When a Midwest electric company wanted to improve public safety at
storm-damage sites having downed power lines, it consulted William Frick
& Companya leading producer of custom identification products such as
safety signs, utility markers, labels and RFID tags.
“The utility needed to alert the public not to enter worksites that had
live power lines on the ground”
The utility needed to alert the public not to enter worksites that had
live power lines on the ground, said Evie Bennett, vice president of
William Frick & Company. They asked us to develop a warning sign that
was easily portable, bilingual and employed pictures for children who
could not yet read.
Some utility workers had tried to create their own warning sign by
cutting apart pole and substation signs, and bolting words and symbols
together. Building on the linemens good intentions, William Frick was
brought in to develop a highly visible, portable yet sturdy warning sign
that could be set up quickly wherever needed.
As with any new concept, William Frick evaluated a variety of designs,
messages, pictures and materials that would meet the customers
requirements for a sign that was lightweight, outdoor durable, easily
portable, simple to use, and viewable from a distance.
The utility explained that after a severe storm they might have hot
lines on the ground and area residents wandering through the site
because they did not understand the danger. The trucks and bright lights
also attracted young children. All these elements made it challenging
for the utilitys downed wire guards to monitor safety at the worksite.
The line workers figured a few strategically placed bilingual warning
signs with pictures would make the worksite safer for everyone.
The portable
outdoor warning sign Frick developed is made from laminated
polyethylene plastic and measures 18 x 24 inches yet weighs barely two
pounds. It follows ANSI guidelines with orange and black printing on a
white background and is readable up to 25 feet away. To meet the
portability requirements, Frick designed a sign with four slots along
the sides that enable the insertion of a couple of safety straps that
fasten around objects like orange safety cones, utility poles or fence
posts.
In addition to alerting people to keep away from storm damage, the
utility found a secondary use for the signs -- to keep the public out of
worksites when line crews are performing normal routine work. The
utility created kits with signs, safety cones and tape that they keep on
their trucks.
Bennett of William Frick noted that utility companies are under pressure
every day to serve the public safely. Because these signs can be set up
so quickly, I believe they help electric utilities lessen potential
dangers out in the field and protect their customers in emergency
situations.
About William Frick & Company
A leading producer of customized identification products like logo
labels, nameplates, RFID
tags, barcode labels, utility
markers and signs, William Frick & Company is a trusted supplier to
manufacturers, telecommunications, oil and gas, electric utilities,
governments and others needing labeling solutions. Frick offers
best-in-class identification products and services customized to client
specifications. The company is ISO 9001-2008 certified.
Frick product lines include SmartMark RFID tags, SnapAround cable
markers, AuthentiCal security labels and 3D-formed nameplates, decals,
laser-etched tags and other identification products.
For more information about William Frick & Company product offerings,
procurement options, service and solutions, call 1.847.918.3700, or
visit the companys website at www.fricknet.com.
Download Hi-Res Photos for this Release:
Portable Warning Sign: http://www.fricknet.com/pr/images/Portable-Warning-Sign.JPG
Caption: The bilingual Frick Portable Warning Sign can easily be
positioned wherever there are downed power lines.
Step 1 Installation: http://www.fricknet.com/pr/images/Portable_Warning_Sign_Installation1.JPG
Caption: The Frick Portable Warning Sign is securely held in place with
two self-gripping straps that thread through slots in the sign.
Step 2 Installation: http://www.fricknet.com/pr/images/Portable_Warning_Sign_Installation2.JPG
Caption: The Frick Portable Warning Sign is securely held in place with
two self-gripping straps that thread through slots in the sign and
easily fasten with hook and loop closure.
Source: Business Wire
