Looking for safety barrier(s) for your establishment but where to begin? We have 4 tips for choosing the right safety barrier.
Along with style, you should consider why you are using the barrier, where you are using the barrier, and any requirements you may need for the application.
1. Safety Barrier Placement
Indoor Vs. Outdoor
The first thing to consider is will the barrier be outdoors or indoors. There are a few factors to help you narrow your search, such as placement, site conditions, uses, and environment.
If you need an outdoor barrier and choose an indoor barrier, it may not withstand the harsher environment. For example, an indoor barrier from Lawrence or a Tensabarrier® may not withstand the weather or the extreme conditions of a construction site for an extended period however some materials have limitations due to placement.
Therefore, depending on the placement you may consider rugged and made of plastic or rubber for use as an outdoor barrier. Our Tensabarrier® 885 Outdoor Post has been innovatively designed specifically to withstand the elements. This makes it perfect for parking structures, valet stands, garden centers, industrial areas, amusement parks and many other outdoor applications.
2. Location Location Location
The second thing to consider is where will the barrier be located. Will the barrier be in a retail setting, hotel, or casino? You may want something more refined or formal. When you need a safety barrier, you may want something that stands out. Such as a barrier with brighter colors or webbing associated with danger.
If the barrier is going into an outdoor warehouse, open parking structure, or work site with hazards, your best bet is a plastic stanchion post with a plastic or rubber base. These posts and bases are built to withstand the elements without corrosion, ensuring they last for years.
Something like the Popular Post is an excellent option if the barrier is in a warehouse or somewhere indoors. The Tensabarrier® 875 Popular Post features a plastic stanchion post with a metal base. The bright colors and webbing will get the attention of anyone walking by. Another belt barrier to consider is the 889 Facility Retractable Belt Barrier because of the durable rubber base.
You can also consider a wall-mounted barrier for smaller areas, such as the Tensabarrier® 897 Wall Unit. The 897 can close a hallway with the shorter belt or the entire warehouse section with the 30′ option. The 897 is an excellent choice for an area where a stanchion post may not fit.
3. Colors Matter
The third thing to consider is what colors you need for the retractable belt and stanchion post. Depending on regulations, the colors you pick may be for something other than aesthetics; the job site could require a specific belt or post color. When choosing a safety barrier, the right color can also make it more visible and increase the awareness of workers or guests that there is danger beyond the belt.
Safety Barrier Post Color
Depending on the setting, post colors can go with the décor, but yellow or red are your best options for safety barriers. A yellow or red stanchion post will stand out in most settings, and if it stands out, there is a greater chance of being seen and alerting people about potential danger and preventing them from going past that point.
Safety Barrier Webbing Color
Retractable belt webbing also plays a big part in the safety function of a retractable belt barrier. Colors or patterns such as yellow, red, a chevron pattern, or a safety message will get the attention of people walking by and may be required for the job site. Those colors and designs may not work in a hotel or casino, for setting up a queue, or blocking a restricted area but are great in an industrial setting.
4. Safety Barrier Installation
Assembly
The fourth thing to consider is the base and this ties in with the location listed above. We offer a range of safety belt barriers which are either fully assembled or part assembled. For example, fully assembled posts are ready to use, right out of the box whereas other posts may require a minimal amount of assembly with little or no tools. These posts may consist of simply screwing the stanchion post onto the base.
Weighted Base
Choose from several base options, including permanent, magnetic, or a metal/weighted base. If using a weighted base, the base weight is commonly metal and therefore can rust in harsh outdoor environments. We recommend this base style for indoor use in areas such as a warehouse.
Plastic & Rubber Bases
Alternatively, select a weighted rubber or plastic base are better suited for outdoor environments and can withstand the weather.
Conclusion
Once you consider these factors and what you need for your safety retractable belt barrier, surely you can find what you need. Depending on any local or OSHA regulations, spacing considerations, and the barrier’s environment, you should be able to narrow down your search while following the guide above.