Featured Stories
Welcome to the Pat Labels Blog
RECENT POSTS
-
PAT Test Labels
Here at PAT Labels Online, we provide our customers with a huge selection of labels for a variety of purposes to all those throughout the UK. We aim to offer a balance between value and high-quality labels, as well as our fast dispatch service, with orders sent out within 24 hours of receipt. Specialising in PAT labels, today we are focussing our attention to the changes of the IET code of practice revision for PAT testing. The History of the IET Code of Practice When the Electricity at Work Regulations (EWR) came into force in 1989, the subject of electrical safety management was debated, particularly in terms of how businesses could comply with the requirements of the Regulations in the workplace. The IET Code of Practice was first published in 1994 in order to manage all the equipment connected to the installation itself. It was created by a group comprising of many representatives from industry, including appliance manufacturers and trade associations. The manufacturing representatives offered an insight to the electrical safety tests that are conducted on appliances at the time of manufacture, as required in product safety standards, which were then used as a basis for the first edition of the IET Code of Practice. This is when ‘portable appliance testing’ (PAT) was developed, and as data about the effectiveness of appliance testing became available, it was accepted that not all the tests were suited to routine maintenance. In the further three editions, changes were made to make sure the code was in-line with the original intent of verifying the safety of electrical equipment for continued use. IET Code of Practice Changes Now in its fifth edition, the current revision of the IET Code of Practice came into existence in 2020. Rather than consisting of just two sections, it now includes a series of sections on the need for electrical maintenance, the legal requirements, the competencies of those conducting the work, types of equipment and tests, as well as a section on the frequency of inspection and testing, along with new appendices. The methods of providing protection from electric shock have also been reclassified and changed. Previous methods of protection have been replaced by other common product safety standards, described as “energy source classes”. A flowchart aid is included for those conducting tests, helping the worker to perform the inspection and testing to select appropriate tests according to the equipment. Here it is important to verify the equipment for electrical safety for continued use, and the number of required tests have been revised. This means that in some cases a visual inspection will be a satisfactory means of testing. Furthermore, a low-current earth bond test has replaced the high-current earth bond test as evidence has demonstrated that this creates more stress on the connections. In addition, the insulation testing voltage has also been revised due to the design of modern electrical and electronic equipment, and the table on the frequency of testing has also been replaced. PAT Testing Labels at PAT Labels Online Here at PAT Labels Online, we can offer a wide selection of PAT labels on our website. Made of Duragrip, an innovative material that consists of an extremely aggressive adhesive, our labels are proven to be long-lasting. With many designs available in a range of colours, including green, blue, purple and black, they can also be customised with your company details. Our PAT sticker range includes tuff tags, those for cable wrap, visual inspection PAT labels, pass and failed test labels, those with barcodes, and more. Whatever your application, we are sure to have a PAT label to suit your needs. Contact Us To find out more about our PAT testing labels and stickers, please complete our contact form, or email us at Sales@PATLabelsOnline.co.uk. Alternatively, you can call us on 01325 525 675 to speak to a member of our team directly, and we will be pleased to help you with any queries you may have for us. Read Full Story -
QR Code Labels
At PAT Labels Online, we provide our customers with a wide choice of labels for a range of applications to all those across the UK. We pride ourselves on offering a balance between value and high-quality labels, as well as our fast dispatch service, with orders sent out within 24 hours of receipt. Today, we are focussing our attention to examples of how businesses have successfully implemented QR code systems in the design of their premises. The Uncommon Store Found in South Korea, The Uncommon Store is a shop that is operated by QR codes, without the need for serving customers as the payment is taken through the QR code system. Targeted at younger customers who are familiar with other self-service check-out systems, this contactless shopping experience was initiated by AWS (Amazon Web Service) and Hyundai group. Providing an ‘untact’ shopping experience from the minute shoppers enter the store through QR-code operated entrance barrier, the space is also customised to each individual. Made from a cloud system and internet hyper-connections, ICT, AI complex sensors, and machine learning techniques, the whole store is like a computer, storing and reloading each user’s habits of consumption. With the design of the space by atelier archi@mosphere, it offers a slick retro and futuristic aesthetic, inspired by retro cinema theatres. The QR codes are organised by neon straps inspired by the 1960s, displaying and organise the goods within the store’s shelves. This system also cleverly regulates the stock, and illuminates the space. Using two or three coloured overlays, industrialised materials including metal and acrylic to add to the aesthetic. QR Codes at Tesco Although a UK retailer, Tesco formed its first ‘virtual stores’ in South Korea, where consumers seem to be