Accuform Signs

The New Accuform Blog

2012-01-06T16:08:00.000-05:00

Accuform Signs has been blogging about products, services, regulations, industry information and other timely material for over two years now. We've attempted to lead the way technologically and socially in the safety industry, adopting best practices along the way and plotting the course to providing our customers with the solutions they need not only for their plant and facilities, but for how their businesses can run more efficiently. We look at ourselves as early adopters if not innovators, and believe that working on the cutting-edge is essential to growing our business and yours.

All that said, we've raised the bar again in 2012 and elevated our blogging to a whole new level. The New Accuform Blog is made up of a team of 15 Accuform employees from different departments willing to share a little about what makes us tick, what we've found works and what doesn't. After all, we are a B2B company, supplying not only solutions to the safety industry that Inform Protect and Motivate™ your workforce, but also marketing materials and general industry insights whenever and wherever possible.

Often, early adoption starts at the top, and that’s what we have here at Accuform; buy-in from the top level, as shown in CEO Wayne Johnson’s blog, “View from the Top.” Mitch Fein, VP of Sales, will provide insights on “Growing Your Sales” and Marketing Director Brad Montgomery talks “Marketing Trends.” But we don’t focus only on the front of the house, as you’ll see after perusing Fred Bohinski’s “Production and Materials” or Merchandising’s Kristen Hogrefe on “Notable Safety Regulations.”

Keep coming back to the new Accuform Blog, subscribe to the feeds and leave us your feedback. We want to continue to be your source for relevant business and manufacturing insights in the safety and signage industries. And if you like this one, don't worry, it isn't going anywhere!

Accuform at the NSC 2011 Congress and Expo

2011-12-01T09:34:00.001-05:00

The National Safety Council saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the roads through leadership, research, education and advocacy.

By 2014, the council will save an additional 10,000 lives and prevent 1 million injuries. To achieve this goal, the NSC continues to partner with businesses, elected officials and the public to make an impact in areas such as distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety, and safety in the home and community.

Workplace safety and transportation have been critical areas of focus to the council since its inception in 1913. Over the years, increases in unintentional injury and death rates in the homes and communities have resulted in the council expanding its focus to include safety in homes and communities.

The NSC Congress and Expo is one of Accuform’s biggest tradeshows of the year. With a huge 20’ x 40’ booth showcasing our newest and latest products, we “WOWed!” attendees and fellow exhibitors with a dazzling booth that drew over 1,000 leads!

“The show had a fantastic turnout,” said Brad Montgomery, Accuform’s Communications and Marketing Director. “Workplace safety is always a fundamental message here, along with the unveiling of OSHA’s 2011 top 10 recordable incident categories, new innovations in safety on the road and so on.

“It was truly a team effort to bring a concept like this to life,” Montgomery continued. “From our Store-boards™ to the cool booth graphics, the new case study, STOPOUT™ demo center and of course, R and D of all of our new products. The team on the show floor was totally engaging, and they worked tirelessly to capture the attention of all the attendees. It was a true win for the entire organization.”

NFPA 70E® 2012 Edition: Equipment Labeling Requirements

2011-11-11T15:03:00.001-05:00

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has released the 2012 Edition of the NFPA 70E® Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. Article 130.5(C) outlines the requirements for Equipment Labeling, effective September 30, 2011.

The standard states: Electrical equipment such as switchboards, panelboards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures, and motor control centers that are in other than dwelling units, and are likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized, shall be field marked with a label containing all the following information:

1. At least one of the following:

Available incident energy and the corresponding working distance
Minimum arc rating of clothing
Required level of PPE

Highest Hard/Risk Category (HRC) for the equipment

2. Nominal system voltage
3. Arc flash boundary

Labels applied prior to September 30, 2011 are considered acceptable if they contain the available incident energy or required level of PPE.
Accuform offers several arc flash labels that comply with new equipment labeling requirements.

For our full selection of general safety arc flash equipment labels, as well as arc flash signs, click here.

For more information on the revised labeling requirements, refer to the official NFPA 70E® Standard, available at NFPA® Catalog.

Seahorses and Safety

2011-10-11T09:22:00.000-04:00

Accuform Signs has spent part of 2011 introducing its facility identification solutions to new markets, now including parks and zoos to its repertoire. Recently, Accuform helped the Florida Aquarium and Lowry Park Zoo earn accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) by supplying them with over 300 exhibit signs in a very short amount of time. Accuform’s proprietary material, Accu-Shield™, is a big hit in these Tampa parks, and was equally well received at the AZA 2011 Annual Conference two weeks ago in Atlanta.

Working on a budget? We digitally print on over 30 different materials. Digital printing is also better for the environment and so is RE-Plastic™, a material made from 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) material.

“The CEO of the Lowry Park Zoo, Craig Pugh, was our biggest fan at AZA,” said Jim Redmile, Accuform’s representative at this year’s conference. “Mr. Pugh was instrumental in sending many qualified leads to our booth, including other zoo CEO’s, purchasing managers, zookeepers, and facility operations officers.”

“At a smaller, niche-type of show like AZA, most of the attendees are already well-qualified leads, so creating personal relationships with attendees and other exhibitors, as well as consistency in attendance, becomes vital to creating new business,” Redmile explained. “It’s an aspect of sales and marketing that Accuform is extremely good at.”

The 2012 AZA Annual Conference will be held next September in Phoenix, Arizona.

You can see some examples of the signs Accuform created at www.accuform.com/zoo.

For more information on how to get started with your zoo and aquarium signs, you can contact a customer service agent.

October Webinar Cancelled

2011-09-23T12:57:00.000-04:00

The Visual Edge™ webinar by Accuform Signs, set for Monday, October, 3rd, has been cancelled. As an alternative you can watch the product video and learn more about Visual Edge™ by clicking here.

Our next webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, November 1st. We appreciate your support through our first year’s webinar series, and hope that our webinars have been educational and a value-added service for you to take to your customers. We hope that you will join us November 1st as we finalize our 2011 Webinar Series by presenting “Facility Identification Services by Accuform Signs.”

About November’s Webinar: Get your facility(s) in compliance with OSHA and ANSI standards. Let our Facility Identification Service survey your facility to help you comply with OSHA regulations. Learn more this November.

Go to our Webinars page to review our 2011 series, and download the webinar you want in the format you want, including transcripts, MP3, WMV, MOV and PDF. You can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes.

Custom Sign Solutions and Accushield™

2011-09-20T15:29:00.000-04:00

The following Q & A came from our September 6, 2011 webinar featuring Accuform's Todd Guenther, Business Development Specialist, and 18-year veteran of the safety industry. Attendees from around the country asked questions pertaining to Accuform's Personalization efforts, custom sign solutions and our proprietary, 15-year guaranteed material, Accu-shield™.

Q: Do you manufacture more custom signs than stock or off-the-shelf?
A: About 80% of our business is custom, but we also have a complete line of stock signs, tags, labels, pipe markers and other facility identification solutions available.

Q: How much does a custom sign cost?
A: A good sign means it’s well-designed and professionally produced. Qualify where the message is being applied, the life span you expect the sign to last and shop around for price last. Other factors will include the amount of custom work needed and the quality of the material that is chosen. One study found that on average for every dollar spent on safety there was an average of three dollars returned from the investment. Keep that in mind when estimating a sign budget. Good signs, like good employees or good equipment, don’t create added cost; they pay a premium return on the investment.

Q: Is the "Custom Sign of the Day" sold at the normal price of a sign that size or the custom sign price?
A: The custom sign of the day is one of the features we use to showcase unique ideas we’ve seen from one company which might get the creative wheels going for others. Sharing ideas helps communicate new ideas for safety compliance. The signs are custom priced, however, Accuform has no minimum orders, no set-up fees, unlimited colors, unlimited photos, and unlimited logos.

Q: how do I tell a good sign maker from an average one?
A: It’s not always simple. The competition is huge, as there are over 33,000 sign companies in the United States. Differences between one sign shop and another can separate one from another in their abilities, equipment, technical advancements and experience. Ask questions like, "Do they have access to specialized equipment for expanded production, personal preferences or styles, and what is their skill in interpreting your specific, custom and personalized needs?"

Here are some ways to make the task of chhosing a signmaker a little less daunting:
1) Do your homework. Gather some facts before you make contact will be well worth the effort. Look at the website to identify if what they make is similar to what you’re looking for. Research if they are experts with OSHA or ANSI compliance issues and proper facility identification.
2) I have known absolutely brilliant and visionary sign makers who were downright terrible at safety compliance, customer relations, time frames, communicating and the like. Conversely, some perfectly professional, reliable, successful shops lack the digital advances in their technical equipment, with very little imagination and creativity.
3) Have a budget, quantity and size of the sign you need in mind. If you’re using your logo make sure the artwork is clean and crisp; have colors in mind and maybe even a drawing of how you imagine your sign looking. Right there is a great jumping off point to efficiently and effectively help narrow down your variables.
4) The final choice is mostly an emotional one. If you are comfortable with the variety, creativity, portfolio, samples, professionalism of the company and the quality of work done to your satisfaction, then it’s probably right.

Q: What other variables are involved when choosing a sign?
A: Signs can be made using about any type of material. In addition to the time you expect to get out of your sign ask yourself:

Does it need to be illuminated?
Does it need special mounting?
Is it for an interior or exterior application?
Does the information on the sign need to change at regular intervals?

All of these variables and more should be considered when looking at customizing signs around your facility.

For more information regarding any of the questions and answers found here, or to contact Todd, please email him at: webinars@accuform.com or call 800.237.1001

Proposed Rule to Cancel MUTCD Street Sign Compliance Dates

2011-09-12T11:23:00.000-04:00

Last November, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requested additional public comment on street sign reflectivity and lettering requirements after state and local governments raised concerns about the cost of compliance.

Nearly a year later on August 30, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the DOT’s proposal to cancel 46 deadlines established in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). On the chopping block are the regulations requiring street signs to be replaced by 2018 to meet minimum retroreflectivity standards and the regulations to increase the font size on traffic signs.

Instead of following all the original MUTCD deadlines, the notice proposes that local and state transportation agencies decide on their own when to replace signs – with the exception of a few select compliance dates deemed critically important to public safety.

“Local and state transportation agencies are best-equipped to determine when they need to replace signs and other items in the course of their daily work,” said FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez. “We are proposing these changes to give them the flexibility they need to balance their many responsibilities and make the best use of taxpayer dollars.”

A good example of this flexibility is how the proposal recommends handling retroreflectivity requirements.

The MUTCD originally set three deadlines:
• By January 22, 2012 – Implement an assessment method to maintain traffic sign retroreflectivity at/above minimum levels.
• By January 22, 2015 – Replace regulatory, warning and post-mounted signs that fail to meet minimum levels.
• By January 22, 2018 – Replace street name signs and overhead signs that fail to meet minimum levels.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) now proposes to extend the first compliance date of January 22, 2012. The proposed extension would give highway agencies two years (after the effective date of the Final Rule for this proposed MUTCD revision) to implement an assessment method for meeting retroreflectivity standards – It would not require any signs to be replaced by a given date.

The proposal also calls for the elimination of the second two existing target dates (2015 and 2018). In the absence of target compliance deadlines, highway agencies would be expected to systematically update existing non-MUTCD compliant signs as required by 23 CFR 655.603(d)(1).

The Notice of Proposed Amendments to revise the target compliance dates for upgrading traffic signs was published August 31 and will be open for public comment until October 31, 2011.

View the FHWA’s Proposed Rule.

Article written by guest blogger Kristen Hogrefe, Product Manager, Accuform Signs.

For more information, contact Kristen Hogrefe at 1.800.237.1001 x-180 or email kristen.hogrefe@accuform.com.

5S and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Q & A Part 1

2011-08-09T11:33:00.001-04:00

August 2, 2011 Q & A and Chat listener feedback

Webinar objectives: We’ll examine the FSMA Act, the implications it may have on the food industry and provide solutions for your facility regarding 5S to help build a visual workplace and keep you in compliance with the new Food Safety Modernization Act.

Q: Why is the FSMA law needed?

A: Looking at the history of food borne illnesses, studies have shown that they are largely preventable. The CDC and the FDA realize that very step in today’s global food chain should have measures for controlling hazards that could cause potential for illness.

Under the new law, the FDA will now have the tools and a clear regulatory framework to help make improvements. For example, for the first time, the FDA has a legislative mandate to require comprehensive, preventive-based controls across the food supply chain.

Preventive controls include steps that a food facility would take to prevent or significantly minimize the likelihood of problems occurring. The new law also significantly enhances FDA’s ability to achieve greater oversight of the millions of food products coming into the United States from other countries each year.

Q: What are the major elements of the FSMA law?

A: The elements of the FSMA law can be divided into five key areas:

1) Preventive controls - for the first time, FDA has a legislative mandate to require comprehensive, prevention-based controls across the food supply.
2) Inspection and Compliance - the legislation recognizes that inspection is an important means of holding industry accountable for its responsibility to produce safe food; thus, the law specifies how often FDA should inspect food producers. FDA is committed to applying its inspection resources in a risk-based manner and adopting innovative inspection approaches.
3) Imported Food Safety - the FDA has new tools to ensure that those imported foods meet US standards and are safe for our consumers. For example, for the first time, importers must verify that their foreign suppliers have adequate preventive controls in place to ensure safety and the FDA will be able to accredit qualified third party auditors to certify that foreign food facilities are complying with U.S. food safety standards.
4) Response - for the first time, the FDA will have mandatory recall authority for all food products. FDA expects that it will only need to invoke this authority infrequently since the food industry largely honors our requests for voluntary recalls.
5) Enhanced Partnerships - the legislation recognizes the importance of strengthening existing collaboration among all food safety agencies, U.S. federal, state, local, territorial, tribal and foreign, to achieve our public health goals. For example, it directs FDA to improve training of state, local, territorial and tribal food safety officials.

Go to Accuform's webinars page to see the webinar and learn more about our other webinars!

7 Questions from the Digi-Day Webinar

2011-07-13T10:43:00.000-04:00

The webinar we hosted on July 6, 2011, focusing on a Digi-Day® solution for any budget garnered several good questions. You can read the answers below, listen on iTunes or go to www.accuform.com/webinars.

Q: Do you have these in 220 volt for cruise lines? 2:16:42 PM from John
A: At this time we do not currently offer 220-volt version signs. Also, we do not recommend hard-wiring the units.

Q: Is there a solar panel option? 2:20:01 PM from Julia
A: For our electronic scoreboards, the short answer is yes, there is. The long answer however, is that the panels are very large, the batteries are large and the cost is typically large. The solar-powered unit requires a custom quote depending on the number and type of components. New LED technology allows for minimal electrical power draw, but again, if no electrical source is available, we can quote a solar-powered unit for you.

Q: On the outdoor Digi-Day® Plus signs, how well do they hold up to UV light? Does the sign have a life-expectancy? 2:21:39 PM from Larry
A: Our aluminum is guaranteed for 5 years. And the digital display is under warranty for 1 year (we do have an extended warranty available). The digital unit also has UV protection.

Q: Since it is 120V it must be CSA approved. Have you shipped to Canada yet? 2:22:27 PM from Raymond
A: Yes, my preliminary estimates show 91 Digi-Days® have been shipped to Canada since 2010.

Q: Is there literature available? I have some companies who may be interested in this product. 2:25:43 PM from Tony
A: Yes, we have several pages in our BEC-11 catalog: pages 16-17 and pages 820-833. We also have a mini webisode. We also have another web page devoted completely to the Digi-Day series.

Q: How do the boards get serviced if needed? 2:25:54 PM from Dolly
A: There is a one-year warranty on the board. If it’s a single digital unit and they have the ability to replace it in the field, we would send them a new unit and let them install. If the unit does not need to be replaced but just fixed or if there are several units on one board, we would usually issue an RMA and bring back here to work on it. If it’s outside of one year we would usually offer to sell them a new board at a special price.

Q: What's the typical lead time on these signs? from Susanne
A: Usually 3-4 days following art approval. Stock signs ship out the same day in most cases. Then depending on the complexity of electronic components and the level of customization, it could take up to a week in some cases.

Thanks for all of your questions. We hope you enjoyes the Digi-Day® webinar and hope you'll join us next month for 5S and Food Safety (formelry known as PPE-ID Charts).

5 Ways to Motivate Your Employees to Work Safely

2011-07-11T13:47:00.002-04:00

Keeping in tune with motivation and safety awareness often takes creativity, ingenuity and know-how, and Accuform's 2011 safety awareness campaign, Safety Rocks! has all of those attributes.

Here's 5 ways to implement safety awareness at your facility:

1. Choose a theme - A theme is a great way to incorporate several aspects of safety and motivational awareness and tie them all in, creating a diverse campaign that will be better remembered. Our Safety Rocks! campaign is a variation of the video game Guitar Hero.

