Measuring For Safety Barriers

Measuring well before you place the order will make ordering workplace safety barriers a lot cheaper and easier. A few minutes on the ground could eliminate holes, weird corners and surprise add-ons. Here is a handy checklist before ordering:

1) Area and purpose

So, what is it that you are trying to protect – pedestrians, racking, machinery, doorways or maybe a mezzanine edge? Identify the type of traffic (forklifts, pallet trucks, vans) and where they are likely to impact most frequently: corners; aisle ends; loading bays.

2) Total run length

Take the full length of each barrier run from wall to wall or post to post. Specify the positions for accesses, doors, fire exits and equipment rooms.

4) Aisle and escape routes

Determine the minimum clearance your lot must maintain for pedestrians and vehicles. Turning circles for fork lifts and pinch points near racking ends are also good ones to remember. For Workplace Safety Barriers, visit //www.emtek.co.uk/safety-barriers/workplace-safety/

5) Heights and visibility

Select the necessary risk barrier height. Record sightlines affected by any obstructions like columns, shelves, equipment and low beams.

6) Corners, angles and level changes

Count the corners and say whether they are 90° angles or not. Check the slopes, ramps and thresholds; which may require additional adjustment or base plates.

7) Fixing surface

Floor type (concrete, asphalt or resin) and floor condition (cracked, uneven or expansion joints). Take photographs – installers and suppliers will love you for it.

8) Gate and access points

Identify pedestrian and vehicle gates, the pits for maintenance access. Note swing direction and clearance.

Simple sketches with measurements and photos will help. Follow the dimensions properly and you will have a barrier layout that fits for sure with no chance of missing out on what it was intended to protect.