particularly receptive to this innovative technology and way of shopping. Designed for customers who work long hours, this created a way for customers to shop around their busy schedules by enabling workers to shop on the go during their commute, with product displays on the walls of metro stations and bus stops resembling the aisles of physical Tesco stores. This means that they can add items to their basket as they wait for their chosen mode of transport, scheduling their delivery, which would typically be on the same day, in time for their return home from work. QR Codes in Galleries and Museums It’s not only retail environments and warehouses that are making use of QR code systems, but they can also be used in galleries and museums. For example, if you visit the Sukiennice Museum in Poland, you will see that visitors can scan the QR code on different paintings to listen to reenactors tell them stories behind the artworks. Thus a series of stories is created, touching on tales of insanity, intrigue, deception, war, and more. QR Codes in the Sky Displaying a giant QR code in the sky in Shanghai, a Japanese game development brand called Cygames celebrated the anniversary of its video game ‘Princess Connect Re: Dive’ by inviting people to scan the code to learn about the game and download it to their phone. It attracted attention by demonstrating the game using 1,500 drones, which formed the QR code for viewers to scan. Contact Us To find out more about our QR code labels and stickers, please complete our contact form, or email us at Sales@PATLabelsOnline.co.uk. You can also call us on 01325 525 675 to speak to someone directly, and a member of our team will be happy to help you with any questions you may have for us. Read Full Story -
Uncategorized
At PAT Labels Online, we provide our customers with a large selection of labels for a range of applications to all those across the UK. We pride ourselves on striking a balance between value and high-quality labels, as well as our fast dispatch service, with orders sent out within 24 hours of receipt. Today, we are focussing our attention to our range of danger labels. What are Danger Labels? Danger labels are used to warn people of a particular danger or hazard, in order to inform them of the particular risk so that they can take the necessary precautions. Danger labels help to keep the workplace safer by communicating the necessary information in a fast and easy way, potentially saving lives and decreasing the risk of accidents in the workplace. Our danger labels offer the same high-quality and robustness as our other products, sticking well to most areas. Danger labels enable you to give adequate warnings to those handling specific equipment or anyone in a specific part of your work area. Types of Danger Labels We offer a great range of danger signs for you to advise staff and visitors against the hazards of your workplace. These include danger labels demonstrating a risk of radiation, radioactive substances, biohazards, and more warning and caution labels. The danger of radiation is potential tissue damage and an increased risk of later developing cancer, so the harm won’t be seen immediately. The danger of radioactive substances is that an exposure to large amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, hair loss, diarrhoea, haemorrhage, destruction of the intestinal lining, central nervous system damage, and death. The danger of biohazards is varied, and generally refers to something that poses a health thread, whether a sample of a microorganism, virus or toxin. The Properties of Danger Labels Our danger labels are made of a thick and highly durable polyolefin plastic, which goes through a rigid quality control process. Employing a very strong self-adhesive, you can rest assured that our labels will stand the test of your workplace for long periods of time and will remain firm on almost any surface. Each danger label contains both a textual and pictorial warning in order to be easily understood by anyone, whatever their age, ability or native language. The symbols used for these warning labels is part of the CLP Regulation, which aligns the system of classification, labelling and packaging to the Globally Harmonised System (GHS). Available from £8.95 (excluding VAT), our danger safety sign stickers measure 100mm x 75mm as standard and can be supplied in packs of as little as 8 stickers to as many as 1000, saving you money when you buy in bulk. Contact Us To find out more about our danger labels, stickers and tags, please complete our contact form, or email us at Sales@PATLabelsOnline.co.uk. You can call us on 01325 525 675 to speak to someone directly, and a member of our team will be happy to help you with any questions you may have for us about our danger signs or any other stickers. Read Full Story -
Uncategorized
At PAT Labels Online, we provide our customers with a large selection of labels for a range of applications to all those across the UK. We pride ourselves on offering a balance between value and high-quality labels, as well as our fast dispatch service, with orders sent out within 24 hours of receipt. Today, we are focussing our attention to our range of warning labels. What are Warning Labels? Warning labels are also known as health and safety labels as they help to form part of a health and safety system. Warning labels help to communicate information for people in the workplace, playing a role in potentially saving lives and reducing the risk of accidents in the workplace. Our warning labels offer the same high-quality and durability as our other items, sticking well to most surfaces. Warning labels enable you to give ample warnings to those handling specific equipment or anyone in a specific part of your work area. Types of Warning Labels We offer warning labels that are suitable for almost any danger or hazard. Featuring black text on