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Signage has always been an important part of keeping businesses up-to-date and helpful for all who are passing through. From new design trends to various types of sign materials, there is so much that business owners and offices can do to enhance signage. At Custom Signs, our #1 recommendation for creating signage that keeps up with the times while staying functional and easy to navigate are custom acrylic signs!

Is Acrylic Signage Expensive?

The most common question is the most understandable for many businesses: price. Looks aren’t everything when it comes to curating building signage; the price is often the biggest concern, especially for large projects like schools and hospitals.

Understanding the Cost of Acrylic Signs

Thankfully, acrylic signage is affordable and has long been the solution to the cost issues of glass signs. Depending on the size and thickness, acrylic signs can be upwards to 80% more cost-efficient than a glass sign. Acrylic signs have masterfully balanced the elegance of translucent signs with the affordability of plastic signs.

Acrylic can still vary quite a bit in price. Many factors will affect the price of acrylic signs, such as size and thickness. The larger signs need larger and more secure shipping, which will raise prices. Ordering all your signs at once is a good way to cut down on additional shipping costs.

The thickness of your acrylic sign also effects the cost. Depending on specific needs, companies may choose between 1/16″ acrylic or 1/8″ acrylic. The thinner 1/16″ will be great for smaller door signs and room numbers, while the thicker 1/8″ is more durable and better suited for large logo signs and directories.

Is Plexiglass and Acrylic the Same Thing?

Yes, plexiglass and acrylic are the same material. Just like many other brand names have become the colloquial term for a product, the term plexiglass originated from the branded term Plexiglas®. Both acrylic and plexiglass refer to the same plastic material, polymethyl methacrylate, or PMMA.

Although some brands may vary in the manufacturing process, regardless of the term used, you are still going to receive the same reliable product when shopping for acrylic signs.

How Do You Keep Acrylic Signs from Scratching?

Thankfully, acrylic is already a very durable material, but mistakes often happen and signs may get scratched up if not properly cared for. The most appealing part of acrylic is the translucent and clean look, so keeping up with that is always a top priority.

To keep your acrylic from scratching, it is best to handle it with care when transporting or mounting your sign. Wearing gloves will ensure no finger prints are left behind, but you can also use a microfiber cloth to remove any marks after your sign is installed. Regularly cleaning your acrylic sign will ensure it lasts as long as you need.

Protecting Your Acrylic Signs from Scratches

When it comes to scratches, acrylic signs often use a technique called “second surface printing.” This method reverse prints the design on the backside of an acrylic sign, offering additional protection as the ink cannot be scratched off. This method also creates the 3D effect seen in many acrylic signs.

What Is the Best Way to Hang Acrylic Signs?

For a more elevated sign, people often search for mounting options that match the aesthetic. The best option to mount acrylic signs is using aluminum stand-offs, which give a floating effect that does not obstruct the design. To properly install stand-offs, ensure you have the ideal mounting surface, such as a solid, flat wall. Stand-offs cannot be used on windows or flimsy surfaces as they need to be screwed into a wall.

Alternatively, s-hooks, hanging chains, and suction cups with hooks are other cost efficient options that allow for the same visual effect. It is important to consider where the sign will be mounted before making this decision. Smaller signs may best suit hanging chains or suction cups, but for larger signs that will be heavier, stand-offs are your best option.

The New Standard

When creating a custom acrylic sign, aesthetic is often the goal, but there is so much more that we know businesses need to consider. Price, durability, and versatility are all concerns that are answered with acrylic signs! At Custom Signs, we’re here to help you create your signage vision. With various size options and thicknesses, our clear acrylic signs are intended to suit your needs.

At Custom Signs, we’ve spent the past 70 years creating customized products that bring your vision to life. As we celebrate this exciting milestone, we’re reflecting on how we’ve played a role in evolving the world of customization.

Our rich history, strong connections, advanced machinery, unwavering commitment to quality, and efficient shipping set us apart from the competition, making us a leader in the industry.

