How to Choose the Right Product for Your Site
How to Choose the Right Product for Your Site (Canada)
1) Quick decision map (3 questions)
- Speed & mass? Pedestrians/indoor carts → light devices. Forklifts/cars/trucks → heavier guards/barriers.
- Exposure? Winter salt, sun, and plows → PE/PU bodies + rubber bases, reflective Type III+.
- Duration? Hours/days → portable (cones, A-frames, belt posts). Months/years → anchored (bollards, wheel stops, guardrail).
2) By environment: what to choose
Parking / Outdoor Lots
- Wheel stops (rubber, anchored)
- Reflective signs/boards (HIP/DG)
- Convex mirrors at blind exits
- Posts/delineators with chains/belts
Warehouse / Docks
- Cable protectors (forklift load rated)
- Corner & wall guards
- EN/FR signs + floor markings
- Mirrors on T-intersections
Roadwork / Construction
- Cones + tapers per speed
- Barriers/barricades (water-filled)
- Portable warning signs (EN/FR)
- Solar lamps/flashers
3) By problem: what fixes it
| Problem | Likely Fix | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blind corner collisions | Convex mirror + corner guard | Mount at driver eye-line; check weekly for aim |
| Cars overrunning walkways | Wheel stops + signs | Anchor to concrete/asphalt; use reflective chevrons |
| Trip hazard from cables/hoses | Cable protectors | Select axle/load rating for forklifts if crossing |
| Confused pedestrians at work zones | EN/FR boards + barriers | Keep messages short, high-contrast |
| Low night visibility | Upgrade to HIP/DG reflective + lamps | Darker inks on reflective read better at night |
4) Materials & visibility cheatsheet
Materials
- PE/PU bodies for winter flex (−20 °C) and impact.
- Rubber bases/stops for grip and weight.
- PVC vs PE vs Rubber vs PU — quick comparison.
Reflective classes
- Type I (engineering) → low-speed/indoors
- Type III/IV (high intensity) → roads/parking
- Type IX/XI (diamond grade) → highways/dark sites
5) Budget tiers (Good / Better / Best)
| Tier | When to choose | Typical spec |
|---|---|---|
| Good | Short projects, indoor or low-risk areas | PE cone body + light base, Type I reflective, basic signs |
| Better | Year-round parking/warehouse | PE/PU body + rubber base, Type III reflective, mirrors at corners |
| Best | High risk, night work, public roads | Heavy bases/anchored guards, Type IX/XI reflective, lamps, full signage |
6) Compliance & bilingual notes
- Use EN/FR labeling for public-facing boards and mandatory instructions.
- Match reflective grade to speed zone; see Reflective Sheeting — Classes & Standards.
- For roadwork, follow your provincial work-zone manual and permits.
7) Installation & upkeep essentials
- Anchor wheel stops/guards per substrate and re-torque after winter.
- Clean reflective faces quarterly; salt film kills night visibility.
- Run a monthly check: broken bases, loose anchors, drooping mirrors.
- See Maintenance & Cleaning and Inspection & Replacement.
8) Common mistakes (don’t do these)
- Buying by colour/brand instead of material + reflective grade.
- Using PVC cones outdoors in deep cold — they crack.
- Cheap thin posts with tiny bases in windy lots — they fall and get run over.
- Ignoring EN/FR on public sites in QC/federal zones.
9) Need help? What to send us
Send this via Contact Support for a fast, accurate recommendation:
- Photos of the area (day + night), rough dimensions, and speed/traffic type.
- Climate issue (wind, snow load, salt splash), duration (days vs months).
- Any spec/tender lines (reflective class, colour, materials) and deadline.
10) Legal / policy notes
This guide provides general selection advice. It does not replace requirements in contracts, permits, or standards (CSA, MUTCD/TC, OH&S). Where a document specifies device types, materials, or placements, that document prevails. Verify with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for site-specific obligations.
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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.