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From our patented Z-Barriers to classic post and chain systems, we have a wide variety of access barriers for your needs. With products from national brands QMP, JSP and Skipper™ and our exclusive brand Matlock, you're sure to find the right product for your needs. For information and guidance when choosing Traffic & Site Management products, visit our comprehensive guide, and shop our range of Access Barrier Accessories here.
What are access barriers?
Access barriers are physical devices used to control and restrict entry to specific areas, ensuring only authorised individuals or vehicles can gain access. They are critical for maintaining security, safety, and order in various environments, including commercial properties, parking facilities, industrial sites, and event venues. They are usually bright in colour for maximum visibility, manufactured from durable and robust materials for longevity and can be paired with accessories to bolster product capability.
Why access barriers?
By law (The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974), where there is an obstruction or hazard on a site, it must be effectively cordoned off and precautions taken to ensure the safety of personnel on site. Access barriers are a cost effective and easy way of cordoning off areas to keep your people safe.
When are access barriers used?
Whilst they are useful when a hazard is present, access barriers can also be used to direct the flow of personnel on site and keep your workplace running smoothly.
Access barrier types
We've outlined the most common types of access barriers, to make your selection easier.
• Safety or security barriers - Typically more robust that other forms of access barrier, safety or security barriers are ideal in places where a higher level of blocking of areas is needed. Simplt to install and move as needed, security barriers are available in an array of sizes and colourways designed for maximum visibility, safety barriers (or security barriers) are a simple way of keeping your people safe.
• Z-Barriers - Patented by Cromwell, Z-Barriers are a highly robust, expandable and collapsable system that allows you to create a barrier by tethering the product between two anchoring points. They are available in high visibility yellow/black or red/white colourways, both with a reflective backing to maximise safety. Their PVC construction is also highly durable and their elastic nature makes them easy to install.
• Chain barrier - Usually attached to a post and base system, plastic chain barriers are an easy yet effective way of temporarily cordoning off areas to personnel. The chains are often manufactured from polyethylene or similarly durable materials and are available in a variety of colourways that are designed to maximise visibility. They are quick to install and can be moved around as and when needed with little effort or strain. Available in a wide range of sizes, chain barriers can be used in an array of environments, inside and outside.
• Belt barrier - Often used for marking lanes or creating useful queuing systems, belt barriers are retractable and are paired with cones or some form of post. They are often compatible with other accessories that can form part of a wider system.
• Guard barriers - Used most often to protect equipment or to block personnel, guard barriers are usually made from steel and are affixed to the floor for a more permanent access barrier. Their durability and strength when paired with high visibility colourways, makes for a well-rounded and effective barrier. They are usually easily affixed to floors and walls by bolts.
• Verge posts - Found mostly on verges beside roads, verge posts are a handy way of signalling the end of a road or pathway. The reflective strips on them allow them to be highly visible even in the dark. Most commonly sporting a spiked end, the post is designed to be easily fixes into grass and can be moved with ease as needed. They are manufactured from durable materials such as plastic, to ensure they have good longevity when used outdoors.
Considerations when choosing access barriers
By considering the factors listed below when selecting your access barriers, you can be assured that the product you select is suited for your needs.
• Material & Durability - Choose materials based on durability and the environment that the access barrier will be used in (e.g., stainless steel for corrosion resistance in coastal areas). It's also important to consider the resistance features of the material; for example, if the product is going to be used outdoors as well as internal areas, the product should be weather resistant.
• Ease of Installation and Maintenance - Consider how easy the barrier is to install, whether it requires specialised equipment or additional fixings, and the disruption it might cause to your workplace during installation. It's also important to consider how easy each barrier is to maintain once installed.
• Visibility and Colour Coding - Most access barriers are used with the intention of directing the flow of traffic or warning personnel of potential hazards around your site. Therefore, it's important to consider the visibility of each product. Does it have reflective strips to help the barrier to be seen in low lighting scenarios? Is the product bright in colour such as yellow or orange to ensure maximum visibility?
• Size - The size of the intended space will need to be taken into consideration when purchasing an access barrier or access barrier system, to ensure that the product will fit in your desired space.
• Accessories & Compatibility - Access Barrier Accessories are a cost effective way of enhancing your access barrier system. It's worth checking which products and brands offer accessories that you may wish to purchase for your access barriers, to ensure compatibility.
• Compliance with Standards & Regulations - Adhering to the relevant BS EN standards and UK laws, such as the Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations, is crucial to avoid legal issues and ensure that all users, regardless of ability, can access the premises safely and comfortably.
