Safety Barriers

A safety barrier is an obstacle, structure or fence that prevents movement or restricts access to a potentially dangerous or restricted area. Safety barriers can be fixed or temporary, depending on the environment or application.

Safety in the workplace is paramount and must be at the forefront of every employee's mind. Ensuring the environment and the people in it are safe is the responsibility of everyone. A barrier's main function is to prevent accidents and safeguard people. They are also essential in complying with health and safety laws, regulations and legislation.

There are many different types of barriers on the market to choose from. They can be categorized into two major types: permanently fixed or temporary and easily moved. Whatever the need, a good safety barrier must be visible (often brightly colored) and give clear instructions.

Australian Standard for Safety Barriers

In Australia, safety barriers are governed by a comprehensive framework of standards to ensure the protection of road users, workers, and pedestrians. The primary standard for retractable safety barriers is AS/NZS 3845:2015, titled Road Safety Barrier Systems and Devices.

This standard is divided into two parts:

• AS/NZS 3845.1:2015: Focuses on road safety barrier systems, including longitudinal barriers, terminals, crash cushions, and transitions.
• AS/NZS 3845.2:2015: Covers road safety devices such as bollards, pedestrian fences, channelizers, and sign support structures.

Types of Safety Barriers

Temporary

Temporary or movable safety barriers include a variety of types designed for flexibility and ease of use. They are lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, making them ideal for sectioning off areas under maintenance or repair, as well as for crowd control and queue management.

Key sub-types include:

• Bollards: Short posts used to block vehicle access or define pedestrian zones. Often removable or collapsible for flexibility.
• Pedestrian barriers: Lightweight fencing to guide or restrict pedestrian movement in public spaces.
• Retractable belt barriers: Barriers with extendable belts to create temporary partitions; also available as magnetic retractable safety barriers for added versatility.
• Scissor barriers: Folding barriers that expand and contract like a scissor, ideal for quick area closures.
• Plastic work gate barriers: Durable plastic barriers used to mark exclusion zones, often highly visible and easy to relocate.
• Post base: Sturdy bases that support temporary posts or barriers, ensuring stability on different surfaces.
• Chain barriers: Simple posts connected by chains to cordon off areas; quick to set up and move as needed.

Fixed

Fixed barriers include robust structures that are permanently anchored to the concrete or floor using surface fixing bolts, through bolt anchors, or chemical anchor bolts. They are designed for long-term safety and security in both workplace and public environments.

Key sub-types include:

• Pedestrian and traffic barriers: Designed to guide or separate pedestrians and vehicles, ensuring safe movement and preventing unauthorized access.
• Crash and impact barriers: Engineered to absorb or deflect vehicle impact, protecting people, structures, and equipment.
• Car park barriers: Used to control access in parking areas, manage traffic flow, and prevent unauthorized vehicle entry.
• Fencing: Permanent fencing solutions for security, boundary definition, and protection of sensitive or restricted areas.

Benefits of Installing Safety Barriers

Installing safety barriers provides numerous advantages that enhance workplace safety, operational efficiency, and compliance. Key benefits include:

• Protection of Workers: Safety barriers prevent falls, trips, and accidental contact with hazardous machinery, reducing workplace injuries.
• Protection of Equipment and Machinery: Barriers shield valuable equipment and infrastructure from damage caused by vehicles or mishandling, extending their lifespan.
• Improved Workflow and Efficiency: Clearly marked paths and restricted zones streamline operations, minimizing confusion and downtime.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to safety standards is not just best practice; it's often a legal requirement. Non-compliance can result in substantial fines or shutdowns.
• Cost-Efficiency: The upfront investment in safety barriers is outweighed by the potential savings from preventing accidents and equipment damage.
• Enhanced Company Reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to safety through the installation of quality barriers can improve a company's reputation among clients and employees.

Industrial Applications of Safety Barriers

Safety barriers are integral to various industrial sectors, providing protection for personnel, equipment, and facilities. Below are specific applications across different industries:

Manufacturing Facilities

In manufacturing environments, retractable safety barriers protect workers from accidental contact with machinery and hazardous areas, separate pedestrian walkways from forklift paths, and shield sensitive equipment from potential vehicle impacts, ensuring both safety and operational efficiency.

Warehouses and Distribution Centers

In warehouses and distribution centers, safety barriers prevent collisions with shelving and inventory, control access to restricted or hazardous zones, and maintain clear pathways, improving workflow, safety, and overall efficiency.

Chemical and Hazardous Material Facilities

In chemical and hazardous material facilities, safety barriers help contain spills, protect personnel from exposure to dangerous substances, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, minimizing risks in high-hazard areas.

Construction Sites

On construction sites, retractable safety barriers secure perimeters, protect workers from falling debris and equipment, and guide vehicle and pedestrian traffic safely around the site, reducing accidents and enhancing site security.

Airports and Transportation Hubs

In airports and transportation hubs, safety barriers manage passenger flow, safeguard critical infrastructure from vehicles or equipment, and enhance security by restricting unauthorized access, ensuring both safety and smooth operations.

Safety Barriers Manufacturer, Supplier & Distributor in Australia

Serving businesses and industries across Australia, RS is a trusted manufacturer, supplier, and distributor of safety barriers. We stock premium brands including Viso, Skipper, and Tensator, delivering durable and high-performance solutions.

Along with safety barriers, we also offer other useful tools such as safety air blow guns, air reservoir tanks, and more. With nationwide distribution and professional support, RS ensures you can easily access the right products for your safety and operational needs.

For complete information on our delivery fees, please visit our delivery information page.