History

Custom Signs, originally founded as Holmes Stamp & Sign, was first started by Owen Holmes in 1954, right out of his garage in Jacksonville, Florida. Mr. Holmes had a passion for connecting with his community and wanted to give people an easy way to express themselves through personalized products. In the early days, customized products relied on manual processes, and Mr. Holmes’ dedication to quality and personalization laid a strong foundation for the company.

As the business grew, we continuously discovered ways to improve and innovate. In 2009, Bryan Croft took over as CEO, bringing a fresh vision and strategic direction to Custom Signs. Recognizing the potential of the internet, Bryan moved the business online, making it easier for customers nationwide to access our personalized signs. This shift not only expanded our reach but also streamlined our operations and enhanced customer experience.

Machinery

Before modern technology, the production of custom signs relied on manual carving or chemical etching. While effective, these traditional processes were time-consuming and less precise. Manual carving demanded immense skill and patience, often resulting in variations in quality and consistency. Chemical etching involved the use of hazardous substances that posed significant risks to the health and safety of workers. 

The introduction of laser engraving machines revolutionized custom signs production. Unlike older methods, laser engraving allows for intricate designs to be replicated with exceptional accuracy. The speed of laser technology enables rapid production, reducing turnaround times and increasing efficiency. This advancement has not only streamlined manufacturing but also elevated the safety and standard of custom production.

Raising the Bar for Quality

With all of our products made here in the USA, we ensure that only the highest quality products leave our facilities. We have set the standard for what high-quality customized products should look like. Each unique sign undergoes thorough quality check processes:

ADA Signs:

• Tactile lettering is precisely engraved and checked for accuracy.
• Tactile lettering appliqué is carefully applied with uniform depth and clarity.
• Braille dots are correctly embedded into pre-carved holes and scanned for readability.
• Color contrast and consistency is verified to meet ADA standards.
• The sign is reviewed one final time to ensure proper font, spacing, and layout

Brass Signs:

• A diamond-tip rotary tool is used for engraving to achieve clean, sharp lines and intricate details.
• Colored brass signs are sublimated to produce high-resolution and vibrant designs.
• Engraved black text is oxidized with a special solution for durability and enhanced visibility.
• Signs are thoroughly cleaned and can be coated with a UV spray for added protection.

Plastic Signs:

• Laser engraved using advanced Trotec lasers to achieve accurate and detailed designs.
• Colored plastic signs are UV-printed to produce bright colors that wont fade over time.
• Signs are meticulously cleaned to ensure a pristine finish.

Aluminum Signs:

• Made from rust-proof, heavy-duty aluminum for longevity.
• A high-quality vinyl overlay with the design is applied for enhanced graphics and increased durability.
• Optional UV lamination is available for outdoor use to enhance durability.

Nationwide Shipping

While we take pride in our Jacksonville, Florida roots, we wanted people nationwide to have the opportunity to shop our personalized products. To make this possible, we made the shift to our online stores and began shipping to all 50 states. 

From the very beginning, we committed to shipping within two business days, ensuring our delivery driver dispatched orders promptly. Today, with the help of modern technology and our experienced team, we continue to uphold our tradition of super-fast shipping across the country, providing the same reliable and speedy service our customers have come to expect.

Looking Ahead

While we celebrate 70 years of innovation and excellence, we are excited about the future.  We’re aiming for another 7 decades of not only increased connections with our customers and fantastic products, but opening more paths of opportunity and security for our team members. At the time of writing we have had 700 employees come and go since 2012, and have several second generation employees on our staff.

Custom Signs is nothing without the people that keep it running and through continued focus on customer service, innovation, and creating great products.

With our CEO Bryan at the helm, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of customization, continually enhancing our processes, and expanding our reach. We are grateful to our loyal customers for their trust and support, and we look forward to many more years of helping people express themselves through our high-quality personalized products. Thank you for being part of our journey.

