Emedco's Blog

Do you need No Smoking or Open Flame Zones around your facility?

OK.  We all know about the legal reasons why no smoking areas are required in workplaces.  I’m sure you have seen these areas that help prevent exposure to second-hand smoke.  But what if your workplace stores flammables?  Are any of the chemicals that you work with combustible?  Posting no smoking or open flame signs can prevent fires, flashpoints and injuries.

Safety is an important factor in today’s workplace.  Keeping employees and visitors informed about dangerous materials is not only a health benefit but also a compliance issue as well.    For instance, OSHA requires that “conspicuous and legible signs prohibiting smoking shall be posted within sight of the customer” at gasoline fueling stations.

There are many ways you can post notices of flammable materials.

Safety Signs are the most common way businesses identify areas where smoking and open flames are restricted.  They come in a variety of materials, sizes, and mounting options to fit the work environment.

When it comes to marking areas where portable tanks are in use, such as oxygen, a better option is a slim sign that holds either magnetically or by a clip to doorframes.   These signs are portable so you can move them as the situation changes.

Another option which may work better for you is floor marking tape and decals.  The laminated vinyl tape is designed to adhere to clean concrete and resists oil, grease and wear and tear.  You can choose from various solid colors or stripes to signify different levels of hazards.

Whatever you choose, you need to keep in mind the type of hazard you have and the best way to convey this to your employees.  If they don’t notice your signs, whatever you do won’t help.  Make your signs obvious so they don’t get overlooked!