Using our online T-shirt design studio just got easier

We're proud to announce that those of you who regularly use your PayPal account to design your own shirts via our online T-shirt design studio at centuryoutfitters.com can now pay with all major credit cards.

As of this month, you can now complete your transactions with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and even Discover. And, of course, you can always keep using your PayPal account if you prefer.

For those of you who've never tried our online T-shirt design studio, it's a snap through the simple interface. Choose from a wide variety of shirt colors and sizes, then build a completely custom design or choose from the online library of stock art:

It's easy, fun, and addictive. Make a shirt for any occasion. Just click the link below to check it out:

http://centuryoutfitters.com/Century_Outfitters/DesignStudio/Home

Presenting our latest feature video

We produced the following corporate video primarily for our display at this year's Permian Basin International Oil Show. Thereafter, we posted it to social media to share it with existing and potential clients, as well as those in the Marcellus Marine Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, Permian Basin, and anyone else who might need any of our products and services featured in the video. Here it is for your enjoyment.

If you have questions or comments, please feel free to call us at 1-800-228-4467, or email us at sales@centurygs.com.

Everything you ever wanted to know about aerial markers

Century Graphics & Sign is a leading manufacturer of aerial marking systems for a wide variety of commercial and safety applications. We offer standard deigns, as well as the ability to manufacture virtually any configuration of the system per client specifications.

What are aerial markers? While the various applications for aerial markers vary, the general design is based around the concept of a heavy duty, weatherproof sign system, constructed and arranged in such as a way as to be easily visible from the viewpoint of an airplane pilot or helicopter pilot (or official onboard observer) at low to medium aircraft altitudes. Colors such as bright yellow, safety green, or brilliant white are often utilized to aid in creating high visibility.

What are aerial markers used for? Transmission systems such as pipelines, underground electrical cables, water lines, and other conveyances can become damaged due to accidents, construction activities, acts of nature, or even normal wear and tear. When a leak or other problem arises, aerial markers are instrumental in helping airborne spotters locate, plot, and report the exact area of the mishap. Aerial markers can help reduce the amount of time and money it takes to fix a problem, directly benefitting a company’s bottom line, as well as the environment through which the transmission system is laid.

Why a Century aerial marker system? Our aerial markers are among the best in the industry and can be fully customized to virtually any use. Our frames are made of .090 finished aluminum with .063 aluminum numbers printed upon a thermo-sensitive acrylic enamel ink. The plates are then heat cured with a final clear coat process to ensure maximum outdoor durability.

For more information, visit: http://centurygs.com/Signs/FacilityMaintenanceSigns/AerialMarkers/tabid/388/Default.aspx

We manufacture in-house and service all of North America and overseas, including the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, Utica Shale, Bakken Shale, and others.

Designing an effective tradeshow display

Tradeshow displays are an indispensible tool for promoting your company at industry trade gatherings, conventions, shows, and other functions. But what makes a tradeshow display truly useful, memorable, and effective? From the design phase to completing the physical production to setting up your display, here are some useful tips that can help you along the way.

1. Consider any ‘extras’ and room to grow beforehand. For example, if you plan on including a video monitor, a mechanical or technical demonstration, or models and other examples of products and processes related to your business, consider dynamics such as the various sizes, colors, and electrical requirements of the pieces. If your display is deep purple and your product model is bright orange, the color clash might be potentially embarrassing. Likewise, if the display doesn’t accommodate the inclusion of a video monitor, you may end up with ugly black power cables or long extension cords strewn across your display area in an unsightly manner. These may seem like small details in the initial brainstorming of a tradeshow display design, but in the end can be the difference that makes an otherwise professional presentation look quite amateur. Also, be sure to design your exhibit around your trade schedule for the next one to three years to minimize your redesign and expansion expenses.

2. Remember, you have to store this thing when you’re not using it. Before delving into any design, consider the size of the display when collapsed and where you will be keeping it. A tradeshow display doesn’t necessarily need to be huge to be effective. By the same token, if you have the storage space, a modular or other large-scale display might be just what you’re after.

3. Don’t go crazy with text. It is not the function of the tradeshow display to take the place of the sales person(s) accompanying it. Nor will the average potential customer stand in the middle of a crowded convention aisle and read detailed information at a distance, especially when a representative of the company in question is standing in or near the display. Put fewer words on your display, but make them larger. A single, clearly articulated positioning statement, slogan, or logo is better than a long list of bulleted items that will be generally ignored.

4. Trying to feature every single thing you do within the confines of your display is probably a mistake. If your company is highly diversified in the products and services it provides, you can easily overwhelm passers by in attempting to utilize the tradeshow display as a mechanism for explaining every single little thing you do. Just focus on your top objectives, because you don’t have room for all of them.

