• Cases are down across the US since the peak of the delta variant in September
• Daily new cases averaged 173,000 in mid-September
• As of October 28^th, average new cases are 73,000 daily
• By September 21, 2021, an estimated 182 million persons in the United States were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (Source: CDC.gov)
• However, daily vaccination rates have declined approximately 78% since April 13, 2021
• The CDC recommends keeping masking in place as winter approaches and cases go up
• Business and schools can promote the wearing of masks with professional signage

How Businesses and Schools are Using Mask Required Signs

Getting creative: Some organizations come up with their own phrases and ideas for mask required signs, or create custom signs that pop! Check out this mask sign with a bold message and bright colors. “Please wear your mask, it’s an easy task.”

There are other ways to make mask signs more heartfelt, such as this “Wearing is caring” mask.

Being funny: Some organizations take their chance to show some snark. Check out these two bold mask signs:

Staying stern: Most businesses keep their mask required signs professional and straightforward, opting to display simple messages like “No mask, no entry” or “STOP! Face mask required.”

Three Reasons Mask Required Signs are Beneficial

As you visit businesses across your city, you may notice many have used handwritten signs. Investing in a durable plastic or metal sign will show customers you take their health and safety seriously. Wear a mask signs will also last longer and will not be easily removed by disgruntled customers. Here are a few benefits of displaying a real face mask required sign:

1. Customers can see that you mean business
2. Disgruntled customers can’t easily remove your sign
3. Plastic and metal signs can be displayed indoors and outdoors

Organizations that are Stricter on Wearing Face Masks

• Government buildings such as DMVs and courthouses
• Post offices
• Dentist offices
• Doctor’s offices
• Schools and daycares

Types of Signs

At CustomSigns.com you can find several designs in mask signs, featuring:

• Notice Face Mask Required Signs
• There’s a Smile Behind My Mask Signs
• No Mask No Entry Signs
• Please Wear A Face Mask Signs

Custom Sign Options

If you do not see a mask sign that fits your needs, design your own! CustomSigns.com offers plastic, vinyl, aluminum, brass and acrylic signs in many options. Add custom text, images, graphics, logos and more to your sign to personalize it to your organization.

Customization options include engraving and UV printing, and we have a range of hanging styles readily available including pins, hooks, screws, and more.

As businesses, particularly retail stores and shipping facilities, get ready for the busy holiday season, and the expected rise in COVID cases, make sure you’re ready! Post custom signs inside and outside your building to let customers know you are doing your part to reduce the spread!

Sources:

CDC.gov

AP News

ABC News 7

Pinterest

The post Mask Required Signs: Getting Ready for Winter first appeared on Signage Compliance, Design Tips & News - CustomSigns.com Blog.

Table of Contents
What should be on your hiring signs?
Custom Hiring Sign & Recruiting Tips
The Benefits of Using Signs to Recruit

According to the Washington Post, there are 10 million job openings in America, with 8.4 million people unemployed as of June 2021. Job openings are outpacing unemployment levels in many industries, with the business and professional services sector at the top of the list. (Read full article here.)

So how can businesses attract qualified candidates to fill open positions? The first step is to put the word out. What does your company offer? Let potential new hires know! Easy to read, eye-catching business signage is the best first step! Many businesses are still overlooking important details such as posting “we’re hiring” signs.

What should be on your now hiring sign?

• Your company name and logo:

A we’re hiring sign on your business property should feature your logo and name in large, easy-to-read graphics and text. Keep it simple. “Keep your words succinct and clear,” says HC Brands Chief People Officer, Sonia Postema. (Keep reading for more tips from Sonia!) Choose from yard signs and A-frame signs for outdoor.

• Make your signs pop:

Branding is important to let job seekers know you’re professional, so stay with brand graphics, fonts and colors. Don’t forget to post signs that pop! Make your hiring signs colorful and eye-catching.

 

• Job title(s):

Your hiring signs are most helpful when they feature which jobs you’re looking to fill. Qualified candidates want to know they’re applying to a job that is within their skill set and pay range. If you have several job openings, create several signs!

• Requirements:

Let passers-by know what it takes to land a job with your company! In today’s volatile job market, many inexperienced workers or new graduates are looking for experience in a new industry or field. Make it clear that you’re open to train and bring on new talent!

• Application Process:

Let workers know the next steps. The full application process may be too lengthy to include on the sign itself, so create a web page with instructions for how to apply, and add a QR code to your now hiring signs to make it easy on potential applicants. If you don’t have the talent or resources to create a landing page on your website, create tear-off tabs or other materials that can be easily taken by applicants.

Other helpful tips for your hiring signs and recruiting efforts:

• Don’t leave your hiring signs up for too long!

