Daily Life

Labelling domestic equipment

Summary: Information about the ways you can label domestic equipment to make it easier and safer to use.

• Introduction
• Labelling simple controls
• Labelling touch control panels
• Accurate control adaptation
• Other labelling ideas
• Ordering information and prices
• Organisations and individuals offering brailling services
• Factsheet - alternative formats

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Ideas for labelling domestic equipment to make it easier and safer to use.

Introduction

Many domestic appliances, such as kettles, can be used by blind and partially sighted people without any adaptations. However, some items, such as washing machines, can be almost impossible for a blind person to use unless the controls have raised or clear print markings to indicate the different settings and uses of each knob or button. In an ideal world, all controls would be designed with tactile markings and large, clear contrasting letters and numbers so that all customers could use them easily, but this is not always the case.

This leaflet suggests ways in which you can label domestic equipment to make it easier and safer for people with sight loss to use. The suggested methods do not need special technical skills, just a little thought and the confidence to experiment.

All the labelling products mentioned in this factsheet can be purchased from RNIB Customer Services or via the online shop

Telephone: 0845 702 3153
Email: cservices@rnib.org.uk

For more information on ordering, prices and postage please see section 6.

As standard practice, when buying equipment like washing machines, microwaves, cookers, thermostats and central heating programmers, why not ask your supplier about having tactile markings added to the appropriate panel? Please see section 4 for further information.

Labelling simple controls

Bumpons

Sheets of 56 Bumpons

Large round clear dome head (DL14)
Round black dome head (DL18)
Round orange flat head (DL15)
Round blue flat head (DL36)
Round yellow flat head (DL35)

Sheets of 72 Bumpons

Small round clear dome head (DL24)

Sheets of 108 Bumpons

Square black flat head (DL17)
Square pink flat head (DL34)

Mixed packs of Bumpons

Mixed colour pack (DL41)
Mixed shapes pack (DL42)

Bumpons are self-adhesive markers in various sizes, shapes and colours which can be stuck to an appliance to mark intermediate settings, for example on an oven knob. For Bumpons to stick well, the surface of the appliance should be dry, flat and as clean as possible and care must be taken not to touch the adhesive once the backing has been removed. If space permits, a large Bumpon could be used to mark the "off" position, and smaller Bumpons used to mark the intermediate positions. Many partially sighted people find the round orange Bumpon (DL15) is particularly useful. The large clear Bumpon (DL14) slightly magnifies any print underneath it.

The mixed colour pack (DL41) contains: 7 yellow round flat head; 7 orange round flat head; 7 blue round flat head; 6 pink square flat head; 6 black square flat head.

The mixed shapes pack (DL42) contains: 7 round yellow flat head; 6 square black flat head; 7 large clear dome head; 6 small clear dome head.

Tacti-Mark

Single tubes

Orange (DL40)
Black (DL40A)
White (DL40W)

Pack of 3 tubes

One of each colour (DL40MULTI)
Orange (DL40OMULTI)
Black (DL40AMULTI)
White (DL40WMULTI)

Tacti-Mark is a non-toxic liquid that when applied to a surface dries and hardens within hours of application. Tacti-Mark comes in a bottle with a fine point nozzle, capable of accurate marking. This product can be used on clothing, paper, metals, and hard plastics (please note that is does not stick to flexible plastics) and enables you to mark items such as cooker controls, washing machines, thermostats, etc. Tacti-Mark is available in three colours: fluorescent orange, black and white.

Braille or large print labels

Braille labeller (DL65)

Replacement braille alphabet dial for the Braille labeller (DL20)
Replacement large print dial for the Braille labeller (DL21)

Clear 12mm wide Dymo tape (DL53)
Black 12mm wide Dymo tape (DL54)

The Braille labeller gun (DL65) can be used by anyone who needs to produce braille labels; knowledge of braille is not necessary. The white alphabet dial shows the alphabet in braille with black print letters. Simply select the required letter from the alphabet dial, squeeze the gun and a braille character of that letter will be embossed onto the Dymo tape (DL53/54). Continue to select letters to produce words in braille. Remove the self-adhesive backing strip from the Dymo tape and stick the label to any hard surface. The Braille labeller (DL65) produces grade 1 braille and some grade 2 contractions. A replacement print/braille dial (DL20) is available and also a large print dial, which produces letters in 20 point font size (DL21) which can be used to convert the labeller into a large print labeller. Note that print letters or braille characters will be embossed in white on the black Dymo tape (DL54).

