Inspection and Replacement — Fail Points to Watch in Canada
Inspection & Replacement — Fail Points to Watch (Canada)
1) Inspection cadence — monthly, quarterly, seasonal
| Frequency | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | Clean visible faces, tighten obvious hardware, note replacements | Dirt hides reflectivity; loose parts fail under load |
| Quarterly | Deep check: reflectivity, cracks, battery capacity, anchor torque | Catches slow failures before peak season |
| Seasonal | Before/after winter: salt rinse, re-aim mirrors, re-mark parking, re-torque anchors | Freeze–thaw and plows shift everything |
2) Traffic cones & posts — bodies, collars, bases
- Bodies: retire cones/posts with cracks, splits, or UV brittling; rotate faded units.
- Retro collars/bands: replace if torn, peeled, or dull at night. Clean with mild soap only.
- Bases: swap if fractured or if the stem fit is sloppy (wobbles or falls off).
- Stability: if a cone tips in a normal door draft, it’s underweighted — add heavier bases or sandbags.
3) Belts, chains & barriers — tension, hardware, feet
- Retractable belts: cassette must retract smoothly; frayed edges or broken brake = replace cassette.
- Plastic chain: replace chalked/brittle links; metal hooks closed and not bent.
- Barrier panels/frames: no cracks at hinge points; feet clamp tight; no missing pins.
- Wind use: add ballast or sandbags; if panels “walk,” you need heavier bases or different kit.
4) Reflective signs/boards — brightness & mounting
- Night check: if legends aren’t bright and crisp at normal approach, replace the face (don’t fight dead sheeting).
- Hardware tight, no rattles; use stainless/aluminum outdoors; fix galvanic mixes.
- Boards flat and clean; no delamination or chalking; edges sealed where spec’d.
5) Convex mirrors — aim, clarity & brackets
- Aim: from approach, you should see the conflict path (wheel/shoulders). If you see ceiling or floor, re-aim.
- Lens: replace hazy, crazed, or cracked mirrors; clean acrylic/PC with soap + microfiber only.
- Bracket: lock nuts tight; no droop after vibration or bumps.
6) Solar warning lamps — charge, seals & optics
- Charge: test after 24 h; if runtime is short, replace battery (prefer LiFePO4 in cold regions).
- Seals: gaskets not cracked; water in housing = pull from service until repaired.
- Optics: lenses clear, no crazing; flash rate consistent; brackets tight.
7) Cable protectors/ramps — hinges, lids & traction
- Hinges/lids open/close smoothly; no broken teeth or exposed cables.
- Top surface has grip; replace sections with worn tread or cracks through hinge line.
- Modules lock together without gaps; ramps sit flat with no rocking.
8) Wheel stoppers & guards — anchors & migration
- Re-torque anchors; replace spun anchors or cracked substrates.
- Look for “migration” (creep from impacts). If shifted, re-position and re-anchor; add posts/flags for plow season.
- Reflectors/chevrons intact and bright; replace missing sets.
9) Records, tagging & EN/FR visibility
- Keep a simple log: date • item • location • finding • action. Photos help.
- Tag “Out of Service / Hors service” on unsafe items until removed or repaired.
- Public/visitor zones: use EN/FR messages and keep faces clean and high-contrast.
10) Replacement thresholds — pull it from service
| Item | Replace when… | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cones & posts | Cracked body; base fracture; can’t stand upright; collars dull/torn | Underweighted cones tip → add heavier bases or swap model |
| Belts/chain/barriers | Frayed belt, failed brake; brittle chain; broken feet/hinges | Do not field “tape repair” a belt cassette |
| Signs/boards | Night test fails; face chalked/delaminated; loose hardware | Upgrade to HIP/DG in cluttered or long approaches |
| Convex mirrors | Hazy or cracked lens; won’t hold aim; bracket slop | Consider hooded/anti-fog at exterior doors |
| Solar lamps | Runtime < 50% of spec after full charge; water ingress; failed flash | Replace battery first; if seal is compromised, replace unit |
| Cable protectors | Cracked hinge; warped module; non-locking connectors | Trips and cable damage risk — remove immediately |
| Wheel stops & guards | Loose/missing anchors; chunked rubber; severe shift | Re-anchor and re-mark for plows |
Important Legal/Compliance Note (Canada)
This page is informational, not legal advice. Workplace inspection and maintenance must follow provincial Occupational Health & Safety requirements and your internal safety program. Where manufacturer instructions, contracts, or standards set inspection intervals or replacement criteria, those documents prevail. Consult your 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.