This could send the message that your business has high turnover, or that no one is paying attention enough to remove signs when positions are filled. Remember to be organized and professional.

• Remove we’re hiring signs if you don’t receive qualified candidates.

Sometimes job postings, online and offline, bring the wrong applicants. Either the job posting or signage is not accurately descriptive of the role, or the role or pay rate is not attractive for applicants. Be sure to re-evaluate your job postings and we’re hiring signs if you’re not attracting the right people.

• Include them in your recruiting metrics.

Keep track of applications you receive from your hiring signs.

• Make sure each phase of your hiring process is streamlined.

Help applicants understand the full process, and where they stand in the process. Be courteous and professional and follow up with all applicants, whether they make it to the job offer phase or not. This helps to build trust between your company and job seekers.

The Benefits of Using Signs to Recruit:

• “Yard signs are a cost-effective way to brand your company and recruit new talent,” says Sonia Postema, HC Brands’ Chief People Officer. “Posting jobs on online job sites can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars,” she adds.
• “We’re hiring signs are a great way to appeal to the local community about job openings”, says Postema. Small businesses can get creative with signage in order to recruit new talent, and signs are much more affordable for businesses on a tight budget.
• Many recruiters may not be aware of how to get inexpensive signs for posting jobs. Businesses such as CustomSigns.com make hiring signage accessible and customizable.

In 2021, recruiters are having to get creative with attracting talent. Although signage is one of the most primitive means of advertising, we’re hiring signs aren’t as accessible as one might assume. CustomSigns.com has been in the business of customized signage since 1954. Whether you’re looking for hiring signs for your business lawn, front door or checkout counter, CustomSigns.com makes many different kinds of professional signs. Start designing your sign now!

Resources:

Workable.com – Hiring Signs Tutorial

Washington Post: Labor Shortage

Related Posts:

Tips for Designing Effective Signs

Holiday Workplace Safety Tips

The post Now Hiring Signs: Create a Sign that Attracts Workers first appeared on Signage Compliance, Design Tips & News - CustomSigns.com Blog.

When starting a business or updating your latest marketing campaign, you’ll have to decide between different types of advertising. You’re going to question the best ways to reach your audience, how much you can spend, and the most effective ways to get your message across. Car magnets offer a straightforward, affordable way to attract customers. Whether you work for a small business or a booming chain, utilizing custom car magnets will help ring in the customers you have been asking for!

Think of the last time you had a service provider come to your home. Whether it was the cable guy, plumber, or lawn service, they most likely drove a branded car. Car magnets are not just a form of advertising. They are an essential branding tool that you need to include in your business. If you’re wondering if these magnetic signs are right for your company, check out our top 7 benefits.

1. Trust – Give your customers a sense of security with branded company vehicles. When your employees show up in marked cars, your business looks more legitimate. Branded car magnets show off your professionalism and ensure trust in your service.
2. Low Cost – Commercials, newspaper ads, and billboards will cost you a pretty penny and must be purchased over and over again. While the exposure is great, will you make back your investment? With car magnets, you can buy a set of two for less than $60. Car magnets are a one-time buy, proving to be the most cost-effective way to market your business.
3. Removable – Unlike vehicle wraps, the magnetic material these vehicle signs are made of allows you to cling, peel, and reposition them in a matter of seconds. Having a clean company car is essential. When you take your vehicle to the car wash, you can easily peel off your vehicle magnets, wash any dirt or dust particles off your car and place it back on. Having removable signage means you can move and replace the sign wherever you prefer!
4. Easy to Order – Using other forms of advertising can be complicated and pricey. It can involve contracts, negotiations, and payment plans. Custom car magnets are simple to personalize and buy. Choose from templates or customizable magnet options. Add all the business information you wish to display and click checkout. These high-quality magnets are made to your exact specifications and ready to apply right when your order arrives!
5. No Damage – Since magnetic car signs are easily removable, you do not have to worry about them causing abrasion to your vehicle. While other car advertisements like a vinyl wrap or stickers can add a fun element to your work vehicle, it can severely damage your paint job and requires a lot of upkeep. 
6. Versatile – Magnetic decals work on any vehicle model. Whether you want to place your magnets on a sturdy work truck, small car, or an SUV, our car magnets are adaptable and come in multiple sizes to fit any vehicle. If separate work vehicles are not in your business’s budget, then placing your branded magnet on your personal vehicle can turn an ordinary car into a company car.
7. Brand Awareness – Every marketer’s top priority is showing their company’s brand, name, and message to all potential customers. The more eyes on their ad the better! With magnetic car signs, your advertisement is always on the go. Your business will be seen by hundreds to thousands of people, from drivers to pedestrians and neighbors!