2. Front Gate to Back Dock - Once you have your theme, utilize different solutions such as scoreboards, posters, banners and labels. The Safety Rocks! campaign not only includes a Really Big Scoreboard at the front gate, but utilizes other Accuform solutions such as Changeable Face Digi-Days®, motivational banners, safety posters and labels, all of the way to the back dock.

3. Incorporate Training - Safety and training go together like peanut butter and jelly, so incorporate it also into your theme. With Safety Rocks!, Accuform was able to put key safety issues on the table and make the training fun at the same time.

4. Utilize the talents of your employees - There are some really talented people out there that aren't utilizing their talent for profit. For example, we have an in-house business development specialist who also happens to be a motivational speaker and actor, so who better to take the message to the masses!

5. Make it fun - Accuform has annual fun days scheduled where everyone, from accounting, to marketing, to the production floor, take an afternoon off to play some games and eat some good food - right here at work. It's just one way the company gets to say, "Thank you" for taking safety so seriously at Accuform. Our annual fun day was coordinated to include our safety theme and featured a Guitar Hero-type battle of the bands.

Each year, we strive to impress upon our employees that working safely not only helps Accuform achieve its goals, but its also the main reason workers can get home safely at the end of the day to those that matter most, their family and loved ones.

So what motivates your workers to work safely? What programs have you implemented at your facility, and what safety and motivational solutions are you utilizing to promote awareness? Take a minute and email me at social@accuform.com. We'd love to hear about your program and your ideas for promoting safety awareness.

Redefining Kaizen

2011-06-22T16:10:00.000-04:00

Masaaki Imai is the Founder of the Kaizen Institute. MR. Imai, in this short video, defines Kaizen as the combination of two japanese terms:
Kai - change
Zen - for the better
Kaizen - change for the better
He then translates this combination into continuous, or continual improvement. but Mr. Imai does not think this is a good enough translation because it inherently leaves out the self-discpline and commitment needed by the individual. Later, he re-defines it:
Kaizen - Everyday, Everybody, Everywhere improvement
Everyday - when project ends, another should immediately begin for continuous challenge
Everybody - Kaizen should start at the top, with upper-level management practicing and displaying commitment, determination and guidance
Everywhere - Kaizen is not to be practiced only on the production floor, but in product development, sales and markting, and all other front office departments as well.

Accuform Signs can help you create your visual workplace including solutions for your 5S program, with the goal of continually improving your entire facility from the front gate to the back dock. We make products that Inform, Protect and Motivate™ the global workforce.

The Perfect Tweet: A Twitter Crash Course by Odd Todd

2011-06-22T16:02:00.000-04:00

I came across this great video about the perfect tweet, where else, but on Twitter, @time magazine. The great thing is, the information is true and relevant to lingo usage on Twitter, and explains the use of:
RT - retweet - a forwarded tweet by someone else - allow you to be charitable to someone else and gives them credit
MT - modified tweet - since twitter only allows 140 characters, to forward someone else's tweet you often have to condense the original message
HT - hat tip - or via - tipping your hat to credit another person as the source of your information
Hastag - # - pound symbol - flags any word as a keyword, and allows your tweet to enter a completely different timeline based on that keyword

And remember, there's no untweets! But don't just read my recap, watch the video! HT to Odd Todd!

5 Easy ways to Create a Zone of Safety

2011-06-21T12:22:00.007-04:00

Creating A Zone of Safety consists of setting a range of posts, tapes, signs or even interlocking components that, when combined together, provide a visual perimeter that directs the flow of people and equipment traffic.

Within industrial safety applications, the idea is to enable anyone to quickly setup a warning against spills, accidents or hazards or to provide a safe distance from potentially hazardous areas. Depending on the type of hazard, a zone of safety can be temporary, like in a spill situation, or marking a pathway around a new piece of equipment as it is being installed.

Here are five ways you can denote a perimeter quickly, either temporarily or permanently, to create a Zone of Safety in your facility, with the Blockade brand of products from Accuform.

1. Barricades - The Blockade X-Barricade is more convenient, a bigger value and costs much less than other barricades. When several X-Barricades are fit together, they form a zigzag shape to unmistakably prohibit entry or identify potentially hazardous areas. The x-shape design and bright yellow color gets people’s attention quickly, and visually blocks off an area from pedestrian traffic.

2. Stanchion Posts - The Blockade Stanchion Post and Base is a robust 36-inch tall post and includes a sturdy 16-inch wide base. The bright yellow color is easily recognized; the stanchion base is low-profile and designed with purpose. The base can be filled with your standard range of weights such as water, sand, bricks or gravel - virtually whatever material you choose.

3. Retractable Belts - Retractable belt tapes are 2 inches wide and extend up to 8 feet with straight tension without sag or slack, and the belt tape will retract smoothly back into the head unit for storage. A safety mechanism in the spring-tension reduces the whip-action of the belt as it retracts, in case of accidental release.

4. Barricade Tapes - Barricade tapes are highly-visible and provide a quick, temporary, but effective way to surround or section-off hazardous areas. They are also customizable for your unique situation.

5. Floor Marking Tapes - Slip-Gard™ Message Floor Tapes allow you to identify hazards on the floor with a non-slip safety warning message tape. These tapes have pebble-textured, poly-plastic surface for a safe step-on surface. Backside has self-adhesive with peel-off liner to adhere permanently into place.

Accuform Signs can address all of your Zone of Safety needs and more. We make products that Inform, Protect and Motivate™ the global workforce.

The Benefits of an Effective Lockout Tagout Program

2011-05-03T10:26:00.000-04:00

StopPlug™

We’ve all heard stories of catastrophic injuries on the job, even fatalities. According to OSHA statistics, approximately 60,000 injuries and more than 100 fatalities occur every year. It’s estimated that 10 percent of industrial accidents are lockout/tagout related. These statistics represent accidents resulting specifically from a failure to de-energize and follow a lockout/tagout program when performing service and maintenance work.

Studies have shown that an effective lockout/tagout program can reduce accidents by 30-50 % and some insurance companies even offer lower premiums to companies with demonstrated, effective, lockout programs. Effective lockout/tagout procedures can also dramatically increase your company’s productivity by making lockout activities more efficient, reducing downtime. Unfortunately in many companies, the procedures for individual machines are inconsistent or unclear from using varied software programs and formats.

What’s even worse is that many companies simply don’t have a formal energy control program at all; which leaves many workers without the necessary guidance, certification or compliance training they need to perform essential lockout/tagout procedures efficiently and effectively. The results of this approach can be disastrous:

In June of 2001, a worker in Marietta, Georgia was tamping down cardboard inside a compactor when his feet became caught in the cardboard. Pinned inside the machine, both of his legs were severed above the knee when the machine unexpectedly restarted.

This man’s tragedy is one of many, because of the frequency and seriousness of these accidents, OSHA inspectors are specifically instructed to look for documented procedures during lo/to inspections. OSHA standard 1910.147 is one of the most frequently cited violations, leading to costly fines for many companies and that’s even without the lost productivity, health care costs, and potential litigation of a work-related injury or fatality.

In the case cited above, the company was fined $140,000, including $70,000 for failure to use documented lockout procedures to render the compactor inoperable while the employee was in the machine’s chamber. Costs for one catastrophic accident can spiral into millions of dollars.

At Accuform Signs, we make safety the first priority. We have just introduced a new line of lockout/tagout solutions called STOPOUT™ that can keep you employees safe in your workplace.

How Can You Get Started with Your WorkHealthy™ Program?

2011-04-11T08:22:00.000-04:00

Accuform can help with unique twists from familiar products towards promoting your WorkHealthy™ program.

The WorkHealthy™ line of products from Accuform features ready-to-use and personalized scoreboards, banners, posters and table-top signs. The program was actually conceived from one of our customers. They chose to apply different themes to our Changeable Face Digi-Day® Electronic Scoreboard.

Over the course of several months they were able to track the amount of pounds their employees were losing. For example, instead of taking the elevator they tracked the flights of stairs the employees climbed (compared to the number of flights in buildings such as the empire state building or the Sears Tower). They also tracked the number of miles employees walked along the path around a local park down the street during their breaks – again comparing it to walking across a great length (like across the country).

Over time they ultimately created their own “Biggest Loser” campaign, and, as a result, the employees were more motivated and social among each of the competing departments. Even employees who chose not to take an active role in the campaign still cheered their co-workers on.

Within the first six months – the company saw improvements in morale, reduced injuries and increased production rates. After a year the program’s momentum translated into a significant rebate towards the company’s overall health insurance rates.

Here are WorkHealthy™ ideas that companies from coast to coast – just like yours – have found helpful:

Promote positive thinking through personalized and motivational banners and posters. Our banners are double-stitched with heavy-duty brass grommets that withstand the elements to deliver your WorkHealthy™ campaign. Posters are a great way to carry your message across, both economical and efficient. Choose from a variety of pre-made ideas or submit your own concept for quick turnaround.

There are complete sets of ready-to-use products available such as scoreboards, banners, posters and table top signs. These can be placed in high-traffic locations throughout your facility or direct your employees attention within the cafeteria or mess hall.

And you can Personalize your WorkHealthy™ program with any of our customized facility identification solutions! Our only limitation is your imagination!

So let’s wrap it up! Health management initiatives, including workplace health promotion/wellness programs, help employees live healthier lives, while at the same time improving your bottom line through reduced health costs and increased productivity.

Employee health promotion programs should be viewed and managed as a strategic investment to be maximized, rather than an expense to be minimized.

Start now. Plan, implement and promote a comprehensive health promotion program aimed at improving employee health and safety, and business growth.

More than ever, now is the time to WorkHealthy™! Creating health and wellness programs can benefit your workplace, reduce the cost of health insurance and increase the motivation and overall safety culture of the company.

Everyone wins when we all work together to build a WorkHealthy™ program!

It is our mission to provide you with the necessary tools and training skills to identify your specific needs and increase your revenue, backed by our 100% “Yes We Can” customer service attitude!

Be sure to check out www.accuform.com/webinars for further information on how you can get started!

WorkHealthy™ Part 2: The Benefits of a Healthy Workplace

2011-03-21T14:55:00.000-04:00

This is the second part of our series on the benefits of working healthy at your workplace.

The WorkHealthy™ program communicates an important message – and is designed to help promote a healthy workplace at your location. You can do this through ways such as encouragement, reminders, education and wellness programs. Ask your health care provider if they have recently sponsored wellness and health fairs for other businesses in your community and work together to organize your event. Develop and recognize participation in exercise and activities that increase and promote health and wellness in your work environment.

Ms. Claussen’s article references additional research showing a connection between high levels of workplace stress and chronic health conditions – including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and musculo-skeletal disorders. These conditions may make workers more susceptible to accidents and injuries.

To combat stress in the workplace, employers should assess their employees to find out what the common stressors are and work toward mitigating stressful elements of the workplace.

Here are some ways to plan, implement and promote a company-wide comprehensive and WorkHealthy™ initiative at your facility.

Share the Big Picture. Help people see how their individual role supports the work of your department, your division and ultimately the goals of the company. Let them know how their contribution makes a difference. Share information across other departments or satellite facilities about what’s happening that will help others understand why your company is such an exciting and healthy place to work!

Have a Plan and Communicate. A clear plan that outlines specific and reachable goals, objectives and priorities will help people make the right choices when they can’t do it alone. Measurable outcomes and progress monitoring helps people know when they are on track and when they need to adjust their course of action, environments, habits or activity. Let people know when they are doing well and hold them accountable for their part of the overall goals and efforts of the team; and celebrate successes!

Engage People. Create opportunities for conversations about successes and what is working well within your facility and/or other facilities in your company. Create opportunities for people to collaborate and work on ideas and projects together. Invite people to share their perspectives and welcome their ideas about how to do things even better. Be available to your colleagues – encourage feedback and keep channels of communication wide open.

Use People’s Talents. Tapping into your colleagues’ strengths – and the skills they most enjoy using – will improve motivation, raise an individual’s self-esteem and create an interest in learning – resulting in overall satisfaction. It also maximizes the collective potential of a team.

Provide Tools. Streamline processes and procedures wherever possible. This improves employee efficiency, time and effort. Ensure people have the tools and information that will support their productivity. Link them to the resources they need to be effective in their position – including where to get information and advice on how to work healthy.

Provide Support. Connect new employees with veteran workers who can be an advisor, mentor, trainer or coach, then track their progress through a particular project. Connect them to people or resources that can assist them in dealing with professional and personal issues that could affect them in the workplace. In cases where it works for the operational needs of the department – employ flexible work schedules to help people fit exercise into their day or other things that promote a healthy balance between the work site and their personal time away from work.

Provide Development. Provide encouragement and support for your colleagues to work on their professional development goals. Be creative with various development approaches – as well as creating time to attend online or classroom training. Give support for the learning process and practice and help people make the connection from what they are learning to actual challenges or problem-solving they face in their work. Find ways to make development collaborative and share with each other what you are learning.

Promote Safety and Health. Continue to provide training and safeguards that address workplace safety and security issues. Encourage exercise – healthy eating and other beneficial health habits. Remind people of the benefits of taking breaks with healthy practices that help them “re-charge their batteries” to improve concentration, focus, mood and energy. Create opportunities for colleagues to walk or do athletic activities together.

Tend to Relationships. Creating healthy work relationships and collaborative partnerships requires attention and positive intention, careful listening, speaking up in appropriate ways, healthy and creative resolution of conflicts and reinforcement for respectful behavior and mutual support for learning and growth.

Express Appreciation. Find creative ways to recognize people’s contributions. Take advantage of every opportunity to express your appreciation – it doesn’t take long and it can have a big impact.

Encourage Ways to Have Fun at Work. We can be productive and have fun at the same time! Having a sense of play relieves stress, promotes a positive outlook and increases creativity.

Be a Good Role Model. Sometimes our own example is the most powerful means of influence. Be aware of and intentional about how you “walk the talk.” Honor the power and leadership that you have to make a difference in the lives of those working around you. It’s not just workers, even contractors watch the company bosses to see what’s acceptable and appropriate. Show that you care as much about the health of each employee as you do about their safety – more than ever, the time to WorkHealthy™ starts now.

WorkHealthy™

2011-03-10T15:15:00.003-05:00

What comes to mind when you hear the term – WorkHealthy™?

For some it means the opportunity to work in an environment that will not make them sick. For others, it means being protected from the effects of chemicals and other hazards with proper PPE. And still a few will say it means ensuring the health and safety of each employee by any means necessary. And they would all be correct. What we’ll uncover today is another answer; one that involves making healthy choices that can impact and affect safety as a whole – as a culture. It’s called WorkHealthy™.

The following is Part 1 of a 3 part webinar sponsored by Accuform Signs. If you'd like to watch the video, in either .wmv or .mov format, get the powerpoint, read the transcript, or hear the mp3, go to www.accuform.com/webinars. You can also listen to the podcast on iTunes.

Part 1: What is a WorkHealthy™ Environment?
Every day you work hard to promote a safe workplace – but what about promoting a healthy one? While studies are few, and data is sparse, the weight of the evidence links both stress and illness with workplace injury. And it’s definitely something that shouldn’t be overlooked. NIOSH calls for more research, yet cites “growing concern” that stress can lead to incidents by interfering with safe work practices. In a recent survey of nurses conducted by the American Nurses Association, 80% said on-the-job stress levels impact workplace safety, and 59% of nurses said when they feel pressured they are more inclined to work faster and take shortcuts. We believe it’s safe to assume that this is likely the case in the industrial world as well. Accident levels can go up dramatically when stress climbs.

Workplace wellness programs are becoming increasingly popular. More and more companies are developing programs to provide resources for the health and well being of their workers including full-time staff, temporary workers and on-site contractors.

Companies who have instilled a culture of safety are also implementing ways that employees throughout the entire facility can participate in wellness activities. Healthy activities and education programs within the workplace provide employees with the capacity to achieve greater levels of performance. From this focus on wellness, workers can strengthen themselves physically, mentally and emotionally.

Research shows chronic diseases are on the rise and can attribute significantly to the cost of health care. Health management initiatives, including workplace health and wellness programs, help employees live healthier, energetic and more productive lives, at the same time improving your bottom line through increased productivity and reduced costs.

Improving our everyday lifestyle habits and practices is the best way to stay healthy, have more energy, handle stress, manage conflict, build collaboration and teamwork – and get better results.

In today’s challenging times, taking care of ourselves and taking care of each other are more important than ever.

WorkHealthy™ in the workplace leads to being resilient in the face of constant change – developing a program creates sustainability, for each individual and for the company as a whole.

Education programs and health fairs can inform and motivate employees to make healthy choices. For some, making a healthy choice is easy. But for others, this can be very difficult. Temptations and vices are not habits easily cast to the side. Poor eating habits, smoking and lack of exercise can have serious complications in the long run leading to the increase risk of stroke or heart attack. It’s scary to think about.