As we enter flu season and another expected rise in COVID cases, businesses and schools are approaching safety measures differently across the states. While mask mandates are lifted in many places, physicians and the CDC recommend preparing for cold weather which inevitability pushes more people indoors. Important stats you should know:

• Cases are down across the US since the peak of the delta variant in September
• Daily new cases averaged 173,000 in mid-September
• As of October 28^th, average new cases are 73,000 daily
• By September 21, 2021, an estimated 182 million persons in the United States were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (Source: CDC.gov)
• However, daily vaccination rates have declined approximately 78% since April 13, 2021
• The CDC recommends keeping masking in place as winter approaches and cases go up
• Business and schools can promote the wearing of masks with professional signage

How Businesses and Schools are Using Mask Required Signs

Getting creative: Some organizations come up with their own phrases and ideas for mask required signs, or create custom signs that pop! Check out this mask sign with a bold message and bright colors. “Please wear your mask, it’s an easy task.”

There are other ways to make mask signs more heartfelt, such as this “Wearing is caring” mask.

Being funny: Some organizations take their chance to show some snark. Check out these two bold mask signs:

Source: Pinterest

Source: Pinterest

Staying stern: Most businesses keep their mask required signs professional and straightforward, opting to display simple messages like “No mask, no entry” or “STOP! Face mask required.”

Three Reasons Mask Required Signs are Beneficial

As you visit businesses across your city, you may notice many have used handwritten signs. Investing in a durable plastic or metal sign will show customers you take their health and safety seriously. Wear a mask signs will also last longer and will not be easily removed by disgruntled customers. Here are a few benefits of displaying a real face mask required sign:

1. Customers can see that you mean business
2. Disgruntled customers can’t easily remove your sign
3. Plastic and metal signs can be displayed indoors and outdoors

Organizations that are Stricter on Wearing Face Masks

• Government buildings such as DMVs and courthouses
• Post offices
• Dentist offices
• Doctor’s offices
• Schools and daycares

Types of Signs

At CustomSigns.com you can find several designs in mask signs, featuring:

• Notice Face Mask Required Signs
• There’s a Smile Behind My Mask Signs
• No Mask No Entry Signs
• Please Wear A Face Mask Signs

Custom Sign Options

If you do not see a mask sign that fits your needs, design your own! CustomSigns.com offers plastic, vinyl, aluminum, brass and acrylic signs in many options. Add custom text, images, graphics, logos and more to your sign to personalize it to your organization.

Customization options include engraving and UV printing, and we have a range of hanging styles readily available including pins, hooks, screws, and more.

As businesses, particularly retail stores and shipping facilities, get ready for the busy holiday season, and the expected rise in COVID cases, make sure you’re ready! Post custom signs inside and outside your building to let customers know you are doing your part to reduce the spread!

Sources:

CDC.gov

AP News

ABC News 7

Pinterest

Don’t let potential customers pass you by!

When starting a business or updating your latest marketing campaign, you’ll have to decide between different types of advertising. You’re going to question the best ways to reach your audience, how much you can spend, and the most effective ways to get your message across. Car magnets offer a straightforward, affordable way to attract customers. Whether you work for a small business or a booming chain, utilizing custom car magnets will help ring in the customers you have been asking for!

Think of the last time you had a service provider come to your home. Whether it was the cable guy, plumber, or lawn service, they most likely drove a branded car. Car magnets are not just a form of advertising. They are an essential branding tool that you need to include in your business. If you’re wondering if these magnetic signs are right for your company, check out our top 7 benefits.

