Whether you’re a student, an employee, or a government worker, carrying identification cards is a must. They are versatile tools that can grant users access to the workplace or school, authenticate their identity, and promote a brand name, among other things.
It is imperative to prevent damage to ID cards as they are essential, legitimate documents that prove one’s identity. Critical measures such as using a sturdy ID badge holder can help make identification cards damage-proof to a vast extent.
Following are plenty of other effective ways to keep ID cards safe from harm.
Use With Care
It’s essential to be careful when using an ID card, as regular rough use can cause significant wear and tear to it. Being mindful when taking it out of the pocket or handbag will go a long way in keeping it scratch-proof.
Also, professions such as pharmacology and forensic science involve dealing with potentially hazardous chemicals daily. Exposure to these chemicals can also cause damage to the cards. So, it is vital to put the card away when working under these circumstances. An easy solution is to keep it on the work desk or inside the coat pocket.
Laminate the Cards
Lamination is an effective way to protect the printed part of the card from melting off, cracking, or fading away. Also, it adds an elegant glean to the surface of the ID card while protecting it from scratches. Another good reason to consider lamination is that it is only a couple of millimeters thick, adding no extra bulk to the card.
Even if you keep them in the purse, the lamination on the ID cards protects them from scratches by coins, keys, and other hard-edged things.
Invest in an ID Badge Holder
A laminated ID card is not very effective by itself. But if you encase it in a holder, the card is more expertly protected. ID card holders come in various colors, sizes, shapes, and materials. You can pick one depending on the type of ID you will store in the holder and how often you will use it. For instance, plastic holders are suitable for humid work environments such as factories. In contrast, an armband ID holder is apt for military or security personnel as they need to display their cards at all times.
Flexible badge holders are best for student ID cards as they can make identification and access easier.
Other prominent types of badge holders include ridge holders that can prevent a card from bending. They also come in waterproof varieties to protect against moisture damage. Then there are color badge holders that help companies make a distinction between organizational roles and departments.
Also, attaching the ID badge holder to a lanyard you can wear around the neck is a good idea. It makes the ID card easily portable while also keeping users from misplacing them.
Protect From Light Exposure
Sun exposure can cause significant damage to ID cards, causing them to fade or discolor. However, even harsh lights can harm them. That’s why several museums do not allow visitors to take pictures of paintings and other artwork exhibits that involve color. The intense light from the flash can harm pigments in the displays, causing discoloration. The loss from this will be of immense magnitude since these exhibits are priceless, historical works of art.
Similarly, it is essential to protect ID cards from potential damage by harsh lights. If you have an outdoor job, you can keep the ID card in your pocket so that it stays hidden from sunlight. Otherwise, keeping it in a drawer or on the desk under normal circumstances should suffice. However, in offices that use energy-saving LED lights which are less harsh, this will not be a big issue.