Choosing to work safely goes beyond simply getting the ladder out when it’s time to change a light bulb. Instead of taking shortcuts like standing on the chair that’s balanced on the table – it means making positive changes happen inside our bodies too.

So where do you start? Seeing a doctor is one way; participating in a company-wide health fair is another. Making the healthy choice is not easy; it’s important to support people who are making life-changing choices to be at their best – living – learning – working.

And this is not something to tackle alone. It’s being able to provide motivational support in the workplace.

We can create the supportive environment if we do it together.

I just received the March issue of Safety & Health Magazine published by the National Safety Council. The front page cover story is all about Stress in the Workplace. It’s interesting to note that the author, Lauretta Claussen, points out why keeping stress in check could create a healthier and safer workplace. In her article, Ms. Claussen references a 2008 study that found people with severe levels of job stress had a 68% higher risk of developing heart disease. Another study by the American Institute of Stress determined that stress costs American businesses an estimated $300 billion dollars annually.

A WorkHealthy™ program aims at helping your overall employee health and wellness – while also improving teamwork and business growth.

5S Shadow-Style Store-Boards™

2011-02-16T15:16:00.000-05:00

Shadow boards, or Store-Boards™ as we call them, are used during the 5S process and other lean initiatives to organize tools, equipment and materials. Store-Boards™ provide a striking visual cue that helps workers account for all tools and equipment in their area. With outline graphics and words or part numbers for each item, it's easy for any employee to keep all equipment in its proper place, ensuring it'savailable the next time it's needed.

At the end of a shift, employees can quickly see what items have not been returned, to avoid lost and forgotten items. This visual workplace is also key for training and multi-lingual workers. And color-coding shadows is a great way to keep tools for different uses separated - such as food processing or special chemical tools - to help avoid cross-contamination.

Visit accuform.com/storeboards to see our Store-Boards™ video, and for links to related items like the Glove Board™, 5S banners and posters, and other supporting literature.

You can also download our 16-page 5S Brochure with our complete line of 5S solutions for the visual workplace, or download our Store-Boards™ Brochure for great information on personalizing your Store-Boards™.

Missed our live webinar? Watch the WebEx™ recording of our 5S webinar, or take it with you using your preferred download including: PowerPoint, MP3 audio, WMV and MOV. Or subscribe to the Accuform Podcast on iTunes.

Identification Products that…MOTIVATE Your Workforce

2011-02-16T09:58:00.000-05:00

We've focused on INFORMing and PROTECTing your workforce. Finally, let's highlight a few products that help you MOTIVATE your workforce. Moving forward, we'll dig a little deeper and look at some 5S and lean solutions for your facility.
Digi-Day®
Because Every Day Counts! Signal your safety status while digitally keeping track of safe days at your facility with our family of Digi-Day® Scoreboards.

WorkHealthy™
Promote Healthy Behaviors at Work! Employee health promotion programs should be viewed and managed as a motivational tool and investment in your company.

Banners and Posters
These daily, visual reminders are fully customizable, help motivate employees, and promote safe work environments in key spots around your facility!

Visual Edge™ Signs
Deliver the "WOW" Factor! The added depth provides extra visibility and awareness, getting your sign noticed in more ways than one, and leading to a safer, increasingly motivated workplace.

Identification Products that…PROTECT Your Workforce

2011-01-25T14:36:00.001-05:00

It’s our goal to help you Inform, Protect, and Motivate™ North America's workforce. Last week, we touched on several products that help INFORM workers, but this week, let’s look at a few products (of many) that PROTECT.

StopOut™ Line of Lockout Products

Lockout/Tagout continues to be one of the most challenging aspects of workplace safety for many organizations. We provide a comprehensive offering of Lockout/Tagout products and training solutions. Our NEW StopOut™ line of Lockout/Tagout products, like the unique StopPlug™ make the challenge of Lockout/Tagout compliance a little easier.

Steering Wheel Message Cover

Ever wonder how to help prevent someone from driving a vehicle that is disabled or being worked on? Steering Wheel Message Covers do just that - by covering, and locking, to a steering wheel! When the operator sits in the driver’s seat, they can’t miss the bold message which covers the entire steering wheel – warning of the potential dangers of moving the vehicle, and protecting those in harm’s way.

Fold-Ups®
Fold-Ups®, Accuform’s exclusive line of fold-up style signs, are not made to just warn of wet floors. Protect workers from confined spaces, high voltage areas, hazardous work zones, spill areas and more!

Safety Signs

Safety Signs are the protecting element of any good facility safety identification program. With thousands upon thousands of stock legends and custom solutions, we have the sign that protects from identified hazards.

Safety Tags
Made for Lockout/Tagout, inspections, blind installs, cylinder use and more, safety tags help protect workers as they lockout equipment, inspect vehicles, service complicated machinery and more. Look to us as your source for safety tags, both stock and custom.

Safety Labels
Marking electrical panels is just one of hundreds of uses for our safety labels that are intended to protect your workforce. While we offer some of the most unique identification solutions available, sometimes a label does the trick. We’re your source when it comes to safety labels!

Identification Products that…INFORM Your Workforce

2011-01-19T14:19:00.000-05:00

By now, you’ve probably seen the NEW 2011 Accuform Signs Catalog. In it, you'll find thousands of products that Inform, Protect, and Motivate™ North America’s workforce, but this week, let’s dive in a little deeper and focus on the products that INFORM.

5S Boards for the Visual Workplace - Our new line of 5S visual workplace solutions, like our new Store-Boards™ are made to fit your specific 5S or HACCP requirements. In addition to Store-Boards™, we now offer a full line of other key 5S products like red tags, 5S banners and posters and floor marking solutions.

PPE-ID™ Charts - You've seen them before, but it's a product that continues to grow. From custom to stock solutions, PPE-ID™ Charts help demonstrate what a traditional safety sign can't... images that visualize which PPE should be worn within a specific area.

Stock & Custom ADA Braille Signs - Did you know Accuform Signs produces attractive, stock and custom Braille signs that meet ADA requirements? Check out Pages 782-785 of the new Accuform Signs Catalog to learn more.

Lumi-Glow™ Severe Weather Plan Holders - Like the popular evacuation map holders, our severe weather plan holders are completely customizable and now available in Lumi-Glow ™ as well as the standard version.

The BEC11 Catalog is Here!

2011-01-10T20:15:00.001-05:00

The BEC11 (Accuform's Best Ever Catalog 2011) is here and it's bigger, better and faster (well not really faster) than ever before. It is easier to manage if that's what you want to call faster, and it has some really new cool features.

We've placed a tabs page at the front of the catalog so you can mark the features of the catalog that you reference most. Some are marked for your convenience and we've left some blank so you can mark the pages, products, or OSHA and ANSI standards that you frequent the most. Oh, you didn't realize we put standards throughout the catalog to better serve your need for quick reference? Well we did, for ease of use. We want you to use our catalog as a reference guide.

What's better than a really useful catalog with easy to read text, thousands of solutions to keep you and your workforce safe and newly featured brands? QR codes that direct you to cool videos featuring our resident thespian and 15-year safety industry expert, Todd Guenther. Not familiar with QR codes? QR stands for "Quick Reference", and you'll find these codes everywhere products are offered these days linking to things like technical specs or warranty information - and they're in our catalog, too. All you need is three minutes and a smart phone with a QR scanner, and your ready to go. Happy scanning!

A third cool feature of our newest catalog isn't even IN the catalog. Keeping in tune with our commitment to the enviroment, we've also introduced our new digital part number locator, located at partnumberlocator.com. Just key in the part number you're looking for, and be immediately directed to the appropriate page number(s). You can also download our traditional Part Number Locator for future off-line use via in PDF format.

If you don't have your own copy of BEC11, click here and order it now. We'll also send you a case of catalogs if you need them. The Accuform BEC11 catalog is just one of the many exciting tools we plan to utilize this new year so stay tuned. We've had a great 2010 and wish you a safe, happy and prosperous 2011!

Our First Webinar was a HUGE Success!

2011-01-05T15:43:00.004-05:00

2011 will be an exciting year here at Accuform, and we want you to share in, and be a part of all that's going on here in our Marketing Department. Yesterday marked new territory for us, as we launched our first webinar in the 2011 series, covering our newest, biggest and best catalog to date, BEC11. We overviewed new aspects of the catalog, and launched the series (one per month) focused on solutions that Inform, Protect and Motivate™ your workforce.

If you were able to join us yesterday, fantastic! Remember, if you ever have a question, bring it with you to the live recording and IM (chat) with us - we'll try and answer you at the end of the session. Worst case scenario, we'll get back with you within 24 hours. If you registered for the session but caught up with a customer, that's fine, you still have a couple of options of viewing the webinar, hearing it, or both at the same time. You can visit www.accuform.com/webinars for a transcript, slidedeck, .wmv file, .mov file, .pdf file or .mp3 file. Need another form of media, just let us know, and we'll try to accomodate your needs.

We hope you'll join us again, or for the first time, next month, on February the 2nd - 2/2/2011. The primary focus will center on Accuform's ability to produce eye-catching, vivid 5-S StoreBoards™, Accuform's brand of shadow boards, and 5S or lean manufacturing solutions in general.

Below are the questions and answers from our first, live webinar, covering our newest catalog BEC11.

David asks: How can I get some samples if I need them? Thanks for asking David. Samples are readily available at samples@accuform.com – we look at each request and try to best suit your needs.

Bruce asks: “Is there one area where you expect the most growth from within Accuform?”

Bruce, yes, we expect most of our growth from one are – 5S or lean manufacturing, which will be next month’s webinar topic - 2/2/2011 - Storeboards™ and 5S in general.

Kaytie comments: “Great job. Very informative. I can't wait until the next one. Thanks!”
Thank you Kaytie, for the kind words. We had a blast and the first webinar was a huge success, thanks to partners like you!
The recording of each webinar will be available in a variety of formats 24 hours after, so if you missed it live, you can still download or link via your favorite format at accuform.com/webinar. Upcoming topics include:
2/2/2011 - Storeboards™ and 5S in general
3/2/2011 - StopOut™ Lockout Products
4/1/2011 - WorkHealthy™
5/3/2011 - Traffic & Roadway
6/1/2011 - Blockade™
7/6/2011 - Digi-Day®
8/2/2011 - Stock & Custom PPE-ID™ Charts
9/1/2011 - Custom Solutions – with an emphasis on Accu-Shield™
10/3/2011 - Visual Edge™ Solutions
11/1/2011 - Inform, Protect & Motivate™ - A Re-Cap
December starts the new marketing calendar – stay tuned

Shawn from Canada asks: “Are the products in the American and Canadian catalogues identical?”
Shawn, we have a specific Canadian catalogue and hundreds of products specifically for the Canadian marketplace. If you don’t yet have your Canadian Catalogue, click here. Or you can call 800.237.1001 and speak to a customer service representative.

Charlene's chat reads: “My customers always want to see the signs, etc. and in the past I was able to copy off the site the picture paste it to a quote and I was on my way. I am unable to do this now and it takes longer of my time requesting a picture. Need an easier way.”
Thanks Charlene for the question. You still have access to do just that, you just need to log in under the member login area of accuform and you'll be able to access the images exactly as you did before, once you’re logged in. if you do not yet have an accuform.com distributor account, let us know and we’ll get one set up for you.

Traffic Signs

2010-10-22T13:00:00.000-04:00

The 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standard on street signs dictates that Street Name signs should be installed in urban areas at all street intersections regardless of other route signs that might be present and should be installed in rural areas to identify important roads that are not otherwise signed. It also states that the lettering for names of streets and highways on Street Name signs shall be composed of a combination of lower-case letters with initial upper-case letters. This is the new aspect of the standard that will force many municipalities to change from all capital letter signs.

COMPLIANCE DATES

Ground-mounted on local two-lane streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less, 4-inch initial upper-case letters with 3-inch lower-case letters may be used - Millennium Edition-January 9, 2012. (assumed)
Ground-mounted Street Name signs on roads that are not multi-lane streets with speed limits greater than 60 km/h (40 mph), other new provisions of Millennium Edition-January 9, 2012.
Ground-mounted signs on multi-lane streets with speed limits greater than 60 km/h (40 mph) and letter sizes on overhead-mounted signs-15 years from the effective date of the Final Rule of the 2003 MUTCD = Dec. 22, 2018.

Additionally, the use of Clearview font letters has an interim approval by the MUTCD since research shows:

16 percent improvement in recognition by older drivers for equal size footprint for SHS Alphabet Series D letters and Clearview-Condensed with little change in overall sign size.
12 percent increase in legibility for overhead and shoulder-mounted guide signs.
The use of Clearview is not in the 2009 MUTCD, although 27 states have adopted it.

Read about the changes in this FOX News article.
Read about the changes in this USA Today article.

"No Texting While Driving" is Blowing Up - Again

2010-09-23T11:09:00.000-04:00

We first told you about "No texting while driving" signs and labels back on Nov. 25, 2009 - Happy Thanksgiving = "No Texting While Driving". And as states have slowly been implementing different laws regarding "distracted driving", texting and cellphone use in vehicles, we've attempted to keep you up to date and informed about how the nation has been progressing regarding these laws. Click here for the September adjustments to Cell Phone and Texting Laws.

On Tuesday at the 2010 National Distracted Driving Summit, Ray LaHood, US Transportation Secretary, said he wants warning labels on cellphones to remind Americans that they (cellphones) can become deadly distractions if used while driving. "The battle to stop distracted drivers needs to borrow from those successful campaigns (buckle-up and drunk driving) and combine "tough laws... good enforcement and public education," LaHood said.

And now, OSHA is getting involved too. Occupational Health and Safety Magazine also reported on Tuesday in OSHA Announces Anti-Texting Initiatives, that motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of worker fatalities, so the authority on which the actions are based is the OSH Act itself. (Hilda) Solis said OSHA will partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation to deter distracted driving.

In his article, The Trend to Exclude Distracted Driving From Workers' Compensation Coverage, Attorney Jon Gelman states that since the trend is for companies to start prohibiting workers to use cellphones while driving, the drivers wouldn't be covered for worker's compensation either, if distracted driving led to a crash. Gelman ends, "Making the workplace safer is a major purpose of workers' compensation law. Public policy will certainly support the effort to end distracted driving. The trend to exclude coverage for distracted driving is a significant move in the right direction to help workers steer clear of accidents."

Ultimately, the jury is long back regarding distracted driving. Combined, we're hoping the Federal Government's joint initiatives and agencies including OSHA and the DOT will campaign loudly enough for states to pass the appropriate measures now, to stop "texting and driving" - before it's too late.

October 1st DOT Hazardous Materials Requirements

2010-09-09T12:32:00.000-04:00

Starting Oct. 1, the US Department of Transprotation (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will require some additional information on shipping forms for all dangerous goods and hazardous materials. This includes:

• An Emergency Response Information provider (ERI), that provides 24-hour coverage in case of an emergency.

• An Emergency Response Phone Number, with country and area code, in (at least) one place on the shipping form.

When and if an agency or organization is designated as the ERI provider, they will be identified on the shipping papers by name, contract number or some other unique identifier.

Let us help all of your hazardous transportation needs with TDG flip placards, TDG labels, TDG training and compliance materials, DOT placards, DOT shipping labels, placard charts and more.

Click this link to see the Code of Federal Regulations Title 49, Volume 2 Sec. 172.201 Preparation and Retention of Shipping Papers. Revised as of October 1, 2009 From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access.

Click this link to see the Code of Federal Regulations Title 49, Volume 2 Sec. 172.604 Emergency Response Telephone Number. Revised as of October 1, 2009 From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access.

Click here for other Haz-Com/Right-To-Know/MSDS.

No Texting While Driving – What’s Taking So Long?

2010-08-27T10:39:00.000-04:00

In January we announced that the DOT finally called for an all-out ban of texting by drivers of commercial vehicles including tractor trailers, motor coaches and buses. Any driver found guilty of this act may be fined nearly $3,000. Text messaging was banned by drivers in 19 states, up to 30 in August.

Study after study clearly reveals the inherent risks of texting while driving. One study shows it raises the probability of a crash eightfold, while another reports it increases a truck driver's chance of being in a crash by a factor of 24. It’s been called the "perfect storm" by researchers because drivers let go of the steering wheel simultaneously taking both their eyes and minds off the road.

Recently, it was revealed by his girlfriend that the death of celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Frank Ryan was due to tweeting – he was posting an image of his dog on the top of a sand dune. Other studies have found adults get just as distracted as teens. So the message spans same all ages: Wait until you’re safely off the road.

According to David Strayer, Ph.D., the director of the University of Utah’s Applied Cognition Lab, “You don’t instantly crash on the road while talking on the cell phone. And you don’t instantly crash when you’re drunk, either … In the long run, if you do it enough, you’re going to put yourself at risk.”

