How Is A Visual Workplace Created?

What Are The Benefits of a Visual Workplace?

Keeping in mind that the basic concept of a visual workplace is to simply have information available when and where it is needed, here are some benefits:

Reduced Errors: The potential for errors (as well as resulting in lost production, damaged equipment, or injuries) is minimized when machinery, inventory, supplies, etc., are clearly and consistently marked throughout a workplace. Plain and proper labeling and signage eradicate confusion and mess. When a workplace is clearly and consistently marked, errors are reduced. For example, if a wrong valve is opened/closed, or a switch is set in the wrong position, the cost can be significant. The error can result in lost production, damaged equipment, and even an injury.

Improved Productivity: When employees can quickly and easily find the component, machine, pipe, valve, switch, panel, etc., they need, they are able to more quickly and efficiently complete a task. This prompts greater productivity and subsequently increases employee confidence and competence.

Improved Safety: Mistakes can lead to injuries. Providing operating, lockout/tagout, and maintenance procedures directly on equipment gives workers the safety information they need at the exact time and place they need it.

Improves Training Efficacy: Complete labeling helps employees and contractors retain what they have learned in training sessions. They will be able to quickly recognize hazards, equipment, processes, and locations throughout the facility because all these elements have been clearly and consistently marked.

Five Steps To A Visual Workplace:

1) Implement 5S: The 5S system advocates cleaning up, getting organized, and maintaining that orderliness -- all important components to establishing a visual workplace. As part of 5S, you should conduct a thorough inspection of your facility. Identify existing labels and signs that need to be replaced as well as areas where new labels and signs are needed. Don't overlook anything; often the smallest change can have the greatest impact in efficiency. Labeling wires, cables, and conduit very easily creates order and eradicates any confusion about which wire is which.

2) Know the regulations and codes that govern signs and labels: There are safety and health codes that detail when and how to label pipes and valves and offer standards for arc flash labels. Anytime safety is involved, there is most likely a code or standard to adhere to. For example OSHA 1910.145 requires basic safety signs throughout an entire workplace, while ANSI Z535 details how those signs are to be designed (see Safety Signs Tutorial). There are codes that cover labeling pipes and valves, and standards for arc flash labels.

However, for some issues, such as posting information about procedures, there are no standards or codes. In such cases you should establish your own standards.

3) Establish standards for your facility: It is critical for effective communication that all labels and signs throughout the workplace uphold consistent standards. To most clearly and effectively maintain visual communication, there must be consistency in labeling. However, although national codes provide specifications for some labels, and signs, there is flexibility within those specifications. Your standards should be very specific; variations can cause confusion. Color coding should be standardized. Wording and pictograms should be standardized. Text size and font should be standardized. To attain such standards, ask the following questions:

1) How is the label or sign to be used?

2) What material should be used to make the label or sign? What colors correspond to its use?

3) What size would be appropriate? What type of text should be used?

4) Is there a national code or standard that applies?

5) Should the sign be made in-house or purchased from an outside vendor?

6) Where is this label or sign going to be seen? (Identify the needed locations)

4) Make the labels and signs you need: Often, the best way to get these needed labels and signs is to simply make them yourself. Use a custom label printer like the DuraLabel PRO. Using a high-quality thermal-transfer printer that uses industrial-grade continuous vinyl will proffer the best results. Treat yourself and your workplace to a flexible, reliable machine that is also portable. Use a DuraLabel PRO to print a wide range of sizes to fit the many different types of labels you need, when and where you need them.

5) Install your new labels and signs, then re-inspect your facility: Apply all new labels and signs to the needed locations. Disarray, clutter, and confusion will be gone to make way for organization, order, and efficiency. Inspect your facility after all new labeling and signage has been implemented. Admire the positive change, but also go through these five steps again to ensure accuracy, thoroughness, and consistency.

You now have a visual workplace employing effective visual communication. Employees, contractors, vendor, and visitors now have the pertinent information they need, where and when they need it.