Using a vehicle magnet is not the only important step in your business branding. To effectively market your service, you need to optimize the design and information displayed on your sign. No matter the industry, there are specific details that you must include on your car sign to receive the payoff!

• Name – While this is self-explanatory, you must make sure your company name is front and center on your magnet. If all else fails, a simple Google search can help people find your business.
• Logo – Images and clipart are great for drawing people’s attention. Vehicle graphics will attract eyes to your car sign. Your logo helps separate you from other companies that they may see on their drive.
• Phone number – Your business phone number is a critical detail that you cannot leave out. Without contact information, you cannot expect potential customers to reach out for service. Providing a unique number or extension can even help you track the number of calls gained from your vehicle’s signs!
• Address – Whether you have a physical address for business or a web address, clearly label it on your sign. People love to learn about a company before they invest their time and money. Make their decision in choosing your business easier by presenting your address!
• Services Provided – While name, logo, and address are critical, you must inform customers of your type of service! Do not leave things up for interpretation. For example, including a picture of a dog instead of listing your trade can be confusing. A vague image of a dog could mean you work for a vet, groomer, or even a local shelter. Make your service clear.

Attract new customers with magnetic car signs and give your business the exposure it deserves. Finding the right way to advertise your services can be a challenge. When using branded car signs, you can put your business out there without making a huge investment or taking a big risk. It creates a cohesive and professional look that your customers will appreciate. Creating a custom magnet is easy and comes ready to use! Highlight your unique logo and business information on a product that will bring you deserved clientele. We would love to see how you display your custom car magnets! Share your photos with us by tagging @customsignsco and follow us for more business inspiration!

Blogs You May Enjoy –
How Effective are Car Magnets?
Front Car Plate Inspiration
Personalized vs. Vanity Plates

The post 7 Top Benefits of Using Car Magnets for Business Advertising first appeared on Signage Compliance, Design Tips & News - CustomSigns.com Blog.

Here are some of the best ways that 2020 graduates, teachers and parents are rising above and celebrating their success:

Students are Hosting Their Own Graduation Ceremonies:

Some graduates are coming together and creating their own, 2020 versions of grad ceremonies. This group of University of Michigan graduates, for example, created a front-yard graduation ceremony with a makeshift stage. Each sorority sister wore her grad cap and walked across the stage to receive her diploma. The ceremony was hosted on a video call for parents and friends to see!

Neighborhoods are Having Socially Distant, Drive-Through Graduation Parades:

For younger graduates of kindergarten, middle school and high school, many neighborhood residents are coming together to create drive-through graduation parades! Each family that participates decorates the family vehicle and saddles up their grads to ride around and give themselves and other grads the attention they’ve worked for. Graduation decor for these 2020 grad parades includes custom banners, car flags, car signs, balloons and more! Residents are also putting up personalized graduation yard signs to give their grads attention that lasts all summer.

Some Schools are Hosting Drive-Through Graduation Ceremonies:

Some high schools across the US, like this Kentucky school, are giving graduates a unique experience that is the closest resemblance of a traditional ceremony as possible. At unique 2020 graduation ceremonies like this, families drive-through to get their graduate’s diploma. Staff and school officials are dressed in traditional regalia and wearing masks to promote safety. Cars are decked out with signs, balloons, streamers and more. Families can honk, wave and cheer, as long as there is no hugging or hand shaking.

Families are Honoring their Grads with Custom Yard Signs:

Whether or not some families have a block party or drive-through graduation ceremony to attend, they’re still showing their grads some love with custom graduation yard signs. Across many American neighborhoods, there are fully customized yard signs with graduate photos, names, Class of 2020, school mascots and more! These deserving graduates are getting the attention they’ve worked hard for. While it’s not the same as the important ritual of walking across the stage, it’s the best 2020 is offering to these excited new graduates!

Employers are Recognizing Their 2020 Grads!

Some employers across the US, like this Publix in St. Johns, Florida, are posting signs to honor their graduating employees! Each 2020 graduate that works at this grocery store is being recognized with a custom graduation yard sign that features his or her name and the message “a 2020 graduate works here.”

It’s exciting to see companies rallying behind new grads who otherwise might not be recognized for their hard work!

Going Virtual:

While there are many real-life graduation celebrations happening across the US, there are also virtual ceremonies, video calls, online tributes, photo collages and more! The class of 2020 is showing its resilience by hosting virtual graduation events and parties that allow relatives and friends to join from afar.

Deserving 2020 Graduates with their Personalized Grad Signs

Graduation Yard Signs at CustomSigns.com:

At HC Brands, we care about honoring 2020 graduates of all ages! We’re producing hundreds of graduation yard signs every day and ensuring they are shipped next business day so that parents and new grads can celebrate their accomplishment!

