Barricade tape is brightly colored (yellow & black for caution, red & black for danger, purple & yellow for radiation) vinyl or fabric tape approximately three inches wide used to temporarily barricade, alert or catch the attention of the public to a possible hazard in a specific area. There are many types available, such as construction, police, do not cross, firefighter, do not enter, and open trench tape. Some include the Spanish translation for the words along with the English words.
Rehabmart is pleased to carry a variety of high quality barricade and caution tape from our esteemed vendor, WorkForce, Inc.
The main purpose of all types of barricade tape is to alert people that a particular area is not open for access. This tape is used, in some cases, to preserve some aspect of the enclosed area. But many other times, it is to prevent people from exposing themselves to a hazard of some kind. Although all the tapes are printed in English, some also have the Spanish translation included on the tape.
What are Different Types of Barricade Tapes?
Construction tape may be the most common type of barricade tape most people encounter because it is utilized to mark off an area where construction is taking place. This tape is normally put in place so others know to stay a safe distance away from the construction area so they don’t get injured. Along with structures that are undergoing repairs, this type of tape may be located around buildings which are scheduled for demolition or for new building sites.
Danger tape, also called Do Not Enter tape, is similar to construction tape and is also a common caution tape seen. This type of barricade tape is often employed by utility companies when engaged in some type of work or repairs in a given location. Power companies use brightly colored tape of this kind to warn others to stay away from a downed power line. Road crews may also use this warning tape to temporarily close a street while making repairs to the road surface. Additionally, water companies may use this tape, or Open Trench tape, when it is necessary to dig into the ground to access and repair a damaged section of pipe. Since all of these situations are potentially dangerous, using Danger or Do Not Enter tape serves as an easy and quick way to alert others to steer clear of the area.
Crime Scene tape, also called Police Line tape, is a barricade tape utilized by law enforcement agencies to block entry to an area where a crime has been committed. Doing so helps prevent what could be crucial evidence from being accidentally destroyed or contaminated, therefore, increasing the chances of identifying and arresting the guilty perpetrator. In most jurisdictions, crossing a Crime Scene or Police Line tape without proper authorization is often punishable by anything from a fine to being arrested.
Fire Line tape is a barricade tape for firefighters to keep people from getting too close to an area where a fire is currently in progress. There are two purposes for this tape. First, it reduces the chances of bystanders from getting smoke inhalation or being injured by debris. Second, it maintains a clean entry and exit of the area which can be used to bring in additional firefighting equipment if needed and for rescue vehicles.
Caution tape is placed along parade routes to designate the parade path so drivers will not try to use those specific streets until after the parade is over. Since it is a bright color, others can see the tape long before arriving at an intersection that is temporarily inaccessible.
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO
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