Important information on the handling and storage of traffic signs manufactured from Nikkalite® retroreflective sheeting.

Handling

All personnel involved in the handling of signs should be made aware of the following requirements. Incorrect storage facilities, incorrect handling at any time or during installation may adversely affect the performance life or the guaranteed life of that sign.

Transportation

Signs should be securely stacked face to face and kept dry.

The sign face should not be walked on. Abrasion from sand, soil or road grit must be prevented. Contact with standing water and sharp objects must be avoided. Care must be taken to avoid undue flexing or stress on the sign face during unloading. Protect edges and faces of sign when using slings.

Delivery & storage

On receipt sign faces should be inspected and correctly stored.

If any part of the sign packaging is or becomes wet, it should be removed immediately, maintain an air gap between the sign faces to allow free air circulation for the sign face to dry naturally. Signs should not be stored wet or outside with the packaging in place.

Internal storage; Where possible, signs shall be accommodated within a building or temporary shelter and kept dry. They shall be stored vertically and supported on untreated wooden blocks. The sign plates shall be packaged face to face with suitable release liner and bubble/foam sheeting to prevent damage to the sign face.

External storage; When stored outside, exposed to weather, all packaging materials must be removed and the signs must be supported in a manner that will allow free air circulation across the sign face, but not allow any part of the facing to be scratched or scored, or any part to be immersed in water/mud. Remove any snow with a soft brush as soon as possible from the sign.

Installation

The sign face packaging should only be removed after the sign is at its installation point and just prior to securing in place. Note: If any part of the packaging is or becomes wet, it should be removed immediately, maintain an air gap between the sign faces to allow free air circulation for the sign face to dry naturally.

Temporary blanking areas of sign face

The user should be aware that adhesive tapes, paper, bubble wrap, plastics, tarpaulins or fabrics may damage the retroreflective sheeting when left in contact with the sign face for blanking off purposes. Should the sign or any part of it require to be blanked off prior to its service, this can be achieved by specifying a film for this purpose and having this applied during manufacture.