The Purpose of Wet Floor Signs Wet floor signs are a common sight in businesses, from restaurants to retail chains. They serve a clear and obvious purpose – to warn customers about slippery floors so they can avoid them and avoid slipping and falling.
What is a wet floor sign?
Wet floor signs are used to notify and/or remind people of slip and fall hazards in the immediate area. These hazards include the presence of liquid or other slippery substance on the walking surface as a result of routine cleaning, accidental spills, product leaks, or presence of inclement weather conditions.
Do you need wet floor signs for slip and fall cases?
Every injury case is unique, and there is no universal recommendation for every slip and fall case. Wet floor signs are a common sight in businesses, from restaurants to retail chains. They serve a clear and obvious purpose – to warn customers about slippery floors so they can avoid them and avoid slipping and falling.
Why are hazard signs important for wet floor warning?
Wet floor warning and hazard signs are important for several reasons. The first and most critical reason is safety. Slips, trips, and falls are a real problem in the workplace.
Why is it important to remove wet floor signs?
It is important to remove wet floor signs when no hazard is present. Failure to do so reduces their effectiveness when a hazard needs to be communicated.
Why do we use wet floor signs?
Wet floor signs alert and remind people of the presence a slippery substance on the walking surface. This could be due to cleaning as mentioned above or for many other reasons including accidental spills, product leaks and bad weather.
Where is the wet floor sign used?
Wet floor signs are used to notify and/or remind people of slip and fall hazards in the immediate area. These hazards include the presence of liquid or other slippery substance on the walking surface as a result of routine cleaning, accidental spills, product leaks, or presence of inclement weather conditions.
When should you place a wet floor sign?
1. When the floor is freshly mopped. The most common time to place the wet floor sign is during and after routine mopping. Place the wet floor sign as you begin to mop to mark which areas of the floor are or will soon be dangerously slippery.
Why are slippery signs important?
The slippery road sign is posted in areas that are known to be slippery or icy in poor weather conditions. Drivers should slow their speed and avoid any sudden directional changes when driving on a slippery road. Use extra caution when driving over bridges or overpasses.
Why is a wet floor a hazard?
When flat surfaces get wet, they get slippery. Our floors get wet from leaking equipment (e.g. refrigerators, pipes), mopping, spilled drinks , and weather (snow/rain) tracked in from outside. It only takes a bit of moisture to turn a dry floor into a hazardous slippery floor.
What type of hazard is wet floor?
Physical hazardsPhysical hazards– these are some of the most significant issues in the modern workplace. These hazards can include wet floors, trip-and-slip-hazards, poor lighting, excessive noise, extremes in temperature, and so many others.
Is putting out a wet floor sign enough?
When they cannot remove the dangerous condition immediately, they are required to warn guests of the potential danger. Placing out a wet floor sign is a common way that businesses inform customers of hazards. This could be needed if a floor is mopped and wet or there is a leak of equipment or spill.
Is a wet floor sign enough?
A wet floor sign may warn you of the immediate danger. However, if the property owner did not take additional steps to dry the floor or have you go another way, the wet floor sign may be an insufficient defense.
Does OSHA require wet floor signs?
Q: Is there an available reference or standard surrounding the appropriate amount of “wet floor” signage that should be placed in an area when janitorial staff are mopping? A: The only OSHA standard that specifically pertains to “wet floor” caution signage is 29 CFR 1910.145(c)(2).
What is the message of slippery when wet?
A “Slippery When Wet” sign is a sign that business owners or employees must place in order to warn people that they can slip and fall on the floor when it is wet.
Why are wet floor slippery?
Liquid water has less friction than the solid ice beneath it, making icy surfaces naturally slippery. Water (especially on smooth surfaces): Puddles seem like a recipe for slipping, but a lot depends on the surface beneath the water.
Why are wet roads slippery?
Heavy rain can overload your wiper blades, causing a constant sheet of water to flow over the screen, making visibility close to zero. Initial rain fall makes the road very slippery as the mud and oil on dry roads combines with the water to form a rather slippery layer.