You can trust that our custom graduation yard signs are made with precision and care. We offer easy-to-customize templates that feature the graduate’s photo, name, school name and Class of 2020. You can also find simpler layouts with your choice of background color.

If you’re hosting a party, or you live in an apartment or high rise building, you may be interested in large scale graduation banners that can hang on balconies, walls and more.

While social distancing is causing traditional ceremonies to be postponed or cancelled, you can still find new, creative ways to celebrate the Class of 2020.

Congratulations to Class of 2020 graduates! 

Other Blogs You Might Like:

New Signs that Businesses Need in a Post-pandemic World

The Effectiveness of Car Magnets for Small Businesses

The post Commencement Ideas in 2020: Graduation Ceremonies and Parades first appeared on Signage Compliance, Design Tips & News - CustomSigns.com Blog.

Shop new social distancing signs now

COVID-19 has created a new way of living, and it’s likely to be the new norm even after initial fears of coronavirus infection have faded. Residences and businesses have access to new signage designed to help reinforce social distancing, and control the spread of COVID-19. Whether you have a high-risk person in your household, or you are keeping your business afloat during the pandemic, you can find signs to remind others to keep a proper social distance.

Business Signs for Social Distancing

Most businesses, particularly small local businesses across the US, are doing everything they can to stay afloat and to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Make sure you have signage in place that lets your customers know you are open for business, and that you are following CDC guidelines.

Keep your business running during quarantine and social distancing with:

• Yes, We’re Open for Business Signs
• We’re Practicing Social Distancing Signs
• Wash Your Hands Signs
• Take-Out and Curbside Signs
• Do the Five Signs

Once the US is operating normally again, businesses and individuals will still be on high alert, and keenly aware of the danger of infectious disease. It is pertinent to adopt new procedures and ensure that your staff and customers follow them. Get the signs you need to let customers know you are practicing newly adopted rules and expectations in a post-COVID-19 world.

Also make sure your customers have easy access to the information they need about your business. Make sure your signage is current and that it reflects your latest hours, procedures, new delivery services and rules.

Every small business or restaurant should post updated signs for their:

• Hours of Operation (Include Peak Hours)
• Accepted Payment Methods
• Drive up or Walk in Rules
• Food Delivery Rules, Locations or Limits

It is also important to post updated signage that will set customers at ease once restaurants and “non-essential” businesses are open.

Get ready to welcome customers and shoppers back by posting updated signs for:

• Wash Your Hands
• ADA Compliance
• Restrooms
• Stairs and Fire Exits
• Shop all Business Signs Now!

Or Shop Signs for:

Restrooms | ADA Braille | Parking | Payment Decals

Residential COVID-19 Safety Signs and Social Distancing Signs

Delivery of groceries, take-out, gifts and everyday essentials is a popular convenience that many people enjoy, and it continues to grow in popularity. Amazon’s two day delivery is the standard these days. Modern consumers have grown to expect quick, fast delivery to their front door. This likely will not change, but will become more common as people adapt to life after the coronavirus outbreak. Households with high risk family members can protect themselves from exposure to illnesses by posting signs such as:

• “Someone in this House Has a Weakened Immune System”
• Reminders to Leave Deliveries at the Door
• No Soliciting
• Practice Social Distancing
• No Trespassing

Lighten the Mood with Decorative Signs for Home or Business

As post-pandemic messaging becomes standard, businesses and home owners will be placing these signs in plain sight. You can maintain your home or business aesthetic with required signage. Decorative signs include engraved wood, brass and plastic. You can even carve out a personal space at home with she shed and man cave signs. Create your own sign to include any message you want! Make it funny or inspirational.

Decorative signs are available for homes, businesses and cars.

Shop: She Shed | Man Cave | License Plates | Street Signs | Address Signs | Funny Signs

Healthcare workers, the government, and everyday people are navigating unfamiliar territory. New York City residents who use public transportation daily, along with teachers, workers in elderly care facilities, childcare facilities and so many other professions and walks of life will undoubtedly take stronger measures against potential future outbreaks.

Everyone can do their part in flattening the curve, and preparing for the return to school, work, and everyday life. Remember to do the five!

The post Signs You’ll Need in a Post-COVID-19 World first appeared on Signage Compliance, Design Tips & News - CustomSigns.com Blog.