5. Use the display to answer the important establishing questions related to your business. Who are you? What do you do? What are your unique competencies? Why should someone do business with you? These are the primary and most important points you need to make with the display. Expound into the details through person-to-person communication and relationship-building. Before you know it, your business will be maximizing its presence at tradeshows.

Century Graphics & Sign can design, customize, and produce tradeshow displays and related elements to suit your needs, and services all of North America and overseas, including the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, Utica Shale, Bakken Shale, and others. Visit us online at www.centurygs.com, feel free to call us at 1-800-228-4467, or email us at sales@centurygs.com.

Useful rules regarding oilfield lease signs

Century Graphics & Sign provides high-quality lease signs and custom-built frames for most all applications within the oilfield. The following information was compiled from various information on the Internet and is for informational purposes only.

Note: These rules apply specifically to lease signs in Texas, but generally reflect some regulations in other parts of North America. For complete information, contact your state’s energy commission or related regulatory authority.

The Railroad Commission of Texas sets the framework of guidelines for lease sign design and manufacture within the Lone Star State. The following apply to oilfield leases under Texas Administrative Code Title 16.

The following are required to be clearly marked and identified in English:
• Each property producing crude oil, natural gas or geothermal product
• Each resource’s well and tank
• Certain crude oil measuring facilities that do not use tanks

A sign should be placed at the primary lease entrance and include the following:
• Name of the lease on file with the TRRC
• Name of the Operator of Record
• Number of property acres

Additional signs are required at each well site and should include the following:
• Name of the property
• Name of the operator
• Well number

Every property will require additional signage for each tank, remote satellite tank or approved crude oil measuring facility (if tanks are not used) to include the following:
• Name of the lease
• Name of the operator on file with the RRC
• Total number of acres
• Texas Railroad Commission lease number of the formation
• If commingled, the commingling permit number is required
• The Tank number if more than one tank is used

Century Graphics & Sign’s aluminum oilfield lease signs are made from .040 aluminum with a baked on enamel finish. We don't charge set-up fees for producing a company logo. All lease information is engraved directly into the aluminum, providing an extremely durable sign.

For more information, visit: http://centurygs.com/cgssign.com/dotnetnuke/Signs/OilGasIndustry/LeaseSigns/tabid/90/Default.aspx

We manufacture in-house and service all of North America and overseas, including the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, Utica Shale, Bakken Shale, and others.

Hey, what’s that sign? It’s a pipeline marker

Pipelines are identified through the use of above ground signs which provide an indication of their presence, location, the type of product carried down the line, and the name and contact information for the company operating the pipeline. Pipelines are located in areas called right-of-ways, and these ‘ROW’s’ are often recognizable as generally cleared corridors that are free of trees, buildings and other structures. In these corridors, the primary visible manmade items are the pipeline markers. In some instances, right-of-ways might not have markers clearly present and may only be indicated by cleared corridors of land.

Pipeline markers are generally yellow, black and red in color, though other colors such as green and blue are also sometimes used to indicate specific product travelling through the transmission system.

The primary function of pipeline markers is to identify the approximate location of the pipeline as an alert to anyone working along the pipeline corridor.

Above-ground signs have several functions. For example, a specific type of marker (aerial) allows identification of the pipeline for routine monitoring by airplanes and sometimes helicopters. Many pipeline operators fly their pipeline corridors regularly. Such surveillance is an important safety tool in ensuring that unauthorized activities, including the use of excavation equipment that might damage the underground pipe, can be stopped. They are also used to identify and communicate the location of leaks and spills along the pipeline with greater accuracy than might otherwise be possible.

Below are examples of the pipeline markers available from Century Graphics & Sign:

Our pipeline markers are designed for outdoor durability in harsh conditions, and sharply printed with permanent UV resistant inks in bright AWPA colors. Fully custom colors and sizes are available, along with the addition of your company logo or pictograms.

Our durable round markers come in two styles, EnhanceMark and RoundMark. All markers come with two UV-resistant, customizable marker decals and a flexible T-anchor.

Sturdy u-channel mounting posts are available for all utility signs in dark green or galvanized steel.

For more information, visit: http://centurygs.com/Signs/FacilityMaintenanceSigns/PipelineMarkers/tabid/112/Default.aspx

Century Graphics & Sign manufactures in-house, can customize to suit your needs, and services all of North America and overseas, including the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, Utica Shale, Bakken Shale, and others.

How to design your own signs online using our sign builder

One of the things we’re very proud of at Century Graphics & Sign is our online sign builder software, which customers can use to design, set up, and order a wide range of standard and custom signage, including custom OSHA safety signs, DOT placards, chemical and Hazcom signs, security signs, parking and traffic signs, and more.

