Choosing Your
Security or Safety Mirror
 
  
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When choosing your mirror, there are a few practical things you need to consider;

here are just a few examples of mirror types

driveway
mirror

traffic
mirror

industrial
mirror
general purpose
mirror		 retail security
mirror

search
mirror

What type of mirror do I need?

 

The use to which the mirror will be put will normally determine the type of mirror you need; 

If for instance, you are looking for a mirror to help you exit safely from your driveway onto a busy road where visibility is limited, cost is likely to be a key consideration, ...but you will still need a mirror which will perform (and last for a number of years) when used in an outdoor environment.

If however you are looking to solve a similar problem for employees or the public at large, at a busy road junction or tricky site exit, a larger format, high visibility mirror (i.e. with a red and white reflective border) will be the key considerations

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What size of mirror do I need?

 
Maximum suggested viewing distance

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MVD

Imagine looking at a mirror that is just 150mm (6") in diameter, when you are standing 20 metres away from it. 

Most of us would be hard pressed to see a mirror of that size at that distance, let alone make sense of the reflected image it offers. 

When choosing the size of your mirror therefore, you will need to consider from how far away you will need to view it. 

Each of the mirrors in our range is shown with a suggested maximum viewing distance (MVD), which should offer you a reasonable guide to the size that would best suit your application and needs. 

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What type of material should I choose?

Mirrors are manufactured in a variety of different materials, which fall primarily into three main categories; plastic, glass and metal.

Apart from mirrors for domestic use which are still primarily manufactured from glass, most modern mirrors for use in public or commercial environments, are manufactured from advanced plastics, or where there is a very high risk of repeated vandalism, from polished (and very expensive) stainless steel.

A quick guide to plastic mirrors / materials; 



   -  unbreakable & unalterable
  -  lightweight
  -  easy to install
  -  UV inhibited for extended outdoor operational life
  -  withstands extreme weather conditions
  -  hardened coating for increased scratch resistance
  -  impact resistant


  -  unbreakable
  -  easy to install
  -  very light
  -  withstands extreme weather
  -  impact resistant
PMMA
12 month guarantee		 Unlike ordinary acrylic, PMMA is a shatterproof material, designed to avoid fragmentation on impact. 

Having overcome the risk of fragmentation and splintering, this material is in use in public areas such as hospitals, schools, shops, leisure centres, etc
Acrylic A low cost material and one of the original plastics used in the manufacture of plastic mirrors. 

Standard acrylic plastic is however a fragile material, which like glass, fragments and splinters on impact making it a potential injury hazard. 

It is therefore not recommended for use in public areas, where personal injury could result in prosecution under 'Duty of Care' legislation and a costly legal compensation claim.

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