Upgrades and Safety Innovations to Heavy Construction Equipment

A Detailed Discussion on Road Plates

11 March 2019

Veronica Leon

How many times have you taken normal traffic flow for granted?  It makes things easy for you because you get to work or other appointments on time. You never realise the importance of such small things until something goes wrong on the road. Road plates come in handy when pedestrians and motorists need a temporary solution to a broken road or passage. They are good for anyone who's looking to carry out repairs on their business premises with minimal interference to the flow of traffic. If you want to get some road plates for your workers, here is what should you know when buying and using them: 

You Need Strength and Durability 

Certainly, handling pedestrian and motorist traffic can take the breath out of any material. You need something that can withstand the pressure, friction, and abrasive elements of the outdoor environment. Galvanised steel plates are the best option you can find on the market. More specifically, the steel should be heavy duty so that it can handle any kind of vehicle passing over it. 

There are other design elements you need to keep in mind. First, go for a steel plate with holes on all the corners. The holes improve safety when mounting to a lifting plant because your workers can access and move the plate from any side. Additionally, the design allows your workers to bolt the road plate to the ground, improving stability when traffic moves over it. 

Go for Anti-skid Finishes

You must be wary of safety when choosing a road plate, especially when it comes to motorists and cyclists. The road plate you select should replicate a road surface that provides enough traction for vehicles, motorbikes, and bicycles. When choosing your road plate, make sure that the manufacturer has treated it with high-friction aggregates. The aggregates interact with tyres to ensure that moving vehicles and bikes remain on course. There will be no noticeable change in handling and ride comfort for motorists. 

Placement and Use of Road Plates 

The fact that your road plates deliver heavyweight stability for vehicles means that they need proper placement. The exercise should be accurate and safe. You need mechanical hoists such as overhead cranes to lift the plates safely. After installation, make sure your workers check for any displacement when a vehicle passes over the plate. If so, consider bolting the plate further or getting additional fasteners. Lastly, remember to put up warning signs in cases where the road plate causes surface level changes or creates minor ramps. 

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