FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Brady Signage.

• What floor marking tape holds up to forklift traffic?

  ToughStripe Max is Brady's heaviest-duty floor tape, designed for high-traffic industrial environments including forklift lanes and heavy cart areas.

• How do I prepare floors before applying marking tape?

  Clean the surface thoroughly and let it dry completely. Oil, dust, and moisture prevent proper adhesion and shorten tape life.

• What colors should I use for floor marking?

  OSHA provides general guidance. Yellow typically marks aisles and traffic lanes. Red indicates fire equipment and safety hazards. Green marks safety equipment. Many facilities develop internal color standards for specific zones.

• Do Brady floor tapes work on concrete?

  Yes. ToughStripe tapes adhere to sealed concrete, epoxy-coated floors, and other smooth industrial surfaces. Rough or unsealed concrete may require surface prep.

• What's the difference between OSHA and ANSI sign formats?

  OSHA signs follow older formatting with specific header colors like DANGER (red) and CAUTION (yellow). ANSI Z535 signs use a more detailed format with signal words, pictograms, and hazard descriptions. Both are recognized for workplace safety.

• Can I print custom safety signs on site?

  Yes. Brady S Series printers produce custom signs, labels, and visual communication materials on demand. This lets you update messaging as facility needs change.

• What material works best for outdoor safety signs?

  Aluminum and UV-resistant vinyl hold up to sun, rain, and temperature changes. For harsh outdoor environments, choose materials rated for extended UV exposure.

• What are arc flash signs used for?

  Arc flash signs communicate electrical hazard levels, required PPE, and approach boundaries on panels, switchgear, and other energized equipment. They help workers understand risks before opening enclosures.

• How do I choose the right pipe marker size?

  Pipe marker size is based on pipe diameter and viewing distance. ANSI/ASME A13.1 provides sizing guidelines. Larger pipes and longer viewing distances require larger markers.

• What do pipe marker colors mean?

  ANSI/ASME A13.1 assigns colors by content type. Yellow marks flammable or oxidizing materials. Green marks water. Blue marks compressed air. Red marks fire quenching. Other colors cover acids, gases, and user-defined contents.

• Can I print pipe markers for non-standard contents?

  Yes. Brady printers produce custom pipe markers with any legend, color, and size to match your system contents and facility standards.

• What's the difference between snap-around and self-stick pipe markers?

  Snap-around markers wrap and clip onto the pipe without adhesive, making them easy to reposition. Self-stick markers apply directly to the pipe surface for permanent identification.

• How do I mark pipes in high-temperature areas?

  Select materials rated for your temperature range. Brady offers pipe markers rated for steam lines and high-heat process piping.

• What are valve tags used for?

  Valve tags identify valve number, function, or system association. They help workers locate the correct valve during operation, maintenance, and lockout tagout procedures.

• What material should I use for valve tags?

  Stainless steel and brass tags handle harsh and outdoor environments. Aluminum works for general industrial use. Plastic tags are economical for indoor applications.

• Can Brady materials support a 5S or Lean program?

  Yes. Floor tapes, shadow boards, rack labels, and visual communication signs are core tools for 5S organization and Lean visual management.

• How long do floor marking tapes last?

  Lifespan depends on traffic and environment. ToughStripe Max can last years in heavy industrial traffic when properly installed. Standard vinyl tapes have shorter service life in high-wear areas.

• What are glow-in-the-dark signs and tapes used for?

  Photoluminescent materials absorb light and glow in dark or low-light conditions. They're used for egress paths, exit marking, and safety identification during power outages.

• Can I order custom floor marking shapes?

  Yes. Brady offers pre-cut arrows, footprints, corners, and shapes. Custom shapes may be available for larger orders. Contact Summit for details.

• Where can I get help selecting Brady signage and marking products?

  Summit Pros can help you choose the right materials for your floor traffic, environmental conditions, and compliance requirements. Brady also provides technical data sheets at bradyid.com/support.