The Importance of Crash Barriers for Safety in Various Environments

Not sure if your project needs a crash barrier? These protective barriers have applications in many locations that you might not expect. Unlike the road barriers installed on motorways, industrial crash barriers are crucial for preventing accidents involving forklifts, heavy machinery, or vehicles, and for minimizing damage to buildings, equipment, and personnel.

Read on to discover some places where crash barrier installation can save lives.

1. Warehouses and Industrial Sites

In industrial environments such as warehouses, factories, and distribution centers, crash barriers are necessary for protecting both workers and equipment. These locations can host heavy machinery and vehicles, including forklifts, navigating through tight spaces.

Without proper safety barriers, the risk of collisions with racking, shelves, walls, or other equipment increases significantly. Warehouses are particularly critical for crash barrier installation. Crashes do not just pose a risk to employees and vehicles, but also jeopardize the very products that a business offers.

For example, Kite was pleased to supply leading publisher HarperCollins with a comprehensive crash barrier system to meet their safety needs. This system was installed to protect warehouse assets as well as racking corners and machinery.

2. Ports and Shipyards

Ports and shipping yards can be some of the most dangerous locations for workers due to the high volume of traffic both on land and sea. With increased activity comes an elevated risk of accidents. Installing crash barriers can be a useful safeguard for vehicles to prevent collisions into large storage containers, cranes, or even into water areas.

The shipping industry requires the constant movement of goods, and any accident can lead to costly delays or catastrophic damage. Crash barriers can protect valuable infrastructure and personnel in high-risk zones.

At the Port of Leith, Kite supplied crash barriers that served as a line of defense for the handrails installed at the water's edge.

3. Airports

Much like shipyards, airports may not be the first place you think of for crash barriers; however, they are critical in preventing accidents. Aircraft service vehicles, luggage trolleys, and other ground support vehicles are constantly in motion. With higher traffic comes higher risks.

Crash barriers can also prevent collisions between these ground vehicles and the airport terminal, aircraft, or restricted zones. Ensuring that vehicles stay in designated lanes or clear areas helps prevent accidents involving both workers and planes, ultimately preventing costly damage and injury.

Kite supplied Edinburgh Airport with a crash barrier system designed to protect the airport’s parking zones, fences, and railway borders from potential hazards.

4. Railyards and Depots

Railroad yards are bustling with large, moving equipment, including trains, locomotives, and cargo cars. These environments can be hazardous due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicles in operation.

Crash barriers in these locations protect stationary equipment, infrastructure, and workers from moving vehicles. They are particularly important around areas where workers are loading and unloading goods or in sections where trains are switching tracks. Crash barriers in these areas significantly reduce the risk of workers being struck by moving vehicles, ensuring smooth operations and protecting valuable equipment.

5. Multi-storey Car Parks

Multi-storey car parks can benefit from crash barriers for numerous reasons. They enhance safety for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians by delineating traffic areas. Adding yellow end caps can further improve visibility.

These barriers can also protect parked cars from accidental collisions and maintain the structural integrity of the multi-level complex, especially near entrances, exits, or support columns. Not only do crash barriers enhance the overall safety of these structures, but they also contribute to improved traffic flow, boosting the overall efficiency of the car park.

Conclusion: Why Crash Barriers Are Essential

Many working environments can benefit from crash barrier installation. Warehouses, ports, airports, railyards, and multi-storey car parks all possess unique safety needs, and crash barriers are critical for reducing the risk of accidents in these settings.

In addition to protecting workers and infrastructure, these barriers help minimize the consequences of accidental collisions. Crash barriers ultimately contribute to safer work environments and public spaces.

Speak to Kite today to find out if your upcoming project would benefit from the improved safety that a crash barrier can provide.

---

Follow Kite Group on LinkedIn to read about Kite’s posts and commitment to sustainability.

We offer Bespoke Service, Technical Support, and Same Day Dispatch! Get in touch today!