Distracted driving is as lethal as drunk driving, and research shows the quality of your conversation also decreases while you drive – so do yourself a favor - wait until later.

Here’s a look at January to August changes:

Handheld Cell Phone Bans for All Drivers:
January 2010 - 6 states - California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Washington, (the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from talking on handheld cell phones while driving.)
August 2010 – add 2 states – add Delaware and Maryland
TOTAL – 8 states

All Cell Phone Bans:
January 2010 - No state completely bans all types of cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for all drivers, but many prohibit cell phone use by certain segments of the population.
August 2010 - No state completely bans all types of cell phone use
TOTAL – NONE

Novice Drivers:
January 2010 - 21 states and the District of Columbia ban all cell use by novice drivers.
August 2010 – add 7 states
TOTAL – 28 states

School Bus Drivers:
January 2010 - 17 states and the District of Columbia, school bus drivers are prohibited from all cell phone use when passengers are present.
August 2010 – add 1 state
TOTAL – 18 states

Text Messaging:
January 2010 - 19 states, the District of Columbia and Guam now ban text messaging for all drivers. Fifteen states, D.C., and Guam have primary enforcement. In the other four states, all driver texting bans are secondarily enforced. Some states have limited texting bans.
August 2010 – add 11 states, D.C. and Guam ban text messaging for all drivers. 11 of these laws were enacted in 2010. 26 states, D.C., and Guam have primary enforcement. In the other four, texting bans are secondary.
TOTAL – 30 states

For more information, please visit:

National Safety Council March 2010 white paper, “Understanding the Distracted Brain: Why Driving While Using Hands-Free Cell Phones is Risky Behavior.”

Distraction.gov

Governors Higway Safety Association

EPA's Lead Rule Challenged

2010-07-28T09:22:00.000-04:00

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is being sued for removing the "opt-out" provision from its Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (LRRP) by the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) and a host of housing national MSCA307VA housing associations.

This coalition maintains the EPA amended the LRRP rule without any new scientific data and before the regulation was even put into place on April 22.

The EPA removed the "opt-out" rule on July 6, 2010, resulting in nearly 80 million homes falling under the LRRP requirements. This provision, which became effective April 22, 2010, would allow contractors to bypass certian on-site criteria including prep work, clean-up and recordkeeping requirements in pre-1978 homes if the homeowner verified that no children under six or pregnant women were present in the home. This would impede many small projects by small contractors like window, door and insulation installation.

"The removal of the opt-out provision, which was done without any substantial research or data to support such a move, will result in millions of homeowners paying for additional measures that they may not need and discourage them from making necessary improvements," said NLBMDA chair Dan Fesler, CEO of St. Paul, Minn.-based Lamperts. "Worse, it may encourage homeowners to seek out uncertified contractors and put certified LRRP contractors at a competitive disadvantage."

The EPA's lead rule became effective April 22, but enforcement was delayed until Oct. 1 see earlier post entitled Lead Rule Delayed.

EPA "Lead Rule" Delayed

2010-06-25T16:06:00.000-04:00

A memorandum issued by Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator at the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Office of Prevention, Pesticides & Toxic Substances (OPPTS) acknowledged a time extension for renovation and painting companies and their employees for additional training and certification under the new Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) Rule.

The EPA requires that companies performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools obtain certification by the EPA and that they use certified renovators (employees) trained by EPA-approved educators to follow lead-safe work practices. It is commonly believed that many learning and behavioral disorders stem from associated lead-based paint hazards.

Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider. Classes have begun and over 300,000 renovators have been certified, but economic hardship, regional disaster declarations and the actual EPA enforcement of the rule is already under distress.

The LRRP rule was enacted on April 22, 2010, but the EPA announced it was delaying enforcement, acknowledging concerns raised by the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) and other industrial supporters and policy makers.

The specific delays include:

Until Oct. 1, 2010, the EPA will not take enforcement action for violations of the RRP Rule's firm certification requirement.
For violations of the RRP Rule's renovation worker certification requirement, the EPA will not enforce against individual renovation workers if the person has applied to enroll in, or has enrolled in, by no later than Sept. 30, 2010, a certified renovator class to train contractors in practices necessary for compliance with the final rules. Renovators must complete the training by Dec. 31, 2010.

"Despite the progress that has been made, the numbers of certified trainers, firms, and renovators is still too limited, and that when coupled with the current lack of accurate test kits and public awareness, EPA is not fully prepared to effectively implement and administer the program under the current timeline established by the final rule," NLBMDA president Michael O'Brien wrote in his letter to EPA administrator Lisa Jackson regarding the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (LRRP) rule. The letter endorsed a petition by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to delay the April 22 implementation date.

Though enforcement has been delayed, the NLBMDA said it continues to have numerous concerns with the RRP Rule, including the removal of the opt-out provision and the lack of reliable test kits. In addition, new proposals from the EPA on clearance testing and an expansion of the rule to commercial construction pose additional challenges for the industry, which has still yet to recover from the recession.
Visit Accuform Signs for updates regarding facility identification and all of your ANSI safety sign and OSHA safety sign needs.

Lead Safe Practices article

Read the memorandum here

EPA page for Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil

Wisconsin No Smoking Sign - Need by July 5th, 2010

2010-06-24T11:59:00.001-04:00

Effective July 5th, 2010, Wisconsin will become the 26th state to pass "No Smoking Wisconsin" legislation (Wisconsin Act 12) in all enclosed places, public places, places or employment or areas with a "substantial wall" (the recently passed Kansas law will ensue on July 1st). This list includes all restaurants and taverns, retail establishments, sporting arenas and county and state buildings, just to name a few. (for more information see Wisconsin no smoking laws and smoke-free Wisconsin).

Smoking is still permitted in homes, certain residential rooms in assisted living facilities which are designated as smoking and at tobacco retailers who generate more than 75% revenue from the sale of tobacco not including cigarettes, and tobacco bars which generate 15% or more revenue from the sale of cigars or pipe tobacco (vending machines are not included). Those retailers and bars must have been in existence since June 3rd, 2009, and the smoking of cigarettes is prohibited.

Smoking is defined as smoking a cigar, a cigarette, a pipe or other lighted smoking equipment (note: E‐cigarettes are not included). A fine of $100 to $250 may be enforced by the Department of Justice for violators of this law. There is also a Person in Charge provision that says they must provide adequate signage, designate a reasonable area away from entrances that persons can smoke, cannot provide matches or ashtrays and must ask persons smoking illegally, to stop.

Wisconsin is Better Smoke-Free is sponsoring a video contest with a top prize of a $500 gift certificate sponsored by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. Second place will get $300 and third place $200. Videos should be no more than 1:30 in length and must be submitted by 5:00 PM on June 25, 2010 - so hurry, and get your video entered!

Below is a list of other states that have particular no smoking sign options/regulations (please check to see whether the individual state requires the use of these signs): Arizona No Smoking, California No Smoking, Illinois No Smoking, Iowa No Smoking, Maryland No Smoking, Michigan No Smoking, Minnesota No Smoking, New Jersey No Smoking, Ohio No Smoking, Oregon No Smoking, Washington No Smoking.

Accuform Signs carries a full line of stock no smoking signs and smoking control signs, plus, you can always go to our Online Design Center and build your own no smoking sign. Our focus is keeping you compliant by law, and safe in general!

Kansas Goes No Smoking

2010-06-10T10:36:00.001-04:00

Kansas public buildings including bars, restaurants and places of employment will go smoke-free on July 1. The few permitted smoking venues include tobacco shops, state-owned casinos and private clubs.

Mark Parkinson, the Kansas Governor (D), favored the ban and called the vote a victory. The Kansas Senate had previously passed the bill, with a 68-54 vote.

"Today's success took many years and many struggles, but thanks to a bipartisan coalition in the legislature, the tireless efforts of our state's health advocates and the support of the Kansas people, this legislation will soon become law," he said in a written statement.

After the vote, typical grumbling ensued at bars and restaurants by owners and patrons who believe legislation of this sort will hurt business and interfere with their enjoyment. "You should be able to smoke where you want. If people don't like it, they can leave," said Don Kinkade, a retired Wichitan who sat smoking at a table in the restaurant with a nonsmoking pal. "I'll probably chew," he said.

As of May 2010, 26 states have enacted statewide bans on smoking in all enclosed public places, including bars and restaurants: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas (effective July 1, 2010), Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin (effective July 5, 2010).

during the legislature debate, exemptions and attempted delays were criticized by other members. "If we truly feel the smoking ban in public places is the right thing to do for our state, we should not exempt casinos," said Rep. Dave Crum, (R), who said he supported a ban but voted against the bill because of its exemptions.

Rep. Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita, who chairs the House Health and Human Services Committee that declined to act on the bill last year, called the exemptions hypocrisy. "While we continue to debate and debate ... people are dying, people are becoming ill; they are asking you to help them stay well," stated Rep. Barbara Bollier, (R).

Supporters said the bill could save the lives of an estimated 380 Kansans each year who die from diseases related to exposure from secondhand smoke. No bill is perfect, but they said HB2221 was a good start.

Go here for a 9-page copy of House Bill 2221, which includes this statement: The proprietor or other person in charge of the premises of a public place, or other area where smoking is prohibited, shall post or cause to be posted in a conspicuous place signs displaying the international no smoking symbol and clearly stating that smoking is prohibited by state law.

Information for this article was taken from the Wichita Eagle, cjonline.com and Wikipedia's list of smoking bans.

Accuform Signs continues to focus on facility identification solutions, OSHA safety signs and standards for state law compliance. For questions regarding Kansas No Smoking signs or any other regulatory signage or marking standards, visit any of these links, call 800.237.1001 or email customer service.

June 15th Hexavalent Chromium Standard

2010-06-09T10:30:00.001-04:00

Under the General Duty Clause, employers "must furnish...a place of employment free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees."

All hexavalent chromium compounds are considered toxic and air-borne hexavalent chromium is carcinogenic. "Hot work" such as welding on stainless steel or melting chromium metal can form hexavalent chromium due to high temperatures.

Industrial and manufacturing hexavalent chromium exist in several forms including:

chromate pigments in dyes, paints, inks, and plastics
chromates added as anticorrosive agents to paints, primers, and other surface coatings
chromic acid electroplated onto metal parts to provide a decorative or protective coating

Exposure to hexavalent chromium may effect the eyes, especially direct contact with chromic acid or chromate dusts, causing permanent eye damage. Breathing small amounts may result in allegic reactions and asthmatic symptoms. Repeated or prolonged exposure can damage the mucous membranes of the nasal passages and irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, and often results in ulcers. In the most severe cases, exposure may result in perforation of the septum. Contact with the skin may result in dermatitis, ulcers and serious skin rashes.

But the most harmful effects come with repeated and prolonged breathing of high concentrations of hexavalent chromium compounds. These workers have an increased risk of developing lung cancer. All forms of hexavalent chromium are regarded as carcinogenic to workers. Studies of workers in chromate production, chromate pigment, and chrome electroplating industries employed before the 1980s show increased rates of lung cancer mortality. Certain hexavalent chromium compounds produced lung cancer in animals that had the compounds placed directly in their lungs. For more information, check out hexavalent chromium on the CDC or OSHA websites.

For over 30 years, Accuform Signs has focused on delivering facility identification, facility marking and signage that enables employers to not only comply with OSHA standards, but more importantly, keep workers safe, so they can perform their most important job function, as father or mother, husband or wife.

June is National Safety Month

2010-06-03T10:02:00.024-04:00

2010 marks the National Safety Council's 10th anniversary of National Safety Month. The NSC weekly series (5 this year) focus on major safety and preventative issues. This year's schedule includes:
June 1-6 Prescription Drug Overdose Prevention
June 7-13 Teen Driving Safety
June 14-20 Preventing Overexertion at Work & at Home
June 21-27 Dangers of Cell Phone Use While Driving
June 28-30 Summer Safety

The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) will hold their annual Safety Congress and Expo in Baltimore, MD - June 13-16. Join thousands of SH&E professionals - walk the convention floor to see the newest in safety equipment and facility identification, as well as compelling and informative coursework such as:
OSHA Challenge Update
This workshop will highlight the OSHA Challenge Program, which helps large and small employers implement effective safety and health management systems and reduce injuries and illnesses. The panel will discuss program basics and benefits, success stories and the role of Challenge Administrators.
Instructor(s): Lloyd J. Boom, U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA, Washington, DC, Cindy Lewis, Gulf Coast Safety Institute - College of the Mainland, Matthew J. Taylor, OCP Contractors, Swanton, OH

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued their own focus on safety initiatives:
June 5-9 Driving - including aggressive driving, distracted driving, drinking and driving and passenger restraint
June 12-16 Workplace - ergonomics, PPE, lifting and falls
June 19-23 Emergency Preparedness - fire, flood, hurricane and tornado
June 26-30 Home and Community - safety checklist, home falls, poison prevention and recreational safety
Check out this NOAA .pdf for more information.

Finally, none of this would even seem necessary, if it were not for the ongoing problems associated with occupational health and safety in the United States and across the globe. A recent ABC News article and video reports that 14 americans are dying each day at work, and more Americans die on the job every year than have been killed in the entire seven years of the war in Iraq.

Accuform Signs is dedicated to the men and women that serve this country not only in the armed forces, but in the manufacturing plants, on the assembly lines, along the nation's roadways and where ever a workers' safety is on the line. Visit accuform.com for all of your safety identification needs, and be sure to stay safe not only in June, but year round.

Pipe Markers - What You Need to Know

2010-05-19T08:28:00.034-04:00

The Proper Marking of Contents and Flow Direction in Pipes and Piping Systems is a Vital Component of a Thorough Safety and Identification Program.

A13.1 – 2007 Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems...a uniform system for the identification of piping contents has been established to warn personnel when the piping contents are inherently hazardous ...this standard has been prepared to specify the identification of the contents of piping systems on the basis of legends, it also suggests the use of color as a supplementary means of identifying the type of hazard of the material contained in the system.
Pipe markers are designed to meet or exceed ASME (ANSI) A13.1-2007 recommendations
for size, color and visibility.

29 CFR 1910.253 Oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting (d)(4)(ii)
Aboveground piping systems shall be marked in accordance with the American National Standard Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems, ANSI A13.1
§ 1910.261 Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills (a)(3) General incorporation of standards. Establishments subject to this section shall comply with the following standards:
1910.261(a)(3)(ii) Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems, A13.1
§ 1910.262 Textiles
1910.262(c)(7) Identification of piping systems. Identification of piping systems shall conform to American National Standard A13.1
Color - Colors identify the characteristic hazards of the contents of the piping system.
Pipe markers are quick visual cues, providing immediate identification information of pipe contents for emergency responders and workers to safely carry out their responsibilities when working in and around piping systems.

Pipe Markers provide visible information to communicate the start, run, and end of contents in piping systems. A comprehensive and standardized labeling program – when installed properly provides an awareness of hazards in piping systems, thus, promoting a safe working environment. Minimizing the potential for downtime due to unknown pipe contents that may lead to an error or accident.

Letter Height & Pipe Marker Size - The outside diameter of the pipe determines the letter height and background field length of the marker. For pipes smaller than 3/4" in diameter, and for valve and fitting identification, a permanently legible tag is recommended.

The legend or wording on the pipe marker is to be the primary means of naming the contents of the pipe. The name is to be brief, yet complete or in understood abbreviated format. Arrows are to accompany the legend to indicate the directional flow of the contents. Additional information may be necessary to identify the content details such as pressure and temperature.

Installation recommendations:
• Above or below center visual line of pipe
• Frequent intervals on straight pipe runs (visible from any point along the length)
• Close to valves
• Near branches and T’s in piping
• Any change in direction of piping
• Near points before and after pipe going through walls, ceilings, and floors

Accuform Signs is the North American leader in facility identification, and custom and personalized ANSI and OSHA safety signs, safety labels, safety tags and motivational banners. For any of these solutions, and all of your pipe marking solutions, visit www.accuform.com today!

Introducing...RE-Plastic™ Signs

2010-05-12T18:32:00.016-04:00

Go Green…Be Green…See Green……with eco-friendly plastic signs containing recycled plastic from Accuform Signs.
Our new RE-Plastic™ Signs are manufactured with 50% recycled (post-consumer) high density polyethylene. They have the look, feel, and other characteristics like standard non-recycled plastic signs, but are much more environmentally friendly. Post-consumer material is an end product that has completed its life cycle as a consumer item and would otherwise have been disposed of as a solid waste. Post-consumer materials include recyclables collected in commercial and residential recycling programs, such as office paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, plastics and metals.

RE-Plastic™ signs are semi-flexible and ideal for standard-duty use – indoor and limited outdoor for up to two years, as they contain UV inhibitors. Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic sign is .055” thick with rounded corners and 3/16” mounting holes.

