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ISO Certified Manufacturer of Industrial Safety Indentification for MRO & OEM
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How Can You Upgrade Your Equipment Lockout Procedure?

As an industrial business owner, you know how important it is to make sure your employees and customers are safe in the workplace. One of the ways to do this is by having a reliable equipment lockout procedure in place. Having a comprehensive lockout procedure can help to reduce safety risks and protect everyone on-site from any potential danger. However, there may be some occasions when you feel like your current lockout procedure could use an upgrade. One of the areas where you can see an immediate improvement in your operations revolves around lockout/tagout tags. Continue reading “How Can You Upgrade Your Equipment Lockout Procedure?”

Telecom Safety Signage for Underground Installation

Telecom Safety Signage for Underground Installation

Underground installation of fiber optic cables for digital infrastructure utilizes different methods depending on various factors from terrain to cost to local codes.  Whichever method is chosen, safety identification is common to all.

In underground installations, fiber optic cables are housed in protective tubes or conduits.  These are buried by open trenching or boring techniques.  The fibers are pulled or injected through the conduits in segmented lengths.

Cable access varies depending upon the depth of the installation.  Smaller cable access boxes are typically used for shallow depth cables.  Deeper burials can utilize cable vaults with manhole access or they can be run through cable tunnels.

Tagging, labeling and identifying telecom cables for safety, cable type, ownership and location takes different forms and must be durable and resistant to moisture and the elements as well as being tamper-proof.

How are telecommunication cables identified to know what they are and what company owns them?

Snap Around Cable Markers are pre-curled PVC with elastic memory.  They open to accept the cable and then snap around it for a secure fit.  These cable markers are pre-printed with customized information such as the cable type and ownership information.  They can accept cables up to 3.25” in diameter and come in various color combinations.

Fiber Optic Cable tags are pre-printed on PVC with space for entering your custom information such as fiber type and count.  They are also available as blank tags.  Each fiber optic tag has 6 slotted holes to allow for attachment to cable bundles with nylon ties.  Self-laminating covers protect information from moisture.  Tags measure 2” x 3.5”.

An image of a fiber optic telecom cable tag reading, "Caution, Fiber Optic Cable". Tag is rectangular with rounded ends and has a clear, self-laminating cover and elongated slots for application the cables. Colors are black on yellow.

Underground residential transmission (URD) tags provide another format for marking underground telecom cables.  These PVC tags are blank and can be written upon with pen or pencil and sealed with a self-laminating cover for protection against corrosion, moisture, and tampering.  Sizes range from 1.5″ x 3.0″ to 2.5″ x 5.75″.

How to find buried telecom cables?

Buried Detectable Utility Line Tapes are printed on an aluminum core so that metal detectors can identify their location underground.  This allows for locating without excavation.

Tracer Wires are installed along utility and telecommunications lines to trace their locations conductively for detection above ground.  A transmitter emits alternating current to the tracer wire for detectability by a locator above ground.  Various construction types, gauges and colors are available to accommodate different utility, telecom, and construction installations.

A diagram to show how underground tracer wire is used for utility identification.

LEM Products, Inc. offers many standard safety and cable identification tags and labels for the telecommunications industry.  If you need a customized legend or text on a label or tag, contact us today.

Cell Tower Safety Identification

Telecommunication Cell Tower Safety Signs & Labels

Cell towers are an integral component of our modern telecommunications network. Towers receive the radio waves from cell phones and repeat those transmissions to switching centers to send the calls to other phones or the telephone network.

There are hundreds of thousands of cellular towers in the United States alone. Each site requires maintenance and security and safety for the maintenance technicians. Maintenance is performed at ground level in the equipment shelters and power supplies to the tops of the antennas which can be several hundred feet up in the air.

How are Cell Towers marked for safety and security?

Cell towers that are not mounted on the tops of buildings require security to protect the public from the dangers of the equipment. Perimeter fencing typically encloses the tower and the ground structures. Proper safety, warning and regulatory signage can consist of the following sign types:
• ASR Number Sign: This displays the identifying F.C.C. Antenna Structure Registration number of the cell tower.
• Danger Radio Frequency Radiation Hazard Sign: This warns of the health hazards including severe burns from close and prolonged exposure to the dangerous radio frequencies.
• No Trespassing Signs alert that the area is private property and denote any associated penalties and fines.
• Danger High Voltage Signs: These signs warn of the dangerous voltage from utility lines, generators and the cell tower that can cause severe injury or death.
• Video Surveillance Signs alert that the enclosure uses video cameras for security surveillance.
• Do Not Climb Signs: These signs warn of the dangers of climbing the tower including high voltage, electrocution, radiation, and slip-and-falls.

