Convex Mirrors—Height,Angle & Coverage in Canada
Convex Mirrors — Height, Angle & Coverage (Canada)
1) What problems do convex mirrors solve?
- Blind corners at cross-aisles and hallway intersections.
- Garage/driveway exits where pedestrians or vehicles approach from the side.
- Backroom/stockroom doors opening into traffic paths.
- Security observation for aisles and staff-only thresholds.
2) Diameter vs viewing distance — quick sizing table.
| Approx. viewing distance to hazard | Suggested mirror Ø | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| 2–4 m | 300–450 mm (12–18″) | Small corridors, stockroom doors |
| 4–8 m | 600 mm (24″) | Warehouse cross-aisles, small parking exits |
| 8–12 m | 750 mm (30″) | Busy aisles, wider driveways |
| 12–18 m | 900 mm (36″) | Long approaches, large bay doors |
Tip: If you’re between sizes, go larger — it widens field of view and readable detail.
3) 90°, 180°, 360° — which angle/shape to use?
| Type | Coverage | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter dome (90°) | One corridor into another | Right-angle wall corners | Needs ceiling/wall junction space |
| Half dome (180°) | Two directions | T- and X-intersections | Mount central to intersection |
| Full dome (360°) | All-around view | Four-way hubs, open ceilings | Needs headroom; smaller image size |
| Round convex (wall/post) | Adjustable aim | Driveways, docks, corners | Pick correct diameter for distance |
4) Mounting height & tilt for best visibility (EN/FR).
- Indoor foot traffic: set mirror center ~150–170 cm above floor.
- Vehicle aisles/garages: set mirror center ~180–220 cm above floor/grade.
- Tilt: adjust until you can see the earliest point of conflict (forklift bumper, pedestrian line), not the ceiling.
- FR/EN: Centrer à la hauteur des yeux / Center at eye height for users (pedestrians or drivers).
5) Materials: acrylic vs polycarbonate vs glass vs stainless.
| Material | Pros | Watch-outs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Good optical clarity, light, economical | Scratches if cleaned harshly | Indoor retail/office |
| Polycarbonate | Impact-resistant, safer near forklifts | Slightly less optical clarity than acrylic | Warehouses, garages, schools |
| Glass | Best clarity, scratch-resistant | Heavier, breakage risk | Supervised interiors |
| Stainless steel | Vandal/impact resistant, handles salt | Cost, heavier | Outdoor, coastal/salt areas |
6) Indoor vs outdoor — winter, sun, and salt in Canada.
- Use UV-stabilized housings and sealed backs outdoors; snow + sun ages plastics.
- Choose stainless or high-quality polycarbonate where salt spray or plows are present.
- Consider anti-fog/hooded designs at cold exterior doors.
7) Brackets, hardware & stability (walls, posts, ceilings).
- Wall/post brackets: choose multi-axis tilt with lock nuts to hold aim after vibration.
- Anchors: match substrate — masonry anchors for block, wood screws for studs, flanged clamps for posts.
- Ceiling domes: use chain kits or rigid stems; verify headroom and sprinkler clearance.
8) Coverage checks — what to see and what to avoid.
- From the approach line, you should see at least one wheel (vehicle) or full shoulders (pedestrian) entering your mirror view.
- Avoid glare: shift/tilt to dodge direct windows or high-bay lights.
- For security, aim to capture faces at 2–4 m rather than distant silhouettes.
9) Inspection, cleaning & replacement schedule.
- Monthly: check aim, bracket tightness, and cracks; re-aim after impacts.
- Clean with microfiber + mild soap; no abrasives on acrylic/PC.
- Replace when image gets hazy or reflective layer delaminates.
10) Bundles & related products.
- Reflective signs & boards at approaches
- Traffic posts & delineators for protected corners
- Wheel stoppers near walls/equipment
- Cable/hose ramps in shared walk/drive paths
- Solar warning lamps for low-light garages
- Wall & corner guards at impact points
Important Legal/Compliance Note (Canada)
This guide is informational, not legal advice. Mirror use in workplaces must follow provincial Occupational Health & Safety requirements and site traffic management plans. For public roads or entrances affecting road traffic, consult applicable Traffic Control Device Manuals and municipal by-laws. Where standards or policies set visibility/placement rules, that document prevails. Confirm with your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for site-specific approval.
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The Biri Group is a supplier of building materials that specializes in the production and manufacture of road and traffic safety products, including traffic signs, building materials, and hoses.
At Biri Group, we are dedicated to providing innovative solutions for road and traffic safety. Our portfolio includes a wide range of products, including traffic signs, building materials, and hoses. Our state-of-the-art production and manufacturing unit, Biri Industries, located in RAK, allows us to efficiently produce products to meet the demands of the market.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond just our products. We believe in building long-lasting relationships with our customers and partners and providing exceptional customer service. Our team of experts is always available to assist with any questions or concerns and provide guidance on selecting the right product for your needs.
At Biri Group, we are constantly striving to improve and offer better, stronger products. We take pride in our ability to adapt to the changing market and provide innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Thank you for considering Biri Group for your traffic safety needs. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and help make your roads safer.