We’re also ahead of the curve when it comes to printing and our RE-Plastic™ Signs are no exception. For years Accuform has deployed state-of-the art printing technologies that are sensitive to the environment and avoid harmful post-production hazardous waste. This printing process is much more environmentally friendly compared to traditional screen-printing techniques that produce harmful hazardous waste and VOC's as a by-product during clean-up and disposal.

But we don't stop there. Furthering Accuform’s commitment to responsibility, accountability and sustainability, we've taken steps to improve our own carbon footprint; it ends with Accuform employing an employee-run Green Team to make sure that we’re doing our part!

Convey the environmental commitment message at your facility!
RE-Duce waste
RE-Use what already exists
RE-Cycle material back to use

Say it with RE-Plastic™ - Safe for our Environment and Safe for your Environment!

The May 1 Michigan Smoking Ban

2010-04-28T19:13:00.014-04:00

Beginning May 1st, Michigan becomes the 38th state to ban smoking in most public places - at work, in bars, in restaurants and motels - it will soon be against the law to light up without going outside.

The gaming floors of Detroit's three commercial casinos would be the lone exceptions. Cigar bars are grandfathered in if established prior to April 1st, but the cigar must retail for more than $1. Tobacco specialty shops are also exempt, and Hookahs, otherwise known as Arabian water pipes, will be welcome only in these stores.

Local mom and pop bar owners are very concerned that this legislation will put their livelihood at risk, forcing smokers outside and ultimately drinking less. Health advocates think the smoking ban is a victory for bar and restaurant workers, who've inhaled secondhand smoke for years, and for customers who avoid smokey establishments because of ailments, such as asthma.

According to the state, secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in Michigan, which results in about 2,500 deaths a year.

Accuform Signs is the North American manufacturing leader in facility identification including no smoking signs, OSHA safety signs, arc flash labels, lockout/tagout LOTO tags and motivational banners. Visit www.accuform.com for all of your OSHA and ANSI safety signage needs.

ACCU-SHIELD™

2010-04-13T15:36:00.027-04:00

Accu-Shield™ (AS) is our highest performing sign, and comes with a 15-year outdoor durability guarantee. For unmatched reliability and performance under the most extreme indoor and outdoor conditions – choose Accu-Shield™.

Performance™ Materials Features:

Two-ply heavy-duty construction

Sub-surface legend protected from water, chemicals and abrasion

Unique pebble-textured backing

Service temperature range: -40°F to 176°F

Durability: 15 years outdoors, unlimited indoors

Rounded corners with holes

Performance™ Signs
Superior signs for indoor, extended, or long-term outdoor marking requirements. Get signs that are protected in the most extreme environmental and tough industrial conditions:

Long-term indoor and extended outdoor usability

Printed with UV stable inks

Sub-surface printed images

Chemical and abrasion resistance

Flexible mounting options

No-hassle product guarantees

Custom Materials

ACCU-SHIELD™ MATERIAL - .214" THICK
The Sign Built To Last!

Accuform Signs is the North American manufacturing leader in facility identification including OSHA safety signs, arc flash labels, lockout/tagout LOTO tags and motivational banners. Visit www.accuform.com for all of your OSHA and ANSI safety signage needs.

Lead-Safe Practices

2010-04-06T14:12:00.015-04:00

On April 22, 2008, the EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978, must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Here are the Code of Federal Regulations excerpts:

40 CFR Part 745.85
(a) Standards for renovation activities. Renovations must be performed by certified firms using certified renovators as directed in §745.89. The responsibilities of certified firms are set forth in §745.89(d) and the responsibilities of certified renovators are set forth in §745.90(b).
(1) Occupant protection. Firms must post signs clearly defining the work area and warning occupants and other persons not involved in renovation activities to remain outside of the work area. To the extent practicable, these signs must be in the primary language of the occupants. These signs must be posted before beginning the renovation and must remain in place and readable until the renovation and the post-renovation cleaning verification have been completed. If warning signs have been posted in accordance with 24 CFR 35.1345(b)(2) or 29 CFR 1926.62(m), additional signs are not required by this section.

24 CFR Subtitle A, Part 35, Subpart r, Section 1345
(b) Worksite preparation. (1) The worksite shall be prepared to prevent the release of leaded dust, and contain lead-based paint chips and other debris from hazard reduction activities within the worksite until they can be safely removed. Practices that minimize the spread of leaded dust, paint chips, soil and debris shall be used during worksite preparation.
(2) A warning sign shall be posted at each entry to a room where hazard reduction activities are conducted when occupants are present; or at each main and secondary entryway to a building from which occupants have been relocated; or, for an exterior hazard reduction activity, where it is easily read 20 feet (6 meters) from the edge of the hazard reduction activity worksite. Each warning sign shall be as described in 29 CFR 1926.62(m), except that it shall be posted irrespective of employees' lead exposure and, to the extent practicable, provided in the occupants' primary language.
29 CFR 1926.62
(m) Signs(1) General. (i) The employer may use signs required by other statutes, regulations or ordinances in addition to, or in combination with, signs required by this paragraph. (ii) The employer shall assure that no statement appears on or near any sign required by this paragraph which contradicts or detracts from the meaning of the required sign.
(2) Signs. (i) The employer shall post the following warning signs in each work area where an employees exposure to lead is above the PEL.
WARNING LEAD WORK AREA POISON NO SMOKING OR EATING (ii) The employer shall assure that signs required by this paragraph are illuminated and cleaned as necessary so that the legend is readily visible.

Accuform Signs is the North American manufacturing leader in facility identification including OSHA safety signs, arc flash labels, lockout/tagout LOTO tags and motivational banners. Visit accuform.com for all of your OSHA and ANSI safety signage needs.

Become a Fan of Accuform - Visit our New Facebook Page!

2010-03-24T14:18:00.016-04:00

Facebook Facts:

there are more than 400 million active users

50% of active users log on to Facebook in any given day

Average user spends more than 55 minutes per day on Facebook

More than 5 billion pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photo albums, etc.) shared each week

More than 3 million active Pages on Facebook

More than 20 million people become fans of Pages each day

Pages have created more than 5.3 billion fans

More than 250 applications have more than one million monthly active users

There are more than 100 million active users currently accessing Facebook through their mobile devices

The official Accuform Fan Page was created yesterday, March 23rd, 2010, at 5 pm. And in one day, we already have 46 fans! Thank you so much for supporting Accuform! Tell your friends to become fans of Accuform and leave us a message about what you want to see on the page. We will try to fill it with fun, interesting and informative articles, photos and postings of the people we work with, activities Accuform is involved with and safety industry related news.

Accuform is the North American manufacturing leader in OSHA safety signs, OSHA safety labels, OSHA safety tags and motivational banners. Also, visit our website at www.accuform.com for all of your ANSI safety signs, lockout/tagout and arc flash needs.

Poison Prevention: A Symbolic History

2010-03-23T09:48:00.039-04:00

Starting as a funerary symbol in the middle ages, the skull and crossbones or "Jolly Roger" became symbolic of pirates and newly placed on a black background - the color symbolic of death. In Miranda Bruce-Mitford’s book, The Illustrated Book of Signs & Symbols, she says, "The symbol had come to represent death by destruction, instead of its original purpose of a peaceful death for the Christians."

It was not until 1850 that New York state law required all poisonous substance containers be labeled, and the skull and crossbones was chosen as the symbol.

A skull and crossbones is one universally known symbol for poison and are used on ANSI signs. ANSI signs are used to comply with the ANSI Z535.2 standards and regulations for safety in the workplace, and these signs have pictures and graphics that are universal and easy to recognize. It is possible for anyone of any nationality to understand the meanings of the signs just by looking at them.

Mr. Yuk is a trademarked graphic image, created by the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, and widely employed in the United States in labeling of substances that are poisonous if ingested.

Mr. Yuk was conceived by Dr. Richard Moriarty, who created him to help children not swallow poisons. Living in Pittsburgh, the skull and crossbones previously used was not terribly helpful, due to the fact that the Jolly Roger was the mascot for the local baseball team, The Pittsburgh Pirates. The color chosen was chosen when Moriarty was showing different colors to students, and the green that was chosen was christened "Yucky!" by a young kid. Hence, the name and the color.

The CSA tests products for compliance to national and international standards, and issue certification marks for qualified products. Certification marks tell potential customers and users that a product has been evaluated by a formal process-involving examination, testing and follow-up inspection-and that it complies with applicable standards for safety and performance. This is the CSA pictogram poison graphic.

Tilt-Adjust™ Sign Stand

2010-03-10T10:05:00.017-05:00

The Tilt-Adjust™ Roll-Up Sign Stand from Accuform Signs displays 36” and 48” diamond shaped roll-up signs with fiberglass rib supports for use in construction zones where vehicle and worker safety is a priority. The spring-less design maintains rigidity by way of a vertical stabilizing bracket. When the stand sits at an angle, there’s no need for the roll-up sign to be at that same angle. The bracket has an innovative tilt-adjustment feature. Tilt the sign, then adjust to desired angle for proper horizontal visibility.

Tilt-Adjust™ is an exclusive, unique design feature to set a roll-up sign straight when the stand is on uneven ground. Adjust the sign by as much as a 20 degree slope in any direction. Just loosen the adjustable handle, tilt the vertical bracket up, and tighten back down. With a powder-coated, galvanized steel frame construction, the stand resists rust and corrosion. A black vertical bracket with contrasting bright orange steel legs are for added safety visibility. The stand has non-slip, rubber tip ends. The sign stand opens up easily for quick deployment, creating a wide stable footprint, yet folds up to a compact size.
Cross-Ribs
Durable, flexible fiberglass cross-ribs insert into the four-corner pockets of the sign to provide rigid support. The thicker of the two cross-ribs is the vertical support rib.
Note: Cross-Ribs are sold separately for use with different roll-up signs as needed.

Roll-Up Construction Signs and Overlays
Choose from over 20 stock messages and make your sign work in various applications. Some message signs have snaps to accommodate overlays to change the directional or distance message. They are size and material specific to the Roll-Up Sign.

Personalized Roll-Up Signs
Other messages on roll-up signs are available. Please contact us with your particular message as well as a symbol.

OSHA and ANSI Safety Signs, Labels, Tags and More

2010-03-03T08:48:00.025-05:00

For over 30 years, Accuform has been on the forefront of the Facility Identification industry. From humble beginnings, Ron Johnson had the vision of a company that could meet an industry-wide need for quality and custom signs delivered quickly and efficiently.
Today, Accuform not only upholds that tradition, but President Dave Johnson and CEO Wayne Johnson have furthered the cause of safety throughout many manufacturing industries. With the introduction of Personalized OSHA safety, bilingual, street and traffic signs as well as lockout and Site tags, arc flash, HazMat labels and placards, Accuform has become the North American leader in facility Identification with a focus on motivating companies and employees to work safely not only for the good of the company, but because Safety is an Accuform Family Value.

Focus on Forklift Safety

2010-02-17T10:00:00.027-05:00

OSHA estimates forklifts cause about 70-90 fatal accidents per year and about 30,000 accidents result in serious injury.

Powered Industrial Trucks were ranked 8th in OSHA's Top 10 for 2009 with 2,993 violations cited.

Some factors to consider in forklift safety:

The capacity of the forklift — Can it handle the size and weight of your load?

Any odd characteristics of the load — Is it top-heavy, cylindrical or awkward?

The condition of the forklift — Are the forks damaged or is there some other problem that could cause an accident?

Where you are and where you are going with the load — Are there any obstacles, bumps, ramps, people, cross aisles or narrow passageways to consider?

In The News

Forklift Accident Crushed Man’s Foot

Man killed after being run over by forklift

Man dies in forklift truck accident

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA has developed standards for powered industrial trucks (such as low- and high-lift trucks and forklift trucks) [29 CFR* 1910.178] and for forklifts used in the construction industry [29 CFR 1926.600; 1926.602].

Forklift Operation

OSHA requirements for forklift operation are as follows:

On all grades, the load and load engaging means shall be tilted back, if applicable, and raised only as far as needed to clear the road surface. The forks shall not be raised or lowered while the forklift is moving [29 CFR 1910.178 (n)(7)(iii)].

Under all travel conditions, the truck shall be operated at a speed that will permit it to be brought safely to a stop [29 CFR 1910.178 (n)(8)].

The operator shall slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed [29 CFR 1910.178 (n)(4)].

The operator is required to look toward and keep a clear view of the travel path [29 CFR 1910.178(n)(6)].

Unauthorized personnel shall not be permitted to ride on powered industrial trucks. A safe place to ride shall be provided where the riding of trucks is authorized [29 CFR 1910.178 (m)(3)].

Forklift trucks shall not be driven up to anyone standing in front of a bench or other fixed object [29 1910.178 (m)(1)].

For more information and statistics, go to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary, 2008.

Evacuation Map Holders

2010-02-08T15:10:00.017-05:00

In an Emergency - Get Out Safely - Even in the Dark!

The Evacuation Map Holder has added visibility with Lumi-Glow™ to read the map for quick evacuation in any light conditions. This bright, glow-in-the-dark background, allows the map to be visible even when the lights go out (background appears white in regular light conditions). The border is printed with clear bold letters - with the glow area for the letters – to readily identify the evacuation map in light and dark.
The Evacuation Map Holder is designed to easily accommodate clear transparency film insert (sold separately). Simply print the architectural map from your computer and slide into the holder. Comes available in two sizes; 11.5" x 11.5" (holds 8.5" x 11" map) and 15" x 17.5" (holds 11" x 17" map).

Severe Weather Map Holder

When Severe Weather Approaches, See Where to Go or What to Do for Safety!
The bright red border is printed with clear contrasting white, bold letters for quickly identification. The holder is designed to easily accommodate a printed insert sheet. Simply print architectural map from your computer and slide into the holder. If emergency plan changes, it's easy to change out the insert sheet!

The Holder is constructed of .040" clear, durable polycarbonate plastic. Adhesive foam stripes included for mounting. Lumi-Glow™ style holder has photoluminescent back to glow through transparency film insert (sold separately). Fits insert size of 8 1/2" x 11" - overall size is 11 1/2" x 12".

Lumi-Glow™ Meets the Following Standards:

• ASTM E2030 — Guide for Recommended Uses of Photoluminescent Safety Markings
• ASTM E2072 — Standard Specifcation for Photoluminescent Safety Markings
• ASTM E2073 — Standard Test Method for Photoptic Luminancof Photoluminescent Markings
• ASTM E-162 — Surface Flame Spread of Photoluminescent Film
• ASTM E648 — Critical Radiant Flux of Photoluminescent Film
• ASTM E662 — Rate of Smoke Generation of Photoluminescent Film
• DIN 67510 Parts 1 - 4
• PSPA Standard 002 Part 2 1993 Class A Rev. 2: 09/99
• IMO Resolution A.752 (18)
• ISO/CD 15370
• Bombardier SMP 800-C Toxic Gas Generation of Photoluminescent Film

"No Texting While Driving" Update 2010

2010-01-27T07:48:00.025-05:00

Back in November of 2009 we unveiled our "No Texting While Driving" signs and labels as the issue first appeared on the radar screen. It was easily the most talked about issue at the National Safety Council Congress and Expo, and states were legislating bans for certain types of cell phone activity.

Yesterday, the DOT finally called for an all-out ban of texting by drivers of commercial vehicles including tractor trailers, motorcoaches and buses. Any driver found guilty of this act may be fined nearly $3,000.

Based on a 2006 study by the NHTSA and the DOT who researched the effects of driving and multi-tasking in 241 drivers and 100 vehicles over the course of a year, and data collection resulted in approximately 2 million vehicle miles of driving, more than 42,000 hours of data and an 18-month total data collection period.
Results included:

• 15 police-reported and 82 total crashes and collisions (any contact between the subject vehicle and another vehicle, fixed object, pedestrian, cyclist, or animal)

• 761 near crashes (a rapid, severe evasive maneuver to avoid a crash)

• 8,295 incidents (an evasive maneuver of less magnitude than a near-crash)

Cell Phone Driving Laws - January 2010

Current state cell phone driving law highlights include the following:

Handheld Cell Phone Bans for All Drivers: 6 states (California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Washington), the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from talking on handheld cell phones while driving.

All Cell Phone Bans: No state completely bans all types of cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for all drivers, but many prohibit cell phone use by certain segments of the population.

Novice Drivers: 21 states and the District of Columbia ban all cell use by novice drivers.

School Bus Drivers: In 17 states and the District of Columbia, school bus drivers are prohibited from all cell phone use when passengers are present.

School Bus Drivers: 1 state restricts school bus drivers from texting while driving.

Text Messaging: 19 states, the District of Columbia and Guam now ban text messaging for all drivers. Fifteen states, D.C., and Guam have primary enforcement. In the other four states, all driver texting bans are secondarily enforced. Some states have limited texting bans.

For more information, visit any of these sites:
www.distraction.gov
www.focusdriven.org
http://bit.ly/blmYqK
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov

Tags By-The-Roll Drawing - Win a Box of Tags!

