Preparation helps improve durability, so if you are operating a very busy facility or moving items which are heavy, you will likely need a preparation method.

There are several options to consider:

• Heavy traffic areas – consider embedded striping,
• High traffic – consider shot blasted,
• General and low level traffic – it may be possible to use an epoxy directly on a cleaned surface, however this has a low durability rating as with tape.

It is typically more cost effective to have a preparation method when compared to several years of recoating and touch ups which will be needed.

OSHA recommends the following:

• Yellow. – Yellow shall be the basic color for designating caution and for marking physical hazards such as: Striking against, stumbling, falling, tripping, and “caught in between.”
• “DANGER” – Red, or predominantly red, with lettering or symbols in a contrasting color.
• “CAUTION” – Yellow, or predominantly yellow, with lettering or symbols in a contrasting color.
• “WARNING” – Orange, or predominantly orange, with lettering or symbols in a contrasting color.
• “BIOLOGICAL HAZARD” – Fluorescent orange or orange-red, or predominantly so, with lettering or symbols in a contrasting color.

Most work carried out by ASG Services is done with yellow and/or white. Occasionally we will be asked to use red, green, blue and grey. If in doubt ask what we can provide, almost any color is available.

The most common dimensions are in walkway widths (4ft), pallet lane widths (pallet type dependent plus the line width) and line widths (4”), but every facility is different and may need custom sizes.

OSHA provide the following:

“The lines used to delineate the aisles may be any color so long as they clearly define the area considered as aisle space. The lines may be composed of dots, square, strip or continuous, but they too must define the aisle area.

The recommended width of aisle markings varies from 2 inches to 6 inches; therefore, any width 2 inches or more is considered acceptable.

The recommended width of aisles is at least 3 feet wider than the largest equipment to be utilized, or a minimum of 4 feet.”

Standard Number: 1910.22(b) – Compliance with Aisle Markings (Part 1910.22(b)) – [Corrected April 17, 2009] – https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1972-05-15

Combining your storage markings with passageways or safety markings can help save money over time. This comes from shared demarcation boundaries and downtime during installations, plus reduced mobilization, plant hire and material costs.

For the most accurate price and planning, it is best to give us as much as possible, having a drawing helps you visualize and us to plan and quote.  CAD are easiest as we can use them to pull measurements from, while PDF with measurements added is another great way to provide us with the information.

However this is not essential, we can help with basic depictions or arrange for a partner firm to visit site and create a much more detailed drawing, contact us for pricing.

Keeping the floor area clean and clear of debris is the easiest thing any facility can work on, however we strongly recommend customer work on their training programs to encourage the following:

• ‘Lift Clear’ – Ensure the forklift truck drivers and warehouse operatives lift pallets clear off the floor before maneuvering.
• ‘Turn Clear’ – Only turn the MHE steering when the wheels are clear of the lines. Twisting on the line will wear the paint surface and pull it off the concrete in some cases.
• ‘Clean Feet’ – Entrance mats can reduce the amount of dirt and debris carried in on shoes.
• ‘Floor Watch’ – Instill awareness in the workforce to remove debris and harmful objects when they are spotted.
• ‘Pallet Care’ – Removing or repairing damaged pallets will prevent them being dragged and gouging the coating.
• ‘Clean Care’ – The cleaner the floor is, the less abrasive items there are to wear the lines, maintain a cleaning regime to suit your operation.

You will find that recoating is only needed where lines are driven over or turned on. Floor markings along the length of bulk storage lanes for example, typically remain as good as when they were installed.

Striping applied directly to the floor in busy areas may need a recoat within the first month or two in heavy traffic areas or more typically the first year of use. Shot blast prepared lines should reach 3 to 5 years and diamond shaved around 5 to 6 years.

These are estimates and very based on facility use, traffic levels and floor conditions.

Our teams are able to forecast, with a good level of accuracy, installation times of all products we produce and the floor markings we create.  Many factors come into the calculation as you might expect, so a detailed discussion will be needed to develop the time frame. It will be this framework we use for our project planning.

The simple and short answer is durability. Durable line striping is more expensive because there is a lot more work involved in preparation and the machinery needed.

Preparation is critical for paint to adhere well to most surfaces and unfortunately, concrete is a very hard material which takes time to work and prepare.  The positive consideration is that more durability means less re-working later, so the investment pays off.

During an installation, our team on site can relay any updates or requests to the project team, or support you with ideas and possibilities. They are experienced with this situation and will work with you to achieve the preferred outcome.  Our project and sales team will work remotely, on re-planning, pricing and scheduling to maintain a professional control.

After an installation, again just let us know. We can remove, cover up and install most products during an installation, and schedule for a return visit for amendments or additions.

We have several options including mating, adhesive anti-slip products bolt down anti-slip plates as well as anti-slip paint coatings. All are designed for specific uses and varying durability but ultimately, consideration must be given to the use of an area where injury is a risk.

You can find some of the standard products on our anti slip floor tape page.

Line widths are not critical, but there are several considerations to make, some are as follows:

• OSHA consider lines of 2 inches and greater to be acceptable to provide floor markings for aisle and passageways.
• Narrow line become more difficult to see inside buildings.
• 4 inch wide lines are standard through the logistics and distribution industry.
• Narrow lines wear out quicker as there is less paint on the floor.
• Very wide lines may need an anti slip finish applied where moisture is present.

Other considerations:

• The layout measurements must include line widths to ensure a pallet fits within the markings.  Pallets on markings can damage the line.
• A narrower line needs less paint.
• A more visible marking on the floor draws more attention and so heightens safety.