Keyboard labels

Large print easy peel keyboard stickers

Black text on white background (HK32)
White text on black background (HK33)
Black text on yellow background (HK34)

Large print laptop keyboard stickers

Black text on white background (HK20)
White text on black background (HK21)
Black text on yellow background (HK22)

Increase the visability of the keys on standard computer keyboards and laptop keyboards using these high visibility keyboard stickers which are easy to remove from the backing sheet enabling quick and easy application. One set of stickers per pack and this includes all keys on a modern keyboards with a full set of symbols, letters, numbers and function keys. The font size ranges from 20-38 point, with the main letters being in 38 point.

Loc dots labels, pack of 6 (DL16)

Supplied in packs of six self-adhesive dots, these tactile, clear, self-adhesive "locator" dots can be used to mark keys on a computer or typewriter keyboard eg the "home keys": ASDF and JKL: or for central heating or music player controls, or a telephone keypad (eg the 5).

Labelling touch control panels

Braille labels

Plastic self-adhesive labelling sheets, pack of 8

Black, 280mm x 290mm (DL10)
Clear, 280mm x 290mm (DL11)

CD case sized plastic self-adhesive sheets, pack of 50

Clear, 119mm x 119mm (DL52)

Clear self-adhesive labels, pack of 100

75mm x 50mm (DL66)
100mm x 50mm (DL68)

The black or clear self-adhesive sheets (DL10/11/52) and the clear self-adhesive labels (DL66/68) are ideal for producing braille labels. They can be embossed using a braille machine such as a Perkins brailler or with a hand frame and the sheets can be cut to the size of your choice. Print can be seen underneath the clear labels. The sheets have a pre-scored backing sheet for easy removal. Suitable for labelling freezer items and easy to peel from the backing sheet.

Self-adhesive labels are particularly useful when specific information is needed. They can be used on clean, flat surfaces, e.g. the touch panel of a microwave oven. Braille takes up more space than print, so there is only room for one or two braille characters at each point of a touch pad panel.

If you have a Braille labeller (DL65) you can use Dymo tape (DL53/54) to produce small labels.

Alternatively, letters and numbers can be embossed on these sheets and labels using a braille frame or writing machine. The labels can then be cut to size and used on the touch pad to indicate different controls and settings. Avoid pressing on the braille characters as you stick the label on to the touch pad, as this could flatten the dots and make them difficult to read.

You can produce braille labels yourself or have them produced for you to cut to size by one of the braillists listed in section 7. They charge in the region of £5 to £10 for a sheet of microwave labels. RNIB Customer Services can supply you with a braille/print alphabet card (PR10223) to help you identify numbers and letters.

Moon labels

Moon alphabet sheets

24 point, standard size (ZM25)
36 point, 1 ½ x standard size (ZM26)
48 point, double standard size (ZM27)

StaffsMaths Moon number sheets

24 point, standard size (ZM29)
36 point, 1 ½ x standard size (ZM30)

Moon alphabet and number sheets are useful for making Moon labels for all manner of items, such as food containers, games, CDs and important documents. Each yellow A4 self-adhesive sheet is packed with Moon letters and punctuation signs or Moon numbers and basic arithmetic signs. Characters can be cut out and used as required. Characters are available in three font sizes.

You can make labels yourself, or contact RNIB's Customer Liaison Team, who offer a Moon label service, producing specific labels for customers. Telephone: 01733 37 52 34.

Raised large print labels

Braille labeller (DL65)
Replacement large print dial for the Braille labeller (DL21)

Clear 12mm wide Dymo tape (DL53)
Black 12mm wide Dymo tape (DL54)

To label equipment for someone who does not read braille or Moon, you can produce raised large print characters, by using a Braille labeller (DL65) and replacing the braille dial with the Replacement large print alphabet dial. This dial produces letters in 20 point font size (DL21) (See page 5). Letters will be embossed in white on the black Dymo tape (DL54). Please note that only very large characters can be distinguished by touch.

