Before installing safety barriers to protect foot traffic against forklift trucks, forklift trucks, loading bay traffic, pedestrian traffic on traffic routes etc., to plan barrier installation adequately is crucial and requires more groundwork than most people expect.
Know Your Traffic and Load Ratings
Identify the vehicle types that travel along each route and measure the speed of impact for each type of vehicle (e.g. forklifts at slow speeds, HGVs at higher speeds travelling along approaches to loading bays).
Check the Floor Before You Fix Anything
Inadequate concrete can lead to failed impacts. Inspect the thickness of your slab and check if it contains rebar. Based on your findings select an appropriate fixing type and order suitable posts.
Mark Every Pedestrian Crossing Point
At the point where pedestrians travel through traffic routes it is crucial to remember that Workplace Safety Barriers exist to protect people not to stop them. Plan your barriers so that they route pedestrians safely through the area and do not direct them into the path of traffic.
Review Your Statutory Duties
Safety Barriers: the requirements under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations for safe traffic routes and pedestrian separation.
Confirm Colour and Visibility Standards
Whether Yellow is an adequate colour to offer visibility of your barrier or if contrast coloured variants are required for darker or low-lit areas (including corners) must also be checked.
Plan for Maintenance Access
Ensure there is sufficient space around installed barriers to allow for future maintenance, inspection and repair, and for replacement sections to be fitted without having to remove surrounding plant and equipment.
For Workplace Safety Barriers, visit www.emtek.co.uk/safety-barriers/workplace-safety/.
By spending a little time upfront to get these issues right you can avoid a lot of time and expense later.
