Using Pipe Markers To Improve

What is a pipe marker?

It is simply a label applies to a pipe that identifies the contents, type of hazard and the direction of flow of the contents of the pipe. The label color shows the type of hazard. Arrows indicate the direction of flow. An text printed on the label identifies the contents of the pipe.

There are codes that set the standards used for pipe markers. Standard colors must be use. There is a minimum size for the label, and the text on the label, based on the diameter of the pipe. The code that most often applies is the ANSI A13.1 pipe marking code. Other codes cover specialized applications such as ammonia refrigeration pipes, medical gas pipes, and pipes on ships.

Pipe markers are not only required by code, they improve productivity by providing needed information at the point of need. For example, knowing the direction of flow can be critical for knowing which valve to close to shut off that flow. And knowing the contents of each pipe helps ensure the correct valve is closed.

A pipe marking best practices guide from Graphic Products provides all the information you need about pipe marker design, printing and application. It's available free.

Less Chaos, More Cash

It's been awhile since my last post, but it's been a while since I found something that is truly of value for improving quality, productivity and safety... and earning you more money. It seems everyone has been playing defense this past year.

A new book by Aaron Crowley, called Less Chaos, More Cash provides solutions to problems that are holding most small business back. Learn how you can overcome challenges you may not even be aware of. Aaron clearly defines problems and provides clear, simple to implement solutions that can bring small businesses greater profitability.

“An enjoyable, candid journey of running a growing small business. Aaron’s book is a must have, quick read that will help entrepreneurs grow faster and avoid the common pitfalls we all face. It’s insightful, enjoyable, and time well spent.”

—Keith Voigt, President, Great Western Ink

Installing Granite Tile - Improving Productivity At Home

It used to be that do-it-yourself granite tile installation was impossible, or difficult at best. The problem is that tile does not come with finished edges. Because each installation is a custom installation, granite tile (or marble, stone or other natural material) can not be pre-finished. That means for the do-it-yourselfer the tile had to be hand finished, and the quality of the result was a problem. That took A LONG TIME. And why install luxurious granite counters and not have high quality, finished edges?

A new company, Easy Granite Tile, has solved both the productivity and quality problems. They provide custom granite tile that can be easily ordered on the internet. They have developed a unique tile online calculator that will determine the amount of tile needed, the amount of edging required, and the total cost. It is fast and easy.

Once you've seen what is needed you can place your order online. Easy Granite Tile will express ship a sample of the tile you've selected so you can be sure the color and quality are what you want.

The they'll make the tile for your kitchen. But even in this process there is a difference. When you hire a professional to install your tile, the edges will still be finished by hand. Quality can vary. Easy Granite Tile has developed an automated system of tile edging that creates perfect tile edges every time. You'll get superior quality, and you can install it yourself.

Visit their web site today and learn how you can enhance the value of your home, and do-it-yourself!

Workplace Safety Blog

There is a safety blog that looks at safety news from a slightly different perspective. I'm not sure how to describe it. It often features tools for improving safety training, most of which are free. It sometimes has political news related to safety. But in general it seems to provide news that is related to breaking trends in workplace safety.

This blog is a part of the Safe Workplace web site. Use this link to go to the Safe Workplace Blog.

Five Steps To A Visual Workplace

Here is a link to the Five Steps To A Visual Workplace.

On this one page you see what it takes to create a visual workplace such that even new employees know where they are, what is around them, and what they need to do. A visual workplace provides the information people need, right at the point of need.

Preparing For A VPP Audit

OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) recognizes workplaces that have outstanding safety practices and records. However, even for workplaces with top notch safety records, becoming a member of VPP requires years of effort, including documentation of training and work practices.

One of the major steps in attaining VPP status is the VPP audit. One of the key things a VPP audit will look for is the comprehensive and consistent use of labels and signs--what is called visual communication. Not only the labels and signs required by code, but having a complete visual communication system in place such that everyone can immediately know where they are, what is around them (including hazards), and if action is required, what they need to do.

Most of us are familiar with the need to label pipes and valves such that wherever you are standing, if a pipe is visible you can see a label that identifies the contents, direction of flow and hazard level. However, a visual communication system takes this a step further. For example, the information on each valve would also describe when the valve should be opened or closed.

Be prepared for your VPP audit by setting up a VPP Labeling Cart that has all the supplies needed to make the labels and signs your facility needs. A VPP cart should include a label printer, such as the DuraLabel PRO, a PC to keep track of the labels and signs in your visual communication systems, all of the needed labeling supplies, including sign blanks and valve tags, and any other materials or supplies that might be needed such as plastic ties, scissors, a knife, tape and other tools.

What Is A Visual Workplace?

A new set of web sites (the owner's call them a web site suite) aimed at lean manufacturing topics has just come online. They are based on the concept of the visual workplace.

What is a visual workplace?

A visual workplace has to do with having everything in the workplace marked and labeled such that a new employee can find something as easily as an experienced employee. This does not mean that there is a label on EVERYTHING. What it does mean is that needed information is provided right at the point of need, usually by using a label or sign.

Visit the www.LabelPrinter.com web site to learn more about a visual workplace.

Three subdomains are a part of the www.LabelPrinter.com "web site suite". They each focus on a specific lean manufacturing method: kaizen, 5S and kanban. Coverage of additional lean methods is promised for the future.