1. Trust – Give your customers a sense of security with branded company vehicles. When your employees show up in marked cars, your business looks more legitimate. Branded car magnets show off your professionalism and ensure trust in your service.
2. Low Cost – Commercials, newspaper ads, and billboards will cost you a pretty penny and must be purchased over and over again. While the exposure is great, will you make back your investment? With car magnets, you can buy a set of two for less than $60. Car magnets are a one-time buy, proving to be the most cost-effective way to market your business.
3. Removable – Unlike vehicle wraps, the magnetic material these vehicle signs are made of allows you to cling, peel, and reposition them in a matter of seconds. Having a clean company car is essential. When you take your vehicle to the car wash, you can easily peel off your vehicle magnets, wash any dirt or dust particles off your car and place it back on. Having removable signage means you can move and replace the sign wherever you prefer!
4. Easy to Order – Using other forms of advertising can be complicated and pricey. It can involve contracts, negotiations, and payment plans. Custom car magnets are simple to personalize and buy. Choose from templates or customizable magnet options. Add all the business information you wish to display and click checkout. These high-quality magnets are made to your exact specifications and ready to apply right when your order arrives!
5. No Damage – Since magnetic car signs are easily removable, you do not have to worry about them causing abrasion to your vehicle. While other car advertisements like a vinyl wrap or stickers can add a fun element to your work vehicle, it can severely damage your paint job and requires a lot of upkeep. 
6. Versatile – Magnetic decals work on any vehicle model. Whether you want to place your magnets on a sturdy work truck, small car, or an SUV, our car magnets are adaptable and come in multiple sizes to fit any vehicle. If separate work vehicles are not in your business’s budget, then placing your branded magnet on your personal vehicle can turn an ordinary car into a company car.
7. Brand Awareness – Every marketer’s top priority is showing their company’s brand, name, and message to all potential customers. The more eyes on their ad the better! With magnetic car signs, your advertisement is always on the go. Your business will be seen by hundreds to thousands of people, from drivers to pedestrians and neighbors!

Using a vehicle magnet is not the only important step in your business branding. To effectively market your service, you need to optimize the design and information displayed on your sign. No matter the industry, there are specific details that you must include on your car sign to receive the payoff!

• Name – While this is self-explanatory, you must make sure your company name is front and center on your magnet. If all else fails, a simple Google search can help people find your business.
• Logo – Images and clipart are great for drawing people’s attention. Vehicle graphics will attract eyes to your car sign. Your logo helps separate you from other companies that they may see on their drive.
• Phone number – Your business phone number is a critical detail that you cannot leave out. Without contact information, you cannot expect potential customers to reach out for service. Providing a unique number or extension can even help you track the number of calls gained from your vehicle’s signs!
• Address – Whether you have a physical address for business or a web address, clearly label it on your sign. People love to learn about a company before they invest their time and money. Make their decision in choosing your business easier by presenting your address!
• Services Provided – While name, logo, and address are critical, you must inform customers of your type of service! Do not leave things up for interpretation. For example, including a picture of a dog instead of listing your trade can be confusing. A vague image of a dog could mean you work for a vet, groomer, or even a local shelter. Make your service clear.

Attract new customers with magnetic car signs and give your business the exposure it deserves. Finding the right way to advertise your services can be a challenge. When using branded car signs, you can put your business out there without making a huge investment or taking a big risk. It creates a cohesive and professional look that your customers will appreciate. Creating a custom magnet is easy and comes ready to use! Highlight your unique logo and business information on a product that will bring you deserved clientele. We would love to see how you display your custom car magnets! Share your photos with us by tagging @customsignsco and follow us for more business inspiration!

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In a matter of days, the US has adopted and become very familiar with a new word – social distancing. Anyone paying attention to the news, their neighbors, or strangers in their local grocery store, is aware of social distancing and what it means. Staying six feet away from other people is the most common of the social distancing measures. Maintaining distance, and “doing the five“, are vital practices for businesses who have kept their doors open to the public.

Shop new social distancing signs now

COVID-19 has created a new way of living, and it’s likely to be the new norm even after initial fears of coronavirus infection have faded. Residences and businesses have access to new signage designed to help reinforce social distancing, and control the spread of COVID-19. Whether you have a high-risk person in your household, or you are keeping your business afloat during the pandemic, you can find signs to remind others to keep a proper social distance.

