In a world where every second counts, the power of visual communication cannot be underestimated. Safety colors, often overlooked, play a crucial role in preventing accidents and saving lives. From the bright red of a stop sign to the cautionary yellow of a warning label, these colors serve as universal signals that transcend language barriers. But how are these powerful visual tools being utilized in industrial settings where worker safety is paramount? In this article, we delve into the significance of safety colors, exploring how they function as the fastest visual language to protect and preserve human life, particularly in environments where safety cannot be compromised.   | Harnessing Safety Colors in Industrial Workspaces The strategic application of safety colors in industrial settings is a critical component of effective communication and risk management. These colors serve as an immediate, non-verbal language that enables workers to identify hazards and safe practices at a glance. The adoption of safety colors dates back to the early 20th century, when industries began standardizing safety practices to better protect workers. Over time, these standardized colors have become a universal language that enhances workplace safety protocols. In the United States, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) developed the Z535 series of standards, which includes the Standards for Safety Signs and Colors. These standards specify the use of red for fire-related hazards and emergency stops, yellow for potential injury hazards, green for safety equipment and exits, blue for mandatory instructions, and orange for dangerous parts or machinery.   Similarly, in the United Kingdom, the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 align with the European Union's Directive on safety signs. These regulations specify similar uses of color: red for prohibitions and fire equipment, yellow for warnings, blue for mandatory instructions, and green for safe conditions or first aid.   | Psychological Aspects of Color Perception in Safety Colors in safety signage are strategically chosen based on their psychological impact, as they evoke specific emotional and cognitive responses. Red, associated with urgency and danger, is used for immediate hazards and emergency stops, prompting quick reactions. Yellow signals caution and high visibility, warning of potential risks like slips or trips. Green conveys safety and permission, marking safe areas and exits, while blue suggests trust and authority, used for mandatory instructions. Orange highlights moderate risks, drawing attention to dangerous machinery parts. These color associations help enhance workplace safety by effectively communicating risks and required actions. Building on these psychological insights, industries in the UK have implemented innovative uses of color to enhance safety and operational efficiency. Since 2016, Build UK, a leading construction trade association, has implemented the Safety Helmet Colours Standards, assigning different helmet colors based on workers’ roles to clearly distinguish responsibilities and areas of work.* * The standard does not apply to Network Rail sites, as their PPE guidelines allow only white and blue helmets on their infrastructure. Additionally, the British Institute of Cleaning Science, developed a universal color code to support the National Patient Safety Agency's (NPSA) National Colour Coding System. This system relied on four core colors: red, blue, green, and yellow. Red was designated for bathrooms and washrooms, blue for general areas, green for catering departments and ward kitchens, and yellow for isolation areas. The NPSA recommended that all National Health Service (NHS) facilities adopt this code as a standard practice, extending its use to healthcare facilities across the nation, from doctor’s surgeries to nursing homes.   | Enhancing Safety Through Color: The SK Innovation Ulsan Complex Experience In South Korea, the SK Innovation Ulsan Complex (Ulsan CLX) is setting a precedent by integrating color into its safety culture. Moving beyond the monotonous grey typical of domestic manufacturing plants, Ulsan CLX, in collaboration with the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency and the Korea Color Universal Design Association, is using safety colors to enhance its safety culture. As part of the "Using Color to Prevent Workplace Accidents" campaign, the facility is building a safety culture through the strategic use of color and design. The Power Plant within Ulsan CLX operates under high temperatures and pressures to produce and supply steam essential for refining and petrochemical operations, serving as an ideal site for validating the impact of safety colors and design. Starting in September last year, Ulsan CLX gathered feedback from on-site staff and developed customized designs based on expert assessments. By November, they implemented safety colors and designs on walkways, evacuation routes, stairs, and curbs within the power plant.   Following implementation, staff reported positive outcomes, noting that color-coded evacuation routes and walkways enabled more rapid responses in emergencies and allowed for immediate identification of hazards. Ulsan CLX plans to evaluate the effects of the safety design and color applications and expand this initiative across the entire complex to establish a sustainable safety culture.   Beyond spoken language, we communicate through gestures, expressions, and other non-verbal cues. Color, too, has long stood as a powerful non-verbal means of communication. In industrial settings, the role of color is paramount—it influences behavior, prevents accidents, and enhances collaboration and productivity. By providing clear boundaries and distinctions, color introduces order and structure to the workplace, acting as a life-saving language. The transformative power of color is making industrial environments safer and more efficient every day, underscoring its vital role in fostering a culture of safety and cooperation.   ■ Related articles - “Safety first!” – Meet SK Enterm Maritime Safety Officers, the heroes of port safety