Does OSHA require wet floor signs?
Q: Is there an available reference or standard surrounding the appropriate amount of “wet floor” signage that should be placed in an area when janitorial staff are mopping? A: The only OSHA standard that specifically pertains to “wet floor” caution signage is 29 CFR 1910.145(c)(2).
Is a wet floor sign enough?
A wet floor sign may warn you of the immediate danger. However, if the property owner did not take additional steps to dry the floor or have you go another way, the wet floor sign may be an insufficient defense.
What kind of sign is slippery when wet?
A “Slippery When Wet” sign is a sign that business owners or employees must place in order to warn people that they can slip and fall on the floor when it is wet.
What are wet floor signs made of?
The most common models are made of rigid plastic and fold for easy storage and come in triangular, cone and collapsible cloth designs, though those made of fabric aren't as durable as others. Most signs are printed in both English and Spanish with a few also including French.
Why do wet floor signs stay in place?
A wet floor sign should remain in place while any mess is being cleaned up and then stay until the floor is again dry. The use of the wet floor sign protects you and your business from the tragedy of slip-and-fall accidents and the challenge of a legal battle.
When to put a wet floor sign?
When to Place the Wet Floor Sign. 1. When the floor is freshly mopped. The most common time to place the wet floor sign is during and after routine mopping. Place the wet floor sign as you begin to mop to mark which areas of the floor are or will soon be dangerously slippery.
How to stop puddles in rain?
Then take steps to reduce the puddles caused by rain. Place heavy mats inside each door, provide an umbrella solution, and mop any puddles that get too deep. 4.
How far apart should you put wet floor signs?
Leave the wet floor signs up over areas that you have mopped, placed 10-15 feet apart to mark further wet floor areas. 2. When a puddle is detected or created. No matter where it came from, puddles should always be treated as a slippery floor hazard.
What is the first step in a wet floor sign?
The first is to warn others of the hazard. This is where your wet floor sign comes in. Once the wet floor sign is placed, a puddle of any origin becomes an identifiable hazard for everyone in the room. You have fulfilled your duty to help people keep themselves safe. The second step is cleanup.
What is a wet floor?
Categorised Business Insurance. A wet floor is an everyday hazard that we see every day. It might be caused by a spill, or recent mopping, or walking in from the rain. most of the time, it’s safe to reduce the wetness and let the floor dry. However, business owners and commercial property managers have an additional duty: The wet floor sign.
How long does it take for a floor to dry after mopping?
Depending on the climate and building airflow, drying could take between 15 minutes to over an hour.
Why you need to use wet floor signs
The fact is wet floors are a slipping hazard and a legal liability for businesses. And using wet floor signs is a way to minimize that risk. With that said, you don’t guarantee no risk by the use of them because they still need to be used properly.
Surfaces and areas prone to wet floor concerns
All wet floors are dangerous, but keep in mind that some surfaces can really be problematic. Tile, marble, linoleum floors and terrazzo can become especially hazardous when wet. So pay special attention when working on these type floors. Having one too many wet floor signs warning that the floor is wet is much better than having one too few.
Types of Wet Floor Signage
The A Frame style wet floor sign is probably the most recognizable type of wet floor sign in use today. These are what I used in my business. I had tons of them, some I left at the jobs sites and others I had in my trucks at all times just in case I needed them. The links below are paid links.
What is a wet floor warning sign?
Wet Floor Caution Sign English / Spanish Prevent a slip and fall accident with this multilingual A-frame sign. It folds quickly and easily for rapid deployment, transportability, and easy storage. Features Made out of plastic for its light weight... More details
What is a wet floor?
Wet floors are a slipping hazard and a legal liability. They cause numerous workplace slip and fall accidents annually, resulting in medical costs and lost time for employers and employees. Protect your workforce and your business with posted warnings. Whether you use wet floor signs, wet floor cones, or other signage, make sure your message is clear.
What is a slippery when wet sign?
