BS 8442 lays out basic practices for maintaining safety and communicating messages to drivers and pedestrians.
BS 8442 specifies requirements and tests (see Note) for rigid and flexible portable signs, barriers, self-supporting portable signs, “Stop/Go” and “Stop/Works” signs, school crossing patrol signs, flat traffic delineators, flap signs, pedestrian crossing, and refuge beacons, internally illuminated posts, twin amber flashing light units, non-retroreflecting road studs, and retroreflective self-righting bollards.
Note: Non-retroreflecting road studs incorporating an active light source are not covered by BS 8442.
Note: The tests given in BS 8442 are suitable for both initial type testing and production testing.
BS 8442 on miscellaneous road traffic signs and devices is useful for:
Markers, signs, and signal devices used to advise, direct, and regulate traffic, including pedestrians, motor vehicle drivers, and bicycles, are known as road traffic control devices. They are known to play a critical role in road safety, and thus their quality and performance is vital to minimize accidents and hazards.
BS 8442 provides best industry guidance on self-supporting rigid portable signs, portable barriers, self-supporting flexible portable signs, manually operated portable “Stop/Go” and “Stop Works” signs, portable school crossing patrol signs, flat traffic delineators (FTDs), and fixed, permanent, manually operated flap signs, amongst others.
Optimal quality and performance of these devices and signs, verified by BS 8442-compliant test methods can assist you in maintaining orderly traffic flow and reducing the number of confrontations between cars approaching junctions from different directions.
Thus, if you are a manufacturer or road safety authority, you can ensure that the road traffic signs and devices installed play a positive role in ensuring safety of road users and pedestrians.