When you think of the industrial sector, you think of big bulky goods and busy warehouses. These dynamic environments must have all the correct safety barrier systems in place in order to protect people working in those places. There are many different safety segregation options for facilities to reduce health and safety incidents within the workplace, such as traffic safety barriers, racking protection, machine protection and many more.

It's important to have the right segregation in place and be clear to all warehouse traffic. In industrial workplaces, vehicles and pedestrians share the same space and work in extreme proximity to each other. Clear markings can set out vehicle and pedestrian routes, and line markings can play a key part in health and safety.

There are many different segregation solutions out there, and it's important to identify the right solution for your situation as multiple considerations need to be reviewed, and these would vary considerably at each facility. The key in any workplace is the health and safety of all employees and any person interacting with your business – do they feel safe and aware of the risks in whatever zone they are in?

Here are some solutions that can be utilized and what typical scenario they are designed for and are effective in.

Re-purpose the workplace

• Provide separate vehicle and pedestrian doors wherever possible (segregation). Windows on doors can help both drivers and pedestrians see whether it is safe to approach a door.
• If vehicles use routes inside buildings, use signs and markings on the floor to tell drivers and pedestrians.
• Provide enough clearance between vehicles and pedestrians and ensure that fixtures along the route do not create tripping hazards.

Clear directional markings

• It is important to signpost all internal and external pedestrian traffic routes. This should also include restricted areas and no parking zones, pedestrian crossings, traffic lanes, speed limits and sharp bends.
• Road markings AND all signage should comply with the Department of Transport Traffic Signs Manual and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulations 2007. All signs should be clearly understood by all who use them and pictures and images should be used when possible. When used outside of daylight hours, reflective and illuminated signage should be used.
• Place signage in locations that give enough time to see clearly and understand the signs to take appropriate action. These could be traffic routes, speed limits and pedestrian walkways etc. When signs are in larger areas and places of business, for example factories, docks and ports, maps should be placed at prominent locations.

Pedestrian Safety Barrier systems

• Safety barriers should be placed at entrances and exits to prevent pedestrians from walking into the path of traffic. Pedestrians and vehicles should have separate entrances into buildings.
• Depending on the environment, attention will be required to find a suitable design to withstand impact.
• Many solutions are available in impact resistant plastic or metal.

Vehicle Safety Barrier systems

• Safety barriers should be placed around any assets that are in close proximity to vehicle traffic. Asset protection could range from buildings through to stock and machinery
• Depending on the vehicle type and asset value/risk, consideration will be required to choose a safety barrier system that will withstand a typical impact.
• Many solutions are available in impact resistant plastic or metal.

Bollards

• Bollards offer a flexible solution with a higher mix of vehicle and pedestrian usage.
• Again, consideration needs to be made around the strength of the safety barrier being aligned with the environment and vehicle weight/speed.
• There is a wide range of bollard sizes and strengths available, in both impact resistant plastic or metal.

With the multiple options and important attention to ensuring the correct system is chosen, you may want free expert advice or even arrange a site meeting to talk through improving health & safety in your workplace.

Did you find the information in this blog helpful? With the multiple options and important attention to ensuring the correct system is chosen. Contact our safety experts today to arrange your free, no-obligation consultation or call us on 0800 055 4737.