How Armco crash barriers protect people and property in high-risk zones

According to CHAS, there were 1,624 fatalities and 29,711 casualties on UK roads in 2023. Many of these accidents involved vehicles leaving the road due to factors like speeding, loss of control, or driver error. The consequences of these incidents can be devastating, both for the individuals involved and the surrounding property.

Armco crash barriers play a vital role in keeping people and property safe. Acting as a robust line of defence, these barriers are designed to absorb impact and prevent vehicles from entering areas where they could cause serious harm. In this guide, we explore all things Armco crash barrier-related, and explain why our barriers should be an essential part of your safety strategy.

Understanding the role of Armco crash barriers

Made from galvanised steel, an Armco crash barrier is a robust safety barrier that is designed to absorb and deflect impact from vehicles. By channeling and reducing the force of collisions, these barriers help to protect vulnerable structures, equipment, and most importantly, people.

How do crash barrier fencing systems improve road safety?

The principle behind Armco crash barriers is simple, yet highly effective. When a vehicle strikes the barrier, the corrugated steel beam crumples in a controlled way, absorbing some of the kinetic energy and redirecting the vehicle away from danger. This reduces the severity of the impact and prevents vehicles from crashing into pedestrian walkways, buildings, or other hazardous areas.

High-risk zones where Armco barriers excel

Armco crash barriers can be adapted to suit almost any setting, including: 

• Roads – To protect pedestrians, drivers, and roadside infrastructure from the impact of collisions. 
• Industrial yards and warehouses – To safeguard racking, loading docks, and pedestrian walkways from forklift or HGV collisions.
• Car parks – To prevent vehicles from striking walls, columns, or other parked cars.
• Service stations and forecourts – To create a clear barrier between fuelling areas and traffic lanes.
• Public spaces and event areas – To manage vehicle access and protect people in high-footfall zones.

Why invest in Armco crash barriers?

1) Keep your people safe

Armco barriers form a physical separation between vehicles and pedestrians, helping to reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries caused by collisions. They’re particularly valuable in areas where visibility is limited, or speed limits/traffic volume is higher.

2) Protect your property

Vehicular collisions can cause significant damage to your buildings, infrastructure, and stock. Armco barriers act as a first line of defence, helping to prevent costly repairs and minimise downtime.

3) No need to worry about maintenance

Armco barriers are manufactured from galvanised steel, meaning they can withstand years of exposure to harsh outdoor elements without rusting or weakening. They also require minimal maintenance, making them extremely cost-effective in the long run.

4) Tailored to your environment

From roadside crash barriers to internal warehouse protection, Armco barriers can be configured to seamlessly integrate into any environment. We offer a wide range of beam lengths, post types, and finishes to suit your specific requirements.

How to install an Armco crash barrier system

Follow our seven simple steps below to safely fit your Armco crash barrier:

1. Conduct a site survey – Begin by assessing your area to identify any high-risk zones, determine the traffic flow, and decide where your barriers should be placed.
2. Prepare the ground – Next, you’ll need to clear the installation area, removing any obstructions and ensuring that the surface is level and stable. 
3. Mark out your post positions – Measure and mark the exact intervals for each post to ensure consistent support along the entire run of the barrier.
4. Securely fix the posts – Depending on your site, you might either need to bolt your posts to a concrete surface or set them into the ground with concrete footings.
5. Attach the beams – Fix the galvanised steel beams to the posts, ensuring that you tighten all bolts and fasteners to the correct torque.
6. Install the finishing components – Add your terminal ends, corner sections, and pedestrian access points.
7. Inspect and test the barrier – Check the alignment, connections, and overall stability of the barrier before signing off the installation.

Don’t have time to install your barrier system? We can manage the entire Armco crash barrier installation process for you, ensuring that your barrier meets all relevant safety standards and delivers long-lasting protection from day one.

Make safety your priority with Ezi Klamp

In high-risk zones, you can’t always prevent accidents from occurring; but you can control their consequences. Our Armco crash barriers help to safeguard your people, protect your assets, and keep your operations running smoothly.

Our barrier systems are manufactured to the highest specifications, and their modular nature means they can be easily adapted to your specific site needs. Simply send us a rough sketch or drawing, and we’ll work with you to design a barrier system that keeps both your people and your property safe.

Get in touch today to discuss your Armco crash barrier requirements.