Business Signs for Social Distancing

Most businesses, particularly small local businesses across the US, are doing everything they can to stay afloat and to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Make sure you have signage in place that lets your customers know you are open for business, and that you are following CDC guidelines.

Keep your business running during quarantine and social distancing with:

• Yes, We’re Open for Business Signs
• We’re Practicing Social Distancing Signs
• Wash Your Hands Signs
• Take-Out and Curbside Signs
• Do the Five Signs

Once the US is operating normally again, businesses and individuals will still be on high alert, and keenly aware of the danger of infectious disease. It is pertinent to adopt new procedures and ensure that your staff and customers follow them. Get the signs you need to let customers know you are practicing newly adopted rules and expectations in a post-COVID-19 world.

Also make sure your customers have easy access to the information they need about your business. Make sure your signage is current and that it reflects your latest hours, procedures, new delivery services and rules.

Every small business or restaurant should post updated signs for their:

• Hours of Operation (Include Peak Hours)
• Accepted Payment Methods
• Drive up or Walk in Rules
• Food Delivery Rules, Locations or Limits

It is also important to post updated signage that will set customers at ease once restaurants and “non-essential” businesses are open.

Get ready to welcome customers and shoppers back by posting updated signs for:

• Wash Your Hands
• ADA Compliance
• Restrooms
• Stairs and Fire Exits
• Shop all Business Signs Now!

Or Shop Signs for:

Restrooms | ADA Braille | Parking | Payment Decals

Residential COVID-19 Safety Signs and Social Distancing Signs

Delivery of groceries, take-out, gifts and everyday essentials is a popular convenience that many people enjoy, and it continues to grow in popularity. Amazon’s two day delivery is the standard these days. Modern consumers have grown to expect quick, fast delivery to their front door. This likely will not change, but will become more common as people adapt to life after the coronavirus outbreak. Households with high risk family members can protect themselves from exposure to illnesses by posting signs such as:

• “Someone in this House Has a Weakened Immune System”
• Reminders to Leave Deliveries at the Door
• No Soliciting
• Practice Social Distancing
• No Trespassing

Lighten the Mood with Decorative Signs for Home or Business

As post-pandemic messaging becomes standard, businesses and home owners will be placing these signs in plain sight. You can maintain your home or business aesthetic with required signage. Decorative signs include engraved wood, brass and plastic. You can even carve out a personal space at home with she shed and man cave signs. Create your own sign to include any message you want! Make it funny or inspirational.

Decorative signs are available for homes, businesses and cars.

Shop: She Shed | Man Cave | License Plates | Street Signs | Address Signs | Funny Signs

Healthcare workers, the government, and everyday people are navigating unfamiliar territory. New York City residents who use public transportation daily, along with teachers, workers in elderly care facilities, childcare facilities and so many other professions and walks of life will undoubtedly take stronger measures against potential future outbreaks.

Everyone can do their part in flattening the curve, and preparing for the return to school, work, and everyday life. Remember to do the five!

Professionally made magnetic car signs can be used to market nearly any type of small business, from florists and caterers to restaurants, delivery services and food trucks.

Many new businesses use car magnets because these ads:

• Create top of the funnel brand awareness
• Generate 30,000+ daily impressions
• Cost significantly less than the $1,500-$4,000 monthly cost of many billboard signs
• Have a memory recall rate of 97%
• Help meet the budgetary needs of new businesses trying to spend less than 7-7% of gross revenue on marketing
• Reinforce recognition of brand logos and colors
• Are easy to design with contact info and discounts

Car Ads Function as Brand Touch Points

Car advertisements create brand awareness that can be further reinforced with future customer touch points, such as visiting your store, seeing your website online or other types of advertising. A beautifully designed sign allows you to introduce your small business to the local market, get exposure for a new logo and share up-to-date contact information with potential customers.

