Portable Storm-Damage Sign by William Frick Improves Utility’s Ability to Warn Public about Downed Power Lines

Lightweight Durable Sign Can Quickly be Deployed Around Jobsite

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--When a Midwest electric company wanted to improve public safety at storm-damage sites having downed power lines, it consulted William Frick & Company—a leading producer of custom identification products such as safety signs, utility markers, labels and RFID tags.

“The utility needed to alert the public not to enter worksites that had live power lines on the ground”

“The utility needed to alert the public not to enter worksites that had live power lines on the ground,” said Evie Bennett, vice president of William Frick & Company. “They asked us to develop a warning sign that was easily portable, bilingual and employed pictures for children who could not yet read.”

Some utility workers had tried to create their own warning sign by cutting apart pole and substation signs, and bolting words and symbols together. Building on the linemen’s good intentions, William Frick was brought in to develop a highly visible, portable yet sturdy warning sign that could be set up quickly wherever needed.

As with any new concept, William Frick evaluated a variety of designs, messages, pictures and materials that would meet the customer’s requirements for a sign that was lightweight, outdoor durable, easily portable, simple to use, and viewable from a distance.

The utility explained that after a severe storm they might have hot lines on the ground and area residents wandering through the site because they did not understand the danger. The trucks and bright lights also attracted young children. All these elements made it challenging for the utility’s downed wire guards to monitor safety at the worksite. The line workers figured a few strategically placed bilingual warning signs with pictures would make the worksite safer for everyone.

The portable outdoor warning sign Frick developed is made from laminated polyethylene plastic and measures 18 x 24 inches yet weighs barely two pounds. It follows ANSI guidelines with orange and black printing on a white background and is readable up to 25 feet away. To meet the portability requirements, Frick designed a sign with four slots along the sides that enable the insertion of a couple of safety straps that fasten around objects like orange safety cones, utility poles or fence posts.

In addition to alerting people to keep away from storm damage, the utility found a secondary use for the signs -- to keep the public out of worksites when line crews are performing normal routine work. The utility created kits with signs, safety cones and tape that they keep on their trucks.

Bennett of William Frick noted that utility companies are under pressure every day to serve the public safely. “Because these signs can be set up so quickly, I believe they help electric utilities lessen potential dangers out in the field and protect their customers in emergency situations.”

About William Frick & Company

A leading producer of customized identification products like logo labels, nameplates, RFID tags, barcode labels, utility markers and signs, William Frick & Company is a trusted supplier to manufacturers, telecommunications, oil and gas, electric utilities, governments and others needing labeling solutions. Frick offers best-in-class identification products and services customized to client specifications. The company is ISO 9001-2008 certified.

Frick product lines include SmartMark™ RFID tags, SnapAround™ cable markers, AuthentiCal™ security labels and 3D-formed nameplates, decals, laser-etched tags and other identification products.

For more information about William Frick & Company product offerings, procurement options, service and solutions, call 1.847.918.3700, or visit the company’s website at www.fricknet.com.

Download Hi-Res Photos for this Release:

Portable Warning Sign: http://www.fricknet.com/pr/images/Portable-Warning-Sign.JPG

Caption: The bilingual Frick Portable Warning Sign can easily be positioned wherever there are downed power lines.

Step 1 Installation: http://www.fricknet.com/pr/images/Portable_Warning_Sign_Installation1.JPG

Caption: The Frick Portable Warning Sign is securely held in place with two self-gripping straps that thread through slots in the sign.

Step 2 Installation: http://www.fricknet.com/pr/images/Portable_Warning_Sign_Installation2.JPG

Caption: The Frick Portable Warning Sign is securely held in place with two self-gripping straps that thread through slots in the sign and easily fasten with hook and loop closure.