2010-01-25T14:40:00.006-05:00

Never Run Out Of Tags Again!
Innovative, organized, convenient, and economical, Tags By-The-Roll allow you to easily keep a large quantity of tags organized and available. Take the roll wherever you go on the job. Simply pull the tag out of the box, tear it off, and use! It's that easy.

How Do You Maintain Your Safety Tags?
Loosely? In an open package? On a shelf? Here, there and everywhere? Tags By-The-Roll keep your tags neatly organized, conveniently located, and always protected thanks to the unique box dispenser design.

Enter to Win a Box of Tags!
Click on the image and fill out the form to win a box of tags! One winner will be selected on-or-about Friday, February 15th, 2010.

Good luck to all form Accuform Signs!

January is Lockout/Tagout Month

2010-01-19T16:11:00.075-05:00

Just shutting it off, unplugging or disconnecting equipment is not enough. To comply with OSHA regulations, you need to LOCK IT OUT!
Before repairs, servicing, maintenance, or set-up of machines and equipment can begin, prevent the unexpected – the accidental start-up!
Procedures, devices and personnel must be set in place to prevent a serious injury or death that could occur when someone thinks something is safely turned off. To ensure machines and equipment remain off means to establish a “program consisting of energy control procedures, employee training and periodic inspections…” as described in the OSHA standard. The standard also identifies products used for lockout/tagout, such as lockout devices and tagout devices.

7 Steps of an Effective Lockout Program

Be Aware of Lockout Regulations – Become familiar with OSHA 29, The Control of Hazardous Energy

Develop a List of Machinery and Equipment

Identify & Mark Energy Sources and Lockout Points - Post Signs, Apply Labels and Tags – locate start-up points including:
- Mechanical
- Thermal
- Electrical
- Pressure
- Hydraulic
- Process control
- Stored energy including gravity and springs
Determine the Lockout Controls – identify devices needed to lockout energy sources and secure them for on-site use
(Click here for a free Lockout/Tagout Checklist)
Set up a Training and Procedure Program:
- Document and standardize the process for each energy source
- Identify employee level of involvement in the program – those made aware, affected and performance of procedures
Implement the Lockout Program:
- Initiate and enact following training procedures
- Post reminders and have necessary devices readily available
Review the Lockout Program:
- Identify and document changes to existing procedures and new energy sources that require lockout
- Make corrections, changes and additions to the program
- Conduct periodic reviews of procedures (required at least annually) to ensure they are up-to-date and requirements are being met
Accuform is here to help you with all of your lockout/tagout needs including procedures and programs, checklists, signs, labels and locks.

Stay tuned - next week - the tags to meet your needs!

Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2010-01-18T14:37:00.009-05:00

Below are key excerpts from what is commonly called, Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech, on August 28, 1963, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'"
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
"I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood."
"This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day."
"Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children."
"Let freedom ring. And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring—when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children—black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics—will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Christmas 2009 Wrap-Up

2010-01-15T13:57:00.014-05:00

In a continuing effort to remain the coolest company in the world, Accuform Signs, once again, outdid itself with its 2009 Christmas Party/Christmas Angel Shopping Spree.
In typical form, Accuform President Dave Johnson and CEO, Wayne Johnson, threw a fantastic luncheon for all Accuform employees at Silverthorn Country Club, including 45 minutes with guest motivational and business speaker Robert Stevenson. Rob’s address this year was 52 Essential Habits for Success published by Seeking Excellence Publishing and available at www.robertstevenson.org.
After Stevenson’s engaging presentation, Accuform divided all 200 employees into groups of 4 and 5, all from different departments, and they headed to the new Brooksville Target located on Spring Hill Drive near the Hernando County Airport Industrial Park. There, each team was given its $100 gift card and the name of a needy child from the Christmas Angel Program of Hernando County. Based on age, and a Santa Wish List, the teams took their carts and their lists, and fulfilled the dreams of 42 children for a brighter Christmas.
The Christmas Angel Program of Hernando County was founded in 1989 and serves children (from infants to teens) who are attending school or who reside in Hernando County. Referrals are obtained through counselors and others who have determined the children as underprivileged. CAP is coordinated by Mary & Bill Scarff:
Phone 352.596.1552 cell 352.346.4175 fax 352.592.0297 email: mscarff@tampabay.rr.com
The day was topped off by a report of the Accuform Angels charitable contributions for the year. This year, they were happy to report charitable contributions of just under $7,000!
Some Events to Remember:

Accuform Pet Idols Contest for the Humane Society of Nature Coast – $200.00

Pie-In-The-Face for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – $405.00

Fine Dining Event for Jericho Road Ministries – $1,000

Several events for The American Cancer Society – $1,000

50/50 Raffles every Friday for various charities – $2,000

Holiday Basket Raffle - $2,000

Donations of approx $3,000 will be made to The SPCA of Hernando, Hernando Pasco Hospice, The Ronald McDonald House of St. Petersburg - and a few others

There is so much to be said about about the giving nature of this company and the Accuform Angels, about the fantastic time that everyone had shopping for a child in need, and the very giving nature of the Accuform executives in general.
Thanks Accuform, for a wonderful ending to 2009, and a very bright hopeful beginning to 2010.

The Personal Touch

2009-12-17T16:51:00.042-05:00

The Personal Touch
"Companies are populating signs, posters, banners, and scoreboards with the children, and the wives, and the husbands within the facility, with a common theme about safety being a family value."

By Jerry LawsDec 01, 2009

Editor's note: Customers told Accuform Signs they wanted their safety signs to send a more personal message to employees, says Mitch Fein, vice president of sales for the Brooksville, Fla.-based maker of signs, labels, and identification products of all types. Fein discussed the personalized safety materials the company developed and why they appeal to the employers and employees alike during an Oct. 5 interview with OH&S Editor Jerry Laws. Excerpts from the interview follow:

OH&S: Start by telling me why personalization is so appealing to employers and to employees.

Mitch Fein: I think it's a way to make a fundamental shift in the safety culture in your facility. Rather than the message being, "We want you to work safely because we said so," now the message is, "We want you to work safely so you can get home at the end of the day." It's a more powerful message, and we've seen companies shift some of their investment and tap into a different budget, where companies may look at shifting money away from embroidered jackets, and ball caps, and steak dinners, and bingo cards, and scratch-offs -- the same rewards that they've been using for years. Companies are populating signs, posters, banners, and scoreboards with the children, and the wives, and the husbands within the facility, with a common theme about safety being a family value, 'Who's depending on you to get home safely?' And they take that consistent theme from front gate to back dock.

OH&S: Signs, banners, and everything else that's available to be personalized -- are they changeable, or do they have to be replaced?

Fein: After 30 days, it begins to blend into the background anyway. Posters are so inexpensive that you can make a change. You can switch out a poster easily; it's not such an expensive endeavor as a custom banner, for example.

A scoreboard is one of the most popular products we manufacture. It has a bright LED readout, but the number changes every 24 hours, automatically. Somebody doesn't have to go out every day and change it, which a lot of companies don't do.

Rather than seeing the same image every day, every week, every year, we created a new product so the number continues to change, and now you can change the face on it. We provide two different quarterly changeable faces. One is sports-themed, and one is seasonal/family-themed.

Companies have told us they want contests: "I want safety because . . . " We work up the sign with a photo. And every month, as the scoreboard changes, people that work in the facility want to see who's going to be up there next. Down at the bottom, where the digital scoreboard shines through, companies will cut the bottom portion off and then take the upper portion, which has the employee [with his or her] child, and the niece, or nephew, or dog, or whatever -- they'll take the upper portion at the end of the month, frame it, and then present it to the employee to take home and hang in the house.
OH&S: I was going to ask how personalized these materials can get. The one you've just described is personalized to an individual. And it sounds as though companies want to create something tangible the employee can keep.

Fein: We can do kind of a broad-brush personalization showing a blond, blue-eyed girl that can represent children [for whom] you'd want to get home safe at the end of the day. But we have facilities that show the children of the employees at that specific plant. If you've got a multi-location company, the families in the Dallas plant on the scoreboard can be different than the scoreboard at the Houston plant, which ought to be different than the Philly plant or the Tucson plant.

It can be tailored specifically to that environment. It doesn't matter to us if it's a generic photo or a specific photo. But we can tailor it down to a specific facility to bring that powerful concept home. Somebody from the Philly plant is on your scoreboard here in the Dallas plant, and you're like, "That's great. I don't even know who that guy is."

OH&S: Are you aware of any research that has been done that explains why this is so powerful and whether it has a greater impact on safety than your average sign?

Fein: I’m sure there are statistics that have been run by companies that talk about humanizing the whole safety program. But it actually came to us as we saw a natural progression over the past year and a half. Companies proactively brought the idea to us. They were the ones that put a logo on their signs, banners, posters, and scoreboards. And they said, "Rather than just seeing our brand, why can't we see our people, as well?"

We saw a fundamental shift in how safety messages were being taken by companies to individual work locations. Also, we saw more companies coming to us through our distributors and saw companies talking in their annual reports about ensuring all workers go home safely. And we decided to be a bit more proactive with the trend that we saw.

I presented it to a West Coast refinery, and he said, "We're going to fundamentally change the safety culture in our company using your program." That was probably six months ago. We've also been speaking with an airline, and they're looking at making these products a bit more personal to a given facility or a given airport.

OH&S: So you have these personalized signs in some large companies?

Fein: We do. And it's all across the spectrum: food processing, construction, chemical refining. It's all over the board.

OH&S: This is a very difficult time for employees. The unemployment rate is sky high. Might the concept be even more valuable now? Is that how you see it?

Fein: I do. I've said that right now, it's difficult for employees to keep their mind on the task at hand. They're worried about their jobs, worried about their spouses' jobs, worried about paying bills. Sometimes their mind might wander when they're doing a specific or dangerous task.

Again, by changing the culture from "We want you to work safely because we said so" to "We want you to work safely so you and your co-worker will both be able to get home at the end of the day to see what's most important to you" -- I think that also plays into it.

OH&S: Should readers visit Accuform's Web site to learn more about it?

Fein: They can do that. Because we only sell through distributors, they can visit their local authorized Accuform distributor to find out more about it.

Jerry Laws is Editor of Occupational Health & Safety magazine, which is owned by 1105Media Inc.

December is Hazardous Communication Awareness Month

2009-12-17T14:48:00.032-05:00

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910.1200 Standard is commonly known as the "Right-to-Know" standard. Compliance to this standard requires employers to develop a comprehensive program for the presence of hazardous chemicals in the workplace, and to protect employees by providing them with the necessary information to properly handle hazardous chemicals.

The NFPA Diamond System

Developed for emergency response situations

Consists of four color-coded diamond quadrants with numbers & symbols

Colors specify certain hazard categories: blue for health; red for flammability; yellow for instability; and white for specific hazards.

The HMCIS Format

Derived from the system and program of the National Paint & Coating Association

Consists of five color bar segments with number & letter codes in a stacked format

Has upper white bar for the chemical identification name, color & numerical ratings

Lower white bar is for letter code that specifies proper personal protective equipment

The rating numbers in the color quadrants signify
the degree of severity as follows:

0 = Minimal

1 = Slight

2 = Moderate

3 = Serious

4 = Extreme

The background colors specify certain hazard categories:

Blue = Health

Red = Flammability

Yellow = Instability

White = Special Hazards (NFPA) or Personal Protective Equipment (HMCIS)

Global Harmonized System (GHS)
Globally Harmonized System is a worldwide program for the Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) set forth at the United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992. The goal is to develop a single, globally harmonized system to address classification of chemicals, labels, and safety data sheets. There is the potential for dangerous chemical exposure at any point - from production, handling, transport, and use. Those involved, vary in language, literacy, and comprehension of the label requirements. Information on labels and material safety data sheets can vary for the same chemicals from one country to the next. In the global economy, incomplete and inconsistent chemical data or information can compromise protection to the handlers, users, and environment. Strict requirements from one country could end up barring trade in chemicals with another. The goal is to ensure that chemical information on physical hazards and toxicity are in a consistent form for protecting human health and the environment. In doing so, the rules and regulations on the chemicals would be harmonized at the national, regional and worldwide levels.Elements of the GHS include:

Classification of physical health and environmental hazards

Labeling elements

Universal symbols and pictograms

Hazard warning statements, aspiration hazards

Signal word for type of hazard

Safety data sheet format

The GHS is already being used in various countries in different regions of the world. The hazardous communication aspect is making its way into these countries’ policies and legal channels. Revisions are constantly being made to the GHS. The goal for global implementation is 2012. Contact us to see how we can help you meet the GHS requirements.

OSHA Safety Signs

2009-12-02T14:47:00.029-05:00

If you haven't visited Accuform's website lately, you may have missed our new suite of online safety sign builders - we call it Personalize It!
The Personalize it! safety sign builder allows you to build an OSHA or ANSI compliant sign with:

the proper dimensions for the use

the proper material for the environment

your digital imagery

your custom text

and your logo

Studies show that if you keep a consistent message throughout your facility/facilities - your employees are more likely to remember it!

Dont' want to make your own safety sign? We also have over 50,000 stock sign solutions to meet your specific needs.

OSHA and ANSI provide specifications, designs, applications, and use of header-style Accident Prevention Safety Signs. These safety signs are intended to indicate the potential, type, and degree of the hazard that may lead to accidental injury and property damage.

Accident Prevention Signs, labels, tags and posters are intended to convey a clear and rapidly understood message of the specific hazards. In addition to the specific OSHA and ANSI standards on signage, various standards throughout may contain a single line mention that a particular accident prevention safety sign, with specific wording or thereof, is required for that application. Where applicable, our safety sign section makes mention of such standards.

Accuform Signs is North America's leader in facility identification and the leading manufacturer of OSHA safety signs, tags, labels, posters and motivational banners.

Proclamation 5424 -- Made in America Month, 1985

2009-11-30T20:25:00.014-05:00

Below are the words of former President Ronald Reagan, from Proclamation 5424, dated December 23rd, 1985:

In an increasingly competitive world, we Americans must redouble our efforts to make products of the highest quality in the most efficient way and market them aggressively. As we do I have no doubt that more and more Americans and foreigners will be drawn to the products with the proud label: "Made in America."

The Congress of the United States, by Senate Joint Resolution 206, has authorized and requested the President to proclaim December 1985 as "Made in America Month" and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this event.

Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 1985 as Made in America Month. I invite the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities to recognize and celebrate the excellence of American products.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of December, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and tenth.

Ronald Reagan

Nowadays, even more so than in 1985, these words ring true. With the present economic turmoil, and 33 states who claim manufacturing as their chief industry and export, "Made in America" means something to all of us.

Based out of the Accuform World Headquarters situated here in sunny Brooksville, Florida, Accuform Signs, North America's leader in facility identification and OSHA safety signs, tags, labels and motivational banners, has proudly manufactured goods here in the United States since 1976 - and we're still going strong. We take Pride in Safety, and Pride in America very seriously.

Happy Thanksgiving = "No Texting While Driving"

2009-11-25T09:33:00.033-05:00

You've heard us say it before: at Accuform Signs, "Safety is a Family Value."

So with the holiday season upon us, there will be teens and young adults coming home for Thanksgiving break and getting in touch with their friends; there will be the "Big Sale" that you find while perusing the local mall; there will be traveling plans and dinner plans and holiday parties to attend.
Be sure to make all holiday plans before you get into your vehicle. A great Thanksgiving means a safe Thanksgiving and Distracted Driving is the new Drunk Driving.Don't get us wrong, there is still and will continue to always be a problem with people thinking that they can still drive after a "couple" of drinks. Heck, some people still don't wear their seatbelts on a regular basis. But with the proliferation of cell phones and "real time" living, cell phone use and driving is a reality that we must live with, especially in the states where it has not been banned.

33 states still allow bus drivers to use cell phones
only 7 states have banned cell phone use in vehicles all together
There are still 21 states, including our sunny Florida, where texting while driving has not been banned yet
Only 20 states have banned the action

The National Safety Council estimates there will be 447 traffic fatalities and 23,700nonfatal disabling injuries this holiday weekend. According to NSC, 484 people died in crashes over the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday period. In January, NSC became the first national organization to call for a total ban on cell phone use, period, based on scientific estimates that cell phone use while driving contributes:

6 percent of crashes, or 636,000 crashes
330,000 injuries, 12,000 serious injuries
2,600 deaths each year

The annual financial toll of cell phone-related crashes is $43,000,000,000 (that's billion.)
At Accuform, we are first and foremeost, interested in keeping you safe and aware of a hazardous and dangerous situation. But we are also North america's leading provider of OSHA safety signs, labels, tags and motivational banners - solutions for you, your family and your employees.

Thus, we unveil our solutions for Distracted Driving: "No Texting while Driving" signs and labels for your facility grounds, municipality, county, vehicle and cell phone.
Be safe, Have a great Thanksgiving, and don't "Text and Drive!"

