How does a polymer safety barrier work?

Robust, flexible polymer safety barrier

As mentioned above, the exclusive Memaplex™ polymer material is made up of three layers and is specially engineered to absorb the force of an impact and reform to its original shape. 

The three layers in a Memaplex™ barrier are: 

  • An outer UV-stabilised, coloured layer 
  • The central impact absorption zone 
  • The inner strengthening core 

 

Memaplex™ barrier outer layer

The outer layer of an A-SAFE barrier is self-coloured, meaning the highly visible colour is created during the manufacturing process, so it can’t fade or scratch away over time. The yellow colour is part of a standardised colour coding scheme to denote a hazard to drivers and pedestrians.  

The outer layer is UV-stabilised and tested to ISO 4892-3, so it cannot discolour or fade when exposed to direct sunlight.  

Memaplex™ barrier inner layer

The second layer in an A-SAFE barrier is the area where the force of an impact is absorbed. The design helps to diffuse the kinetic energy created during a collision, diverting it away from the point of impact.

Memaplex™ barrier core layer

The central layer of an A-SAFE barrier is designed to provide additional strength and support to the barrier, so it can withstand the force of an impact.

Polymer safety barrier posts

Traditionally, the vertical posts of a barrier are the weakest point and most likely to need repairing or replacing in the event of an accident.  

With steel barriers, fence posts can be ripped from the floor, causing additional damage to the concrete footings or floor surface. With some polymer barriers, an impact can cause the barrier rail to break from the posts.  

A-SAFE undertook an extensive development process in order to create a post that could withstand an impact. They came up with a unique coupling technology that allows the post to adapt as the rail is struck, increasing barrier flexibility.  

Coupling technology

The coupling technology design is made up of: 

  • The post 
  • The rail 
  • The post pin 
  • The coupling 
  • The rail pin 
  • A compression pocket  

 

It features a three-phase system that activates in stages as the barrier is struck. This allows the coupling to absorb and disperse impact energy throughout the rest of the barrier. The unique coupling system takes the strain away from the barrier posts and, most importantly, the fixings on the ground, reducing the need to replace the barrier or fix the floor surface after a collision.  

Modular design

A-SAFE barriers have a unique modular design, which means they can be configurated in several ways to create bespoke protection throughout your site.  

This modular system is compatible with a range of additional safety equipment, such as swing gates and slide gates as well as pedestrian and traffic barriers. 

The benefit of the modular system is that if a barrier is struck with a substantial force to the point of irreparable rail damage, one rail can be detached from a run to be fixed or replaced individually. This limits the number of barriers that need removing in order to access the damaged area.  

 

With their modular design and impact-absorbing technology, A-SAFE barriers provide robust and reliable protection at warehouses, factories, airports, car parks and other industrial facilities. Our team of safety experts can identify the right barriers to suit your needs. Contact them today for advice and information.

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