Memorial Plaques – a guide to creating remembrance plaques and nameplates

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Stocksigns

Memorial Plaques – a guide to creating remembrance plaques and nameplates

Stocksigns can manufacturer a wide range of commemorative and memorial plaques and nameplates including engraved plaques, etched plaques, vitreous enamel, screen printed plaques, cast aluminium, slate and other natural materials. So whether you are looking for a professional nameplate or heritage sign we can guide you through the choice of materials and manufacturing techniques to make your ideal plaques.

Here are some factors to think about when choosing your Memorial Plaques:

When choosing memorial plaques first work out what text you want to include. The shape of the plaque can depend on the length of the text line. For example, an oval shaped plaque will only accommodate long lines of text in the middle of the sign, where as rectangular or square plaques are suited to where there are long lines of text at the top or bottom. By including braille on your memorial plaques you extend your signs accessibility to the visually impaired.

The choice of material is also equally important. Castsigns or signs mounted on a wooden back plate are ideal as presentation plaques. Stainless steel gives a modern feel while polished brass is often the preferred choice for professional services nameplates. The engraving and etching process add depth and texture to your sign. The use of a time-honoured natural stone such as slate creates a distinguished looking durable sign.

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Posted in Uncategorized, health and safety signs, safety signs, signage | Tagged bespoke signs, Custom made signs, engraved sign, nameplates | Leave a comment

Beach Safety Signs- Phew what a scorcher!

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Stocksigns

Beach Safety – RNLI Beach Safety Signs

The hottest April on record certainly drew us all to the sea – or so it seemed judging by the traffic jams over the Easter weekend. With this earlier than usual start to the “beach Season” its worth reminding ourselves that the seaside can be a dangerous environment if lack of awareness or respect for the power of water leads to complacency and then possibly onto tragic drama. How can we look after our own beach safety and that of our families, as well as that of others, when we enjoy that Great British institution – a day at the seaside?

Another iconic institurion, the RNLI, has been at the forefront of a campaign to improve beach safety as part of its overall role as ‘the charity that saves life at sea’. Ever since 7 years agowhen a four year old boy was drowned whilst on a beach in Cornwall, the lack of information through signage was seen by Ryan’s mother as a major contributing factor to this tradgedy. Subsequently the RNLI have produced an extremely comprehensive guide to beach safety, in particular the use of beach safety information signs.

For safety at the beach, of course, it is not enough just to put up beach safety signs and have an understandable system of warning flags; people who visit the beach have a responsibility to ‘read, mark and inwardly digest’ what the signs and flags mean, as well as keeping an eye out for the safety of in particular theirs and other children.

When you go to the beach, check whether the facility has been signed up effectively – the signs are on both the RNLI website and the Stocksigns web catalogue (RNLI approved) pages 142 and 143. Here are some examples.

If not, why not tackle the operator or the local council about their absence. It may save a life. Above all, be aware and sensible, we know that water can be terifyingly destructive.

For information on general beach safety signs and their means visit our post water safety signs

Posted in Uncategorized, safety signs, signage, signs | Tagged beach safety, rnli, safety signs | 1 Comment

Bike Safety – a simple common sense guide to cycle safety signs.

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Stocksigns

Bike safety – a common sense guide to cycle safety signs

As the days lengthen and the temperature rises, so does one’s enthusiasm for taking the bicycle out of the shed and setting off down country lanes, along old railway lines or taking the cycle paths or lanes that are now available to make cycling both more enjoyable and above all safer – safe for both cyclists themselves, as well as other users of the public highways.

