Safety Bollards: Things You Need to Know  

What is a safety bollard?

A safety bollard is a short post or column which functions as a barrier. It is mounted to the ground and creates illumination. It is made of durable and heavy-duty materials depending on its purpose. They can be made of concrete, iron, steel, stainless steel or galvanised steel. It serves as a physical barricade or hurdle to protect people and areas from accidents and damages without hampering pedestrian and traffic flow. It divides traffic lanes into many site perimeters. It also serves as a visual guide to warn and increase awareness of drivers and pedestrians. 

Aside from the safety functions of this bollard, it can also enhance the view of buildings and landscapes. It can add up to their design and aesthetics. Safety bollards are elegant and charming so they can also function as decorative items. 

Safety bollards can be installed in pathways, driveways, sidewalks, playgrounds or in front of buildings. They are ideal in industrial, residential and commercial areas which have heavy pedestrian traffic. 

In short, they offer lighting, enhanced safety and security. 

How long does it take to install safety bollards?

Installing safety bollards is not too much work. They are easy to install in new or even existing concrete. There is no need for you to drill the core or excavate the surface. These bollards can be installed by bolt-down mounting or by using the drop-inserts method. 

Even with concrete safety bollards, the maximum time to install them is 48 hours. It is longer for concrete bollards to be installed since you have to wait for the concrete mix to totally dry out. 

Where should safety bollards be placed?

Safety bollards should be placed anywhere where protection and traffic control is needed. 

  • Schools. Schools have congested and heavy traffic that can potentially cause accidents. Safety bollards should be installed on these premises especially when there are events, activities and gatherings to protect the pedestrians from vehicles. The safety bollards can control vehicle entry and at the same time dictate and guide foot traffic. 
  • Buildings. Whether it’s a commercial, residential, or industrial building, it should be protected by safety bollards. Any damage to these properties and facilities caused by vehicular accidents can be very costly. Preventing damages from happening is better than having to do unnecessary renovations. 
  • Public Property Areas. Site perimeters like playgrounds and parks which usually have heavy foot traffic should be protected as well. To avoid destructive crashes and accidents from happening, fixed safety bollards should be placed around them.
  • Bike lanes. A lot of people right now are riding bikes for exercise and saving gas. They need protection from vehicles that might cross their designated lanes. Placing safety bollards in bike lanes will properly mark the division between bicycles and cars or other vehicles. 
  • Storefronts. Stores which do not have safety bollards can be prone to ram raiders or thieves. Without a barricade for protection, it is easy for them to escape. It is important to have permanent safety bollards installed outside to protect them from out-of-control vehicles and ram-raiding activities.

Edith Lindsay