Guardians Of The Warehouse: The Role Of Impact Protection Barriers In Equipment Longevity

Modern warehouses and distribution centres can be busy places, with the regular comings and goings of forklifts, trolleys, and other machinery posing a collision risk to workers and damage to stock. Impact protection barriers are the solution adopted by many businesses, providing traffic guidance for forklifts and trolleys and thereby minimising the risk of collisions. Read on to find out more.

What Are Impact Protection Barriers?

An impact protection barrier is a vital safety structure designed to minimise the risk of accidents and injuries to workers caused by collisions or impacts. Human safety is the paramount concern when investing in protective equipment. These barriers not only deter or prevent collisions but also absorb and redistribute the force of any impact, significantly reducing the risk of injury.

By absorbing the force of collisions, impact protection barriers also prevent damage to warehouse equipment, thereby reducing repair costs. This protective measure ensures that workers remain safe, which is the most critical aspect of any safety investment. Additionally, investing in impact protection barriers can extend the lifespan of warehouse racking and other storage equipment by shielding them from frequent impacts. This protection covers equipment, stock, infrastructure, and, most importantly, workers from any damage caused by collisions or impacts.

Barriers are typically installed in aisles where pallet trucks, forklifts, or heavy machinery operate. They are also placed in high foot traffic areas or zones housing sensitive equipment. Strategically placed barriers help define routes and spaces within a warehouse, enhancing the efficiency of picking, packing, and restocking operations. Moreover, by minimising equipment damage and downtime, impact protection barriers contribute to lowering the overall maintenance and replacement costs of the warehouse. However, the primary benefit remains the enhanced safety and well-being of the workforce.

What Types Are There?

There are several common types of impact protection barriers used in warehouses:

• Vehicle impact protection barriers: these are installed at the base of your warehouse racking system to prevent impacts from forklifts and other vehicles, primarily to protect the racks and the stock they contain.
• Pedestrian safety barriers: these are used to separate walkways and vehicle aisles to improve worker safety and reduce accidents.
• Column/structural guards: these barriers are designed to protect structural columns from collisions on busy routes.
• Dock bumpers and corner guards: in a similar way, these barriers are installed around loading bays to protect against vehicle impacts, and to protect the vulnerable corners of walls or equipment.

Warehouse impact barriers are usually made from steel, plastic, rubber, or a synthetic polymer, and different strengths and levels of durability are available to withstand various levels of impact.

What Next?

Get in touch with Rolltek today to find out more about our impact protection products, and create a safer and more productive environment in your warehouse.

Image source: Canva