Did you know that individual vehicle advertising generates around 30,000 to 70,000 daily impressions? ARD Ventures, a venture capital firm dedicated to market research, completed an outdoor marketing trends study in 2003. The study notes how advertising influences drivers who are searching for a service as well as those who may be searching for a service in the future.

Making your logo, services and business name recognizable builds trust with customers by making them familiar with your company. A car magnet sign that clearly shows what type of product or service you sell both informs potential shoppers of your existence and gives a way for them to contact you.  When you then use a similar design on your building, it creates a consistent and professional brand impression. 

Comparing Magnetic Signs and Billboards

The average cost for a monthly billboard rental in a small to midsize city can range from $1,500 to $4,000, according to FitSmallBusiness.com. That doesn’t include the cost of designing and purchasing the billboard sign itself. For a new business still struggling to get the capital for operating costs, adding a monthly fee for a billboard often isn’t a feasible option.

Billboards not only cost more than car magnets, but are also stagnate, reaching the same set of commuters day after day. A mobile sign can have a greater reach, especially for business owners that spend a large amount of time on the road. Outdoor Advertising Magazine TACA’s market research suggests that mobile advertising has a recall rate of 97%.

For business owners with long commutes in heavily trafficked locations, each moment on the road can be put to use by displaying a magnetic sign.

Cost Effective Marketing Using Car Magnets

For new small businesses with less than $5 million a year in sales, a recommended budget for marketing and advertising should be around 7 to 8 percent of gross revenue, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. More competitive businesses may want to spend as much as 20 percent to get established. Oftentimes, most of this budget will be put into creating a website and starting digital campaigns. However, businesses can stretch their reach even more by utilizing magnetic car signs.

A car sign is a low-cost investment that does not require signing up for a subscription, committing to a long-term contract, or hiring a full-time marketing professional to join your staff.  Signs also provide longer exposure than online advertising that can be deleted or scrolled past in a moment. With so much noise online, it’s easy for one advertisement to get lost in the noise. With a magnetic sign there is no need to open an email or click on a link. Instead, the information is clearly displayed without disrupting your shoppers’ day.

Magnetic Car Sign Perks

Custom Signs makes easy to design car signs that come in a variety of sizes to help meet the budgetary needs of new business. With do it yourself signs, you can make an eye-catching design in the size and style of your choice.

Using our easy design wizard, you can make a unique magnet that will fit your car and company brand. Each magnetic sign is sold in a set of 2. You will choose the background colors, text, fonts and lettering sizes. You can also upload your logo, a photo or other type of graphic image.

We also have preset templates, where all you need to do is choose the text. For all of our car signs, there is no minimum so you can choose as one set of signs or more.

Designing Your Car Magnet

As you decide what to include on your sign, here are some marketing tips to make sure you get the most from your magnet:

• Plan where you will be adding your sign to your vehicle and measure to fit
• Include contact details such as an address, phone number or email
• Clarify what type of business you are
• Use your logo and brand colors
• Focus on a top product or service
• Use quality images
• Advertise a sale, discount code or competitive price

Magnetic car signs provide an affordable way to target local shoppers and create top of the funnel brand awareness. Without paying monthly fees or investing in the cost of developing and filming a TV commercial or web advertisement, businesses can get their name and contact information out there.

Resources:

https://smallbusiness.chron.com/percentage-gross-revenue-should-used-marketing-advertising-55928.html

https://www.advertiseyourdrive.com/ARD_WhitePaper.pdf

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) began requiring chemical manufacturers to label dangerous materials with hazard pictograms in June of 2015. The standard helps decrease the risk of injuries, illnesses and accidents caused by exposure to certain chemicals.

OSHA’s standard follows guidelines set by the United Nations. The United Nations established the international system of pictograms to identify chemical hazards, known as the “Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals” (GHS) standards. This system includes distinct visual symbols assigned to each type of risk.

Upholding GHS Standards

Chemical manufacturers are required to make sure any container holding hazardous substances is properly labeled. They must also prepare safety data sheets and provide training. By using the GHS standards, employers and workers can see and understand the same set of hazard labels in different businesses and industries.

