You must choose the right floor marking tape to meet common objectives in warehouses, industrial facilities, and other workspaces. The
best floor marking tape varies by situation, with the right option influenced by the surface on which it will be installed, any applicable standards or requirements, and surrounding conditions. Consider the following workspace goals and the right types of floor marking tape to accomplish each.
OSHA or ANSI Requirements
From first aid kits to eyewash stations, anything related to
health and safety in the workplace is governed by standards set by OSHA and ANSI.
Pre-cut kits take the guesswork out of adding visual cues to meet these requirements. Often featuring a three-sided border and central circular sign, these kits are designed, measured, and created according to standards set by OSHA or other regulatory bodies, so all you have to do is install.
Emergency Exits & Exit Routes
Exit routes must be clearly marked to make evacuations easy in the event of an emergency. The best approach to
identifying exit routes will likely involve several different types of floor tape:
- Use pre-cut kits to mark required clearance space in front of an exit door and external egress areas.
- Mark the quickest, safest route to an emergency exit with repeating message tape, and indicate keep-clear-areas with floor tape in the same color.
- Glow-in-the-dark tape can effectively outline exit routes and preferred paths of travel in the event that an emergency occurs during or causes a power outage. This is especially important in dark stairwells or windowless rooms without an external source of light. Anti-slip, repeating message, and carpet tape are all available with a glow-in-the-dark coating that makes them suitable for use in these instances.
Traffic & Crowd Control
Floor tape and other visual cues are a key component of traffic and crowd control in industrial or public spaces. Choose from several types of tape to meet your needs:
- Use reflective tape on the back of trucks, trailers, and other vehicles, as well as on traffic signs, light poles, and potential obstructions, for increased visibility in low-light situations.
- Use custom or pre-printed SuperiorMark® tape to indicate vehicle-only areas or pedestrian walkways, preventing injury from machinery.
- Implement visual crowd control strategies with color-coded floor tape; choose options with a reflective surface or glow-in-the-dark coating to transition effortlessly to low- or no-light situations.
Physical Hazards
The right type of floor tape for hazard prevention depends on the type of risk you’re tackling:
- Trip and fall hazards – Use non-skid or anti-slip tape to improve traction along angled surfaces or in areas where slips and falls are likely, such as on the edge of a platform or loading dock, or a space where spills often occur.
- Electrical Hazards – A pre-cut kit designed to OSHA specifications is the best option for indicating the location of electrical panels and ensuring adequate clearance in the surrounding area.
- General Hazards – The best option for bringing attention to general risks is diagonal stripe or checkerboard hazard floor tape that’s color coded for your specific purpose according to ANSI standards.
Visual Cues in Large, Open Workspaces
A single sign or pre-cut kit may be insufficient for providing visual cues in a large, open-concept workspace in a warehouse or industrial facility. Instead, use
repeating message tape, available in standardized designs incorporating text and graphics, to identify large areas where certain PPE is required, where pedestrians or vehicles only are allowed, or where entrance is restricted. Or, stripe solid-color floor marking tape across a large space to signify its intended use, such as equipment storage, pallet placement, or other application.
Specific Conditions
The best type of floor tape for a job may be contingent on the unique conditions of the space in which it is installed.
- Extreme temperatures – Freezer tape features a special adhesive that holds up in temperatures as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for organizational use in refrigerators or freezers, or as a heavy-duty option near entrances in cold climates.
- Carpets – Carpet tape features a hook-and-loop construction that holds it in place on carpeted floors in offices, municipal buildings, classrooms, and more. Use it to direct traffic, improve storage and organization, or designate specific work areas.
- Low-Light Areas – Glow-in-the-dark and reflective tape are ideal for spaces with minimal lighting, including stairwells, interior hallways, and windowless rooms.
Choosing the right floor tape comes down to the specific qualities of your warehouse or workspace. Consider the surface on which it will be installed, the surrounding conditions, and your specific objectives to select the right type of floor tape for your needs. For more on industrial and workplace safety, explore our
Resource Center.
