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Best Practices For Using Barriers To Separate Work Areas & Walkways 

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Best Practices For Using Barriers To Separate Work Areas & Walkways 

One of the best ways to improve workplace safety is with the use of barriers. Barriers are an effective method for separating work areas and walkways, which is helpful for creating specific zones and preventing accidents from occurring. There are many hazards that exist in every workplace, but barriers can be used to minimize these hazards and protect workers and visitors to the business. This post will explore the best practices for using barriers to separate work areas and walkways, which will help businesses in wide-ranging industries to use barriers effectively and increase safety. Keep reading to find out more. 

Understand The Types Of Barriers

There are a number of different types of barriers that are available, so it is important to be aware of what these are so that you can choose the right type for your business. These include:

  • Indoor barriers
  • Outdoor barriers
  • Retractable barriers
  • Concertina barriers
  • Traffic barriers
  • Portable barriers
  • Access barriers

The key is to carry out a risk assessment so that you can determine the areas of your business where a barrier would improve safety. If you have a car park at your business premises, for example, then you will want to invest in road barriers that are designed for outdoor use. This can include an access barrier that can stop vehicles and control vehicles that enter the site. You can also use safety barriers for traffic management in the car park and use road traffic signs to communicate important information. With so many different types of barriers available, you should take your time to research what is available and choose the barriers that are best suited to your needs – you can get more information here. 

How Barriers Can Be Used

First, it is helpful to explore how barriers can be used in the workplace. Barriers can be used in a number of ways and in wide-ranging sectors, making them a valuable asset for many companies. Barriers can be used to:

  • Prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas
  • Protect pedestrians from traffic or dangerous work areas
  • Create safe walkways and routes away from hazardous areas
  • Highlight temporary hazards, such as slippery surfaces or repair work

These are a few of the main ways that companies can use barriers to enhance safety in the workplace. In addition to safety, barriers can also improve efficiency by creating clear pathways for people to follow. 

Consider The Best Placement

You must also consider the best placement for your barrier. Putting the barrier in the right place will prevent accidents, so you need to think about where the best place for it is. This could be at an entry or exit point if you need to restrict access or used to create a pathway if you need to prevent people from entering dangerous areas. It is also wise to place the barrier a reasonable distance from the hazard to create a buffer zone. 

Ensuring Barrier Visibility

A barrier must be highly visible to be effective. In addition to choosing the right location for the barrier, you should also consider its color. Barriers are usually available in bright colors that will make them stand out, including red, orange, and yellow. If you are in a low-light environment, you could add lights or reflective elements to enhance visibility. As mentioned before, barriers should also be accompanied by signs so that you can explain their usage to people and make visitors aware of potential dangers. 

Understand Storage & Assembly

In some cases, barriers will only be used on a temporary basis. In these situations, you need to make sure that you have enough storage space for the barrier when it is not in use. Concertina barriers are ideal for these as they are retractable, which means that they do not take up much space and are easy to transport. You should also provide training for your team on how to assemble the barrier so that it can be quickly set up when required. 

Maintain Your Barriers Over Time

You must also regularly inspect your barriers for signs of damage and keep them clean. Although barriers are built to last, they can suffer from wear and tear (particularly when they are used in challenging outdoor conditions). If the barrier is no longer effective, it is important to get it replaced as soon as possible. 

Barriers can be an excellent way to separate work areas and walkways to create safer working conditions for all. As an employer, safety must be a top priority, as you have a legal duty to create safe working conditions for your employees. When you can enhance safety and minimize risk, you can rest assured knowing that the conditions are safe and your team can work with confidence each day. The above are the best practices for using barriers to enhance safety and should help you improve safety standards at your place of work. 

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