4. Replacing bollards: How often do you need a new bollard?

How often you replace a damaged bollard depends on several factors, such as the frequency of on-site accidents as well as the strength and force of the impacts.

Steel bollards

Steel safety bollards will need to be replaced after a collision. If an impact is small enough in speed and weight, it is possible that the bollard will only suffer superficial damage. However, in most cases, once a steel bollard has been hit, the structural integrity will have been compromised. While the bollard may still be standing, it is highly likely that it will not be able to defend against a similar sized impact in the future. This would mean that whatever it is protecting would still be vulnerable to impacts.  

In addition to this, they require a lot of upkeep. If these bollards are being used outdoors or exposed to the elements, it is highly likely that they will start to rust. In busy sites with lots of vehicles, scuffs and scrapes to safety systems are common. With steel protection, these minor faults can create a breeding ground for bacteria and dirt, which is not ideal in facilities that deal with food or medical supplies. Minor scrapes and rust can also start to dull the look of the bollard. This makes it harder for vehicle drivers to spot, and increases the likelihood on accidents.  

Concrete bollards

Concrete bollards can often withstand a greater force than steel bollards – especially in the case of large, ram raid bollards. However, standard concrete bollards still share many of the same vulnerabilities as steel. A single impact, if large enough, could break the concrete or damage the steel core inside. This would render the bollard less effective in the event of another impact.  

Furthermore, concrete bollards are usually cemented to the ground and their footings can be substantially weakened in the event of an impact. This would potentially mean that the surrounding floor area would need replacing too.  

Polymer bollards

Polymer bollards are designed to withstand multiple impacts, which means they should last longer than other types of bollard in busy environments. They are designed to absorb and disperse the energy of the impact so the bollard and its footings can remain intact.  

They are created to handle specific weights and forces, so damage can occur if they are hit by larger vehicles or at higher speeds than their specification. However, they are much quicker and easier to replace than other types on bollard, Moreover, most polymer barriers have highly-visible designs that make it easier for drivers and machine operators to see them and avoid any collisions.  

Finding the right protection for your site is one thing but being able to trust that it provides long-term security is another. A-SAFE polymer bollards are designed to handle repeated impacts and still return to their original shape and continue providing robust protection. To find out more about the benefits of polymer bollards compared to traditional steel and concrete, speak to a member of our team.  

5. The cost of concrete, steel and polymer bollards

Can you really put a price on safety? The practicalities of running a business mean that cost is often an essential factor in choosing safety infrastructure. Therefore, it is worth considering the real and long-term costs of investing in one type of bollard over another.

Steel bollards

The upfront cost of investing in steel safety bollards can be minor; however, it is worth considering not just the initial purchase, but any continued investment required. This includes paying to replace a steel bollard once it has been hit, as well as potentially making costly repairs to the ground if the bollard’s footings are destroyed in a collision. 

As mentioned above, steel also requires a lot of upkeep. It’s important to ensure that your steel safety systems do not show too many signs of wear and tear that could eventually lead to rust. Anti-rust treatments and procedures can be costly and time-consuming. 

Your safety bollards should be highly visible to drivers, machine operators and pedestrians alike. To ensure they are seen, they will need painting initially and repainting at regular intervals. At large facilities with a lot of safety systems, the cost of that maintenance could be substantial. Again, the upkeep for this would also need factoring into the cost, as scuffs and scrapes will dull the paintwork, reducing the bollards’ visibility, which could cause more site accidents. 

Concrete bollards

Similarly, concrete bollards require a comparable level of maintenance to steel. While they are not susceptible to rust, they will need repainting to ensure they are always visible, and this preservation is ongoing.  

In addition, concrete bollards will need replacing if destroyed by large impacts. They may also suffer similar levels of damage to the surrounding floor area if the footings are ripped up during a collision.  

These costs all add up but might not necessarily be obvious when initially purchasing concrete bollards, so it’s best to evaluate the types and frequency of impacts that occur at your site to decide whether they are financially viable in the long term.  

Polymer bollards

In comparison, polymer bollards can cost a little more to buy than steel or concrete bollards, but the cost-savings in maintenance and upkeep mean they work out significantly cheaper in the longer term. The flexible and durable design means that even after repeated impacts, polymer bollards will still be intact and able to perform effectively. 

Also, some polymer bollards, such as the ones by A-SAFE, are self-coloured and UV-stabilised as well as weather and water resistant, with a highly visible design. The means they don’t require repainting or additional anti-rust treatments. The only real maintenance they require is occasional cleaning which can be done with soap and water.  

An investment in A-SAFE polymer bollards is a true investment in effective safety at your industrial facility. The long-term benefits and low-maintenance designs make them ideal for a one-off purchase that requires minimal upkeep, offering full peace of mind at busy sites. We can help find a solution that suits your budget – simply get in touch. 

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Concrete, steel and polymer safety bollards | A summary

While every type of bollard has its uses, when it comes to effective protection from site vehicles at factories, warehouses and industrial facilities, polymer bollards the ideal solution. They are extremely cost-effective and durable, while offering high levels of impact protection.