Bike safety – bike accessories & cycle routes

Obviously we have to make sure our own bicycles themselves are safe, before pedalling off – tyres, chains, bike lights, cycle helmets and brakes all need to be checked. After that we have to look at our own cycling safety particularly on Public roads and especially in the presence of large vehicles. Nowadays you can see special cycle safety signs on the back of lorries warning of the visibility problems that drivers can have if you get too close.
Secondly, cyclists should use dedicated lanes or pathways both for their own safety and out of consideration for others. Life can be so much more relaxed and enjoyable with a bit of common courtesy – ‘do as you would be done by’ is a useful mantra. This cuts both ways of course, and motorists have not only to respect specific cycle routes but more generally need to be aware of other road users, as do cyclists in relevant circumstances .
Sometimes exclusive cycle parking locations are provided. Please use them for the security of your own property at the very least.

It goes wothout saying the law and Highway Code needs to be obeyed. Don’t cross traffic lights at red, for example, or ride more than two abreast. Above all everybody should use their own common sense.

Safety is the responsibility of every road user, and this coupled with politeness, can make the outing, however short, on self powered two wheels an enjoyable and life-enhancing experience- On your bike!

For more information on road signs and bike safety signs visit our on line signs shop or call Tel. 01737 774077

Posted in Uncategorized, health and safety signs, safety signs, signage, signs | Tagged bike safety, cycling, road signs, safety signs, transport signage | Leave a comment

Viewing Distances For Safety Signs – a Simple Guide

Posted on April 13, 2011 by Stocksigns

The optimum viewing distances for safety signs depends largely on the size of font used, the position and to some degree the font style and colours used.

For escape route signage risk assessments should be carried out where appropriate and reference to BS 5499, Part 4 : 2000 Safety signs, including fire safety signs. Code of practice for escape route signing should be made.

Our Installation guide is for guidance only and your unique premises and building usage should also be taken into consideration. For further advice about viewing distances for safety signs speak to our sales staff on 01737 764764.

Viewing Distances for Safety Signs – A visual Guide

Recommended installation heights:

Above doors:- 2m – 2.5m from floor level to base of sign

Directional wall fixed signs:- 1.4m-1.7m from floor level to base of sign.

Posted in Uncategorized, signage, signs | Tagged construction safety signs, emergency escape, office safety, sign fixings, workplace safety signs | Leave a comment

School Signs Competition

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Stocksigns

Give your pupils the chance to WIN a free school sign.

Stocksigns is inviting all young artists to design their own school welcome signs. The winning school sign design will be manufactured for FREE at the Stocksigns factory. The designer will be invited along with their class mates and teacher to see their school signs being made. The day will also include a full factory tour where they can see traditional craftsmanship such as silk screen printing along side modern manufacturing methods like large scale digital printing. Entries will be displayed in our online gallery. The competition is open to all children of school age and should be submitted using the down-loadable template and sent to Stocksigns, Schools Competition, Ormside Way, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 2LG. Closing date for entries is 31st May 2011.

Good Luck and we look forward to seeing your designs.

School Signs Catalogue

School Safety Signs Catalogue – Stocksigns is delighted to announce the launch of their latest school safety signs and general schools signs catalogue.

“Signs for Schools” brings together the core school safety signs range, information signs and custom made notice boards and general school signs and signage in an easy guide for schools and colleges. Stocksigns has been working with schools, colleges and universities for many years and as a result the Stocksigns product range within this sector has grown substantially. Their expertise in signage schemes for these environments has also developed. Education establishments span a wide range of audiences from very young pupils in pre-schools to academic staff in universities: Stocksigns can develop sign systems that can cater for the needs of all these different groups.

Read more about our schools signs catalogue

Posted in Custom made signs, Uncategorized, signage, signs | Tagged bespoke signs, Custom made signs, playground signs, school signage, school signs | Leave a comment

Hazard Signs – Understanding Hazard Safety Signs

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Stocksigns

Hazard Signs , Warning, Danger, or Caution safety signs

The category of safety signs generally referred to as “Hazard signs” play an essential role in the management of your safety procedures protecting your staff, visitors and premises. Hazard signs are displayed to advise and forewarn of potential dangers. Hazard signs have a yellow triangle with a black pictogram or symbol on yellow background with a black border. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized, health and safety signs, safety signs | Tagged hazard signs, office safety, safety signs | Leave a comment

How Environmental Factors Can Effect the Life of Your Signs

Posted on February 23, 2011 by Stocksigns

The environment plays a large part in the impact that a sign will have. The longevity of a sign is affected by many factors. These include:

The amount of exposure to the sun
The range of temperatures where the sign will be located
The surface colour of the sign, red fades the most.
The environment where the sign will be installed, an exposed location will reduce the life of your sign, or an area with high levels of traffic will be affected by pollutants.
The chemical composition of the films
The thickness of the ink coating
The amount of UV radiation that the sign will have, i.e. a shaded location will prolong the life of your sign.