The Great American Smokeout

2009-11-19T21:50:00.058-05:00

Depending on which awareness, or National or Federal promotional calendar you use, the Great American Smokeout may have been celebrated this year on the 16th, the 19th or the 20th of November.
But ask any smoker, and you'll soon realize there's not a lot of cause for celebration - unless you've successfully quit smoking.

The statistics aren't hazy; they're crystal clear:
In the United States:
- estimated 26,200,000 men (23.5 percent) are smokers
- estimated 20,900,000 women (18.1 percent) are smokers
These people are at higher risk of heart attack and stroke.

What's Inside a Cigarette? Carcinogenic Chemicals

Pesticides, TSNAs (Tobacco-Specific N Nitrosamines), Benzene, Formaldehyde, Toxic Metal Chemicals, Arsenic, Cadmium, Poisonous Chemicals, Acetone, Ammonia, Carbon Monoxide, Nicotine, Hydrogen Cyanide, Tar

Below is a list of facts that have occurred due to smoking:
- 1 in every 10 people die because of a disease related to smoking
- 1 in every 3 adults smoke a cigarette daily
- 10,000,000 cigarettes are purchased in stores every minute throughout the world
- 1 person dies every ten seconds from smoking
- 1 in every 5 children try a cigarette and become addicted to them for years on end
- Everyday, about 90,000 children try a cigarette (luckily some don’t continue)
- 2nd-hand smoke may be just as dangerous to children as smoking a cigarette themselves
- The highest percentage of people that smoke are between the ages of 25 and 44.

But there is hope, and your health will dramatically change when you quit:
- 20 minutes after quitting: Your heart rate and blood pressure drops(Effect of Smoking on Arterial Stiffness and Pulse Pressure Amplification, Mahmud, A, Feely, J. 2003. Hypertension:41:183.)
- 12 hours after quitting: The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal(US Surgeon General's Report, 1988, p. 202)
- 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting: Your circulation improves and your lung function increases(US Surgeon General's Report, 1990, pp.193, 194,196, 285, 323 - 1 to 9 months after quitting: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease; cilia (tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lungs) regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs and reduce the risk of infection (US Surgeon General's Report, 1990, pp. 285-287, 304)
- 1 year after quitting: The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's (US Surgeon General's Report, 1990, p. vi)
- 5 years after quitting: Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5 to 15 years after quitting (US Surgeon General's Report, 1990, p. vi)
- 10 years after quitting: The lung cancer death rate is about 1/2 that of a continuing smoker's - the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix and pancreas decrease (US Surgeon General's Report, 1990, pp. vi, 131, 148, 152, 155, 164,166)
- 15 years after quitting: The risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker's (US Surgeon General's Report, 1990, p. vi)
At Accuform Signs, North America's leader in facility identification and manufacturer of OSHA safety signs, tags, labels and motivational banners, we care about the safety, health and wellness of you and your employees. Smoking is considered one of the hardest addictions to give up, but the benefits are seen and felt immediately, and the victory is life over death. Of course we have a wide array of no smoking signs, but that's not why this blog was written. It was written to promote awareness and to remind smokers that it only takes 1 step, 1 day of quitting, that can lead to a lifetime of tobacco free safety and happiness.

Accuform's Fine Dining Luncheon

2009-11-16T15:55:00.046-05:00

Accuform Signs, North America’s leading manufacturer of facility identification products including OSHA safety sign and labels, lockout tags and motivational banners, held its 1st Annual Fine Dining luncheon at the Flight Path Café, situated in the Hernando County Airport Industrial Park this past Friday, November the 13th.Almost 90 Accuform employees reserved seating for this elegant and classy dining experience and were served and catered to by the Accuform Executive Committee and select other employees. The “experience” included live music by Papa Kurt on acoustic guitar, food by Door to Door Dining and decorations and table setting by A Special Occasion.The “customer” experience started with a Caesar salad followed by either the roast chicken or beef with green beans or carrots, cheese potatoes and freshly baked bread. To finish customers chose either the chocolate molten lava cake or fresh pecan pie.
The “Café” was transformed into an elegant restaurant including fichus trees with lights, white table covers with black overlays, red crystal centerpieces with lights and votives on a beveled edge mirror. The food was served on fine china with silver flatware and crystal glassware accompanied by white linen napkins and dimmed overhead lighting.
A grand total of $1,140 was raised at this charitable event and the Accuform in-house charitable organization, the Accuform Angels, donated all proceeds to the Jericho Road Ministries, whose mission is "To lovingly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the economically, emotionally and spiritually impoverished; by responding to basic physical and emotional needs, and by promoting Christian growth as characterized by a productive and changed life."
Testimonials:

Most Commendable and Especially Outstanding!
I must say today’s Fine Dining Luncheon was one of the most memorable events I have participated in at Accuform. From the amazing atmosphere, to the world class service, I was completely overwhelmed, and I didn’t even remark on the mouthwatering food yet! From my point-of-view, the event was top notch. I was most impressed with the thoroughness of the servers and not just the one assigned to my table. In most restaurants, the server only worries about the customers in their “assigned areas,” but the servers at our Fine Dining Luncheon went around to be sure all tables were without need.

Thank you to everyone involved and my compliments to the Chef!

I just wanted to let you all know how much I enjoyed the fine dining experience today. The food was great and the service was excellent! You all did a wonderful job. I hope we do this charity event every year.

Executive Leaders: I wanted to take the time to thank all of you for a great lunch today. You did an awesome job for a great cause. The prompt seating, atmosphere, embroidered server jackets, music, fine china, linens, center pieces, silver, main course and dessert exceeded my expectations. No stone was left unturned…Your attention to detail was noticed….. GREAT JOB!
The (SMS) “Styling Men’s Society” truly enjoyed the fine dining lunch experience.

That was very nice. Well done! Kudos to whoever had that brainchild! I hope we make it an Accuform tradition!

On behalf of SMS (Stylish Men’s Society) a.k.a. Table #3 during the 11:30 seating – we want to say thank you for the amazing job everyone did to outclass, outstyle, outserve any fancy dinner hall in the tri-county area. It truly was a great experience, especially to see the Flight Path Café turned into the elegant, “Chez Accuform” and I hope it raised a lot of money for the cause. We four guys certainly enjoyed the service; the food was fantastic and the chocolate dessert…. Yum!
If I was a reviewer for Zagat’s, I would definitely rate the fine dining experience, 5-stars!
Thank you again for your effort and hard work!

This company keeps raising the bar for its events – you are making it harder for yourselves, but lots of fun for us. Thank you. It is truly inspiring for me to work for a company that shares my belief in personal service and paying it forward.
I would be more than happy to collaborate on any future projects in any way that I can. Have a great day.

I really enjoyed the lunch you went above and beyond it was excellent. Again thank you so much!

Happy Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T16:02:00.009-05:00

Accuform would like to salute all Veterans today but specifically, its employees, the men (and woman) who served in the US Armed Forces and Reserves, who gave bravely and selflessly for our country.

Tracy Caraker - 1981-1985 - USAF
John Newhouse - 1965-1969 - USAF
Paul Simcock - 1970-1976 - US Navy
Rick Lisi - 2003-2007 - USMC
Manuel Lariosa - 1975-1995 - US Army
Owen Cusack - 1966-1970 - USMC
Paul Piechowicz - 1998-2002 - USAF
Robert Overton - 1977-1986 - US Army
Gary Robson - 1978-1988 - USAF
Floyd Chapman - 1968-1972 - US Army
William Messina - 1967-1970 - US Army
Norman Arsenault - 1967-1971 - US Army
Ernest Kriska - 1969-1973 - US Navy
Curt Cornell - 1987-1992 - US Army
Brady Tripp - 1992-1994 - US Navy
Paul Johnson - 1993-1997 - USMC
Phil Logroi - 1969-1973 - US Navy

Twitter Tips

2009-11-02T10:30:00.017-05:00

The other day, a friend asked me for some advice regarding his Twitter account that he'd activated, but lies dormant due to lack of time (he runs a B2B company). So, based on endless research, countless articles on the do's and dont's, webinars and general fumbling through it, I answered him.

You can take 5 to 30 minutes a morning and set up your tweets throughout the day, even days in advance especially with a Twitter third party tool (we use and recommend Hootsuite). You can manage several accounts at one time (maybe a personal and business) and create groups of followers based on interests. You can get as specific as you want.

Remember the rule of 1/3’s:

1/3 of your tweets can be about your company or what you’re selling
1/3 of your tweets can be re-tweets (RT)s of other company's tweets who will “show you love” by following you back and/or noticing what your tweeting
1/3 of your tweets should include interesting stuff or additions to a conversation – you’ll understand this more with a little practice (people ask the darndest things sometimes). This isn't really a rule, but a good way to al least get started. In fact, sometimes you'll find that you completely stop selling and just join the conversation, which will come back to you in time.

Set up an account with another third-party management tool such as Mr. Tweet - they will put you in touch with people you want to follow based on keywords or type of industry, etc. Then, based on their findings, you can evaluate their findings, tweak the direction and tell them that they were on or going the wrong way. I also try to remember to “follow” new people/companies on a regular basis that are interesting and or who I want to connect with. Having an end in mind allows you to see a little more clearly about how to get there. You can also go to someone elses site - those with similar interests - and copy who they are following.

Also, try to find those in the industry that are leading the way – strong tweeters, and make an alliance with them by reading and re-tweeting their stuff. they will see you in their "mentions" column and hopefully remember you in the future.

Hashtags (#) in tweets are keyword searches that also let you get seen by an entirely different group who are following tweets by keyword search. This allows for an entirely different audience. Who knows, your next big sale may be in that group. (I say this but I’m not that good with hashtags yet).

When you see an @ symbol, this means someone has re-tweeted you. Multiple @ symbols means it has been retweeted several times. It’s an acknowledgement of the original tweet (giving credit).

Lists allows you to segment people you follow even more specifically. Lists is just out of Beta, and we are not that familiar with it yet, but we have been listed by someone out there.

Tweetmeme is a site that has very popular tweets that you can re-tweet yourself – almost guaranteed to hit a larger but less defined audience – so you never know who you’ll be exposed to – similar to hashtags in a way.

Finally, your logo is super-important. As a visual, I hope that people are becoming familiar with the Accuform mark by now – I know I am becoming familiar with those that I follow. This is, as you know, free brand recognition. (Soon, the whole world will know Accuform - or at least, everyone in the the Twitterverse ;)

OSHA Top 10 Violations for 2009

2009-11-02T09:10:00.013-05:00

Richard Fairfax, the Director of OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs, presented the most common OSHA citations at the 97th annual NSC expo located this year in orlando, FL. Fairfax stated that 81% of the violations OSHA recorded were either serious or willful violations. The number of top 10 violations has increased almost 30 percent over the same time period in 2008.

10. Machine Guarding - 2,364 violations
9. Electrical - 2,556 violations
8. Powered Industrial Trucks - 2,993 violations
7. ladders - 3,072 violations
6. electrical wiring - 3,079 violations
5. Lockout/Tagout - 3,321 violations
4. Respiratory Protection – 3,803 violations
3. Hazard Communication – 6,378 violations
2. Fall Protection – 6,771 violations
1. Scaffolding, General – 9,093 violations

At Accuform Signs, we believe that "Safety is a Family Value." We were present at this year's NSC Congress and Expo and will continue to bring you products and services that consistently remind you and your employees that arriving home to your family is a job well done.

Recap of Blog Action Day

2009-10-19T09:53:00.016-04:00

This email is a recap of Blog Action Day by Organizer Robin Beck:

Hey bloggers, You did it! Yesterday you and bloggers in 155 countries across six continents wrote about a single issue that impacts us all, and turned Blog Action Day 2009 into one of the largest social change events ever held on the web. Your participation helped change the conversation and showed the power of the web to connect people across the world, which, despite their varied backgrounds have one shared desire: to make a difference. According to blog-pulse, we increased the number of posts about climate change on a given day by 500%, and CNN wrote a great article covering the excitement and diversity of today's event across the web and around the world.

A full recap is up on our blog, and here are some highlights: We hit 31,000 total trackable blog posts, and our current estimate is that together we reached at least 17.9 million people yesterday. We just exceeded 13,000 registered bloggers on the site and are working to get all of you who posted but haven't yet registered into the final count. We had at least three major world governments as active participants in this year's event. United Kingdom Prime Minister Gordon Brown posted the first Blog Action Day entry in Britain at the stroke of midnight on the 15th, which was followed by Foreign Minister David Milliband and many others from the UK stationed around the world. The PSOE governing party of Spain hosted a bloggers event focused on climate change and transformed their website for the day to promote Blog Action Day. And late in the day, President Barack Obama's White House blog joined in become part of the global movement of bloggers shaking the web.
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Of course, well-known bloggers were a big presence yesterday as well

The Official Google Blog gave a green tour of the company's campus;

Mashable asked what you're doing to reverse climate change;

The Unofficial Apple Weblog suggested "Five apps to help save the world";

Treehugger gave us two simple things that could, by themselves, stop climate change;

Global Voices posted a roundup of bloggers from around the world writing in many languages;

Gadling spent the whole day posting about green travel;

BlogHer covered the road to the next international climate negotiations in Copehagen.

There are many more, and we encourage you to check out the Featured Posts on the blogactionday.org homepage for a longer list of some of the world's largest blogs. Many of our nonprofit partners, leading organizations from around the world, were also actively involved in making the event a success:

TckTckTck released a beautiful and touching new video

Greenpeace bloggers from around the world joined in

World Wildlife Fund featured Blog Action Day on their international climate blog

Oxfam helped emphasize the human side of the climate crisis

1Sky wrote about the front lines of political activism in the US

The Nature Conservancy helped us understand the science of climate change

NRDC's Switchboard bloggers wrote informative posts all day

Consequence wrote a whole series of posts on youth climate leadership

You should all feel proud of this remarkable collective effort. And it doesn't have to end today. For many, we hope this serves as an entry point into the broader movement to address the issue of climate change. There are a number of ways and some amazing organizations through which you can continue to remain involved, and we encourage you to check out our Take Action sectionto learn more. We will continue providing updates and information about the success of today's event and ongoing opportunities for involvement--including the October 24th International Day of Climate Action organized by our friends at 350.org here in the weeks ahead, and we hope you'll stay with us.

Thank you so much, Robin Beck Lead Organizer, Blog Action Day 2009.

Distracted Driving

2009-10-16T11:30:00.096-04:00

"As transportation crashes continue to be the number one cause of on-the-job deaths in the United States, causing 2,053 workplace fatalities in 2007, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) offered a series of recommendations to address the issue." Click here to see the entire EHS article.

Some Statistics:

Transporation incidents made up 40 percent of all 2008 fatal occupational injuries in the United States – for a total of 2,053 people – according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

From all traffic crashes in 2007 a total of 41,059 people were killed in the estimated 6,024,000 police-reported motor vehicle crashes in the United States, 2,491,000 people were injured and 4,275,000 crashes involved property damage only.

The economic cost to the country for speeding-related crashes alone is $40.4 billion each year, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).

An average of 112 people died each day in motor vehicle crashes in 2007 – one person every 13 minutes – and males accounted for 71 percent of all traffic fatalities, 70 percent of all pedestrian fatalities, and 88 percent of all pedal cyclist fatalities in 2007.

Click here to view an NSC .pdf FAQ sheet.
Click here for an NSC .pdf Fact Sheet.
Research shows that motorists talking on a phone are four times as likely to crash as other drivers, and are as likely to cause an accident as someone with a .08 blood alcohol content.

The New York Times has done a series of articles including an interactive where you can test your skills attempting to drive and text at the same time at 60 mph. They also acquired information including The following body of research, conducted by the Department of Transportation and completed in 2003, that has not been made public until now. The documents pertain to the safety of using wireless communication devices while driving.

The research comes from the Center for Auto Safety and Public Citizen, two consumer advocacy groups that earlier this year acquired more than 250 pages of undisclosed material through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit.

Their conclusion: The experimental data indicates that with the exception of the consequences of manipulating a wireless communications device, there are negligible differences in safety relevant behavior and performance between using hand-held and hands-free communications devices while driving from the standpoint of cognitive distraction. To see the entire 266 page document, click here.

Want to know what the laws are in your state? Click the map to see state-to-state bans on cell-phones, young driver laws, texting bans and bus driver communication bans.

Finally, a viral video that shockingly shows the devastating effects of distracted driving originally shown to teens in the U.K.

Accuform Signs has a list of do's and don'ts that employees must abide by when it comes to cell phones and driving; here are some of them:

DO - let your cellular voice mail service take the call when driving in adverse conditions and listen to the message later when you are parked, or pull over before answering if traffic conditions permit

DON’T - attempt to dial calls by hand when the vehicle is moving

DO - place your calls before you begin your trip, or call when your vehicle is stopped at a stop sign or red light. If you absolutely must dial a number while driving, assess the traffic and road conditions then dial only a few numbers at a time.