According to OSHA, requiring this standard should help “prevent over 500 workplaces injuries and illnesses and 43 fatalities annually.” With a white background, red border and chemical hazard classification, the labels are easy to recognize. Now workers employed at chemical manufacturing companies and employers utilizing certain chemicals can quickly identify risks associated with specific substances.

9 Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) Pictograms

Health Hazard – The health hazard pictogram features a silhouette of a person with respiratory obstructions. It is used for chemicals that can cause cancer, genetic defects, respiratory irritation, reproductive toxicity, organ toxicity and aspiration toxicity. While some hazards relate more to the environment, this pictogram relates to danger to human health. For example, people working in metal production and metal fabrication industries often deal with toxic materials that must include this label.

Flame Sign – The flame sign hazard pictogram features a silhouette of a fire flame. It is used to label chemicals that are flammable, self-heating, self-reacting, pyrophoric, contain organic peroxides and emit flammable gas. Work environments ranging from power plants to pharmaceutical companies may house chemical products with this label.

Exclamation Mark – This warning symbol is a simple exclamation mark. It is used for skin and eye irritants, narcotic effects, respiratory tract irritation and acute toxicity. Items with this hazard label require proper storage and handling processes. Workers in electronics, engineering, and construction industries are often at risk for occupational skin diseases from materials with this label.

Corrosion – The corrosion symbol shows chemical vials pouring substances on metal and a hand. The corrosion pictogram distinguishes substances that make cause eye damage and burns. It is also used for substances that destroy metals. People may encounter corrosive substances in oil and gas refineries.

Exploding Bomb – This label features a fragmented circle representing a bomb explosion. It can be used on solids and liquids which are capable of causing damage to the surroundings. These explosive materials may be self-reactive (causing fires without reacting to air), organic peroxides (reacting to heat). Jobs in mining, quarrying, demolition, construction and firefighting may expose workers to these hazards.

Gas Cylinder – This symbol looks like a sideways bottle. It is used for substances that are compressed, liquefied or dissolved gas under pressure. The hazard pressure is set as 29 pounds per square inch or more. Cylinders can become uncontrolled rockets and may contain reactive substances. These types of chemicals are often found in the oil, marine and space industries.

Flame Over Circle – This hazard pictogram features an “O”, which stands for “oxygen” with a flame above it. It is used to label oxidizers, which can cause fires by increasing the concentration of oxygen in the air. Workers in the automotive industry and textile plants may encounter these types of substances. Proper storage and handling helps reduce this risk.

Environmental Hazard – The environmental hazard pictogram shows a tree next to a dead fish. It designates aquatic toxicity, which is passed through exposure to water. It can refer to harmful chemicals that may damage human health as well as fish, invertebrates and plants. These risks may be seen in places such as the wastewater management industry and disposal of farming and agriculture chemicals, among other places.

Skull and Crossbones – This symbol, commonly associated with poisonous substances, is used to designate substances with the potential for acute toxicity. With these chemicals, even exposure to a single dose can be toxic or fatal. Exposure can occur through inhalation, swallowing or skin contact. Manufacturers of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, as well as farming industries, may be in places where this label would be placed on substances.

Preventing Exposure

Workers should always check labels which will alert them of specific risks. If less hazardous materials are available, those should be used first. Storage, safe handling, contamination prevention, and external conditions can be major factors in preventing chemical reactions and physical exposure.

Understanding the health hazards, special instructions and emergency procedures can help prevent severe injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. Workplace safety signs also include helpful information such as a Signal Word, Substance Name, Hazard Statement and Precautionary Statement. GHS chemical signs can include multiple pictograms, depending on the substance hazards.

Related Posts:

• Caution, Warning and Danger Signs Explained
• Understanding OSHA and Displaying Proper Signage for Workplace Safety

References:

1. OSHA HCS Fact Sheet
2. OSHA Pictograms
3. Pictogram Training Sheet