Although each of these factors influence how long your sign will last and so the effectiveness of the message, there is little doubt that the most significant factor in sign longevity is UV radiation. A protective overlay film (POF) can be over-laminated on to any aluminium or rigid plastic sign to give a greater degree of protection to the sign face. It allows:

Easier removal of Graffiti
Resistance to scuffs
UV protection – anti fade
Easier to clean
Prolongs life of sign

All signage material manufacturers use a worldwide standard rating system to determine the life of material based on application being 90 degrees vertical and facing north. However, one of the most important pieces of advice in positioning your sign is to get it absolutely right. If mount your sign with a slight tilt i.e tilting the sign backwards by as little as 5 degrees and you will reduce the life of the sign by approximately 50 percent.

Whilst UV light is the most important, other environmental factors that affect the life of the sign, which could damage your signs, are dirt, salt, acid rain, general pollution and more. All of these factors can reduce the life span of your signage, and need to be taken in to consideration. Our Safety Signs – How to clean your safety signs guide offer advice on general maintenance and up keep of your signs. The type of fixing you choose can also effect the life of your sign, our article on Tips for the Care and Installation of Vitreous Enamel Signs highlights the need for correct fixing methods Vitreous enamel signs. Other guides regarding the installation of general signage are as follows:

How to Install Your Signs – Part 1- Self Adhesive Vinyl Signs

How to install your signs – Part 2 – Choosing the right sign post height

How to install your signs – Part 3 – Installation of standard safety signs and general signage

How to install your signs – Part 4 – Sign Fixings
To ensure that you have a sign that is cost-effective, conveys your message clearly and lasts, then you need to pay attention to detail across every aspect of development.

Choose the right material for your sign, based on the conditions that it will be placed in. Our Sales Team would be happy to advise you on the best sign materials for your needs.
Make sure that your sign substrate or vinyl is free of any contaminants by washing with a mild detergent first and when dried wiping with a solvent saturated cloth.
Position your sign to reduce the affect that the environment will have on it.

Posted in Custom made Signs, Uncategorized, signage, signs | Tagged bespoke signs, nameplates, notice boards, office safety | Leave a comment

Emergency Way Guidance using Photoluminescent Material

Posted on February 14, 2011 by Stocksigns

This photo was taken in the stairwell here at Stocksigns illustrating the intensity of the luminosity of Hilume.

In situations of emergency evacuation, especially when confronted by power failure, a way guidance system using photoluminescent tapes, signs and markers will help to indicate clearly defined escape routes, saving critical time for the evacuation of the building.

BS 5266-6: 1999, is a Code of Practice for non-electrical low mounted way guidance marking using a photoluminescent system. It recommends how to plan, design, install and maintain the system when used in conjunction with powered emergency lighting. The use of this standard, combines with BS ISO 16069:2004, Graphical symbols-Safety signs - Safety way guidance systems and BS 5499-4: 2000, Code of Practice for escape route signs, gives the answers to most questions that could be asked from those contemplating installing a photoluminescent way guidance system.

The installation of a photolumiescent way guidance system does not replace the use of powered emergency lighting when this is required, but compliments its existence. For a satisfactory performance, photoluminescent materials require initial activation from a good light source.