■ Studies on ultrafast photonic sintering method, LMRO cathode materials published in int’l journals ■ Research raises expectations for improving the cycle life of all-solid-state batteries and advancing the cell manufacturing process using solid electrolytes   SK On, a leading global battery and trading company, today unveiled its latest research and development (R&D) achievements on all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) as the company reinforces its commitment to drive innovations in next-generation battery solutions. SK On said that the findings from its ASSB research projects, conducted in collaboration with renowned Korean universities and institutions, have been recently featured in prestigious international academic journals. The South Korean battery giant also filed patent applications for several of its research findings, both domestically and internationally. SK On’s study with Dr. Jin Ho Kim’s group at Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology focuses on the use of ultrafast photonic sintering* technology in the manufacturing of oxide-rich inorganic-organic composite hybrid solid electrolytes. It is regarded as groundbreaking for applying photonic sintering technology, traditionally used in printed circuit board manufacturing, to the development of ASSBs.  * Photonic sintering: A process that uses intense light energy applied instantaneously to strengthen the bonding of powder particles, resulting in a solid mass with enhanced strength, durability and improved material properties. The research paper was published last week as a cover article ACS Energy Letters, a prestigious journal in the fields of energy and chemistry. Of the nine authors listed, six are SK On members.  ASSBs are batteries that replace the liquid electrolytes found in conventional lithium-ion batteries with solid electrolytes. These solid electrolytes are broadly categorized into sulfide-based, oxide-based, and polymer-based types. To enhance lithium-ion transport pathways and mechanical strength, oxide-based electrolyte materials typically require high-temperature heat treatment at over 1,000 degrees Celsius for more than 10 hours. However, productions costs, along with challenges such as brittle fractures*have posted significant obstacles to scalability. * Brittle fracture: A phenomenon in which a material breaks suddenly without significant deformation. SK On explored photonic sintering, emphasizing its advantages in speed and low-temperature heat treatment, as a potential solution. To optimize the photonic sintering process, the research team first identified inorganic colorants that minimize energy loss from light exposure and applied them to oxide electrolyte materials. By utilizing ultrafast photonic sintering technology, the team was able to generate a porous microstructure with optimal uniformity. Furthermore, the team successfully produced a hybrid solid electrolyte by combining photonic sintering-processed oxide-based materials with a gel polymer electrolyte. Experimental results showed that batteries using this hybrid electrolyte demonstrated excellent cycle life. In another study, SK On explored the potential of lithium- and manganese-rich layered oxide (LMRO) cathodes for sulfide-based ASSBs. This research, conducted with Prof. Kyu Tae Lee’s group at Seoul National University, was featured as a cover article last month in Advanced Energy Materials, a leading journal in energy materials. The study was recognized for its comprehensive understanding on elucidating the degradation mechanism of LMRO cathodes, rather than just their performance. LMRO cathode materials are cost efficient because they are based on manganese, which is cheaper than nickel and cobalt. However, when used with liquid electrolytes in conventional lithium-ion batteries, LMROs face challenges like gas generation, voltage decay and capacity loss, prompting efforts to explore their use in ASSBs. Through various analyses, the group found that oxygen (O₂) released during charge/discharge under high-temperature and high-voltage conditions oxidizes the sulfide solid electrolyte, causing degradation. To address this, the team a special coating material to suppress oxygen release and was able to enhance cycle life. “These achievements are the result of SK On’s proactive R&D efforts and exceptional technical capabilities, creating synergy with experts from academia and institutions,” said Kisoo Park, Head of SK On’s R&D Division. “We will remain committed to advancing R&D to drive leadership in the next-generation battery sector.” SK On is developing two types of ASSBs: polymer-oxide composite and sulfide-based, with commercial prototypes expected by 2027 and 2029, respectively. The company’s solid-state battery pilot facility, currently under construction at its research center in Daejeon, Korea, is set for completion in the second half of 2025.   [Photo 1] Cover of ACS Energy Letters which features SK On’s study with Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology on the ultrafast photonic sintering method.   [Photo 2] Cover of Advanced Energy Materials which features SK On’s study with Seoul National University on LMRO cathode materials. ■ Related articles - SK On upgrades calibration capabilities to strengthen quality control - SK On introduces ‘Job Specialty College’ to enhance workforce expertise

Welcome back to SK Innovation’s Daily Drop, where we uncover the surprising ways petrochemicals add a touch of magic to our everyday lives. When getting ready for Christmas, have you ever wondered what gives your decorations their enchanting allure? From the twinkling lights on your perfectly adorned Christmas tree to the vibrant ornaments, shimmering ribbons, and beautifully wrapped presents, many of these holiday essentials owe their charm to petrochemicals. These innovative materials make our decorations not just dazzling but also durable and versatile. With holiday cheer in the air, let's appreciate how petrochemicals add to the sparkle.   (Swipe left to check the slide)   ■ Related articles - Tumblers: Hydration on the go, powered by petrochemicals - Art Supplies: The hidden magic of petrochemicals in art supplies - Suitcases: Your reliable travel companions packed with petrochemicals - Umbrellas: The petrochemical marvels that shield you from both rain and sun