Many new businesses use car magnets because these ads:

• Create top of the funnel brand awareness
• Generate 30,000+ daily impressions
• Cost significantly less than the $1,500-$4,000 monthly cost of many billboard signs
• Have a memory recall rate of 97%
• Help meet the budgetary needs of new businesses trying to spend less than 7-7% of gross revenue on marketing
• Reinforce recognition of brand logos and colors
• Are easy to design with contact info and discounts

Car Ads Function as Brand Touch Points

Car advertisements create brand awareness that can be further reinforced with future customer touch points, such as visiting your store, seeing your website online or other types of advertising. A beautifully designed sign allows you to introduce your small business to the local market, get exposure for a new logo and share up-to-date contact information with potential customers.

Did you know that individual vehicle advertising generates around 30,000 to 70,000 daily impressions? ARD Ventures, a venture capital firm dedicated to market research, completed an outdoor marketing trends study in 2003. The study notes how advertising influences drivers who are searching for a service as well as those who may be searching for a service in the future.

Making your logo, services and business name recognizable builds trust with customers by making them familiar with your company. A car magnet sign that clearly shows what type of product or service you sell both informs potential shoppers of your existence and gives a way for them to contact you.  When you then use a similar design on your building, it creates a consistent and professional brand impression. 

Comparing Magnetic Signs and Billboards

The average cost for a monthly billboard rental in a small to midsize city can range from $1,500 to $4,000, according to FitSmallBusiness.com. That doesn’t include the cost of designing and purchasing the billboard sign itself. For a new business still struggling to get the capital for operating costs, adding a monthly fee for a billboard often isn’t a feasible option.

Billboards not only cost more than car magnets, but are also stagnate, reaching the same set of commuters day after day. A mobile sign can have a greater reach, especially for business owners that spend a large amount of time on the road. Outdoor Advertising Magazine TACA’s market research suggests that mobile advertising has a recall rate of 97%.

For business owners with long commutes in heavily trafficked locations, each moment on the road can be put to use by displaying a magnetic sign.

Cost Effective Marketing Using Car Magnets

For new small businesses with less than $5 million a year in sales, a recommended budget for marketing and advertising should be around 7 to 8 percent of gross revenue, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. More competitive businesses may want to spend as much as 20 percent to get established. Oftentimes, most of this budget will be put into creating a website and starting digital campaigns. However, businesses can stretch their reach even more by utilizing magnetic car signs.

A car sign is a low-cost investment that does not require signing up for a subscription, committing to a long-term contract, or hiring a full-time marketing professional to join your staff.  Signs also provide longer exposure than online advertising that can be deleted or scrolled past in a moment. With so much noise online, it’s easy for one advertisement to get lost in the noise. With a magnetic sign there is no need to open an email or click on a link. Instead, the information is clearly displayed without disrupting your shoppers’ day.

Magnetic Car Sign Perks

Custom Signs makes easy to design car signs that come in a variety of sizes to help meet the budgetary needs of new business. With do it yourself signs, you can make an eye-catching design in the size and style of your choice.

Using our easy design wizard, you can make a unique magnet that will fit your car and company brand. Each magnetic sign is sold in a set of 2. You will choose the background colors, text, fonts and lettering sizes. You can also upload your logo, a photo or other type of graphic image.

We also have preset templates, where all you need to do is choose the text. For all of our car signs, there is no minimum so you can choose as one set of signs or more.

Designing Your Car Magnet

As you decide what to include on your sign, here are some marketing tips to make sure you get the most from your magnet:

• Plan where you will be adding your sign to your vehicle and measure to fit
• Include contact details such as an address, phone number or email
• Clarify what type of business you are
• Use your logo and brand colors
• Focus on a top product or service
• Use quality images
• Advertise a sale, discount code or competitive price

Magnetic car signs provide an affordable way to target local shoppers and create top of the funnel brand awareness. Without paying monthly fees or investing in the cost of developing and filming a TV commercial or web advertisement, businesses can get their name and contact information out there.

Resources:

https://smallbusiness.chron.com/percentage-gross-revenue-should-used-marketing-advertising-55928.html

https://www.advertiseyourdrive.com/ARD_WhitePaper.pdf

The post How Effective are Car Magnets for Small Business? first appeared on Signage Compliance, Design Tips & News - CustomSigns.com Blog.

OSHA’s standard follows guidelines set by the United Nations. The United Nations established the international system of pictograms to identify chemical hazards, known as the “Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals” (GHS) standards. This system includes distinct visual symbols assigned to each type of risk.

Upholding GHS Standards

Chemical manufacturers are required to make sure any container holding hazardous substances is properly labeled. They must also prepare safety data sheets and provide training. By using the GHS standards, employers and workers can see and understand the same set of hazard labels in different businesses and industries.

