3 Tips To Space Your Retractable Bollards Correctly

By Author: Tony Scott
Total Articles: 15
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When you think about retractable bollards, it’s natural to consider their versatility and ignore their placement requirements. This is a mistake; it’s essential to carefully consider any bollard replacement before the installation process begins. Placing any bollard in an area will change how it’s used (that’s the point), and it could impact on how useful it will be. Let’s take a closer look at three tips that will help you to place your retractable bollards correctly.

1. Avoid Blocking Emergency Exits

This is probably the most important tip in this list. If a retractable bollard is installed near an emergency exit, it must not block the space. Many people use a retractable bollard to deny access to cars that could block an emergency exit. This is fine, but there must be enough space between each bollard used to allow pedestrians to get through. Extra care needs to be taken to ensure that disabled people in wheelchairs can get past easily. Also, if the bollards are installed too closely, people can be channeled into narrow spaces and if there is a stampede due to panic people could be injured. The optimal ...
... space between retractable bollards near an emergency exit should be no less than 0.9m.

2. How to Manage Vehicular Traffic

If your main reason for a retractable bollard installation is to manage vehicular traffic, then you need to be spacing them at approximately 1.5m apart. This will stop smaller and larger vehicles from sneaking through the gaps where they could cause damage or an injury to a pedestrian. Using bollards in this manner is quite common around areas, such as sports stadiums, shopping centres, and parking areas. However, it’s important to allow a gap of at least 0.9m to enable a wheelchair to safely pass in between your bollards. The retractable and static bollards that you choose for this type of role need to be able to withstand a vehicular impact.

3. Protecting an Area

Some people need bollards to protect an area or a specific object from harm, such as an art installation, a public plaza or a sculpture. In these sorts of case, you may want to prevent pedestrian traffic into an area to avoid damage to plants, or you need a space to stay clean and free for other purposes. In this sort of role, a series of bollards would need to be placed closer together to create a barrier that’s more like a fence. There is no need to worry about spacing for pedestrians to pass because you’re trying to deny access to the area. When you use bollards in this manner, it’s possible to connect them together with chains or a crossbar to make the barrier more formidable. In a public space, you may want to pay attention to the aesthetic appeal of the bollards you choose.

If they are looking for retractable bollards, Perth based property managers and business managers should get in touch with the team here at Image Bollards for expert help and advice.

Image Bollards was first established in 1994 by Managing Director Tony Scott. The Western Australian company specialises in installing, supplying and maintaining security bollards, vehicle access and control systems as well street furniture. With over 25 years of industry experience, Image Bollards comprises a team of dedicated professionals who ensure that any client receives only the very best of service.