The type of industrial bollard that will best suit your facility is crucial if you are planning to install them.

1. What are the different types of bollards?

The strength of bollards varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it’s always important to find out how much force they can handle and whether it’s right for your workplace needs.

A key factor in how well a bollard performs is the material it is made of. As a result, its strength, resilience, and return on investment will be affected. Generally, three types of materials are used:

  • specific
  • steel
  • polymer

2. What is the difference between concrete, steel and polymer bollards?

Previously, concrete and steel bollards were common in traffic management. Polymer bollards have grown in popularity in recent years because they are durable and low maintenance. Industrial facilities use them to protect their assets and infrastructure from workplace vehicles.

While concrete and steel are strong and can protect against vehicle crashes, they are generally single-use safety products. Even a slight hit from a forklift can deform them. They usually need to be replaced after each impact. Polymers are flexible plastics that can bend and return to their natural shape under impact, making them ideal for busy workplaces where repeated impacts may occur.

Aotons’ security products are made from three-layer MemaplexTM polymer. They are designed for the busiest industrial facilities and tested to BSI PAS 13 standards.

3. In the workplace, what types of bollards are there?

Bollards have a variety of uses in the workplace, including:

  • guide traffic
  • define boundaries
  • Protect people and property from vehicle strikes

There are two main types of bollards in industrial settings and they are:

  • Standard Bollards
  • Heavy Bollards

As the names suggest, the main difference between standard and heavy-duty models is the amount of force they can handle. Heavy-duty bollards are often used in areas where larger vehicles operate or where standard speed limits are high.

4. Are there other types of bollards?

The other types of bollards available reflect the type of scene in which they are placed. Some of the most common types are:

  • cold storage
  • scalable/stretchable
  • detachable
  • solar light
  • expand

1) Cold storage

Cold storage facilities require the same level of protection as the rest of a factory or warehouse, but with security systems that can function properly at lower temperatures. Specialty bollards are required in colder environments, because standard bollards can become brittle and brittle in the cold, increasing their failure rate.

Aotons Refrigerated Bollards are designed for cold storage facilities to protect structure and equipment from impact damage. They also provide a strong physical presence to keep drivers focused and restrain or guide vehicles and pedestrians.

2) Scalable

The use of retractable bollards is usually restricted during certain hours and at entrances and exits.They are commonly used in streets, parking spaces and areas around facilities. These bollards can be extended to prevent access and guide traffic when in use, and retracted to the ground when not in use.

3) Detachable

Similar to retractable bollards, removable bollards are great for temporary use. However, they are lightweight and light enough to lock and unlock into underground receivers. If not in use, these bollards can be easily removed and stored elsewhere.

 

4) Solar lights

Solar light posts are a great solution for outdoor lighting. They provide safety and visibility, are easy to install and are environmentally friendly. With the assistance of the controller, the system can adjust the lighting accordingly according to the nighttime and regional activities

5) Extension

Bollards of this type are much taller than conventional bollards. They are most commonly found in areas where higher levels of protection are required, eg in busy service yards where tall articulated trucks operate. If the truck needs to access the loading door, extended bollards are often used to ensure the door frame is properly protected.

In addition, extended bollards can provide visual guidance to drivers of higher than normal height, helping them avoid vulnerable assets or infrastructure. At Aotons we have a range of flexible polymer bollards and security systems to suit every need. Learn more about our heavy-duty and refrigerated bollards by speaking with a member of our team.