Safety Mesh & Temporary Fencing in Canada
Safety Mesh & Temporary Fencing — Visibility, Posts & Weather (Canada)
1) What is safety mesh used for?
- Perimeter control for construction and maintenance zones.
- Snow drift control and wind breaks (orange or green snow fence).
- Pedestrian/channel separation at events and parking lots.
- Debris containment on scaffolds and loading areas.
2) Mesh types & choosing the right one.
| Type | Open Area | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snow/Barrier Mesh (HDPE) | 40–60% | Perimeter & snow control, parking edges | Bright colours (orange/green); UV-stabilized |
| Debris Netting | 20–40% | Scaffolds, overhead work | Fine mesh; tie every 30–45 cm |
| Economy Barrier Tape/Mesh | 60–70% | Short-duration events | Quick to deploy; lower strength |
| Steel/Panel Fencing | Varies | Longer projects, higher security | Ballasted feet; add clamps & couplers |
3) Posts & bases — T-posts, rebar, plastic bases, panels.
- Steel T-posts (preferred outdoors): drive 30–45 cm into ground; clip mesh along height.
- Rebar/U-posts: economy option; add caps for safety.
- Plastic posts + rubber bases: parking lots and pavements; fast deploy.
- Temporary fence panels: use concrete/rubber feet; brace corners and gates.
- For snow fence, set posts upwind of area you want to protect (see wind tips).
4) Fasteners & hardware — clips, ties, wire, clamps.
- T-post clips or UV zip ties every 30–45 cm vertically.
- Galvanized tie wire for high-wind corners and gates.
- Panel clamps/couplers at each panel joint; add bracing on slopes.
- Use yellow/black or red/white chain with posts for entry points.
5) Spacing, height & layout basics (EN/FR).
- Post spacing: start at 1.8–2.4 m (6–8 ft); tighten in wind or with fine mesh.
- Height: typical 1.0–1.2 m for barrier mesh; 1.8–2.4 m for debris/secure areas.
- Bottom edge: keep close to grade; add sandbags on pavements.
- FR/EN: Espacement rapproché par vent / Use tighter spacing in windy sites.
6) Wind/snow performance — Canadian tips.
- Use lower open area (40–50%) mesh for snow fencing to avoid “sail” effect.
- Angle fence slightly from perpendicular to prevailing wind; brace ends with guy lines.
- For snow control, place fence about 10–15× its height upwind of the protected area.
- Add sandbags at bases and reinforce corners with extra posts.
7) Gates, access & signage (bilingual).
- Build simple gate openings with chain/belt and snap hooks.
- Mark entries with EN/FR portable signs and reflective boards.
- Keep minimum clear width for accessibility routes and emergency egress.
8) Inspection & maintenance checklist.
- Weekly: check for torn mesh, loose ties, leaning posts, and panel gaps.
- After storms: re-tension ties, add posts where belly/sag appears.
- Replace UV-chalked or brittle mesh; faded orange reduces visibility at dusk.
9) Reuse, storage & recycling.
- Roll mesh tightly and strap; store out of sunlight to preserve UV life.
- Stack panels vertically with separators to avoid bent frames.
- HDPE/PP mesh is recyclable where facilities exist; keep clean/dry.
10) Bundles & related products.
- Posts & bases with chain rings
- Plastic chains & belts for gates
- Portable signs (EN/FR) for hazards
- Barriers & barricades for high-traffic edges
- Solar warning lamps for night visibility
- Traffic cones to supplement fencing ends
Important Legal/Compliance Note (Canada)
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Temporary fencing and barrier mesh in public or construction areas must follow the applicable Traffic Control Device Manuals (MUTCDC/TAC and provincial manuals such as Ontario OTM Book 7, Québec Tome V, BC TMM) and any municipal by-laws. Where specifications dictate colours, heights, setbacks, or anchoring, that document prevails. Consult 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.