If you own a own a freestanding sign for advertising your business congratulations, you have the single most effective source of revenue generating advertising your money can buy. You also have one of the biggest liabilities a business can face.
Many business owners only think of that sign when they see some lights out, or it is time to re-brand or update their image. And it is safe to say that most service calls by sign companies only cover electrical and cosmetic issues with these signs.
Currently in the U.S., most municipalities have implemented some version of a building code regulating new construction and installation of signs. However, once these structures are installed and inspected there are typically no requirements to provide for future inspections. Now I am not implying that we need more government regulations requiring annual certification of sign structures, however I do firmly believe that substantial loss of property, and even loss of life can be avoided by implementing a regular and thorough inspection schedule of signs. We can simply look to the news to see sign related incidents all across the U.S. that could have been avoided through proper engineering and construction, combined with regular inspections and maintenance.
In January of 2012 an 80 foot billboard sign collapsed onto the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and surrounding buildings. No injuries were reported, but there was substantial loss of property. Investigations on this incident are ongoing. While high winds may be found to be a contributing factor, faulty engineering, improper installation, or lack of inspections and preventative maintenance are sure to be factors too.
In November of 2011 a 30 foot high Clarion Hotel sign fell on several parked cars in Green Bay, WI. The failure was attributed to a combination of the age of the sign and the high winds.The sign and the cars were a total loss. No injuries were reported.
The International Sign Association released the results of a three-year study it commissioned on single-pole sign structures in January of 2012. This new report helps sign industry professionals to better understand the causes of sporadic failures of single-pole, high-rise sign structures that incorporate “telescoping poles.” The research provides guidance in the repair or rebuilding of existing structures as well as information about improving the safety and durability of new structures.
ISA’s executive vice-president, Rich Gottwald stated that “While there have been only a handful of failures out of out of tens of thousands of sign structures, ensuring that our products are safe throughout their life-cycle is important for our industry and our customers. We believe that this report will help engineers, manufacturers, installers and end users understand the importance of regular inspections and continuing education.”
The loss is not always just a monetary loss when sign structures of this size and scale fail. In April of 2009, a Nebraska woman was killed after a 75-foot tall Taco Bell sign fell on top of the pickup she and her husband were in. The failure of this sign was directly attributed to improper engineering, poor installation and a lack of maintenance. The results were tragic and preventable in this case.
So you ask, what can you do to to ensure your sign is in safe condition? Your first step should be to contact a local licensed sign contractor. If you are unsure if your sign contractor is qualified, contact the ISA office for a referral. Your sign should be inspected at regular intervals, at least once a year, to ensure its continued safe operation.
If you still are unsure of what to do or who to call, get in touch with me. I would be happy to assist you or refer you to a professional in your area. You can reach me at jim@signsplusnw.com, or at the Signs Plus Inc office at 360-671-7165.
Saturday April 28th at 7:30am Calvary Chapel Northwest will be holding their 1st annual Youth Missions & Outreach Garage Sale. This HUGE garage sale will be held, rain or shine, at the Calvary Chapel Northwest facility located at 6015 Guide Meridian ~ Bellingham, WA 98226. The sale begins at 7:30am and goes until 3:30pm.
While you are at the garage sale you can have your car washed too! Our high school youth group will be holding a work opportunity to earn money for their upcoming bike trip outreach throughout the San Juan Islands and Canada this summer. About 40 students and leaders will make a week long trek camping out, fellow-shipping and learning about Jesus!