a bright yellow background, the labels in this range stipulate a specific voltage. Alongside this numerical value, is the high voltage symbol, which combines an arrow with a lightning bolt. As well as the bold capital text demonstrating danger, this visual depiction ensures the warning is universally recognised, quickly and effectively getting the message across to everyone, even if English is not their first language. The voltage displayed can be 110 volts, 220 volts, 230 volts, or 240 volts. The information can be displayed horizontally or vertically, depending on your chosen sticker. We also offer tuff tag labels displaying the same information for use in harsh environments. The symbols used for these warning labels is part of the CLP Regulation, which aligns the system of classification, labelling and packaging to the Globally Harmonised System (GHS). The Properties of Warning Labels Our warning labels are available in a horizontal or landscape style, measuring 49mm x 25mm, or in a vertical or portrait style, measuring 49mm x 79mm. The tuff tag option measures 125mm x 25mm. Our prices for electrical warning label stickers start at £7.95 (ex. VAT) for the horizontal/landscape stickers, and £9.95 for the others. The quantities available can be adjusted depending on your requirements and budget, from 100 to 2000 labels for the horizontal/landscape design, 100 to 500 for the vertical/portrait design, and between 100 to 1000 for the tuff tags. The thick and highly durable polyolefin that the stickers are made from make them great for both indoor and outdoor use. Contact Us To find out more about our warning labels, stickers and tags, please complete our contact form, or email us at Sales@PATLabelsOnline.co.uk. You can call us on 01325 525 675 to speak to someone directly, and a member of our team will be glad to help you with any queries you may have for us. Read Full Story -
Uncategorized
Here at PAT Labels Online, we supply our clients with an extensive range of labels for a plethora of purposes to all those across the UK. All our items provide a great balance between value and high quality, and can be dispatched within 24hours of your receiving your order. Today we are going to focus on our range of CLP labels. What are CLP Labels? CLP stands for ‘Classification Labelling and Packaging’, outlining the purpose of the labels. These labels are designed to enable the identification of hazardous materials, chemicals or gasses. Making sure any workers and customers who come into contact with such products are safe should be important within any organisation, and CLP labels can help you make it a clear priority. What Applications are CLP Labels Used For? CLP labels can be used for a number of different applications, depending on your business. For example, they could be used within a workshop floor, on factory shelving, and in any environment where such substances may be sold. CLP labelling is an essential requirement for any company when it comes to safeguarding themselves and their workers against serious accidents that can come about handling dangerous materials. How do CLP Labels Work? CLP labels work to prevent injuries from accidents by a means of risk reduction. When the CLP regulation warning diamonds are displayed on equipment and products, anyone who sees the label can be made aware of what precautions they need to take in order to safeguard themselves from any harm. CLP Labels at PAT Labels Our CLP regulation warning signs are available in both large and small sizes, so you can make a selection depending on the products, equipment or area you wish to place them. Our range of CLP products includes flammable labels, oxidising labels, irritant CLP labels, explosive labels and corrosive labels, and more. Our CLP labels are manufactured in sturdy, non-rip polyolefin, with a self-adhesive backing that allows them to stick to almost any surface. All of our CLP regulation warning stickers begin at a price of £6.95, although the number of labels per sheet differs depending on whether you choose large or small sized stickers. For example, you might pay £6.95 for 6 large stickers but the same price for 24 small stickers. Contact Us To find out more about our CLP labels, stickers and tags, please complete our contact form, or email us at Sales@PATLabelsOnline.co.uk. Alternatively, you can call us on 01325 525 675 to speak to someone directly, and a member of our team will be pleased to help you with any questions you may have for us. Read Full Story -
Uncategorized
Here at PAT Labels Online, we offer our customers with a wide selection of labels for a range of purposes to all those across the UK. We aim for a balance between value and high quality, as well as being able to dispatch to you within 24 hours of your order being received. Today, we are shining the spotlight on our range of barcode labels. What are Barcodes? A barcode is a sequence of numbers and patterns that are used with optical scanners, known as barcode readers. Barcodes display pattern of parallel lines in different widths, working together with the number sequence to correspond to a particular item, which is then readable by these machines. They are most commonly used for stock management and control. Modern developments in barcodes mean that the original 1D barcodes have developed into 2D variants. These can also be read by application software on mobile devices with inbuilt cameras such as smartphones. Code 39 Barcode Labels Typically, barcode labels are printed with a Code 39 barcode, along with a matching sequential number, beginning with any number of your choice. Code 39 is made of 43 characters of discrete barcode symbology in variable lengths. Such characters include uppercase letters (A to Z), numeric digits (0 to 9) and special characters such as the dash and forward slash, along with spaces. Additionally, asterisk is used for start and stop