Employed across all types of industries, labeling is a simple, efficient way to communicate important product information in both commercial and industrial settings. Whether listing instructions on how to operate machinery or detailing the ingredients in a food product, safety labels help to relay essential facts to employees, consumers, and patrons in various environments.
Labels may warn of a specific product-related danger, provide necessary instructions on how to handle certain situations, and alert individuals to any precautions they should take. In the workplace, correct labeling and signage ensure optimal safety and help prevent injuries. The individuals are informed of the correct processes for working machinery and are also given the correct steps to take in the event of an emergency situation. For pharmaceuticals, informative labeling certifies that individuals are aware of the ingredients, uses, and possible side effects of specific medications.
Due to the critical nature of consumer and industrial safety labels, it’s imperative that they are presented clearly and are designed to withstand wear and tear in order to remain readable. To stay intact and remain visible, labels must be created with waterproof and durable materials.
Labels for Industrial Safety
In an industrial setting, clear labels and signs help ensure safety, efficiency, and organization in the workplace. Industrial safety labels serve as simple visual reminders of the correct processes and procedures to follow in order to prevent on-the-job injuries. In addition to helping employees stay safe, industrial labels can also make the job easier by providing easy-to-follow instructions for operating machinery or to help distinguish between different types of material or wiring.
When creating and displaying labels for industrial safety, OSHA, ANSI, and ISO standards should all be kept in mind. In industrial and manufacturing settings, the most common types of labels include machine safety labels, building or facility safety labels, and emergency labels — such as those for use on fire equipment or emergency exits. Informative signs should typically be placed on machines, vehicles, intersections, floors, emergency equipment, shelves, exit routes, tools, general entrances and exits, and power sources.
Labels for Pharmaceutical and Food Safety
Labels are also imperative for pharmaceuticals and foods, helping to safeguard the health and well-being of consumers. Directions and guidance on how to take medications, possible side effects, and drug interactions are vital for safe, conscientious consumption.
For food labels, in particular, additional information is now required to meet relevant codes and standards. Serving size, nutritional content, and ingredients, for instance, must be listed clearly on most products. These labels help individuals make the right choices for their dietary and health needs, and keep companies transparent about what ingredients are used in their products. Food allergens and adherence to religious or other dietary restrictions must also be marked on many food labels.
Food labels are governed by the strict guidelines set forth by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), and Organized Kashrut (OK Kosher Certification). In commercial bakeries and food processing facilities, bakery labels are also guided by these organizations’ standards and are typically required to include key product information, including the common name of the item and the ingredients used, in order from heaviest to lightest. Nutrition facts, the net weight of the product, and the name and address of the manufacturer may also be listed.
The Importance of Safety Labels
Informative signage and labels play a critical role in the safety of consumers as well as employees across different industries. Whether serving to protect hospital patients, or safeguarding the well-being of workers in industrial facilities, labels are an essential mechanism for clearly conveying safety and health information, usage instructions, and other important facts.
Resources:
- https://labelamerica.com/product/industrial-labels/
- https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3636.pdf
- http://www.ok.org/consumers/kosher-an-overview/meat-dairy-pareve/
- http://www.gfco.org/
- https://www.foodpackaginglabels.net/bakery-labels
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