Slippery When Wet B (Floor Sign) Use this sign to alert workers to slip and fall hazards. Features Durable plastic construction For indoor or outdoor use Easy to install - just peel and stick! Bright yellow for maximum visibility Customize at no... More details
Why are slippery floor signs important?
An important takeaway: just because a sign seems basic doesn't make it's not important.
Why put cone signs out?
Put plastic cone signs out to warn people about temporarily wet floors. These wet floor signs are easy to put in place and are visible from multiple directions and from a distance.
How to keep floors from getting wet?
Select floor surfaces with some texture/roughness for areas that will often be wet. Add traction tape to floors in wet areas. Place absorbent mats in entryways where people track in water when it rains/snows. Make sure the mats stay flat on the floor, though, so their edges/corners don't create new tripping hazards.
What happens if a customer slips and falls because of an unmarked wet floor?
At a grocery store, for example, if a customer slips and falls because of an unmarked wet floor, he or she could claim the business was responsible and seek damage payments. Many industrial workplaces are used to marking hazards of all kinds: chemicals hazards, machine hazards, electrical hazards, etc.
Why do wet floor signs need to be used?
Wet floor signs are used to notify and/or remind people of slip and fall hazards in the immediate area. These hazards include the presence of liquid or other slippery substance on the walking surface as a result of routine cleaning, accidental spills, product leaks, or presence of inclement weather conditions. Proper use of wet floor signs clearly communicates the hazard, and reduces the potential for slips and falls.
Where should I store signs?
The best practice is to store signs near entrances and other locations with known temporary hazards such as beverage stations, ice machines, water fountains and restrooms. When in use, signs should be visible from all directions.
What are the different types of signs?
The three most common types are: soft, collapsible signs; durable plastic tent signs; and tall, durable plastic cone signs. Each has benefits and disadvantages which should be considered when purchasing. Soft, collapsible signs often come with storage tubes and are ideal for easy access in almost any location.
What color sign is used for fire?
Although other sign colors may be used, it is worth noting that ANSI standards have designated the following colors for specific types of hazards: RED – Emergency, Stop, Danger, and Fire. ORANGE – Machine and Electrical. YELLOW – Caution and Physical. GREEN – Safety Equipment, other than Firefighting.
What colors are used for fire signs?
Although other sign colors may be used, it is worth noting that ANSI standards have designated the following colors for specific types of hazards: 1 RED – Emergency, Stop, Danger, and Fire 2 ORANGE – Machine and Electrical 3 YELLOW – Caution and Physical 4 GREEN – Safety Equipment, other than Firefighting 5 BLUE – Safety Information 6 PURPLE – Radiation
Can you store tent signs in a tube?
However, these signs are often short and light which means they can be overlooked and easily displaced. Durable plastic tent signs can be stored behind large items, but fall down easily.
What are the most common areas for wet floors?
Some of the most common areas for wet floors include: Bathrooms. Food prep areas. Entryways and exits. Fitness centre locker rooms. Sterile medical areas. By putting an appropriate cleaning plan in place that specifically focuses on these areas, you can ensure that wet floors are appropriately marked as such.
Why are slip and fall accidents a drain on a business?
These type of accidents can be a major drain on a business financially because the company may be held liable for the medical bills associated with the accident, as well as, loss of earnings incurred by the victim.
Wet floor sign rules for slip and fall cases
Commercial establishments have a duty to warn customers about wet floors, but “wet floor” signs aren’t specifically required. Find out how the presence or absence of a “wet floor” sign impacts a slip and fall lawsuit.
Liability for slip and fall damages
If you’re found to be partially at fault, whether or not you can recover any damages depends on the shared fault rule that your state follows. There are 3 types of shared fault rules:
Steps to take after a slip and fall accident
There are a few steps you should take immediately after a slip and fall accident regardless of whether or not a “wet floor” sign was present:
Connect to top-rated lawyers in seconds using our comprehensive national directory
Free personal injury guides for download to print or save. View all downloads .