Print labels

White self-adhesive labels

Pack of 48, 50mm x 25mm (DL56)
Pack of 36, 75mm x 30mm (DL57)
Pack of 24, 305mm x 30mm (DL58)
Pack of 34, 100mm x 50mm (DL59)
Pack of 48, 75mm x 125mm (DL60)
Pack of 24, 305mm x 125mm (DL61)

Clear self-adhesive labels

Pack of 100, 75mm x 50mm (DL66)
Pack of 100, 100mm x 50mm(DL68)

Berol black ink pens

Colourfine, width 0.6mm, pack of 3 (DW26)
Colourfine, width 0.6mm, pack of 12 (DW27)
Colourboard, width 1.7mm, pack of 3 (DW28)
Colourboard, width 1.7mm, pack of 12 (DW29)

Pilot black ink pens

V Signpen, width 0.6mm, pack of 3 (DW31)
V Signpen, width 0.6mm, pack of 12 (DW32)

Permanent black ink pens

Permanent felt tip marker, pack of 3 (DW34)

Many people with some useful sight find embossed marking unnecessary and prefer to mark controls with large print labels written with a thick marker pen using waterproof ink. These labels can be used to label a variety of articles around the home, including food packaging, computer disks and document files. They can be embossed or written on with indelible ink. Our permanent ink felt pen (DW34) is ideal to use with these labels.

RNIB offer a range of black ink pens of various widths. Many local societies for blind and partially sighted people write clear, large print labels for a small fee. Details of these services are available from RNIB Customer Services.

There are a wide range of Dymo machines available which produce large print labels. For details of your local stockist contact:

Esselte UK Ltd, Waterside House, Cowley Business Park, High Street, Cowley, Uxbridge UB8 2HP.
Telephone: 01895 878700.

Accurate control adaptation

Some appliances, such as washing machines and microwave ovens with dial controls need to be set accurately in order for the appliance to work properly and reliably. These controls can be quite difficult to mark.

RNIB co-ordinates a service for manufacturers, putting tactile markings on their appliances. A hole is drilled in the appropriate place on the control knob or panel and a stud is fitted. Large and small studs are used to indicate different settings; eg a large stud may be used to mark every five minutes on a timer dial and a small one to indicate single minutes.

To make use of this service, the shop selling the product should approach the manufacturer, who will liaise with RNIB for the work to be carried out. The manufacturer is charged for this service. However they do not pass this charge onto the customer.

Other labelling ideas

Brightly coloured tapes

Day-glo orange tape (DL55)

This brightly-coloured day-glo orange tape made from a strong, self-adhesive fabric can be used in long strips or cut into smaller pieces or shapes for labelling. It has many uses around the home and office, such as outlining light switches, taping around worktops and desks to show edges, and to label packaging. It can also be written on, using a permanent marker pen. Best results are obtained when applied firmly and evenly to a clean, dry surface. The tape is supplied on rolls that are 25mm wide and 33 metres long.

Colour indicating buttons

Primary coloured buttons 10 in each pack

Black square (DH24)
White circle (DH25)
Brown hexagon (DH26)
Red cross (DH27)
Yellow flower (DH28)
Green shamrock (DH29)
Blue star (DH30)
Pink triangle (DH31)

Mixed packs

16 primary coloured buttons, 2 of each (DH97)
Black, white, brown, red, yellow, green, blue, pink

16 buttons fashion coloured buttons, 2 of each (DH98)
Orange, mauve, peach, cream, beige, navy, grey, turquoise

These buttons are designed to help you identify different coloured items of clothing. Available in 16 different shapes and colours, each button has two holes in its centre so that it can be sewn into your clothes. Can be washed and dry cleaned.

Audible and talking labels

Electronic locator (DL64)

Locate lost items easily and quickly with this handy electronic locator. The transmitter is similar in size to a TV remote control and has four buttons, each with a different colour which represents the four different receivers. The receivers can be attached to items around your home such as keys, mobile phone, handbag or remote control, using the two keyrings and two self-adhesive pads provided.

To locate a lost receiver and the item it is attached to, press and hold the button on the transmitter, and the corresponding receiver emits a loud beeping sound to help you locate the item. The transmitter can send a radio signal through walls and floors, locating items up to 25 metres away.

The transmitter is supplied with one A23S 12V battery, and the receivers with one CR2032 3V battery each. Replacement batteries are available from RNIB (product codes CP19 and CP08). The receivers have an audible low battery warning.

Talking Tins

Starter pack, 3 labels, 1 elastic strap, 1 metal disc (DK90)
Single pack, 1 label, 1 elastic strap, 1 metal disc (DK91)

Talking tins are a unique product designed to help you identify the contents of tinned food and many other items around you home. The device is yellow with black contrasting buttons and has a recording time of up to eight seconds. Talking tins fit on all standard tin lids, including tins with ring pulls. A built-in magnet secures the cap to any steel tin and the design still allows for tins to be stacked one on top of each other.

You can also use the talking tin on other containers and packets, such as bottles, sprays and other cleaning products by using the self-adhesive metal disc or elastic strap provided. Please note that this product is NOT freezer or dishwasher safe.

