Blomsma Signs & Safety has been contracted by Vopak Terminal Europoort to improve the routing of their site in Rotterdam. The floor marking in particular was in a need of renewal and revision The Vopak site comprises a large area with several tank pits, pump pits, manifolds and various sea- and inland shipping jetties. The aim of this project was to create (safe) walking routes for crew and ship suppliers, among others, to prevent them from wandering between dangerous areas or installations.

Project approach and scope

The scope of the project for the Vopak Terminal included:

• A thoroughly developed plan, which was translated into sign plan drawings.
• Advice on the colors of the floor marking.
• A mandatory walkway for ship crew in blue (the color for mandatory actions).
• Installation of Jetty signs and associated safety signboards at strategic points along various (walking) routes and intersections.
• A combination of a planned signage system for site signage, safety signs, and floor marking.

Starting points for the project with regard to law and regulations:

• Uniform use of symbols according to ISO 7010 and ISO 3864, for a broad recognition form based on set safety colors, shapes, and signs.
• Regulations for working conditions regarding color use and marking of traffic routes.

Implementation

The primary goal of the project for Vopak Terminal Europoort was to create more safety for staff, visitors, contractors, crew, and suppliers on the premises of Vopak Terminal Europoort Rotterdam. We needed adequate signage and markings to prevent people from getting lost on this huge site and avoid unauthorized people in operational and high-risk areas. Blomsma Signs & Safety achieved this by visualizing clear walking routes, such as a (mandatory) walkway for the ship’s crew in blue, the color for mandatory actions.

In addition, safety signs were placed at several locations on this large tank terminal in overlapping positions with the site routing signage. This signage system is a combination of directional signs, safety signs, floor markings and Jetty signs. For example, safety area signboards (multiple signs) have been applied at entrances to the site and at the jetties.

About Vopak Terminal Europoort

Vopak stores vital products with care. Vopak Energy Terminals Netherlands is the leading independent storage and handling services provider for liquid bulk energy products in North Western Europe. In this position, they serve society by supporting critical energy supply chains.

Vopak Terminal Europoort is part of Vopak Energy Terminals Netherlands, which is a large scale independent oil hub terminal in the Port of Rotterdam with VLCC access to handle crude and the full spectrum of petroleum products. Market place and trading hub with opportunities for intra and inter terminal trading, blending and optimization of the logistics of our customers. Strategically located in Europe’s biggest refinery cluster with pipeline connections to 10 refineries and connections to the main product pipelines including jet fuel pipeline connections to the key airports in North West Europe.

Read more about Vopak Terminal Europoort here.