Convex mirrors are one of the most effective safety tools to ensure smooth traffic flow in and around your premises.
But what exactly are convex mirrors, and how are they helpful in achieving a safer work environment?
Whether it’s your business, warehouse, loading zone driveway – or even around your private property – convex mirrors, also known as diverging mirrors, can reduce collisions and potentially dangerous incidents around the workplace.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is a Convex Mirror?
A convex mirror is a curved mirror that alerts drivers of potential oncoming traffic or other potential risks when placed in the correct position. The mirror is made of reflective glass formed, so it bulges outward, providing a broader view of whatever appears in the reflection. A concave mirror would do the exact opposite – and a plane mirror is a flat surface you’re used to in your bathroom.
What is a Convex Mirror used for?
The uses of convex mirrors are many – from rearview mirrors on cars and forklifts to anti-theft. However, one of the most effective uses is reflecting spaces usually invisible to the naked eye and alerting people to oncoming danger around a corner.
They can also help spot danger – or even work as a theft deterrent. You can see convex mirrors in almost any factory, loading zone, or busy work environment where there’s heavy traffic and movement of people, products, and machinery.
Convex mirrors help protect against vehicle collisions
A convex mirror is an excellent safety measure, allowing drivers to see areas they would generally assume is a blind spot. Mirroring the broader surroundings – can help avoid costly or even fatal injuries. Placing the appropriate mirror at a road junction – or in a cross-traffic area in a factory, warehouse, or loading zone- can be a crucial safety feature for car/forklift drivers and pedestrians.
Advantages of Convex Mirrors
Convex mirrors are a no-fuss solution to your safety needs. As opposed to virtual images, live CCTV, or other safety tools, convex mirrors are reliable and a one-time installation that does not require electricity or maintenance.
Here are some more benefits:
- Displays a more comprehensive view of blind spot areas
- One time installation
- Long lifetime
- Proven safety record
Different types of safety mirrors
Here at Image Extra, we stock a range of convex mirrors designed to improve traffic safety inside and around your premises. Here are some of the types of convex mirrors you can choose from:
- Indoor convex mirror – designed specifically for indoor use and can be easily mounted on a wall.
- Stainless Steel convex mirror – impact-resistant and reinforced to withstand potential vandalism.
- Convex spherical mirror – this provides a complete 360-degree view of the surroundings. It’s specially designed to be mounted on the ceiling or suspended from above.
- High visibility and outdoor convex mirrors – for ultimate durability, these weather-resistant convex mirrors feature reflective surfaces that make them ultra-visible to drivers under challenging conditions.
- Round-tangular reflective mirror – these mirrors are intelligent designs that allow pedestrians and other traffic to have an even more expansive view of blind spots.
Where should you mount a convex mirror?
A convex mirror is useless until it’s placed in the correct position at the right height. This can be a complicated process if you’re not well acquainted with how these mirrors work – and you may find it helpful to get professional advice on installation from the experts here at Image Extra.
A convex mirror must be mounted in a specific way to ensure its maximum utility is used – thus providing a safer work environment.
Here are some tips on where to mount a convex mirror:
- Mount a mirror where objects of concern can be seen in detail about 5 to 12 metres away.
- The typical mounting height for a convex mirror is between 2 and 3 metres – this will depend on the location and traffic type.
- Position the reflecting surface to allow for the widest and most detailed view of the blind spot.
- Priorities accident-prone areas and ensure the mirror does not interfere with the safety and traffic flow.
- Mount so the mirror’s surface does not reflect a light source into the drivers’ eyes. This could be from sunlight – or an interior light nearby.
- If your mirror is for security purposes – ensure you position the curvature to capture the exact areas you want to monitor.
- Ensure you’re installing a mirror with a suitable material to suit its location and surrounding environment.
Combine convex mirrors with other traffic safety equipment
Convex mirrors are highly effective at preventing unexpected injury and collisions – but they shouldn’t be your only approach to ensuring smooth traffic around your site. Use of speed humps, appropriate way-signing, and traffic cones should, where necessary, feature in your traffic safety arsenal.
Secure your premises with curved mirrors
Installing a curved security mirror can give workers and the public a wider field of view, which can help promote a safe and secure working environment and minimise risks to people. Reflective convex mirrors also provide security to areas otherwise hidden from view.
A safer workplace also means less damage to goods and products.
Invest in the safety of your workplace today – get in contact with the experts at Image Extra.