01.31.08
The Visual Workplace
The folks at DuraLabel have just come out with a new web site suite. What’s a web site suite? It is a group of web sites, based on the same root URL, that cover different but related subjects. The new site from DuraLabel covers lean manufacturing topics such as 5S, kaizen, kanban and the visual workplace.
What is a visual workplace? It is a workplace in which needed information is provided at the point of need. Information is available when and where it is needed. This is usually accomplished through the use of signs and labels.
Other lean manufacturing topics are built on a visual workplace, because without effective communication the implementation of kaizen, kanban, TPM, or 5S will not be successful. For example, 5S involves cleaning up and getting organized. Effective signs and labels are a critical component that identify locations, provide operating and maintenance information, and show where tools, supplies and materials are stored. Without effective and clear visual communication, 5S can not be sustained (the fifth “s”).
Visit this new visual workplace web site suite and learn how lean manufacturing methods and effective visual communication can help your organization.
01.22.08
New Arc Flash Labeling Best Practices
A new guide, available for free download, from Graphic Products provides a comprehensive look at arc flash labeling requirements to meed OSHA standards and NEC & NFPA code. The code requirements are very loose on specifying information that must be included on an arc flash label, but enforcement can be strict if your labels do not have adequate information. This guides helps you understand what information needs to be included on arc flash labels and where labels need to be used.
You can download a copy of the Arc Flash Labeling Best Practices from: http://www.graphicproducts.com/free-gifts/free-arc-flash-best-practices.php
This guide starts with a facility inspection to determine the need for new or replacement arc flash labels. It then goes through label design and placement. It even covers how to cleanly remove old arc flash labels.
01.18.08
Pipe Marking Best Practices
If you have pipes in your facility, they need to be properly identified and labeled. Whether they are just water and heating pipes, or you work in an oil refinery with thousands of pipes, they need to be labeled.
A Best Practices Guide for pipe marking is now available. It provides the information you need to ensure your pipes are labeled to meet codes and standards. Starting with a facility inspection, the guides provides comprehensive pipe marking information. This includes describing what should be on a pipe marker, to how to make pipe markers and the locations where they should be applied. It even describes how old pipe marker labels can be cleanly removed without damaging the underlying surface.
The following shows the Table of Contents for the Pipe Marking Best Practices Guide:
- Required Tools
- Evaluation of Facility
…..Which Pipes Should Be Labeled?
…..What Information Should Be On A Pipe Label?
…..Standard Color Coding
…..Standard Abbreviations - Label Creation
…..Equipment and Supplies List
…..Label Creation Steps - Label Placement
…..Locations Where Pipe Markers Should Be Placed
…..Special Conditions
…..Removing Old Labels - Label Maintenance
- Addendum – Facility Inspection Form
- One Page Pipe Marking Summary
- One Page Ammonia Pipe Marking Summary
The Pipe Marking Best Practices is available as a free download on the Graphic Products’ web site.
01.04.08
Another New DuraLabel Lean Site
A second DuraLabel lean manufacturing web site has come online. The new “What is Kanban?” provides an introduction to kanban and the benefits of kanban. It also describes why labeling and signs are an important part of a successful kanban system.
As with the 5S site announced earlier this week, the What Is Kanban? site includes a free online quiz. You can test your kanban knowledge and compare yourself with others who have taken the kanban quiz.
01.02.08
The DuraLabel and 5S
Do you know what 5S is?
Why are labeling and signs an important part of 5S?
A new web site called The 5S Plan answers these questions, and others, about 5S.
The 5S plan provides a quick introduction to 5S and the benefits of 5S. Plus it has something unique… a 5S Quiz you can use to test your knowledge of 5S. This 12 question quiz let’s you compare your 5S knowledge with others who have taken the quiz before you.
The DuraLabel PRO is an important part of 5S. 5S is based on using visual cues, such as labels and color coding, to quickly identify work areas and storage locations. The DuraLabel PRO and DuraLabel supplies easily handle all aspects of visual communication for 5S.