DON’T - engage in stressful or emotional conversations while driving. A stressful or emotional phone conversation while driving is distracting and potentially dangerous. If necessary, suspend the phone conversation.

DO – use your cell phone in the event of an emergency. Please use your cell phone to call for help or to help others in emergencies. Your cell phone lets you be a “Good Samaritan” in the community. If you see an emergency where lives are in danger call 9-1-1 and give the exact location and information to the 9-1-1 operator. Employees are not expected to offer additional assistance beyond calling for help.

DON’T - initiate, read or respond to text messages and email while driving

DON’T - use internet, stream music via Bluetooth, play games, use applications or other cell phone functions while driving.

Blog Action Day 2009; Climate Change

2009-10-15T08:14:00.008-04:00

Blog Action Day is an annual event that unites the world's bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day on their own blogs with the aim of sparking discussion around an issue of global importance. Blog Action Day 2009 will be the largest-ever social change event on the web. One day. One issue. Thousands of voices.

Take Action: Urge Your Senators to Pass a Stronger Energy and Climate Bill.
Write a letter to your senators today urging them to support a 10% energy efficiency standard and a 25% renewable electricity standard by 2025. As If He Cared by Paul Chesser, Heartland Institute Correspondent, 14 October, 2009 @ 1:41 pm - Yet another poll (Rasmussen) shows U.S. voters believe global warming is due more to planetary alignment than human causes, and they see President Obama out of sync with Americans on the issue.

Climate change may result from: natural factors, such as changes in the Sun’s energy or slow changes in the Earth’s orbit around the Sun - natural processes within the climate system (e.g., changes in ocean circulation) - human activities that change the atmosphere’s makeup (e.g, burning fossil fuels) and the land surface (e.g., cutting down forests, planting trees, building developments in cities and suburbs, etc.)

The Planet Is Heating Up Glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, cloud forests are drying, and wildlife is scrambling to keep pace. It's becoming clear that humans have caused most of the past century's warming by releasing heat-trapping gases as we power our modern lives. Called greenhouse gases, their levels are higher now than in the last 650,000 years. The Nature Conservancy has launched the Campaign for a Sustainable Planet — the largest conservation campaign in history — to ensure the survival of the natural world that sustains us all.

The aim of our Ecotourism Resource Centre is to act as an informative guide for users about the concept of Ecotourism. In addition, useful resources have been provided to further increase understanding & provide guidance for ecotravel. In an effort to find a cleaner burning diesel fuel, researchers at the University of Illinois may also help out farmers and give the economy a boost. Agricultural engineers have found a way to "flash-mix" the ethanol, which is a by-product of corn, with diesel fuel, resulting in what is now known as oxydiesel. The hope is that the because of a higher oxygen content by weight the fuel will burn cleaner and therefore reduce emissions and relieve stress on the ozone.

The Go Green Directory.com lists URL's from Ecofashion to healthy eating in a simple, easy-to-use click and search directory. DreamHost is carbon neutral. We've calculated the impact of everything that DreamHost uses and leaves behind in the course of our daily work. All of the resources that we use - paper in the office, electricity for our servers, even the gas in our cars that bring us to the office - leaves behind some kind of soul-sucking residue in the world. To neutralize those unavoidable emissions we’ve invested in Emission Reduction Credits (a.k.a. “offsets”) which guarantee our remaining impact is effectively erased.

At Accuform, we feel the need to do our part to make the world a safer, cleaner place to live, for us, for our children and grandchildren. Accuform Signs - where safety, and sustainability, are a family value."

The Globally Harmonized System for Hazard Communication (Revised 06.04.2010)

2009-10-09T10:14:00.033-04:00

History and Development
It was at the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 that the participating states determined for the first time that a standardised global system for the classification and labelling of chemicals was to be created under the leadership of the UN. The concrete mandate is laid down in chapter 19 of Agenda 21 and reads:

"A globally harmonised hazard classification and compatible labelling system, including material safety dates sheets and easily understandable symbols, should be available, if feasible, by the year 2000" [UNCED Agenda 21, Chapter 19].

The "Globally Harmonized System" (GHS) was introduced for the first time in 2003 in form of the "Purple Book" and has since then been updated every two years. The GHS at UN level is however not legally binding of itself. It only becomes binding upon implementation in the individual countries or communities of states.For more history, go to Umwelt Bundes Amt.

In 2003, the United Nations (UN) adopted the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The GHS includes criteria for the classification of health, physical and environmental hazards, as well as specifying what information should be included on labels of hazardous chemicals as well as safety data sheets. The United States was an active participant in the development of the GHS, and is a member of the UN bodies established to maintain and coordinate implementation of the system. The official text of the GHS can be found on the UN web page.

Aligning the Hazard Communication Standard to the GHS
Definition: Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)
Definition: Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)

Major proposed changes to the HCS:
Hazard classification: Provides specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards, as well as classification of mixtures.
Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.
Safety Data Sheets: Will now have a specified 16-section format.
Information and training: The GHS does not address training. However, the proposed HCS will require that workers are trained within two years of the publication of the final rule to facilitate recognition and understanding of the new labels and safety data sheets.

Number of workers affected by the proposed HCS: Over 40 million workers.
Affected Industries: Over 5 million workplaces.
Benefits of the proposed standard: OSHA estimates that the revised standard will prevent 43 fatalities and 585 injuries and illnesses annually. The annualized monetized benefits associated with these reductions in safety and health risks are an estimated $266 million a year. OSHA estimates additional annualized benefits of $585 million a year from cost reductions and productivity improvements attributable to the proposed revisions. In total, OSHA estimates that the proposed revisions will provide net annualized savings of $754 million a year.
The GHS is already being used in various countries and in different regions around the world. The hazardous communication aspect is making its way into these countries' policies and legal channels. OSHA issued the Haz-Com/GHS proposed rule on 9/30/09. Public hearings occurred in Spring 2010, and the effective date is proposed to be two years after publication of final rule passage by Congress.
Here is a link to the Proposed Rule.

Accuform Signs serves the community, the nation and the globe by giving you the most updated information and keeping you informed of issues that affect your business.
Contact us to see how we can help you meet all of your GHS requirements.

H1N1 Update: October 6, 2009 form the CDC

2009-10-06T14:27:00.010-04:00

Press conference Oct. 6, 2009 by Thomas Frieden, MD, MPH, Director, CDC, Administrator, ATSDR Viewed at: http://flu.gov/live/

Vaccine Update
As of today, all states have ordered available doses of the H1N1 vaccine. The doses will be made available in lots. The mist is currently being used, and next week an injectable version will also be made available. The current vaccine has an excellent safety record and no lots have been recalled.
The H1N1 virus has infiltrated every state in the US and this flu season is expected until May.

Major Concerns from the field include:
Flu is a mild illness - this is a fallacy - please take it very seriously - deaths have occurred.
This vaccine may not be safe - there were shortcuts taken to get the vaccine made available more quickly - the vaccine is made the same way each year and the most effective strains are currently being used against the H1N1 virus.
It is too late to get the vaccine - it may have decreased in your area - Dr. Frieden maintains it is "too soon to say too late." Although 5-10% of the population has been affected, that leaves 90% that still can be affected - it has not necessarily passed you by.

Q: How should the states disperse the vaccine?
A: Start with the 5 top priority groups.

Q: When will we know if there is a problem with the vaccine?
A: If there is a problem, the rate is estimated at 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 1,000,000. Not currently suspected to be problems.

Q: How far in advance can the states order the vaccines?
A: Anticipate for the next few weeks. Will be available per manufacturers information received already and in substantial quantity mid-October.

Q: Did calculations indicate mandated vaccines by more government entities?
A: “There will be plenty for everyone” – "when" is the problem right now.

Q: What about the "seasonal flu" doses?
A: “Well over 50,000,000 doses available.”

Q: Any mutation in the virus at this point?
A: Biggest concern is virus could change – but it is quite stable genetically. “Variability is very small – high level of match – high level of effectiveness...supply chain is still being worked out.”

Q: Advice for people not in top-priority groups who want to be vaccinated?
A: Stay home if sick, wash hands and cover mouth when you cough.

Accuform Angels Yard Sale

2009-10-05T17:02:00.014-04:00

The Accuform Angels will be holding their first annual company-wide Yard Sale on Saturday, October 17, from 7 am to 2:30 pm at in the Accuform parking lot located at 16228 Flight Path Drive, Brooksville, FL 34604.
Space rental is available to employees and relatives of Accuform Signs only, but with almost 200 employees, this could be ONE-HUGE-EVENT!

Mark your calendar, tell your friends, and check us out on Facebook for more details on this and up-coming events like:
We're exhibiting at booth 1409. Come see the "Power of Personalization." When you have an important message to convey, consistent communication is a must. Repeated messages are remembered. Personalization makes it easy and affordable to communicate a consistent message throughout a facility. And Accuform has innovative products and imaginative programs that help implement Personalized procedures and protocols.
These are just some of the ways Accuform makes it easy, with their selection of materials and color options for custom work – and their world-class customer service is there to help you through the mechanics to assure prompt delivery and accuracy. Custom orders can be for as few as one or two pieces because safety is that important to us.

Accuform believes that Personalization programs help companies go beyond compliance to a pro-active mode of active encouragement and advocacy for safe practices and safe workspaces. We understand about pride in one’s work as well as pride in one’s workplace.

At Accuform, Personalization is more than a concept; it’s ownership from the minute you drive toward the entrance of the site to the minute you leave. Its pride in that ownership, excitement about coming to work, doing the job right as a team and getting home safely. It’s about being a part of an industry where safety for lives of loved-ones matters. It’s about the people who build this country and the families they do it for.

The Accuform Angels

2009-10-02T10:27:00.019-04:00

Like Charlie’s Angels, Heidi Carter, Sonja Osborne and Michelle Kennedy, all Customer Service Representatives here at Accuform, began the Accuform Angels in 2004 as “Three little girls who wanted to do good for others, and throw a Christmas party.”
Today, there are 23 Angels, including the founders: Sonja Osborne – who has taken over the reins, Heidi Carter, Michelle Kennedy, Stephanie Adams, Vicky Hagan, Cindy Jensen, Lori Davidson, Irene Chin, Beverly Milano, Beverly Carrington, Cindy Martin, Kathy Newman, Luann Lambert, Jeanne DePotter, Faye Sullivan, Stacey Aubery, Christine Brockel, Nicole Wilko, Faye Sullivan, Samantha Heckman, Sabrina Adams, Shanna Cancel and Yvonne Carey.
The Angels raise money and awareness throughout the company and give back to the local and global communities by supporting various causes. And each week, the Angels travel from one corner of our facility to the other, from Front Gate to Back Dock, and take dollar chances for a 50/50 raffle.

So far in 2009, the Angels have sponsored a Super Soup Cook-off with Sonja Osborne taking first prize for her Chicken Dumpling Soup, Bev Milano 2nd for her Chicken Noodle and Michelle Kennedy rounding out the top three with her Split Pea and Ham.
They held a Carnation sale for Valentine’s Day, have sponsored bake sales and T-shirts sales. The Angels also sponsored a Pie-In-The-Face Event that raised over $400 – and gave employees an opportunity to “smash” an unlimited number of whipped cream pies in the face of their department heads and even the CEO’s, Wayne and Dave Johnson.

They sold Hope Bracelets for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for another $400. They’ve raised awareness at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, and spent the night in tents, but it was worth it to the tune of nearly $1,300 raised.
Their latest event, which lasted nearly a month, was appropriately named the “Accuform Pet Idols.” Employees were encouraged to enter their pets in the contest to compete in such categories as “The Largest Dog, The Cutest Pet and Owner and Pet Look-Alikes.” When it was all said and done, The Angels raised $200 for The Humane Society of the Nature Coast.
To date, The Angels have raised nearly $3,000 in 2009, with three months to go.
The Accuform Angels, good works at work.

ACCUFORM SIGNS ADDS MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATIVE GROUP IN MOUNTAIN WEST

2009-09-24T15:50:00.009-04:00

Accuform Signs Partners with Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

BROOKSVILLE, FL September 22, 2009 – Accuform Signs, North America’s leading provider of facility safety identification products, is pleased to announce that, as of Thursday, October 1, 2009, Shur-Sales will be representing the Accuform Signs product line within the mountain west region (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming). With personnel stretching across the region, from north to south, the team at Shur-Sales has a proven track record of representing top leading industrial brands such as Capital Safety, DuPont, Streamlight, Sqwincher, Ergodyne, Moldex and more.

“We are honored to partner with Accuform Signs in support of their sales and marketing reach within the Rocky Mountain area,” said Craig Shur, President of Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc. “Accuform is known as a distributor-minded manufacturer. From quality products to superior customer service and innovation, they are quickly gaining market share while instituting innovative methods to drive growth within an improving economic climate.”

“Shur-Sales is a highly respected organization and is well known among industrial safety distributors throughout the west,” says Mitchell Fein, Vice President of Sales for Accuform Signs. “They are an outstanding addition to our team.” Fein continues, “Thanks to the team at Shur-Sales you’re going to hear more about Accuform Signs, and with the support of western distributors, you’re going to see more of our products guiding people to safety at facilities across the region.”

Accuform Signs Regional Sales Managers, John Donati and Scott Chaney, now have adjusted territories allowing them to focus on far-west and south-central-based distributors, respectively.

SHUR-SALES CONTACT: Craig Shur
PHONE: 303-789-5696
EMAIL: cshur@shur-sales.com

ACCUFORM SIGNS CONTACT: Brad Montgomery, CTSM
PHONE: 352-848-2507
EMAIL: brad.montgomery@accuform.com

Sales & Marketing Tools from Accuform Signs

2009-09-22T13:02:00.018-04:00

Introducing the Accuform Signs Product Demonstration Video Player. Crystal-clear video and step-by-step visual instruction make this player a valuable tool for training the sales team and your customers. Press play, pause or enlarge the viewer to fill your screen.
The Demo Player currently contains 20 videos featuring 18 different Accuform products including:

Directions for the Changeable Face Digi-Day® and use of the Remote Control

Tilt-Adjust™ Roll-Up Stand

Cone Top Warning Sign Installation

StopPlug™ Lockout Device (New!)

Steering Wheel Message Covers™

Single- and Double-Pole Circuit Breaker Lockout

Grip Tight Circuit Breaker Lockout

Snap Tite™ and Cling-Tite Pipe Markers

Evacuation Map Holder

Slip-Gard™ Floor Signs

Elastic-Corded Banners

Rack Mount Retractable Belt Tape

Vinyl Sign Application

Aluma-Tag™ Hasp

Re-Designed Marketing Center
Visit our re-designed Marketing Center for access to the Video Demo Player as well as our recently updated Literature Sheets available in .pdf format (US & Canada). The Marketing Center also features:

Press Releases

Thumbnail Views of All Literature

Print Advertising

Trade Show Schedule for Accuform

Materials Spec Sheets

Artwork File Information

CMYK Color Chart Tool

Click on the Compliance button next to Marketing Center for:

Regulatory Links

Safety Booklets

State Occupational

Industry Standards

Lockout/Tagout Checklist

Facility Identification POP Display
Provide your customers with the hottest-selling, highest quality Facility Safety Identification products available by Accuform Signs, the industry leaders in safety signs.

Create awareness that you're a distributor of Facility Identification Products

Increase Walk-In, Point-of-Purchase (POP) Sales

Metal display features Accuform's top 20 OSHA safety signs on 7" x 10" plastic

Place your display in high-traffic areas such as will-call pick-up areas or within your safety store

Restock sold-out signs at a discount

Includes Accuform Signs banner

Flu PSA Winner: H1N1 Rap by Dr. Clarke

2009-09-22T12:45:00.008-04:00

On July 9th of this year, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced a video PSA contest on flu prevention. Americans were called to create a 15, 30, or 60 second video promoting good hygienic practices and submit this video over YouTube. This video was to inform people about the flu and motivate them to take steps that help prevent the spread of the flu. The winner received $2500 in cash and is featured on national television. Congratulations to Dr. John Clarke of Baldwin, New York for his video entitled H1N1 Rap by Dr. Clarke (Bagman came in second followed by Be Aware, 3rd.)
Over 200 entries were received and the creativity of the American people showed through. Videos were submitted from all over the country by kids, grandparents, and all ages between. Some were serious. Some were funny. Many sought to strike a balance.
Out of these entries, a panel of 12 video communication and public health experts determined the top 10 entries. These were put on the HHS YouTube Channel and put to a public vote. Over 50 thousand votes were cast in the 18 days that voting was open, and these votes determined the overall winner.
The winner was announced on by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on September 22nd at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Congratulations again to Dr. Clarke of Baldwin, New York. http://www.pandemicflu.gov/