Enhancing Site Safety and Efficiency

Introduction

Jointline was appointed to deliver a comprehensive line marking scheme aimed at improving pedestrian safety and operational efficiency across a busy industrial site. The project focused on applying highly visible green and red demarcations to guide safe movement and reinforce the site's behavioural safety protocols. The works were undertaken on a fully concrete-surfaced site, requiring specialist application techniques to ensure long-term performance.

The Challenge

The site required clear, visually distinct demarcations to manage interactions between pedestrians, vehicles, and operational plant. A key priority was guiding personnel safely from the car park to the control building and critical work zones, while clearly identifying areas where specific PPE requirements applied.

An additional challenge arose within the car park area, where four bays were being widened to accommodate electric vehicle (EV) charging points. Due to the proximity of fire safety systems and sensitive air intakes, conventional thermoplastic removal using a hot lance was not feasible, necessitating an alternative removal method that would not interfere with site safety systems.

The Solution

Jointline designed and implemented a tailored marking scheme using contrasting colours to support intuitive site navigation:

• Pedestrian walkways were created using green line markings with integrated walking man symbols. The routes linked the car park to the control office and gate, with three new zebra crossings installed to prioritise pedestrian movement in shared zones.
• A continuous green perimeter line was marked around the control building, clearly indicating areas where PPE was not required unless operatives were actively engaged in work.
• Red demarcations were installed around high-risk plant areas such as access ladders, transformers, and valve coolers, marking 'authorised personnel only' zones where full PPE is mandatory.

In the car park, the four new EV charging bays were prepared using mechanical scabbling to safely remove existing markings without triggering fire or smoke alarms. The new EV charging symbols were then applied in thermoplastic, ensuring durability on the concrete surface.

Given the site’s concrete substrate, a primer (tack coat) was used throughout the works to guarantee full adhesion and long-lasting performance.

The Benefits

The completed scheme delivers significant safety and operational benefits:

• Enhanced pedestrian safety through clearly defined routes and priority crossings.
• Improved visual communication of site rules and PPE requirements, reducing confusion and supporting behavioural safety.
• Minimised disruption to safety systems through the use of appropriate surface preparation techniques.
• Increased operational efficiency by enabling personnel and visitors to navigate the site more confidently and securely.

The project demonstrates Jointline’s ability to deliver tailored line marking solutions that align with client safety protocols and operational needs, even in complex working environments.