Importance of Durable Signs for Construction Projects

Construction sites create safety hazards that necessitate the use of signage throughout. Signs are essential communication tools that alert workers and other people on the site of potential dangers. They also direct foot and vehicle traffic to enhance on-site safety and minimize the likelihood of injuries and accidents on the jobsite. 

The essential nature of signage on construction sites means it must be clear and visually unambiguous to deliver messages effectively. This guide explains everything you need about signs and documentation for construction projects.

The Impact of Durable Signage for Construction

Signage plays numerous roles on construction sites, including:

• Compliance with industry regulations and standards: The construction industry is regulated by many local laws and industry standards that ensure project safety and integrity. Regulatory bodies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) list signage as a mandated safety protocol. Following the signage instructions spares you hefty fines and potential lawsuits. 
• Facilitate emergency preparedness: Signage provides directives on the safety protocols and procedures to follow during emergencies. It also organizes emergencies by marking evacuation routes, assembly points, emergency exits and fire aid stations. 
• Support site operations: Signage supports site operations by providing workers and visitors with clear information and direction about the site and the accepted conduct.

Different Types of Construction Signage

Several types of construction signs help sites adhere to health and safety regulations. These signs use high-contrast colors to draw attention and stand out against dark backgrounds. The different colors represent different messages and provide warnings about varying levels of danger. Effective construction site signage uses easy-to-read fonts that are legible even in the dark.

These signs must include enough information to enable workers and visitors to make safe decisions. Most importantly, signage must be made with durable materials that withstand weather and tough conditions on jobsites. The following are some of the most common types of signage on construction sites:

Prohibition Signs

These are usually the first signs you'll encounter at the entrance of a construction site. They dictate the conduct that is prohibited on the construction site. Prohibition signs typically have an illustrative black image encircled by a red circle that is crossed out on a white background. They may include descriptive text like:

• No unauthorized access
• No entry
• No smoking
• No access to industrial vehicles

Mandatory Signs

These signs are made specifically for construction site workers and indicate the acceptable actions on the site. These are standardized white images or text on a circular blue background. You'll find them at the site entrance and other strategic points to remind workers of the expected conduct to comply with health and safety standards. These signs often include instructions on the gear to have on-site, such as:

• Safety helmets must be worn
• Eye protection must be worn
• Hard hat area
• Safety harness must be worn 

Warning Signs 

These glaring yellow signs around a construction site alert people of potential dangers. A yellow triangle with a black image and a thick black border represents warning signs. They may be accompanied by a description of the danger written on a yellow panel in bold, black lettering. Some warnings these signs relay include:

• High voltage
• Work overhead
• Harmful chemicals 
• Highly flammable gases

Emergency Signs

Emergency signs or safe condition signs direct people on evacuation procedures, such as where to go, what to do and how to do it in an emergency. You'll find these signs at fire call points, near fire extinguishers and at fire escape access points. Emergency signs are typically rectangular, with a green background and white lettering or symbols. Some of the messages these signs relay include:

• Fire exit signs
• Fire aid station
• Fire assembly point  

Fire Equipment Signs

Fire equipment signs share the details and locations of workers and visitors. These signs come as red rectangles or squares with white coloring to ensure they're eye-catching during emergencies. They may or may not be accompanied by text and deliver the following messages revealing the strategic placement of:

• Fire alarms
• Extinguishers
• Alarms
• Hoses

Best Materials for Construction Site Signage

Making signage with durable construction materials helps minimize the need for maintenance and replacement. Low-maintenance signage supports your safety efforts by ensuring longer visibility. Here are some materials worth considering for your construction signage:

Synthetic Paper

Synthetic paper is a durable polyester material suitable for use in a wide range of conditions. It's tear-proof, waterproof and washable, making it usable on construction sites. 

REVLAR Premium paper is made from full synthetics, making it completely waterproof and long-lasting on construction sites. Signage made from REVLAR synthetic paper comes in premium colors and is fit for health and safety signage. It requires minimal maintenance, doesn't fade and can be easily wiped clean when needed.

Metal

Metal signs are popular on construction sites for their durability and resistance to corrosion. Aluminum is especially popular for permanent signs that need to last. Aluminum signs can be customized for extra protection by painting or wrapping them with vinyl. A close competitor is stainless steel.

While durable, metal signs are heavier and harder to install and transport compared to synthetic paper. They can be harder to clean and may show wear and tear over time without protective paint. REVLAR Premium paper is waterproof, making it simple to clean. Synthetic signage is also easier to remove when a construction project is complete.

Get High-Quality Signage From RELYCO

RELYCO is a specialized paper company with over 35 years of experience. We customize construction and property management signage that offers superior durability and value for builders, architects and realtors. Our REVLAR Premium Colors synthetic paper is great for construction site signage because it comes in vibrant hues for maximum visibility and is weatherproof and tear-proof. 

We also have the REIMAGE Carbonless Laser Paper, which allows writing to be transferred through multiple layers of paper so you can update several documents at once. Using carbonless paper makes your business more sustainable by minimizing waste. Shop now!