Antenna Structure Registration number sign

Technicians climbing cell towers face dangerous conditions. How are these marked?

Inside the tower enclosure, there are additional safety signs and labels for the technicians servicing the tower:
• PPE Signs denote the required personal protective equipment, gear, and clothing for climbing the tower such as harnesses, hard hats, protective eye wear, boots, gloves and more.
• Nesting birds, bees’ nests and wet or icy conditions can be sudden and unexpected causes of potential slip-and-falls. Fall Protection Signs dictate the proper fall protection gear required for climbing such as full-body harnesses, shackles, slings, pulling rope, capstans ad lifts.
• Falling Objects Signs warn of the dangerous injuries from dropped objects ranging from a roll of tape to a metal wrench.

warning falling objects sign

How are electrical equipment and wiring identified for technical personnel who maintain the cell towers?

Electrical Identification for equipment, wires and cables ensures that the routine maintenance and repair operations maintain safety standards and clearly identify the components, the procedures, and any associated hazards. OSHA Compliant labels, tags and signs utilized include:
• Lockout tags are used in the equipment shelters to lock out power to equipment during maintenance and repairs.
• Arc Flash Labels warn of the danger of an arc flash from proximity to high voltage equipment and for the need for proper PPE.
• Cable Markers identify the cable type such as Fiber Optic and other styles. They are available in two styles: snap-around and clip-on format.
• Voltage Markers denote the voltage level for equipment, transformers, circuit panel boxes and more. The come in three sizes to fit varying applications.

A fiber optic cable marker

Cell towers are just one of the many sectors of the telecommunications industry. Safety identification labels, tags and signs by LEM Products, Inc., a Trident Company, are a critical part of maintaining safe conditions for industry personnel and the public.

LEM Manufactures the Best of Safety Identification in New Video

LEM Manufactures the Best of Safety Identification in New Video

For over 50 years, LEM Products, Inc., a member of the Trident group of companies, continues to manufacture industrial safety identification decals, tags, signs, fleet graphics and other durable electrical and industrial identification products that are used to mark sites, facilities and equipment for OSHA and ANSI compliance and corporate branding and asset management.

LEM Products Inc. is located near Philadelphia, PA and has been manufacturing American Made Industrial Safety Identification since 1967.

Operations Manager Jeff Kulp and VP of Sales Tim O’Connor speak to the multitude of processes and the excellence of LEM’s manufacturing capabilities in a new video about the company.

a manufacturing facility interior view

LEAN manufacturing, Kaizen principles and continuous improvement with technological advancements in equipment and processes enables LEM Products, Inc. to provide the ultimate product performance and durability in the most extreme conditions.

This industry leader provides clients with a variety of different products that are integral in the  Maintenance, Repair and Operation (MRO) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) industries.

Additionally, LEM tags, labels and signs are used by watercraft and wind turbine manufacturers, underground and aerial utility facilities, and for many other applications, and are available in multilingual versions and custom constructions.

LEM Products Inc. continues to develop business relationships with national & international supply chains to provide organization, rapid response and product fulfillment to the customer.  The Company culture is based on Best Practices, Client Respect & Excellence.

The Importance of Valve Tags in Marking Piping

In various industrial applications, valves control the flow of contents throughout a piping system. In certain applications, the pipe’s contents may be hazardous. In others, the materials may be stored at high pressures. In either case, safety protocols are necessary to ensure employees and contractors understand how to use the pipe system properly. The best way to do this is to mark valves with valve identification tags.

Here is everything you need to know about properly tagging valves throughout your facility.

Why Valve Tags Are Necessary

Most facilities, warehouses, and factories have numerous utility pipes and valves. Without a sophisticated pipe marking system, it can easily become confusing which pipe is carrying which contents. Confusion leads to mishaps and potentially fatal injuries. Luckily, valve and pipe labeling can minimize the number of accidents associated with using pipe systems. These are some of the top benefits of using valve tags:

  • Semi-Automate Asset Management: While many valves operate on some level of automation, they may require manual maintenance and repairs from time to time. Placing a tag on each valve can enable employees and contractors to use the barcodes and other identifying information to keep track of assets and their conditions.
  • Prevent Misidentification: Valve and pipe markers allow facility managers to include any pertinent information on the label so there’s less risk of accidents due to confusion. Custom tags can also be color-coded to match your facility’s categorization standards.
  • Communicate Potential Hazards: One of a valve tag’s greatest benefits is its ability to instantly communicate the presence of potential dangers. It can do so using colors, graphics, or information.