Posted in Uncategorized, health and safety signs, safety signs, signage, signs | Tagged construction safety signs, emergency luminaires, fire signs, office safety, photoluminescent, workplace safety signs | Leave a comment

Water Safety Signs

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Stocksigns

National Water Safety Signs

The recently published part II of BS5499. provides a uniform family of water safety signs based on the signs produced by the National Water Safety Committee. These signs should be used at al locations where sport or recreational activities are taking place, to warn the public of possible hazards or dangerous situations and to give specific instructions for their safety.

Water Safety Signs

There are three main types of water safety signs you will find when you are around water. Each one has its own meaning, but all of them work to the same system. If you go to the seaside, then there are sometimes special flags to also look out for.

In addition to the water safety signs, you will also find information signs telling you where the toilets are or where you can get first aid. They will also tell you where the public rescue equipment is held.

Water safety signs

1. Hazard signs -Signs that warn you of danger, are always:

Triangle shaped
Yellow background, with black symbols
They are placed to help you spot a hazard that is not always obvious

They mean that you should be aware of something

2. Prohibition signs - no diving Water Safety Signs

Signs that mean you should not do something, are always:

A red ring shape, with a line running through
White background, red line and black symbols or shapes
They inform you of things you are not supposed to do

These signs tell you that it would be dangerous to do something, or go in that place.

3. Mandatory signs -Signs that mean you should do something, are always:

Blue and circle shaped
White symbols or shapes
They inform you of things you need to do

These signs tell you that you should do something to be safe.

Other signs you might see:

Information signs, are always:

White background
Black symbols or text

These signs help you either find something, or get somewhere.

Safe condition signs, are always:Green background

White symbols or text

These signs tell you where important safety items are such as the first aid place, or the emergency telephone.

Water safety flags

At beaches there are flags to tell us when and where it is safe to use the water.

This red flag means it is unsafe to be in the water.

Resources:

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents For more information on general water safety

Posted in Uncategorized, health and safety signs, safety signs, signage, signs | Tagged leisure signs, safety signs | 2 Comments

Tips for the Care and Installation of Vitreous Enamel Signs

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Stocksigns

Care & Installation of Vitreous Enamel signs

1 What is Vitreous enamel?

    Vitreous enamel is a glass-like coating which is fused onto steel at
    temperatures of 750-860 degrees C
    The enamel will exhibit all of the properties associated with glass including :
         •Hardness                                          •Colour Stability
         •Scratch & Graffiti Resistance           •Fire Resistance

2 Vitreous enamel signs need to be carefully treated as if they were glass:

a) Carefully remove signs & any fixings from packaging.

b) Handle with care using protective gloves as there may be sharp edges & avoid dropping or hitting the signs.

c) Use stainless steel, brass or zinc coated fixings.

d) Ensure a soft protective washer ( plastic or fibre ) is used at all fixing points between the fixing & the sign surface.

e) Do not drill or enlarge holes as this will crack the enamel

f) Clean every two months with mild soapy water – ensuring there are no abrasives or grit on the cloth or sponge . For stubborn marks use a non abrasive bathroom cleaner.

3 Installation of Vitreous Enamel Signs

    a)    An enamelled sign pantray with return edges should never be fixed directly onto a hard or rough surface – the localised compression which could occur on high points may cause chipping or spalling & possibly cause corrosion on the return edge.

    b)     Where an enamelled sign has to be fixed to an uneven or rough surface it should be spaced off from that surface to avoid localised pressure points.

    c)     If the sign is to be installed in a coastal or corrosive environment additional protection will be needed to the sign edge if slight corrosion is to be avoided. Edges of enamelled signs are difficult to completely coat with enamel and so additional protection against corrosion may be equired. Protection can be given by exterior mastic, waterproof tape  or a rubber or plastic moulding. Alternatively the edge can be protected & hidden by an outer frame. Our technical sales department will be happy to advise. For more information about Vitreous Enamel signage contact our sales team at sales@stocksigns.co.uk

Posted in Custom made Signs, Uncategorized, signs | Tagged bespoke signs, Custom made signs, transport signage, vitreous enamel | 1 Comment

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