Floor markings are an essential part of good organization in a manufacturing company and warehouse. Companies consider floor markings an aspect of the 5S methodology for lean manufacturing . They serve as a visual communication tool for employees, thereby improving safety and efficiency in the factory .

Here you will find our practical guide to implementing the 5S method .

In Germany, approximately one-third of all workplace accidents are related to transport operations (source: GDA). Similar figures exist for Switzerland, where around 30% of all accidents occur in connection with internal transport and storage (source: suva). An effective method for reducing accidents is the separation of transport traffic and personnel through appropriate markings and signage. In other words, floor markings increase workplace safety .

When are floor markings used?

Floor marking tapes are single-sided adhesive tapes used to mark hazards, divide areas, create aisles, or indicate directions. They are frequently used in industrial and production facilities, as well as in warehouses, for floor marking. Floor marking tapes can also be used outdoors.

Where are floor markings used?

What floor markings are there?

Basically, there are two types of floor markings: liquid and self-adhesive markings.

Liquid floor markings are commonly used on roads. They are long-lasting, especially when coated with a second clear layer for protection, but can only be removed (blasted) with considerable effort or, alternatively (and less aesthetically), painted over. Therefore, they are only suitable if the floor markings are truly permanent and, for example, no changes to the production process are planned. Furthermore, it takes approximately 48 hours for the markings to dry completely before they can be used again.

A significantly less durable but cheaper option is liquid floor markings using marking sprays . These can also be applied by the user with a handcart, whereas other liquid floor markings require the services of a professional company.

Self-adhesive floor markings and tapes are available in a wide range of materials (including PVC, polycarbonate, fabric, aluminum, and steel). Key selection criteria include the surface type (flat or uneven), whether it's for indoor or outdoor use, the expected wear and tear (forklift or pedestrian traffic), and the desired durability (e.g., removable/temporary). Typical uneven surfaces include asphalt, concrete pavers, interlocking pavers, floor tiles, and textured, non-slip surfaces. Specialized solutions are also available for cleanrooms, cold storage areas, and ESD environments. Especially in challenging floor conditions or areas with heavy use, it's advisable to conduct a test with samples first.

How do I choose the right floor marking?

Our product recommendations for floor markings, depending on the application area, are:

What colors are available for floor markings?

Here is a typical / recommended color scheme :

As a general rule , use as few colors as possible for floor markings , otherwise employees may not remember their meaning. Use additional (floor marking) signs to limit the number of colors and visually communicate important prohibitions, requirements, and warnings to your employees.

There are no fixed standards or legal requirements for color choice (unlike for signs). However, according to BGV A8 and ASR A1.3, these must be colored, durable, continuous, and clearly recognizable .

Floor markings are typically used in different colors to indicate different areas and meanings. Here are some of the typical colors and their meanings:

• Yellow: Marking of areas for materials, routes for use by vehicles or pedestrians
  
• Black/Yellow: Marking of hazards and obstacles
  
• White/Red: Marking of temporary hazards or construction sites
• White: Marking of work areas and as a general marker .
• Green: Marking of escape routes and first aid stations
• Red: Marking of quarantine area for nO material

The choice of color depends on the specific area of application and the meaning that is to be conveyed.

In addition, self-adhesive molded parts made of the same material can be used for non-verbal communication with employees, such as arrows, pictograms, parking space markings, letters (without special characters) and numbers/digits, as well as information texts, warning signs also with logo in customer-specific design and made to measure.

When are yellow floor markings used?

Yellow is the most commonly used floor marking color in practice. Yellow floor markings are typically used to designate pathways for vehicles or pedestrians. They are also used to mark areas for materials, such as pallet storage areas .

How wide should floor markings be?

The standard width for self-adhesive floor marking lines is 5 cm, but widths of 7.5 cm and 10 cm are also common . Liquid floor markings are typically applied in a 10 cm width. Different widths can also be combined, for example, wider lines for main walkways and narrower lines for parking space markings.

How are escape routes marked?

Definition of an escape route: "An escape route is a specially marked path – usually within a building – that leads quickly and safely to the open air or to a safe area in the event of a necessary escape. The main purpose of an escape route is self-rescue. An exit that leads directly to the open air or to a safe area is called an emergency exit." Among other things, there is a maximum permitted length and prescribed minimum width for escape routes.

In addition to normal escape route markings, there are also specially photoluminescent escape route markings that continue to glow in the dark even after a power outage.

The "ASR A2.3 Escape routes and emergency exits, escape and rescue plan" (download here) is particularly relevant for the design of escape routes.

Instructions for laying self-adhesive floor markings made of adhesive tape

Here you will find an 1) Clean the floor thoroughly (ideally wipe it with a normal floor cleaner beforehand and let it dry), especially in case of oil contamination and other soiling.

2) If necessary, apply primer (usually always outdoors) to increase adhesion and if the marking is to be permanent.

3) Cutting

4) Firmly apply adhesive strips (e.g., using a pressure roller and a dispenser for floor marking rolls ) to the floor to ensure bubble-free application of the adhesive tapes. Gradually remove the backing film or liner from the tape.

5) If you want to lay larger quantities of marking rolls, we recommend a special dispenser for floor marking tape .

Here is a short guide for laying floor markings indoors .

How do I remove floor markings?

Self-adhesive floor markings can usually be peeled off vertically by hand. Sometimes it helps to warm the floor marking with a (hot air) hairdryer before removal. If this is not possible, they can be removed with a scraper and blade. For adhesive residue remaining on the surface, there are special spray-on adhesive removers .

Liquid markings can be easily removed with a blasting device. Alternatively, they can simply be painted over, but this is not aesthetically pleasing.

Important note: Safety regulations are constantly being updated. You can find the latest information, for example, at the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health . We accept no liability!