Once you’ve designed or selected the signs you want, simply click the submit button and the order is processed into our production facility, where your products are quickly completed and shipped to you. All you have to do is set up a user account via the software and then start building signs. It’s super easy.

If you have questions or comments, please feels free to call us at 1-800-228-4467, or email us at sales@centurygs.com.

In the meantime, you can visit the online sign builder at: https://custom.centurygs.com/SignBuilder.aspx?SignId=7de86362-f9ec-409d-96b9-327d5e89bbc6&templateId=N

We manufacture in-house and service all of North America and overseas, including the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, Utica Shale, Bakken Shale, and others.

The purpose of the Lockout-Tagout system and how Century Graphics can help

Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) or 'lock and tag' is a safety procedure which is used in oil & gas industry settings to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or service work. It requires that hazardous power sources be "isolated and rendered inoperative" before any repair procedure is started. 'Lock and tag' works in conjunction with a lock usually locking the device or the power source with the hasp and placing it in such a position that no hazardous power sources can be turned on. The procedure requires that a tag be affixed to the locked device indicating that it should not be turned on.

Many sites have the officially stated policy that only the person who tagged the device can untag it. This means that if a worker goes home after their shift without removing the tag from a device which is ready for service, then they will have to travel back to the site to untag it. Giving approval for the removal of a tag over the phone is prohibited. Whilst this policy might make it seem as if it is encouraging workers to take the risk of not tagging out in the first place, it is usually accompanied by a policy stating that operating on a device without tagging it out will result in instant dismissal.

Century Graphics & Sign offers OSHA safety tags, safety inspection tags, ladder and scaffold tags as well as standard lockout tags. Our lockout tags are available in .010, .040, and .080 gauge heavy duty polystyrene as well as aluminum. We offer an optional dry-erase coating for re-use. Each tag has a strong brass grommet which accepts post lock shanks. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to call us at 1-800-228-4467, or email us at sales@centurygs.com.

For more information, visit: http://www.centurygs.com/Signs/FacilityMaintenanceSigns/LockoutSafetyTags/tabid/110/Default.aspx

We manufacture in-house and service all of North America and overseas, including the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, Utica Shale, Bakken Shale, and others.

Laser engraving at Century

Laser engraving is the technique of using lasers to engrave or mark an object. The technology does not involve the use of inks, nor does it involve tool bits which contact the engraving surface and wear out. These properties distinguish laser engraving from alternative engraving or marking technologies where inks or bit heads have to be replaced regularly. A laser can remove material very efficiently because the laser beam can deliver energy to the surface in a manner which converts a high percentage of the light energy into heat. The beam is highly focused in most non-reflective materials like wood, plastics and enamel surfaces.

Century Graphics & Sign offers a laser engraving system that can customize a wide variety of items, materials, and surfaces; such as many natural materials, plastics, metals, and plexiglass. We can even laser-engrave some types of jewelry.

If you have questions on a specific item you’d like engraved, please feel free to call us at 1-800-228-4467, or email us at sales@centurygs.com.

For more information, visit: http://www.centurygs.com/dotnetnuke/Signs/FacilityMaintenanceSigns/EngravedSigns/tabid/130/Default.aspx

We manufacture in-house and service all of North America and overseas, including the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, Utica Shale, Bakken Shale, and others.

All about Hazcom

It is imperative to be sure chemicals are properly identified so your workers are always informed when handling explosives, flammables, oxidizers, radioactive materials, corrosives, and pollutants.

D.O.T. Placards
Century Graphics & Sign can create the exact D.O.T. placard needed to fit your application. Placards are available in durable decal material, hard plastic, or magnetic material. We keep several of the standard D.O.T. placards in stock. The following guidelines regarding the use of D.O.T. placards were set forth by the US Department of Transportation and are included here for informational purposes only.

General Placarding Requirements: Placard a container or vehicle on each side and each end for any quantity of hazardous material it contains. Some exceptions to these requirements exist based on the hazard and quantity present.

Use of Dangerous Placard: The Dangerous Placard may be used if a shipment contains non-bulk packages of two or more classes, requiring different placards.

Tanks remain placarded unless:
• Cleaned and purged
• Reloaded with a non-hazardous material
• Another class of hazardous material

Visibility: Each placard must be readily visible from the direction it faces. Placards must be on each side and each end. If coupled to another motor vehicle or rail car, visibility is not required from the direction it faces.