According to OSHA, requiring this standard should help “prevent over 500 workplaces injuries and illnesses and 43 fatalities annually.” With a white background, red border and chemical hazard classification, the labels are easy to recognize. Now workers employed at chemical manufacturing companies and employers utilizing certain chemicals can quickly identify risks associated with specific substances.

9 Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) Pictograms

Health Hazard – The health hazard pictogram features a silhouette of a person with respiratory obstructions. It is used for chemicals that can cause cancer, genetic defects, respiratory irritation, reproductive toxicity, organ toxicity and aspiration toxicity. While some hazards relate more to the environment, this pictogram relates to danger to human health. For example, people working in metal production and metal fabrication industries often deal with toxic materials that must include this label.

Flame Sign – The flame sign hazard pictogram features a silhouette of a fire flame. It is used to label chemicals that are flammable, self-heating, self-reacting, pyrophoric, contain organic peroxides and emit flammable gas. Work environments ranging from power plants to pharmaceutical companies may house chemical products with this label.

Exclamation Mark – This warning symbol is a simple exclamation mark. It is used for skin and eye irritants, narcotic effects, respiratory tract irritation and acute toxicity. Items with this hazard label require proper storage and handling processes. Workers in electronics, engineering, and construction industries are often at risk for occupational skin diseases from materials with this label.

Corrosion – The corrosion symbol shows chemical vials pouring substances on metal and a hand. The corrosion pictogram distinguishes substances that make cause eye damage and burns. It is also used for substances that destroy metals. People may encounter corrosive substances in oil and gas refineries.

Exploding Bomb – This label features a fragmented circle representing a bomb explosion. It can be used on solids and liquids which are capable of causing damage to the surroundings. These explosive materials may be self-reactive (causing fires without reacting to air), organic peroxides (reacting to heat). Jobs in mining, quarrying, demolition, construction and firefighting may expose workers to these hazards.

Gas Cylinder – This symbol looks like a sideways bottle. It is used for substances that are compressed, liquefied or dissolved gas under pressure. The hazard pressure is set as 29 pounds per square inch or more. Cylinders can become uncontrolled rockets and may contain reactive substances. These types of chemicals are often found in the oil, marine and space industries.

Flame Over Circle – This hazard pictogram features an “O”, which stands for “oxygen” with a flame above it. It is used to label oxidizers, which can cause fires by increasing the concentration of oxygen in the air. Workers in the automotive industry and textile plants may encounter these types of substances. Proper storage and handling helps reduce this risk.

Environmental Hazard – The environmental hazard pictogram shows a tree next to a dead fish. It designates aquatic toxicity, which is passed through exposure to water. It can refer to harmful chemicals that may damage human health as well as fish, invertebrates and plants. These risks may be seen in places such as the wastewater management industry and disposal of farming and agriculture chemicals, among other places.

Skull and Crossbones – This symbol, commonly associated with poisonous substances, is used to designate substances with the potential for acute toxicity. With these chemicals, even exposure to a single dose can be toxic or fatal. Exposure can occur through inhalation, swallowing or skin contact. Manufacturers of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, as well as farming industries, may be in places where this label would be placed on substances.

Preventing Exposure

Workers should always check labels which will alert them of specific risks. If less hazardous materials are available, those should be used first. Storage, safe handling, contamination prevention, and external conditions can be major factors in preventing chemical reactions and physical exposure.

Understanding the health hazards, special instructions and emergency procedures can help prevent severe injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. Workplace safety signs also include helpful information such as a Signal Word, Substance Name, Hazard Statement and Precautionary Statement. GHS chemical signs can include multiple pictograms, depending on the substance hazards.

Related Posts:

• Caution, Warning and Danger Signs Explained
• Understanding OSHA and Displaying Proper Signage for Workplace Safety

References:

1. OSHA HCS Fact Sheet
2. OSHA Pictograms
3. Pictogram Training Sheet

The post Chemical Hazard Symbols first appeared on Signage Compliance, Design Tips & News - CustomSigns.com Blog.

How to Check Your Water Usage

To manage water consumption well, you need to know how much water you are using. You can figure this out using your home’s water meter.

1. Finding Your Water Meter

For most houses, you can find your meter in a labeled concrete or plastic box outside. You may need a long screwdriver to lift the lid. Often these are found by the driveway, in front of the house by the curb, or in the basement. For some houses these water meters and pipes are on the side of the house.

If you cannot find your water meter, you can call your landlord, property manager, or local utilities company for information about where the meter is located on your specific property.

2. Start with a 20 Minute Leak Check

Check for a leak by getting readings 20 minutes apart. First, make sure there is no water running anywhere in the house. This means toilets, household faucets, showers, washing machines, dishwashers, sprinklers, and pool systems should not be in use. Next, write down the reading from the numeric band.

