Off-Highways Safety Markings – As Seen by the Supermarine Spitfire

One of our off-highways crews recently captured a striking image of a Supermarine Spitfire flying overhead, appearing to inspect our freshly completed safety markings at a facility on the south coast. This unique moment highlights a scheme designed to deliver clearer, safer access routes and controlled zones for all site operatives and visitors.

Jointline was tasked with installing highly visible green and red safety demarcations to strengthen pedestrian and traffic management across the site. These markings now provide clear visual cues that align with site safety protocols and improve operational efficiency.

To guide personnel from the car park to the control office and gate, we applied green walkways throughout the site. These were enhanced with walking man symbols and three new zebra crossings, ensuring pedestrian routes were highly visible and prioritised in shared zones. Around the control building, a continuous green perimeter line was applied to indicate that PPE is not required unless actively working, a critical distinction that reduces unnecessary PPE use while maintaining safety compliance.

In contrast, red lines were installed around high-risk plant areas, including access ladders, transformers, and valve coolers, clearly defining ‘authorised personnel only’ zones where full PPE is mandatory. This clear visual distinction between low- and high-risk zones reinforces behavioural safety and ensures personnel are fully aware of the risk level in each area.

A further enhancement was made within the car park, where four bays were reconfigured to increase widths from 2.4m to 3.2m, accommodating electric vehicle charging. Due to the location of fire safety systems and nearby air intakes, traditional thermoplastic removal using hot lance was unsuitable. Instead, we opted for mechanical scabbling, allowing safe removal of existing markings without triggering smoke-sensitive systems. New EV charging symbols were then applied using thermoplastic, offering durability on the site’s concrete surface.

Given the entire site is surfaced in concrete, primer (tack coat) was used throughout the works to ensure full adhesion of all markings.

The scheme demonstrates how effective line marking supports not only site safety but also operational efficiency. By clearly delineating pedestrian access, vehicle zones, and restricted areas, we’ve created a safer, more intuitive working environment where operatives and visitors can move confidently and securely.