Top 3 Ideas
Archive for February, 2010
Traffic safety vests come in many different types and come with a couple different options, so it’s important to know what you are looking for before diving in and buying them. You can get safety vests that are non-reflective, or vests that are highly reflective. Traffic safety vests usually come in a variety of colors, although orange mesh and lime-yellow are the most popular. When weather is an issue, a poncho style traffic safety vest is usually a smart option, they are light weight and have velcro closure.
A ‘Surveyors’ vest is manufactured from a lightweight solid material but is thin enough that you are still comfortable in hot weather, yet still durable enough for your construction needs. Traffic safety vests are designed to be reflective at night yet flourescent during the day, so that drivings can see those wearing them 24/7. Safety vests usually come in one size, so don’t get confused if you can’t find the size options when looking to purchase some.
Solar Powered Barricade Lights – A New Trend
There is no doubt that there is a general movement toward being more ‘green’ on this planet, but some skeptics do exist. I will admit, when solar panels and hybrid vehicles started to come into the market, I always wondered if they did more harm than people realized. There have been claims that making a Toyota Prius produces enough pollution that the increase in gas milage isn’t worth it.
I had this same skepticism when I heard about solar powered barricade lights. I saw the strange shape (compared to battery powered lights) and the high price, and dismissed them thinking they would never catch on. I was wrong because I didn’t give them enough of a chance. If you look at one of my previous posts, I show that solar powered barricade lights are actually more economical over a 3 year outlook compared with batter powered barricade lights. The fact that you don’t have to hire someone to go out and change batteries, and you don’t have to buy new batteries or pay disposal fees makes them even better.
Options for Airport Windsocks
Airport windsocks are pretty easily noticeable, so even if you don’t work in the airport industry or manage an airport, you most likely know what they are. But, if you are looking to order airport windsocks, you should be careful with the size windsock you choose, because the industry prices tend to jump up the bigger you go. For example, a 10″ vs 36″ throat (the part of the sock where the wind comes in) can mean an extra $100 depending on where you buy them from.
When looking at airport windsocks, make sure the price includes the hardware, because no one likes finding a product needs more than it came with to work. Hardware for windsocks can run up to $100 as well, so it can really make a difference. As always, be sure to shop around to different websites or catalogs and learn about the product before you purchase it, so you know you are getting a good deal.
The Versatility of Delineator Posts
One of the most common and cost-effective pieces of traffic safety equipment is the delineator post. Although they feature a very rudimentary design, delineator posts can serve a variety of purposes. The most common use is to help drivers determine where the lane ends and whether or not they are allowed to merge.
Most delineators feature reflective tape so that they can be effective day or night. Many models feature a lip at the bottom so that they can stand alone without a base. Although they are mostly used for traffic, many posts include a loop on top which makes them ideal for attaching caution tape and quickly sanctioning off an area.
What’s a barricade light?
Most people don’t know what a barricade light is. When you explain that they are the yellow blinking lights on top of the orange barrels you see on the highway they usually are quick to understand what you are talking about. But chances are they don’t know about all the different types of barricade lights out there.
There are multiple types of barricade lights; type b barricade lights I mentioned earlier in one of my posts, they are a 24/7 high intensity type barricade light. Type d barricade lights have a dome shaped light at the top, allowing the light to shine 360″ versus the usual bi-directional barricade light where you are not able to see the flash at certain angles. Type A barricade lights flash on and off, and Type B barricade lights burn steady. Type C barricade lights have a switch that changes the light between flashing and steady.
Safety cones
There are many types of safety cones out there, in fact, probably more than you knew existed. For example, did you know they make key chain safety cones? Some traffic cones are as little as 2″ and have phrases on them like “FOLLOW ME” or “MY ZONE DO NOT ENTER”. There are flashing traffic cones, even glow in the dark traffic cones.
Safety cones come in all types of colors as well: Blue, green, yellow, fluorescent green, etc. As noted in one of my earlier posts, a lot of times car washes will have traffic cones in different colors. Another place you may find colored safety cones: one the soccer field – or football, or lacrosse etc. They are very common in sports, especially during practice.
Traffic message boards and theft
A lot of kids, especially in college, think it’s funny to steal traffic cones or other traffic safety products. The problem is, they don’t realize how much these products cost. For example, those big LED boards you see on the side of the highway (traffic message boards) can cost over $20,000. So smashing a message board, rolling it into the woods, or doing other damaging things can lead to more trouble than you think.
In fact, believe it or not, there have been books written about student pranks. Student misbehavior is very common on campuses, especially campuses known for binge drinking. Stealing a traffic sign or vandalizing a message board may be funny, but realize that if caught you could get in way more trouble than initially expected.
Delineator Posts, and all the various forms
There are lots of types of delineator posts out there, so before you choose your post too fast, check out some of the options available. There are “T-top” delineators” and “open top” delineators, the t-top ones are good because you can grab them easier at the top, and the open top ones are just flat on the top and more traditional. Industry heights are roughly; 18″, 28″, 36″, 39″ and 42″.
Reflective tape is very common on these, usually two 3 or 4″ bands. Posts usually come in orange, yellow or white, and switching between colors is not going to mean ordering a large quantity. Posts are usually designed with a lip that comes out at the bottom so it stands alone, but bases are always a good idea – just look out for those shipping costs!
Traffic cones – industry options
Traffic cones usually have a few options available, so when you are updating your inventory, it’s important to know what your choices are. The first and most obvious option is the size of the traffic cone. They usually range from 6″ to 36″, the industry generally makes them in 6″, 12″, 18″, 28″ and 36″. Again, before picking the exact type of cone you want, it’s important to see the specs of the job.
Reflective collars (or reflective tape) is very popular, because traffic cones are usually used on roads (although sometimes people use sports cones). Usually people choose a 4″ and a 6″ band on their cones, but customizing is always an option as well. Weights are also important because you want to make sure the cone doesn’t fall over. 10lb is the most common for the taller cones. The least common option is changing the color from the standard orange to something like flourescent green or yellow, commonly used around car washes. Higher quantities are usually required for this.