Floor stickers and safety signage: planning the right system

Floor graphics and safety signage depend on the location, traffic, cleaning and site requirements. A symbol or slip-resistance rating does not by itself validate the whole installation. This guide helps prepare the project and questions for the people responsible for the site. See also: Safety-signage guide for planning site signage, Sticker guide for a material comparison.

Applications

• Indoor wayfinding: Arrows for schools, offices or care facilities. The system must suit the floor, traffic and cleaning.
• Stair edges: Visual contrast and slip resistance are separate functions. Check which properties the specific location requires.
• Hygiene notices: Waiting markers, handwashing notices or entrance instructions, based on how the site currently operates.
• Safety signage: The responsible people define symbols, positions and applicable requirements before production.
• Emergency exits: Signage is part of the site’s safety system. A generic set of stickers is not a substitute for technical approval.
• Food preparation areas: Specify moisture, cleaning products and methods before selecting the system.
• Workshop traffic markings: Agree walkways, loading areas and marked zones with the site’s responsible people.
• Outdoor markings: Check the surface, water, weather and wear. Consider only a system intended for those conditions.

Start with actual site conditions. Depending on the floor and requirements, a sign, profile or another marking system may suit better than a sticker.

Floor surface and slip resistance

Assess slip resistance for the complete system and its use. R ratings are not a universal recommendation for every type of room:

• Declared rating: Request the chosen product’s technical data and supporting evidence, including the relevant test method.
• Site conditions: Consider moisture, footwear, contamination and the type of traffic.
• Wet areas: Have the responsible person confirm the specific requirements. A marketing label is not enough.
• Demanding conditions: Check whether a sticker is suitable or another flooring system is required.
• Protective laminate: A suitable laminate can reduce wear on the print. It also changes the surface, so check the complete system rather than promising twice the lifespan.

We do not prescribe an R rating solely from the room type. Selection considers the site, use and manufacturer’s supporting evidence.

Floor arrows and directions

• Simple arrow: Size the arrow for viewing distance and available space. Specify the cutting and application support needed.
• Arrow with destination: Add a short label such as reception or waiting room. Check readability in the actual setting.
• Arrow with symbol: Combine a direction and pictogram only if the result remains clear and matches site instructions.
• Waiting-position markers: Circles or squares to organise a queue. Plan their positions before installation.
• Direction of travel: Coordinate arrows, stopping points and other signs to avoid conflicting messages.
• Notice sets: Include only the notices actually needed. Availability and set contents are confirmed for the order.

Stair-edge markings

For stairs, distinguish edge visibility from surface grip. The product must suit the stair and the intended safety arrangement:

• Contrasting strips: Contrast helps identify the edge. Define colour, width and position for the specific location.
• Anti-slip profile: Check the product, fixing method and compatibility with the stair, moisture and cleaning.
• Photoluminescent material: Performance depends on the product and lighting conditions. It does not automatically replace emergency lighting.
• Reflective material: It needs a suitable light source. Do not confuse it with photoluminescent material.
• Dimensions: Match the size to the stair and site requirements. Avoid creating an obstructive edge or trip hazard.
• Inspection and replacement: Inspect edges, adhesion and wear. Plan replacement based on condition, without a universal guaranteed lifespan.

Safety symbols and approval

Choose safety symbols with the people responsible for the site. The following families are a planning aid, not approval of an installation:

• Prohibition: For example no smoking or no access. Use the approved symbol for the exact message.
• Mandatory action: For example hard hats, hearing protection or eye protection. The choice depends on the risk assessment.
• Warning: For example trip hazards, electrical hazards or hot surfaces, according to the risk being indicated.
• Emergency assistance: Exits, first aid and assembly points must match the site plan.
• Fire equipment: Identify the intended equipment in the correct place, with approval from the responsible people.
• Size and readability: Define dimensions for location and viewing distance. A catalogue’s standard size is not enough to validate the choice.
• Availability: Confirm available products and quantities before promising a delivery date.
• Made to order: For a specific requirement, clarify the symbol, surface, dimensions and approval before production.

The term ‘SUVA’ is not a product certification. Agree the required standard and symbol with the responsible people; printing to an approved file is not approval of the safety system.

Film and surface protection

• Floor film: Film and adhesive must suit the surface and use. Check properties after printing and finishing.
• Protective laminate: Choose protection compatible with the film and cleaning conditions. Its presence does not guarantee a specific lifespan.
• Photoluminescent film: Check documented performance and the conditions the product needs to work.
• Reflective film: Check the light source, angle and intended use. Reflection alone does not validate emergency signage.
• Signage film: Choose the print medium for the actual location. Colour or material name does not prove overall compliance.
• Rigid sign: An option when the surface or mounting calls for a sign. See the safety-signage guide.

Installation, inspection and care

• Prepare the floor: Follow the floor and film manufacturers’ instructions. Check coatings, moisture and cleaning products; test where needed.
• Apply: Plan alignment and the method for the product. Avoid bubbles, creases and lifted edges.
• Return to use: Follow the chosen system’s waiting time before traffic or cleaning. Do not substitute a generic duration.
• Inspection and replacement: Lifespan depends on traffic, the surface and care. Inspect regularly and replace worn or lifting graphics.
• Cleaning: Use only products and methods compatible with the floor, film and protective layer.
• Removal: Check the removal method permitted for the floor. Heat, scrapers and solvents can damage some surfaces; do not use them without checking.

Example concept: wayfinding in a care facility

Illustrative example, not a documented customer reference: a care facility wants clearer directions for visitors and staff. Wayfinding must be coordinated with the existing safety system.

Approach: Map destinations and surfaces, then select arrows and signs with the responsible people. Quantities follow the approved plan.

Scheduling: Confirm tests, artwork, site access and the time before reopening. Schedule production and installation after approval.

What to check : readability, route consistency, adhesion and maintenance. This example does not guarantee a customer outcome or lifespan.

Frequently asked questions

Read more

More from Signage and vehicle graphics

All articles on this topic

Signage and vehicle graphics Stickers for vehicles, helmets and outdoor use Signage and vehicle graphics Stickers and labels: choosing materials and cutting options Signage and vehicle graphics Banners and flags: materials and formats for your project Signage and vehicle graphics Construction site signs and fence banners: information and visibility