plastic blank valve tags

Pipe and Valve Marking Standards and Regulations

In the United States, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers set regulations in place for piping systems to reduce the risk of accidents and injury. The ANSI/ASME A13.1 states that pipes and valves must be tagged with an identification label. The recommended method for doing this is creating a tag numbering system and using the following predefined colors:

  • White text on red background for fire-extinguishing fluids
  • Black text on orange background for corrosive fluids
  • Black text on yellow background for flammable fluids
  • White text on brown background for combustible fluids
  • White text on green background for water
  • White text on blue background for compressed air or other gasses

When placing your valve tags, remember:

  • The tags should be easily accessible.
  • The valve markers should be visible from different points of view.
  • The tags should not be placed on the valve stems, actuators, or other components essential to the operation of the valve.

Types of Valve Tags

Your facility will likely require different valve tags based on the application for which the valve is used. Here are the different types of tags used for facilities’ pipes and valves:

  • Chemical Valve Tags: You will need these tags to mark valves connected to pipes with chemical contents. These tags are essential for maintaining safety throughout your facility.
  • Waste/Water Pipe Valve Tags: You will want to use these tags to mark valves associated with water and wastewater pipes. You don’t want someone to turn on the valve expecting potable water only to get wastewater.
  • Gas Valve Tags: When you have pipes with hot liquids, steam, or other gasses, you will want to properly tag them so that a person does not open the valve and get severe burns or injuries.
  • Lock Out, Tag Out (LOTO) Tags: When equipment is being repaired or worked on, you will need to place a LOTO tag on the valve to mark it as inoperable. These specialized tags ensure you are OSHA compliant and protect the health and safety of everyone in your facility.
  • Metal Valve Tags: Metal valve markers are highly durable and can be customized to meet your needs. You can choose aluminum, stainless steel, or brass for your industrial labeling system.
  • Plastic Valve Tags: Plastic valve labels are a very economical choice for custom tags. They can be printed in high volumes and made of vinyl, polyester, or polycarbonate.

Get Your Valve Tags Today

No matter the type of contents flowing through your piping system, it’s crucial to have a valve tagging system in place. Once you develop a system that works for your facility, make sure you train all your employees on the tagging procedure so that everyone can remain safe at all times.

At LEM Products, Inc., we manufacture a variety of identification and safety tags for piping systems, including valves. We can help you choose the right materials and color schemes for your tagging system. Order your tags online today, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

5 Tips for Improving Your Lockout/Tagout Program

Lockout/tagout (LOTO) is a procedure developed to protect employees and other workers from the unexpected startup of machinery under maintenance or repair. A successful LOTO program ensures the faulty machinery is entirely shut down, has been tested for residual energy, and will not be started up again until the proper time. Lockout procedures are put into place to prevent serious and fatal injuries from hazardous energy.

Continue reading “5 Tips for Improving Your Lockout/Tagout Program”

Switchgear Tags are critical electrical markers for the T&D Industry

Are switchgear tags the same as lockout tags?

Not exactly.  They are similar.  You might say they are in the lockout family.  Switchgear tags, like lockout tags, serve as very important electrical markers of safety to alert employees that equipment is locked out for maintenance and repair.  They are widely used in the electrical transmission and distribution industry.

A lockout tag indicates that a piece of machinery or equipment has been:

  • shut off
  • disconnected from all energy sources
  • de-energized
  • bled of any stored energy
  • tested to make sure it is not operational

All of this is verified, and the machine is locked out before any maintenance or repairs can commence.

Because field conditions are constantly changing in transmission and distribution applications, the switchgear lock out tag out tags are customized with pertinent headings concerning clearances, authorizations, holds and requirements pertaining to switching and tagging procedures.  Additional blank fields for hand-written information are provided for on-the-spot recording of changing conditions.

Specific legends categorize and highlight special conditions and safety features such as:

  • Hold (on/off), Secure (on/off) and Unsafe (on/off)
  • Date / Time Tag Placed
  • Verified by
  • Switchman’s Name / Truck #
  • Operator’s Name
  • Work Authorization #

5 switchgear lock out tag out tags

Since some switches are not lockable it is critical that this electrical marking information is clearly posted and protected.  The NEC requires it so that a verifiable record of field conditions, changes and actions is available to all personnel, supervisors and field technicians.  This maintains the safest conditions for switching and tagging processes to proceed.

