Which barrier is right for my job?

Barriers are an integral part of keeping civil, construction and infrastructure sites safe and separating danger zones from safe areas. Because they are available in such a wide range of sizes, types, materials and styles, it can be tricky to know which barrier is the right choice for your job – crash-rated barriers or non-crash rated, as well as a host of other factors.

Different projects have different needs, so here are a few questions to ask yourself when deciding to hire barriers.

Step 1: What are the site conditions? 

Think about how you’ll transport, install and use the construction barriers during the project. Here are a few questions to get you thinking:

• Is the job close to or alongside traffic?
• If so, what is the signposted speed limit?
• Where will the safety barriers be located?
• Will the road safety barriers need to be moved regularly or fixed in one spot for the life of the project?
• What equipment will be available to install the road barriers?
• Is a certain type of barrier specified in engineering documents or plans?

Once you have an idea of these factors, you’ll be able to narrow down the kind of barrier you need to hire.

Step 2: Choosing crash-rated or non-crash-rated

Firstly, determine whether you need a barrier that has been specifically tested and approved for protection against potential impacts or crashes from vehicles.

Crash-rated barriers: this means the barrier has had rigorous testing and is approved for use near traffic moving at moderate to high speeds.

Non-crash-rated barriers: these are designed purely for pedestrian delineation or very low vehicle speeds, such as in parking lots.

Crash-rated barriers are then broken down into categories that are suitable for different traffic speed zones. Concrete barriers such as the Deltabloc or the F-Type jersey barriers are best for higher-speed areas, whereas plastic water-filled barriers are usually rated for low to moderate-speed zones.

The team at Orange Hire can help you choose an appropriate barrier – contact us if you need a hand.

Step 3: Other factors – space, portability and size

In some cases, you may need a barrier that is easy to move around construction sites as conditions change or as construction progresses.

If the crash rating is not a major factor, something as simple as a steel crowd control barrier could do the job. These lightweight roadway barriers are easy to deploy on-site to create walkways and fence off small hazards. Likewise, metal expanding barriers fold up in a concertina style and can work well for keeping workers or the public away from particular areas.

If access is a factor, think about the type of equipment available to install barriers: you may not be able to get a Franna or Hiab into tight spaces to unload heavy concrete barriers, or your excavator with a barrier lifting attachment may not fit. So, depending on traffic speeds and safety factors, a water-filled barrier might be a good alternative. These are relatively lightweight when empty, and therefore easier to move around.

Some sites and projects are subject to environmental regulations that can be addressed by adding steel mesh screens and shade cloth to the top of the barriers. Make your barrier work double-duty by choosing one that can have anti-gawking screens fitted to the top, providing dust control and privacy to your work site.

Get help with hiring crash-rated safety barriers for your project

Orange Hire’s knowledgeable, friendly team are here to help you determine which barrier is best for your needs. Most importantly, we can help ensure your barriers are not only delivered safely but are also the safest choice to protect your work environment and keep your workers safe.

Get help with hiring crash rated barriers for your project

For more information about our complete range of shoring services and equipment, visit your nearest branch, email [email protected], or call our friendly team of experts at 1800 UR HIRE.