tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5376448721892545698.post-42939156193305137532008-04-09T07:28:00.000-07:002008-04-09T10:01:22.077-07:00As it turns out, labels are pretty helpful.<br /><br />While brushing up on some reading about dry chemical safety (isn't that what everyone peruses in their spare time?), I came across an article about the importance of visual communication in the inspection process of dry chemical fire extinguishers. How about that! Apart from properly functioning valves and pressure gauges, the first thing to consider when inspecting a dry chemical fire extinguisher (and good old regular fire extinguishers, too, I imagine) is the labeling. First, a proper fire extinguisher should indicate the class of fire for which it is meant, and a rating number indicating its extinguishing capabilities. This information should be coupled with a rundown of required chemical levels and weight, suitable temperatures for storage and operation, and some hydrostatic test stickers. It sounds like someone over at the dry chemical fire extinguisher factory has <a href="http://5s.labelprinter.com/index.php">5S</a> on the brain.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.labelprinter.com/">Visual communication</a> as a means to organize, streamline operations, and ultimately deliver pertinent information at the exact point it is needed has become key in any business or operation. Its function to inform, warn, and assist has become seemingly commonplace, yet surprisingly few facilities seem to really embrace its benefits. A simple label or sign can diffuse confusion and enhance understanding. Just as you wouldn't want to pick up that fire extinguisher and pull the pin without knowing proper instructions and whether it was even appropriate for the job, you wouldn't approach a lighting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">panelboard</span> without knowing which circuits are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">separated</span> by which breakers. This information is generally communicated via color coding and labeling, two useful tools for making anything -- from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">panelboards</span> to fire extinguishers -- more user-friendly. (And OSHA-friendly!)<br /><br />At a loss for how to implement some lean-induced visual communication? Start with the basics. Take a <a href="http://www.graphicproducts.com/free-gifts/free-safety-workbook.php">visual tour of your facility</a> or workspace, focusing first on safety (what hazards or warnings ought to be marked? what requires <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">PPE</span>?), and then on organization and function (should the inventory shelving be marked? could that bundle of cords be color-coded?). Then get to the fun part: creating the signs and labels. Try out the <a href="http://www.graphicproducts.com/labelers/duralabelpro/index.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DuraLabel</span> PRO</a> , a leading industrial-grade label printer that can generate everything from the tiniest wire wrap to reflective parking lot signs. Working alongside your own PC, this handy printer can produce pipe markers, warehouse labels, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">NFPA</span> diamonds, and OSHA-compliant safety signs, and more using its own templates or your Microsoft docs.<br /><br />To take a page from the lean book, check out <a href="http://www.labelprinter.com/">www.labelprinter.com</a>.A Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03632950512642220991noreply@blogger.com