Floor Signs & Slippery Floor Boards in Canada
Floor Signs & Slippery Floor Boards — Placement, Wording & Durability (Canada)
1) What counts as a floor “safety sign”?
- A-frame folding signs (classic “Wet Floor / Caution” board).
- Low-profile floor boards/plates that sit flat with anti-slip top and printed message.
- Floor-mount decals/plates for permanent warnings near wash bays, coolers, and entrances.
2) A-frames vs floor boards — which to choose?
A-frame/folding signs — highest visibility in open areas; fast deploy; stackable.
- Ideal for temporary spills, mopping, or snow melt peaks.
- Place multiple units along long approaches or large lobbies.
Floor boards/plates — low profile, anti-slip surface with embedded message.
- Good at chronic wet spots (coolers, dish areas, entrances).
- Won’t blow over near door drafts; can be screwed or taped down.
3) Wording & bilingual messaging (EN/FR).
| English | Français | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| CAUTION — WET FLOOR | ATTENTION — SOL GLISSANT | General spills/mopping |
| FLOOR CLEANING IN PROGRESS | NETTOYAGE EN COURS | During active cleaning |
| WATCH YOUR STEP | ATTENTION À LA MARCHE | Thresholds/level changes |
| USE HANDRAIL | UTILISEZ LA RAMPE | Stairs/ramps |
FR/EN: Afficher bilingue dans les zones publiques / Use bilingual signs in public-facing areas where practicable.
4) Placement rules: distance, line-of-sight, and traffic flow.
- Approach distance: place the first sign where a person can still stop safely — typically 3–5 m before the hazard indoors.
- Line-of-sight: ensure visibility from all likely approaches; use 2+ signs in wide lobbies and corners.
- Routing: if you can, create a dry path around the hazard using additional signs + cones/chain.
- Remove when safe: signs should be temporary and not become trip hazards themselves.
5) Materials & durability — plastic, rubber, aluminum.
| Type | Pros | Watch-outs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injection-moulded PP/HDPE A-frame | Light, bright colours, quick deploy, stackable | Can tip in door drafts; add weight if needed | General cleaning/spills |
| Rubber anti-slip floor boards | High grip, heavy, low-profile | Mind edges in narrow corridors | Persistent wet areas |
| Aluminum/composite plates | Durable print, screw-down or tape-down | Permanent locations only | Entrances, ramps, wash bays |
6) Winter entries: snow, meltwater & mats.
- Use grit-backed entrance mats long enough for full stride (2–3 steps minimum).
- Deploy multiple A-frames from doorway to dry zone; refresh as mats saturate.
- Combine with safety mesh/fencing to redirect foot traffic during heavy mopping.
7) Cleaning & storage — keep signs safe and legible.
- Wipe with mild soap; avoid solvents that fade pictograms.
- Store stacked/nested in a dedicated caddy near cleaning stations.
- Replace cracked hinges, worn anti-slip, or faded print promptly.
8) Common mistakes to avoid.
- One sign for a huge area — people won’t see it. Use multiple along the approach.
- Leaving signs out when floors are dry — they become visual noise and trip hazards.
- Tiny icons only — include clear text (EN/FR) plus pictogram.
9) Accessibility & visibility tips (Canada).
- Maintain clear width in accessible routes; don’t block ramps or door operators.
- Use high-contrast yellow/black printing and reflective accents in dim areas.
- Keep sign edges outside main walking line; stagger to avoid sudden obstacles.
10) Recommended bundles & related pages.
Important Legal/Compliance Note (Canada)
This guide is informational, not legal advice. Floor safety signage and hazard communication are subject to provincial Occupational Health & Safety requirements and municipal bylaws, as well as accessibility rules (e.g., AODA, CSA B651). Where a regulation, standard, or site policy prescribes message language, visibility, or placement, that document prevails. Confirm with your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for site-specific requirements.
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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.