delimiters. Each character is made of nine elements, including five bars and four spaces, with three of them wide and six narrow, translating into a binary value of either one or zero. Asset Barcode ID Labels As part of barcoding, asset ID labels can an ideal way to manage business assets. Not only do these including the printed Code 39 barcode, but also include a matching sequential number in order to improve the organisation of your stock. They are available in a choice of different sizes. At PAT Labels, we offer a budget range including a mini size of 23mm x 25mm, a small size of 38mm x 20mm, a standard size of 29mm x 25mm, and a large size of 49mm x 79mm. These labels are available in a selection of colours such as black, blue, green and red, with the larger sizes also offering a yellow option. These asset stickers are also available in silver and a heavy-duty standard size. Barcode Labels at PAT Labels Furthermore, our barcode labels at PAT Labels can be used in harsh environments as they are made from an extremely tough and durable Polyplas. We offer barcode stickers that are made from a self-adhesive non-rip matt polypropylene. Our barcode labels can also be made bespoke to your business, meaning that it is possible to customise your barcode labels with your name or company name, a contact number and any other relevant information. Contact Us To discover more about our barcode labels, stickers and tags, please complete our contact form, or email us at Sales@PATLabelsOnline.co.uk. You can call us on 01325 525 675 to speak to someone directly, and a member of our team will be happy to help you with any queries you may have for us. Read Full Story -
Uncategorized
Since early in the industrial era, manufacturers have used serial numbers to keep track of their products for sales and maintenance purposes. These days, has computer technology made serial numbers obsolete? No, quite the opposite in fact. Crunching long and boring numbers is what computers do best, and therefore information technology has made it possible to keep more detailed records on more types of assets than ever before. All that are needed to make the system work are well designed identification labels. For a long time, products had serial identifying numbers hand written or stamped in inconspicuous places. As you can imagine, this led to all kinds of problems, including the duplication of numbers, cases of illegibility, numbers getting worn off, and so forth. Eventually, the advantages of pre-printed identification labels became clear: no missed numbers, no doubling up, and every sticker as clear and readable as the last. It was about this time that manufacturers started including additional information on their stickers, such as model details and consumables requirements. The advent of computer databases allowed manufacturers to store extensive information for every item they produced, and to conveniently cross-reference this information whenever it was required. Have you ever wondered how the garage know just what type of engine oil to supply for your car, when all you’ve given them is your registration number? That’s how. A database holds your car serial number, checks it against the number plate and engine specification details, and supplies the required information. So, in so many ways, the use of identification labels in conjunction with data handling systems have made life easier and more convenient for consumers. But the benefits of these systems extend beyond just that. Many large companies now use similar techniques to practice effective asset management. For example, a very large company could easily own many thousands of items of electronic office equipment spread across several sites. With a responsibility to protect the wellbeing of their workforce, the company could put in place a PAT testing system, in order to have each appliance inspected periodically. But, how do you monitor the progress of such a system, with so many items involved? The answer is to have each appliance, irrespective of its function, assigned a unique identifier and have it fitted with a custom identification tag bearing that number. Now, each piece can be checked off on the list each time it is inspected or serviced. Want to take it further? Put the list on a computer database, which can easily work out when the next test is due, record any repairs which have been made, and so on. The custom identification tag used for this system can come in many forms. At PAT Labels, we produce straightforward serial number stickers, available with custom text and colours to promote your company. These labels are also available with integrated barcodes or QR codes, to enable them to be used as part of a fully digital system. To learn more about custom identification tag products, contact our team. Read Full Story -
Uncategorized
What are Qr code stickers, and how can they be used as part of sales and service campaigns which reach your customers on a personal level? Let’s find out more. Most of us are familiar with Quick Response codes, the ‘better-than-barcodes’ which festoon all kinds of consumer goods and packaging. These high data density mechanisms have found a strong foothold in industry, where they have come to play a key role in electronic asset management and activity monitoring, to name just two areas. You may have spotted small Qr code stickers attached to appliances such as shopping baskets and hand driers in large stores. By using these tags, facilities managers can monitor the condition and use patterns of their various assets, and this information can then inform projects from maintenance schedules to marketing strategies. Performing the same tasks by manually logging serial numbers would have been anything from cumbersome to impossible. But most of the QR code stickers we see on a day-to-day basis are attached to consumer items. Anything, from coffee cups