After 20 minutes (where you haven’t used any water), write down the new reading. If during that interval more than a gallon is used, you may have a leak. Note: this may be caused by automatic water refills on your property from the pool to the ice maker. When you check for areas that may be damp or leaking, you can also check for any water sources you may have left running.

3. Evaluate General Consumption with a 24 Hour Check

Similar to the above meter check, you can evaluate your consumption by recording the water meter readings at interval times. However, this time you will use your water sources as normal and take down the new total 24 hours later. Subtract the old total from the new one to get your household usage. Divide that by the number of inhabitants and you will have the approximate individual usage per day.

4 Types of Conservation Signs to Curb Water Waste

Water conservation often begins with raising awareness by placing signs by frequently used water sources such as kitchen sinks, bathrooms, and hoses. Signs provide helpful reminders, warnings, alerts, guidelines, requests, and restrictions. All of these signs are designed to change wasteful water habits.

Four types of water usage signs you may encounter include:

Outdoor Drought Signs – These are often related to the usage of sprinklers, hoses and other types of irrigation during severe droughts.

Sink Signs – These remind people using facets to turn off tightly. These can be found in the home, restaurants and other businesses.

Bathroom Signs – These provide guidelines such as a recommendation to turn off water when brushing teeth, take shorter showers, or limiting the amount of water used for baths.

Custom Conservation Signs – Businesses and homeowners may customize signs for use of everything from pool cleaning to dishwashing and laundry areas. Other custom water signs feature How-To’s for checking water meters, directions for what to do in case of leak detection, and warnings related to reclaimed or recycled water.

How You Can Start Saving Water

Begin by searching for possible leaks that are currently occurring in your home. The EPA estimates that Leaky faucets can result in nearly 50 gallons of wasted water in a week. To get a broader perspective, consider that an undetected leak of 0.1 gallon per minute wastes 4,320 gallons per month.

You can troubleshoot to find out whether or not a leak is occurring inside or outside your home by turning off the inside and outside valves and seeing if the leak indicator continues to change. You may discover hard to find leaks in the walls, under your home, or by the water meter or valves. Other signs of leakage include excess water condensation and unusual amounts of mold in areas outside of the bathroom.

Being aware of your water consumption goes beyond your home. Try and limit your water usage in the workplace as well. Take a moment to learn about water conservation for business here.

What is an Appropriate Water Use by Family Size?

 The average person uses around 80-100 gallons of water per day, according to water.usgs.gov. In certain states, legislators have pushed for future laws that will restrict individuals to 55 gallons per day. In some areas, there are outdoor water usage restrictions put into place during droughts.

For now, you can help prevent water waste by setting a household water usage budget goal or simply reducing the amount you currently use. You can evaluate your own usage patterns by using a water usage calculator. The simple act of looking at how you use water and where you overuse it most can help you quickly identify areas for improvement.

If you want to know more about water usage rules and guidelines for your property, visit the website of your utilities provider and local water management agency. State governments and city governments create regulations which may be related to droughts and environmental initiatives, so laws often vary from city to city.

Resources:

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/styles/medium/public/2017-02/ws-ourwater-water-pie-chart-version-two_0.png

https://water.usgs.gov/edu/qa-home-percapita.html

https://www.jea.com/About/Water_Supply/Conservation

https://www.dailywire.com/news/31462/californias-water-law-55-gallons-person-day-paul-bois

The post Managing Your Water Consumption first appeared on Signage Compliance, Design Tips & News - CustomSigns.com Blog.

Here is a list of signs that every business should display:

Grand Opening

Once your storefront has come together, you’ll want to let customers and clients know you are open for business. Personalizing a grand opening banner can inform onlookers that you are up and running. Drive customers in with creative designs, a custom logo, and opening promotions. You will want to include your company name, phone number, location and web address. Give your hard work the recognition it deserves and make sure you implement enough advertisement to bring in excited customers.

Parking Spots

After attracting the customers to your store, make it easy for them to park and walk in. Depending on your location you may have storefront parking, a stand-alone lot, or street parking. Show customers you care about their convenience and display signs for your business’s designated parking spots.

You can get creative and design your own parking sign or order a pre-made template. Before installing a sign, find out if you are authorized to make those changes. Whether you need to contact the city or the owner of the complex your store is in, take the time to get the information you need.

If you can’t hold certain spots available, you can display a sign informing future customers where available parking lots/spots are for those who wish to enter your business.

Hours of Operation

It is wonderful to gain repeat customers and loyal clients! While you and your staff work hard to keep your store up and running, you can only stay open for so long. Displaying a sign that solely contains business hours is essential. Clings and decals can be placed in the window by the front door, or you can hang a sign for optimal visibility. If hours are flexible or you just opened and are figuring out your hours of operation, you can display a reversible open/closed sign. You can hang it next to your hours of operation sign and flip it depending on if your store is open or closed.

