Using Different Types of Security Bollards to Improve Safety

Security bollards can be found just about everywhere – parking garages, highways, warehouses, schools, grocery stores, and many others. Bollards are simple yet versatile pieces of security equipment that are used for many different purposes.
These short, thick posts are mainly utilized to improve security, direct traffic or restrict access to an area. Common types of accidents that can be avoided by using bollards include:

• Clipping a building corner or wall in a parking garage
• Driving off of a dock
• Cars striking pedestrians on sidewalks
• Cars crossing over into bike lanes
• Falling down staircases

There are three main types of bollards that together have a virtually endless variety of uses: embedded bollards, removable bollards and surface mount bollards.

 

Permanent Embedded Bollards

Embedded bollards are entrenched in the ground or built into a structure and are meant to be permanent.
Embedded bollards are used in situations where there is a constant need to restrict access or slow the flow of traffic.

 

Removable Bollards

Unlike permanent bollards, removable bollards can be removed quickly and easily, making them ideal for areas where there is restricted access only at certain times of day. The base of the removable bollards is implanted in the ground much like an embedded bollard, however, the post is independent of the base.
Removable bollards like the ones found at Pro Traffic Supply have an in-ground sleeve with a stainless steel hinged lid that locks the bollard in place. When the bollard is removed from the sleeve the lid closes flush with the surface and a flat head bolt secures the lid in place. The locking mechanism ensures that the bollard isn’t tampered with or removed by an unauthorized party.

Removable bollards are often used to keep vehicles from going through sensitive areas, for example loading and unloading docks. They are also useful for mixed-use areas where bikes and pedestrians are allowed but an emergency vehicle would still need to gain access.

 

Surface Mount Bollards

Surface mount bollards offer a level of installation convenience not found in embedded versions. Rather than going in the ground, these bollards are affixed to the surface and bolted in place with a
heavy-duty mount plate, which makes them suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Surface mounted bollards are the best option in areas where digging holes isn’t optimal, such as in multi-level parking garages. They are also perfect for projects that require a bollard to be quickly installed since they can be easily bolted to the ground.

  

Bollard Materials and Finishes

Bollards must be sturdy enough to withstand a high level of impact in order to maintain traffic control, property protection and pedestrian safety. There are a lot of material options, but to be effective, safety bollards should be made of durable materials like steel or concrete. Anything less may not stop a moving vehicle.
Bollards can be painted to improve safety and blend better with the existing architecture. To limit chipping, peeling and wear choose a powder coat finish, which is weather resistant and extremely
resilient. You can also use reflectors to make the bollards more visible at night or opt for an internally illuminated bollard.
Bollards can be customized to fit a number of needs from holding trash bins to being fitted with emergency communication services in public areas. It’s one simple safety product that can be used in an almost unlimited number of ways.

About the Author: Pro Traffic Supply sells embedded bollards, removable bollards, and surface mount bollards at www.protrafficsupply.com. Pro Traffic supply bollards are proudly made in the USA with quality, care, and attention to detail.