Full testing of the complete range of TMP Spectralyte signposts and lighting columns has been carried out at the TNO Crash Testing Facility in The Netherlands.  Copies of the full certification are available on request.

In accordance with BS EN 12767 passive safety support structures are tested and classified to the following criteria:

1. Speed - Support structures must be crash tested at one of the 3 speeds 50, 70 and 100kph.  An associated low speed test at 35kph, for each Speed Class, is also required.  Speed Class 100kph is recommended for use on roads where the imposed speed limit or design speed equals or exceeds 50mph (80kph).

2. Energy Absorption - It is necessary to specify an energy level (related to how much the specified crash vehicle is to be slowed by the impact) from one of the following categories:

   • High energy absorbing (HE) - HE posts/columns slow down and stop vehicles with a short yet gradual retardation.

   • Low energy absorbing (LE) - LE signposts, lighting columns and traffic signal posts will have some of the qualities of both HE and NE equipment.  The errant vehicle speed will be reduced and damage to the vehicle will be less than if it had hit an HE support structure.  The signposts, lighting columns and traffic signal posts will be less likely to separate from the base and be thrown into the air on impact than NE equipment.  LE posts (when developed) and lighting columns are thus likely to be suitable for areas with regular NMUs.

   • Non energy absorbing (NE) - NE signposts, lighting columns and traffic signal posts break away and/or deform relatively easily on being hit so that the errant vehicle will continue at roughly the same speed with only relatively light damage to the vehicle.  The signposts, column or traffic signal post will typically buckle on impact before shearing at the base with limited structural damage to the vehicle.  The sheared signpost and sign fascia, lighting column or traffic signal post are typically displaced over the top of the vehicle and fall in the vicinity of the foundation.  NE signposts are likely to be the most appropriate product for signposts, lighting columns and traffic signal posts for roads in rural areas without regular NMUs.

 Occupant safety levels - The occupant safety levels are specified in BS EN 12767.  They are determined by the occupant risk requirements ASI and THIV which are categorised by the standard from 1 to 4, with increasing levels of safety reflected by higher numbers, as stated in Table 3 of BS EN 12767.

 

• Acceleration Severity Index (ASI) - Is a non-dimensional value calculated from triaxial accelerations in accordance with BS EN 1317-1.  The maximum ASI value is considered to be an assessment of the accident severity for the occupants of the impacting vehicle.

• Theoretical Head Impact Value (THIV) - Is the velocity, expressed in km/h, at which a hypothetical 'point mass' occupant impacts the surfaces of a hypothetical occupant compartment and is calculated in accordance with BS EN 1317-1.