Easy recording and playback make this gadget straightforward to use. Use again and again - simply record a new message over the current one. The starter pack includes four LR44 alkaline batteries.

Recordable voice pad, black (DC09)

This slimline audio label enables you to attach a personalised message to gifts, cards and everyday items. Record a message of up to ten seconds, such as a piece of music, personal message or reminder for yourself. An adhesive patch on the back of the pad, enables it to be stuck on greetings cards of your own choice or to a gift to add a personal touch. Use them around your home to identify everyday items.

The message is simply recorded by pressing down an indentation on the right-hand side of pad. Wait for a few seconds and speak clearly into the pad. The message can be re-recorded until you are happy with the result. The pad is supplied with a battery, which cannot be replaced.

Talking label voice recorder (DH210)

This white talking label allows you to record a message of up to 60 seconds and can be used to detail prescription information and be attached to medicine packaging using the long metal clip on the back. You can also use it to attached notes to folders, books or boxes or to leave someone a short message.

To record, simply press in the record button on the back with a pen and speak into the front. You can re-record over an existing message. Your message can be heard by pressing the large green button on the front of the label.

Fitted with four AG10 button cell batteries and supplied with four spare batteries. Further batteries can be purchased from RNIB (product code CP20).

Labelling magnetic surfaces

Magnetic labelling sheets (DL63)

These white magnetic labelling sheets are supplied in a pack of five A4-sized sheets and are ideal for labelling flat metal surfaces around the home in braille or large print, such as the fridge and medicine cabinet. These labels are not suitable for labelling curved surfaces. To label food cans use the Plastic faced rubber strip with magnetic backing (DL09) described below. Please note these sheets do not stick to metal with an aluminium content.

They can be embossed using a braille machine such as a Perkins brailler or with a hand frame and written on using a variety of pens including biro, highlighters and marker pens. The sheets can be cut to the size of your choice.

Plastic faced rubber strip with magnetic backing (DL09)

A one metre magnetic rubber strip which is ideal for labelling cans of food in braille. The strip can be embossed using a braille machine such as a Perkins brailler or with a hand frame using firm pressure. Can be cut to the lengths of your choice. Please note these sheets do not stick to metal with an aluminium content.

Labelling electrical plugs

Some people find it helpful to mark their electrical plugs using the methods suggested in this leaflet. This can be particularly helpful if there is more than one electrical appliance in the same socket. Plugs of different colours and shapes also help identification.

Ordering information and prices

Please contact RNIB Customer Services or visit our online shop to check prices and availability.

RNIB prices include VAT, except where there are two prices. In this case the lower price excludes VAT and applies to individuals with sight loss, resident in the UK, who are exempt from paying VAT on products that have been solely designed for use by people with sight loss. This also applies to charities including voluntary organisations that buy for or on behalf of individuals with sight loss.

Delivery charges: RNIB will recover delivery costs where postage charges are incurred. Single copies of leaflets to individuals or orders delivered as Articles for the Blind will not incur delivery charges. Delivery charges will be based on the value of the items attracting postage costs on the following scale:

Up to £10 value = £1 delivery
£10.01 - £30 = £2.95 delivery
£30.01 and above = £4.95 delivery

There may be a courier cost for high value or large orders for security and insurance reasons.

To place UK orders please contact:

RNIB Customer Services, PO Box 173, Peterborough, PE2 6WS.
Telephone: 0845 702 3153
Fax: 01733 37 50 01
Minicom: 0845 7585 691
Email: cservices@rnib.org.uk
Or visit our online shop

For information on RNIB Export prices please contact:

RNIB Exports, PO Box, 173, Peterborough, PE2 6WS. England
Telephone: +44 (0) 1733 37 54 00
Fax: +44 (0) 1733 23 85 41
Email: exports@rnib.org.uk

Export prices are paid on all goods going overseas. Postage may be charged in addition.

Organisations and individuals offering brailling services

Cardiff Institute for the Blind - Richard Evans
Telephone: 029 2048 5414
Fax: 029 2046 5222
Email: postmaster@cibi.co.uk

Judy Furse
Telephone: 01793 64 43 46

Voluntary Transcribers Group - Mrs W Batchelor
Telephone: 0121 453 4268

Factsheet - alternative formats

This factsheet is available in the following formats from RNIB Customer Services:

FS31 - Print, 16 point
FS32 - Braille
FS33 - Tape
FS34 - Audio CD

Revised July 2007

Content author: cservices@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 08/04/2008 18:38