the nameplate business. We’ll work with you to create custom nameplates that will wow your customers and make your products stand out.

Contact us today to learn more about when to redesign your nameplate.