to cars, can come with their own QR code labels which invite us to scan the image and access the information. This presence in the physical world means Qr code labels can achieve something no other web-based interface can do – it can engage the public and allow them to access content with what amounts to no more than a gesture. No remembering brand names, no negotiating search engines, just instant, relevant information. So, how can you use QR codes to reach your customers? The first is to ensure that all your promotional materials – posters, flyers, brochures, packaging, and so on – have QR code labels on them. These are inexpensive, and allow your customers to instantly access whatever information they are interested in, thereby preventing memory lapses or distractions from stopping them finding you. Promotional QR code labels can take them to your homepage, your virtual showroom, or – with just a little more in-depth planning – to information on the exact model or type of product they have expressed an interest in. In fact, some catalogues are printed with a different QR code on each page, so the customer can go straight to the item they want. How else can you use custom Qr code stickers to reach out to your customers and improve their experience? The Qr code stickers Uk online retailers routinely send out when fulfilling purchase orders are a good start. These can introduce customers who are already familiar with your brand to other products in your lineup, or to accessories for the item they have bought. But custom QR code stickers on the product itself give you the opportunity to provide even more information. For example, why not provide an animated online user guide which is accessed by scanning the code? Or for an appliance, provide helpful installation instructions for engineers. The possibilities are endless with QR code stickers from PAT Labels Online. Browse the options on our site, or contact us to find out more. Read Full Story -
Uncategorized
Here at PAT Labels Online, we offer our customers a wide choice of labels for a range of purposes to all those across the UK. Our goal is to find the balance between affordability and quality, as we pride ourselves with being able to dispatch to you within 24 hours of your order being received. Today, we are turning our attention to our range of electrical labels. What are Electrical Labels? Electrical labels exist to deploy the most pertinent health and safety information to employees and visitors to relevant workplaces, particularly related to the presence of electrical equipment. The use of electrical labels in the workplace can directly help to reduce the risk of accidents and can be potentially lifesaving. Within our collection of electrical safety labels, we can supply voltage safety labels, connection labels, wiring safety stickers, lockout labels, prohibition health and safety stickers or GHS regulation labels. Each kind of electrical safety label can help with the handling of equipment or for use within a particular area of the workplace. Voltage Electrical Labels Voltage is an electromotive force, meaning that it is what makes the electric charges move, so that the charge can be delivered through a wire of electrical conductor. The fact it refers to the movement in electrical current, means that it is vital to use voltage labels when working with electrical equipment. These types of electrical labels can be used to indicate to people to take care in areas of high voltage, where there could be a risk of electric shock. They can also be used to specify the voltage level and to signal any possibly hazardous areas. Cable and Wiring Electrical Labels Another common type of electrical label is that used for cables and wiring. Such labels can offer a warning about wiring colours that have two different versions of BS761, or could warn about fibre optic cables, electrical data cables, as well as solar PV warning labels for DC cables. Lockout Electrical Labels The majority of electrical safety labels are bright yellow for warning, including lockout labels. On the other hand, we also stock red lockout labels that warn people not to use the equipment. This also could include one that specifically states not to touch the valve when locked out. We also stock blue lockout labels to inform rather than warn, simply acting as a reminder to workers to lock out the equipment before working on it. This is important if disconnecting the item doesn’t remove all the power from the panel. These labels can help to prevent accidents, injury, or fines for incorrect practice, whether intended as a reminder to lockout electrical switches before working with equipment, or ensuring all power sources are isolated and locked out. Electrical Safety Labels at PAT Labels There are many reasons why you may need to use a warning label, and at PAT Labels Online, this is by no means the limit of our vast range of electrical labels. Combining text and images, these electrical safety labels are made to be understood by anyone, making up a vital part of the workplace and its health and safety systems. Electrical safety labels are supplied in small and large sizes, in a variety of colours and designs, depending on their purpose (colours include red and white, yellow, orange or blue and white). Our electrical safety labels are priced from £6.95 (ex. VAT), with quantities available to suit your needs and any budgetary constraints, from 6 labels to 500 labels, depending on the product. Made from a thick and highly durable polyolefin, they are great for both indoor and outdoor use. Contact Us To discover more about our electrical labels, stickers and tags, please complete our contact form, or email us at Sales@PATLabelsOnline.co.uk. You can call us on 01325 525 675 to speak to someone directly, and a member of our team will be pleased to answer any questions you may have for us. Read Full Story