Attaching Placards:
• Attach securely
• Maintain in good condition
• Clear of advertising, dirt and water, and tarps, etc.
• Printed and displayed horizontally

Hazwaste & Drum Labels
Ensure that your employees know the status of the materials they are working with. Our standard labels are blank, to be filled out with marker on site, but all labels can be semi-customized or fully customized and pre-printed with your information.

Note: While the EPA and DOT have specific requirements for the content of marks and labels on hazardous waste containers, there is no standardized format or layout for this information. A generator can use a commercially available pre-printed label or use any other means, as long as the container markings ultimately conform to official EPA and DOT requirements.

NFPA Labels Our NFPA labels are available with or without pictograms, and can be customized to fit your particular application. Common sizes for NFPA labels with pictograms are 7" x 5" and 14" x 13". The most common size for NFPA labels containing pictograms are 5" x 7", 10" x 14", and 14" x 20".

Hazard Symbols: A system of categories, colors and numbers was created to provide basic hazard information. It enables firefighters and other emergency personnel to easily decide whether or not to evacuate an area or proceed with emergency control operations. The three principal categories of identification are Health, Flammability and Instability. A numerical range of “0 to 4” indicates the severity of the hazard. A “4” indicates the most severe and a “0” indicates a minimal hazard.

The information is presented in a color and spatial arrangement of the numerical ratings: Health Hazard, blue, at the 9 o’clock position; Flammability Rating, red, at the 12 o’clock position; and the Instability Rating, yellow, at the 3 o’clock position. Alternately, the square-on-point field is permitted to be any contrast of color. If this is the case, then the numbers themselves must be colored coded.

The fourth space at the 6 o’clock position is reserved for indicating unusual reactivity with water. It is designated by the letter “W” with a line through the center. No special color is associated with this symbol. If the space isn’t needed to indicate reactivity with water, only then can the space be used to indicate other unusual hazards. For example, materials that possess oxidizing properties are identified by the letters “OX”.

What Needs To Be On a Label: Chemical manufacturers or distributors must provide the following information on chemicals that leave their facility: Identity of the hazardous chemical(s), appropriate hazard warnings, and name and address of the chemical manufacturer, importer or other responsible party. The employer shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with the following information: Identity of the hazardous chemical(s) contained therein and appropriate hazard warnings.

HMIS & Right-To-Know
The system is characterized by the "diamond shape" that is actually a "square-on-point" shape. It identifies the Hazard Ratings of a material and the degree of severity of the health, flammability, and instability hazards. Hazard severity is indicated by a numerical rating that ranges from zero (0) indicating a minimal hazard, to four (4) indicating a severe hazard. The hazards are arranged spatially as follows: health at nine o'clock position, flammability at twelve o'clock position, and instability at three o'clock position. In addition to the spatial orientation that can be used to distinguish the hazards, they are also color-coded as follows: blue for health, red for flammability, and yellow for instability.

The six o'clock position on the symbol represents special hazards and has a white background. The special hazards in use are W, which indicates unusual reactivity with water and is a caution about the use of water in either fire fighting or spill control response, and OX, which indicates that the material is an oxidizer.

Our HMIS decals and signs are printed using durable inks designed to keep colors vivid for years and not fade under harsh conditions. We can custom design HMIS signs or decals to fit your needs.

For more information, visit: http://www.centurygs.com/Signs/OilGasIndustry/ChemicalHazcom/tabid/341/Default.aspx

Century Graphics & Sign manufactures in-house, can customize any chemical label to suit your needs, and service all of North America and overseas, including the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, Utica Shale, Bakken Shale, and others.

Century, OSHA Safety Signs, and you

OSHA regulates the safety of the sign design. Regardless of the custom aspects your signs may comprise, they need to have rounded or blunt corners and cannot have sharp edges or projections.

Red, black and white are the colors designated for danger signs. Caution signs have a yellow background, and the panel is black with yellow letters. Text used on the yellow background must be black. OSHA requires the wording of safety signs to indicate positive actions rather than negative, and to be concise and easy to read.

Biological hazard signs are used "to signify the actual or potential presence of a biohazard and to identify equipment, containers, rooms, materials, experimental animals, or combinations thereof, which contain, or are contaminated with, viable hazardous agents".

Our safety signs are made to comply with O.S.H.A. regulations and can be made to custom specifications for your company's needs. Just call us toll free at 1-800-228-4467. We'll design the sign to fit your needs, and we can add any phone number(s) you may require.

For more information, visit: http://www.centurygs.com/Signs/FacilityMaintenanceSigns/SafetySignsDecals/tabid/286/Default.aspx

Century Graphics & Sign manufactures in-house, can customize to suit your needs, and services all of North America and overseas, including the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, Utica Shale, Bakken Shale, and others.