Tally books have been used across offshore, energy and industrial environments for decades, giving teams a compact way to keep important safety and operational information close at hand.
But a good tally book needs to do more than fit in a coverall pocket. Materials, content, layout, binding and durability all affect how useful it will be in the field.
At XIC in Aberdeen, we design and produce bespoke tally books for businesses operating in demanding environments. Here are the main things to consider when creating yours.
What should you include in a tally book?
A tally book should contain the information your team needs to access quickly while carrying out their role.
Depending on your business, this could include:
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Emergency and muster information
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Safety procedures
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Risk assessment information
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Observation or reporting forms
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Conversion tables
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Technical reference information
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Company or site-specific procedures
Rather than filling pages with generic information, think about how your teams actually work.
Different roles may also benefit from different versions. A mechanical technician, for example, may need different reference information from a QHSE team member.
What materials are best for tally books?
The right material depends on where and how the tally book will be used.
Offshore platforms, workshops, construction sites and other industrial environments can expose printed materials to moisture, oil, dirt and regular handling.
Durable covers, including vinyl, laminated card and synthetic materials, can help protect the contents and extend the life of the book.
Finishing options such as lamination and rounded corners can provide additional protection and help prevent pages and covers becoming damaged through everyday use.
Which binding is best for a tally book?
The best binding depends on the number of pages and how the book will be used.
Spiral binding allows pages to lie flat, which can be useful when making notes. Saddle-stitched books offer a slimmer format, while other binding methods can accommodate larger amounts of reference information.
Pocket size is important too. A tally book needs to contain enough information to be useful without becoming too bulky to carry comfortably.
How should tally book information be designed?
Information should be clear, easy to scan and quick to find.
In a busy working environment, nobody wants to search through pages of small text looking for an important procedure or piece of technical information.
Clear typography, logical sections and colour coding can all make a difference.
At XIC, our design team can help organise complex content into a practical layout, making important information easier to find while keeping the finished book compact.
Should tally books be branded?
Yes. Bespoke tally books can be designed around your company’s branding while still prioritising their practical purpose.
Logos, corporate colours and contact information make books easy to identify, particularly when several teams or contractors are working in the same environment.
Branding can also be incorporated into section dividers, page layouts and covers to create a consistent look t