Switchgear tags have spaces to accept hand-written information from the field and can be written on with pen, pencil or permanent marker.  Switching Tags have self-laminating covers on one or both sides of the tag which protects any hand-written information from the elements and tampering.  Tags are made from 20 mil PVC and are available with plastic, non-conductive grommets.

May is National Electrical Safety Month

May is National Electrical Safety Month.

What Does That Mean?

National Electrical Safety Month happens every May.  It is highlighted by many national companies and agencies such as NFPA, NEC, ESFI and more. Goals include:

  • Creating awareness about electrical hazards a home, in the community and in the workplace.
  • Educating about the steps that can be taken to reduce electrically related fires, fatalities, injuries, and property loss.

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2003 and 2010, out of 42,882 occupational fatalities 1,738 were due to contact with electric current.  The highest number of fatalities was in the Construction industry at 849.  Of that total:

  • Electricians, construction laborers, roofers, painters, and carpenters comprised 32% of electrical fatalities.
  • Electrical power line installers and repairers about 8%.

Workers often find themselves in environments where they are exposed to unseen electrical hazards.

An arc flash is a sudden release of electrical energy through the air.  It occurs when there is a high-voltage gap between conductors.

  • The arc flash gives off high heat and bright, intense light.
  • This can cause burns and other injuries.
  • Temperatures have been recorded as high as 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Exposure can burn skin and ignite clothing.

OSHA compliant arc flash labels, such as those manufactured by LEM Products, Inc., warn of the dangers of arc flash and indicate the proper steps to avoid injury or death.  They also indicate that proper PPE be worn.  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) comes in many forms such as:

  • Hard Hats
  • Gloves
  • Safety Goggles
  • Safety Shoes
  • Flame-resistant Shirts and Pants
  • Face Shields

Workers are continually subjected to dangerous releases of power during routine maintenance ad repair operations.  The Lockout Tagout procedure is a critical safety component designed to protect against serious injury and death in these situations.

  • One of the top OSHA violations I non-compliance with Lock Out Tag Out.
  • The Lockout Tagout procedure safeguards workers by:
    • Isolating machine energy sources.
    • Bleeding stored energy.
    • Verifying that switching is off.
    • Testing that the machinery is not operational before repairs or maintenance begin.

Make workplace safety, especially electrical safety, a priority.

  • Create a Safety Team to monitor and report conditions.
  • Comply with applicable codes
  • Follow safety procedures
  • Use proper PPE
  • Display safety warning signs
  • Utilize trained personnel

The All-Encompassing Guide to Telecommunications Equipment Tags and Labels

There’s an incredible amount of equipment involved in telecommunications, and each piece needs its own asset or pole identification. Otherwise, vital safety warnings, ownership identification, location tracking, and service maintenance information could be missing. Telecom labels and tags will provide this valuable information and ensure telecom technicians perform their duties well.

Continue reading “The All-Encompassing Guide to Telecommunications Equipment Tags and Labels”

LEM Products, Inc. is the Winner of Two TLMI Awards

LEM Products, Inc. is thrilled to win not one, but two TLMI awards for the third year in a row!

These awards for technical achievement in printing were recognized with a prestigious industry honor at the 44th annual Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI) Awards Competition.

So What is TLMI and why is it important?

The Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI) is a member association of professionals in the label and packaging printing industry.
Every year, for the past 44 years, the competition recognizes and honors the finest efforts of converter members throughout the previous 12-month period.

The TLMI Annual Awards Competition aims to stimulate innovative printing and recognize technical achievement in all areas of the narrow web industry including:

  • Tags and Labels
  • Cartons
  • Flexible Packaging
  • Non-Woven Pressure-Sensitives and more.

In what categories did LEM win?

LEM Products, Inc. received the 1st Place award for the Danger Do Not Operate Tag for PEPCO Holdings, an Exelon Company.  The Award slot:

  • Excellence in Technical Achievement in the Printing of – Tag – Industrial and/or Systems.

We also received the 2nd Place award for the Circular Clear Cover Calibration Labels in the same category.

 

What characteristics of these tags helped LEM select them for submission to the competition?

  • Technical complexity of construction
  • Uniqueness of application
  • An actual product used by a customer
  • Durability
  • Quality of construction

“Our focus on design standards and quality along with the technical expertise of our team enabled LEM to triumph in a category that resonates with our customer base,” said Vice President of Manufacturing, Tom Wells, adding, “We are all very proud of this achievement”