When you’re going about your daily life, you might not notice the presence of an Armco barrier, let alone know what it’s called. However, if it happens to get in your way one day, it could be the very thing that saves your life or prevents costly damage.
Armco Barriers are safety barriers made from robust galvanised steel, capable of withstanding the impact of a car. Our Armco barrier systems are not highway-tested but are perfect for use on private roads.
They are also effective in maximum protection from other vehicles including forklift trucks in warehouses, safeguarding stock, machinery, and the workforce from damage and injury. Armco barrier products can also be used to restrict vehicle access to pedestrianised areas or to delineate zones within car parks.
Armco Direct has maintained a 5-star Google rating for over 12 years, reflecting our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. If you need reliable and versatile safety barriers, we offer unmatched products and expertise to meet your needs.
How Armco Barriers Work
Sometimes referred to as crash barriers, Armco Barriers are installed to prevent vehicles from entering hazardous areas, such as steep slopes, off bridges, or into pedestrian only areas. They provide robust protection for vehicle occupants objects and individuals that could be hit if the barrier wasn’t there.
When planning the installation of an Armco barrier, it’s crucial to evaluate the following question:
Would the collision with the barrier system be a safer outcome than without it?
These barriers can be customised and come with various accessories and additions for enhanced safety.
Installation of Armco Crash Barriers
There are two primary methods for installing Armco safety barriers:
Dug In: This method involves digging the barrier posts into the ground and securing them in a concrete foundation. It is suitable for areas with soft ground.
Bolt Down: This method is ideal for installing barriers into existing concrete surfaces, providing a sturdy and reliable installation.
Armco barriers are popular due to their versatility, durability, and low maintenance requirements. They are galvanised as standard to BS EN ISO 1461 and can also be powder-coated for high visibility, acting as a deterrent and reducing the likelihood of costly impacts.
When you choose Armco Direct for your safety barriers, you benefit from delivery within 48 hours.
Types of Armco Barriers
There are two primary types of Armco Barriers available, differing because of their Armco barrier posts:
Armco RSJ Post: This heavy-duty barrier is popular in warehouses and industrial settings. It is designed for slow-speed impacts to protect pedestrians, goods, and equipment. The RSJ post barrier is robust and effective at stopping vehicles, making it ideal for areas where vehicles operate at lower speeds.
Armco Z Post: The Z post is designed to buckle upon impact, dispersing the force of the collision and reducing the severity of the crash. In high-speed collisions, an Armco Z post causes less damage to both the vehicle and its occupants compared to an RSJ barrier, which would bring the car to an abrupt stop, similar to hitting a brick wall. This feature makes Z posts more suitable for high-speed environments where minimising impact severity is essential or in any light duty applications.
Applications of Armco Barriers
Now that you know about our different types of Armco barriers. Let’s look at some of the typical environments you might find them in.
Off-Highway Safety
An Armco Barrier system is most effective in the following off-highway settings.
Industrial Sites
Picture this: a busy industrial site with constant movement of forklifts and heavy machinery. Armco Barriers are crucial here to protect both personnel and equipment. They prevent vehicles from colliding with expensive machinery, stock, and infrastructure, reducing the risk of expensive damage and serious injuries. By providing a robust physical barrier, they ensure a safer working environment and help maintain smooth operations in high-traffic areas.
Warehouses
In warehouses, Armco Barriers are essential for safeguarding inventory and ensuring worker safety. Warehouses require barriers to prevent forklifts and other vehicles from damaging stored goods and racking systems. These barriers help create designated traffic routes, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring efficient and safe operations.
Commercial Use
Armco Barriers are also a vital safety component for various commercial applications.
Car Parks
In car parks, Armco Barriers play a vital role in enhancing safety and organisation. They prevent vehicles from colliding with walls, structures, or other cars, minimising damage and potential injury. Additionally, these barriers help delineate parking spaces and traffic lanes, ensuring orderly movement and reducing the risk of accidents.
Loading Bays
In loading bays, especially during busy times, Armco Barriers are crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring smooth operations. They provide a protective barrier between vehicles and loading docks, preventing collisions that could damage goods or infrastructure. By clearly defining vehicle routes and boundaries, these barriers enhance safety for workers and drivers, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring efficient loading and unloading processes.
Other Uses
There are a range of other uses for Armco Barriers too. Speak to us if you think our crash barrier system could help you.
Public Safety Barriers
Armco Barriers are essential for public safety, offering thorough protection in pedestrian areas, parks, schools, and car parks . They prevent vehicles from entering restricted areas, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of the public. By providing a clear and strong boundary, these barriers safeguard pedestrians, especially in high-traffic areas, enhancing overall community safety and preventing a range of potential vehicle-related incidents.
Benefits of Using Armco Barriers
Armco barriers offer several key benefits, making them an excellent choice for various safety applications:
Galvanised Steel: All Armco barriers are made from hot-dipped galvanised steel, ensuring durability and compliance with BS EN 1461 standards. This provides a long-lasting solution with an 85-year life expectancy, making them a reliable choice for long-term safety.
Fast Installation: Armco Direct pledges to deliver your barriers within 48 hours of order placement. This rapid turnaround ensures that your safety needs are promptly addressed, minimising downtime and keeping your project on track.
Bespoke Quote: Using Armco Direct’s online calculator, you can quickly obtain a tailored quote within 2 hours. This tool simplifies the ordering process, allowing you to accurately assess costs and requirements without delay.
These benefits highlight why Armco barriers are a trusted solution for protecting people and property.
Armco Barrier Calculator
At Armco Direct, we have extensive experience in supplying and manufacturing high-quality barriers, offering added safety and peace of mind. Start your installation process by using our FREE online Armco Barrier Calculator, which provides an accurate estimate of required products in seconds.
FAQs
We’ve answered some frequently asked questions about Armco crash barriers.
What materials are Armco Barriers made from?
Armco Barriers are primarily made from hot-dipped galvanised steel. This material is highly effective due to its durability and resistance to corrosion. The galvanisation process involves coating the steel with a layer of zinc, providing protection against environmental elements. This makes the barriers not only strong but also low maintenance, ensuring reliable safety for extended periods in various conditions.
Learn more here: How are Armco Barriers made?
How long do Armco Barriers typically last?
Armco Barriers, made from hot-dipped galvanised steel, typically last up to 85 years. This impressive lifespan is crucial for reducing maintenance costs and ensuring the long-term reliability of off-road barriers. This means that once installed, the barriers require minimal upkeep, offering a cost-effective and durable solution for safeguarding infrastructure and enhancing safety over many decades.
What height should an Armco Barrier be?
The height of an Armco Barrier varies based on its application. For forklifts, the posts should be 560mm above ground, while for cars, SUVs, and LGVs, they should be 610mm. For HGVs, a single height or row of beams requires a post height of 760mm, and a double height requires 1100mm. Beams come in effective lengths of 1.6m and 3.2m, with standard post spacing at 3.2m or 1.6m for greater protection. For more details check out our dimension guide.
Learn more here: What Are The Different Armco Barrier Heights?