Restroom Signs

Whether you serve food, goods, or service, you most likely have restrooms for your patrons. It can be hard to spot the bathroom if you do not display signage. You can help point them in the right direction with a directional sign. You’ll be surprised how helpful a simple arrow sign can be to a customer who is unfamiliar with your building.

Once they get to the designated restroom, make sure you distinguish the type of lavatories provided. Are your bathrooms for men and women, family, and/or handicap accessible? Show it!

Depending on your establishment, you may or may not be required to provide a washroom for customers to use. Make sure to check your state and local laws when finding a place for your business.

In Case of Emergency

While you should be taking the proper precautions to prevent any emergencies from occurring, accidents still happen. If a problem does arise, it is imperative that you have had emergency signs placed to ensure staff and customer safety.

Mark the proper doors as emergency exits and use a directional sign so people can locate the fire extinguisher. If your place of business has multiple floors, make sure to use a sign that states using the stairs in case of an emergency. For any tripping hazards, you should use a caution watch your step sign.

Keep your business running safe and effectively by displaying the proper signage. This is both a courtesy to your customers, but will also help protect your business from liability. Customize signs or order templates to make sure you convey important information to customers, clients, and staff. For all your sign and plaque needs shop our online store at Customsigns.com.

The post Signs Every Business Needs first appeared on Signage Compliance, Design Tips & News - CustomSigns.com Blog.

Observed during the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is the day our country comes together to commemorate our brave service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the extraordinary freedom our nation has enjoyed for generations. Introduced as Decoration Day in May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, to lay flowers on (or decorate) the graves of fallen service members, Memorial Day became a federal holiday with the congressional passage of the National Holiday Act of 1971.

Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day

Honor Memorial Day and the memory of our family members, loved ones, friends, neighbors, and everyone who has served our country with a few thoughtful ways we’ve gathered to commemorate this special holiday.

Wear a Memorial Day Pin, Button, or Red Poppy Flower

Proudly wearing a symbol of our country’s military, including a button or pin of the American flag, is a vibrant, eye-catching way to show everyone your patriotic spirit. Choosing to wear a red poppy is a time honored Memorial Day tradition that began during the time of World War I after a poem written by physician and Lt. Col. John McCrae, In Flanders Fields, that describes the fields of brightly colored red poppies he observed while treating the wounded on battlefields during the war. These brightly colored flowers are now known as a national symbol of military sacrifice throughout many countries around the world.

Volunteer Your Time to Veterans, Widows, and Others Affected by Our Fight for Freedom

Perhaps you live near a VA hospital or clinic, an assisted living center, or even in the same neighborhood that a veteran calls home. Spend part of your Memorial Day weekend – and other days throughout the year – bringing joy and the camaraderie of a friendly conversation to veterans, their widows, children, or other loved ones by stopping by for a visit. Whether you bring along a sweet treat, a little token of gratitude, or simply offer your time, they’re sure to feel cared for, remembered, and appreciated.

Honor Our Patriots with a Memorial Plaque

From park benches to tree lined walkways, gardens, bike trails, or even city centers, a professionally engraved brass plaque is a simple, timeless way to memorialize those who selflessly served our country. Go classic by engraving names and dates, or get a bit creative and include a special quote or favorite saying of the person who’s memory you re honoring, even a favorite hobby or an engraved image. Anything that will show others something special about your loved one is a wonderful way to honor his or her memory and military service.

Fly the American Flag Proudly and Properly on Memorial Day

To properly display the American flag on Memorial Day, swiftly raise the flag to the top of the flag pole, and then solemnly lower it to half-staff until noon. This is done to honor and remember our fallen service men and women who gave their lives serving our country. At noon, raise the flag back to the top to symbolize that we continue the fight for liberty, freedom, and justice for our fellow Americans.

Our Original Star Spangled Banner Still Flying Proudly

If you’ve ever been to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., then you’ve had the awe-inspiring experience of viewing the original Star Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired Frances Scott Key to pen our national anthem. Raised over Fort McHenry on September 14, 1814, to show America’s victory over the British in the Battle of Baltimore, this flag is among the Smithsonian’s most treasured artifacts. After years of painstaking preservation efforts, America’s original Star Spangled Banner is proudly displayed in a permanent exhibition gallery where millions of people continue to enjoy her incredible splendor!

The post Honor Those Who Served This Memorial Day and Every Day of the Year first appeared on Signage Compliance, Design Tips & News - CustomSigns.com Blog.