Hazard Tape

About Hazard Tape

Hazard tape is an essential safety product for construction sites, industrial facilities, roadworks, and any environment where potential dangers need to be clearly marked. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of hazard tapes including non-adhesive barrier tape for temporary cordoning, self-adhesive hazard warning tape for permanent marking, and underground warning tape that protects buried utilities during excavation work. Available from trusted brands including Faithfull, Everbuild, Sealey, and Sirius, these highly visible tapes feature bold colour combinations—typically red and white or yellow and black—alongside clear warning text to ensure maximum visibility in all conditions.

Whether you need economy barrier tape for short-term use or heavy-duty PVC variants designed to withstand harsh UK site conditions, hazard tape provides an immediate visual deterrent that helps prevent accidents and ensures compliance with HSE regulations. Underground warning tapes follow colour-coding standards for different services: yellow for gas pipes, blue for water mains, red for electric cables, and green for telecommunications, making them indispensable for groundworkers and utilities contractors throughout the UK.

Applications

Hazard tape is used across numerous trades and industries for safety compliance and accident prevention:

• Construction workers and site managers – cordoning off dangerous areas and marking trip hazards
• Electricians and sparkies – identifying buried electrical cables and marking electrical hazards
• Plumbers and heating engineers – marking water pipe routes and gas line locations
• Groundworkers and excavation contractors – protecting underground services during digging operations
• Facilities managers and maintenance teams – temporary hazard marking during repairs
• Health and safety officers – ensuring HSE compliance across worksites
• Event organisers and security personnel – crowd control and area restriction
• Highways maintenance teams – roadworks and traffic management
• Warehouse and factory supervisors – marking hazardous zones in industrial environments
• DIY enthusiasts – home renovation projects requiring safety demarcation

Choosing The Right Hazard Tape

Application type: Determine whether you need non-adhesive barrier tape for temporary cordoning, self-adhesive tape for permanent marking on floors and equipment, or underground warning tape for buried services. Non-adhesive variants suit short-term applications, whilst adhesive options provide lasting warnings.

Indoor vs outdoor use: External applications require weather-resistant PVC tape that withstands moisture, UV degradation, and temperature fluctuations common in UK climates. Indoor tape can be lighter-weight unless exposed to heavy traffic or industrial conditions.

Durability requirements: Economy tapes from MyToolShed.co.uk offer cost-effective solutions for single-use projects, whilst heavy-duty variants provide enhanced tear resistance for extended deployments or high-traffic areas.

Colour and messaging: Standard hazard tape features red and white or yellow and black striping for maximum visibility. Underground warning tapes follow colour-coding standards: yellow for gas, blue for water, red for electric cables. Ensure messaging clearly communicates the specific hazard.

Width and length: Wider tapes (typically 70-75mm) provide better visibility at distance, whilst length determines coverage area. Consider your site requirements to avoid purchasing multiple rolls unnecessarily.

Safety Information

Always ensure hazard tape is clearly visible, properly secured, and positioned at appropriate height—typically between waist and shoulder level for barrier tape. Replace damaged, faded, or torn tape immediately, as compromised visibility defeats its purpose and may create liability issues. When using underground warning tape, position it at the correct depth (typically 300-450mm below surface) directly above the buried service. Remember that warning tape supplements but does not replace proper service location using cable avoidance tools before excavation commences. Never rely on hazard tape as a physical barrier for high-risk situations—supplement with rigid barriers or safety fencing where serious injury risk exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between barrier tape and underground warning tape?

Barrier tape is non-adhesive plastic tape used above ground to temporarily cordon off hazardous areas. Underground warning tape is buried 300-450mm below the surface, directly above utilities like cables and pipes, to warn excavator operators before they reach the actual service. Both use high-visibility colours but serve distinctly different purposes in site safety management.

How deep should underground warning tape be buried?

Underground warning tape should typically be buried 300-450mm below ground level, positioned directly above the utility it protects. This depth provides adequate warning time during excavation whilst remaining shallow enough to be encountered before machinery reaches cables or pipes. Always consult specific utility installation guidelines and local regulations, as requirements may vary for different services.

Can hazard tape be reused?

Non-adhesive barrier tape can be reused if it remains intact, clean, and clearly legible. However, once tape becomes torn, faded, or contaminated with mud or debris, it should be replaced as reduced visibility compromises its safety function. Self-adhesive tape is generally single-use, though removable variants can sometimes be repositioned if adhesive remains effective.