Security bollards are short posts that effectively prevent accidents and enhance traffic control. These posts are visible around establishments and on different streets, creating boundaries between sidewalks and main roads. In addition, bollards prevent unwarranted parking around your home or establishment, and the barriers offer an extra layer of security.
Security bollards are essential in upholding access control, traffic management, creating boundaries, and facilitating pedestrian safety precautions. However, finding the right security bollard can be challenging due to the wide range of bollards in the market.
They come in different shapes, sizes, and types, including manual, rebounding, embedded, and hydraulic bollards. Unfortunately, the market consists of a wide range of security bollards, making it challenging for you to find the perfect type. Highlighted are five top factors to consider when selecting security bollards.
The Type of Bollard
Narrowing down the type of bollard should be your first area of focus. The different types of security bollards are perfect for specific uses, and understanding how each bollard functions is crucial. Common types include:
- Fixed or embedded bollards: These bollards are firmly installed into the ground or concrete. These bollards are perfect for long-term use and work well in parking lots, sidewalks, and commercial establishments. In addition, these bollards are cost-effective and simple to maintain.
- Automatic bollards: Automatic bollards rise from the ground to create a traffic barrier and retract back to the ground to allow in authorised vehicles. The bollards are effective for access control management in parking garages and facilities that experience heavy traffic. They can be electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic.
- Manual bollards: These bollards function like automatic bollards. However, the manual bollards rely on human management to rise and withdraw back to the ground. The security guard will press a control button whenever a vehicle approaches the gate.
What Is the Purpose?
Once you understand the different types of security bollards, it’s time to determine the purpose of your purchase. For example, do you need bollards for traffic guidance, safety precautions, or curb appeal? With a clear purpose in mind, selecting the material, colour, and design is easy.
For example, if you need a security bollard for traffic management, you can select strong and colourful bollards that guide cars to specific parking areas or exit points. On the other hand, if curb appeal is your objective, decorative bollards are an excellent fit. You can install lighted bollards, which will maintain access control and light up your surrounding at night.
The Material
Bollards are made of different materials, including steel, wood, and concrete. Therefore, it is important to consider your material of choice before purchasing. Generally, the material of choice correlates with your purpose of purchase.
For example, if you want bollards that provide long-term maximum security, you should install steel and concrete bollards. In addition, stainless steel bollards will provide longevity in different climates.
Functionality
You should consider how different bollards will perform in your environment. For example, security bollards are perfect for access control management, traffic control, securing pedestrian walkways, and creating boundaries. Therefore, depending on your purpose, you should install bollards that meet these demands while considering your environment.
For example, if your premise accommodates people on wheelchairs or crutches, the bollards should accommodate this crowd. In addition, areas like hospitals will benefit from fast automatic bollards to allow quick movement. Luckily, companies like Godrej design and customise unique electro-hydraulic bollards to match your environment.
Crash Rating
Crash rating refers to the bollard’s susceptibility to protect your infrastructure from accidents occurring every day. Therefore, before you buy security bollards, you can choose to explore their crash rating. The most popular crash ratings include K-rating, L-ratings, ASTM, and BSI. Each rating provides insight into the level of impact your bollard can withstand. However, if you are not interested in ratings, you can also access a wide range of unrated crash bollards.
Whether you are buying manual, embedded, or hydraulic bollards, it is crucial to analyse your needs and conduct extensive research. Companies like Godrej and Boyce will give you in-depth advice on the best bollards and facilitate the installation of bollards designed to meet your needs. Security bollards may be small posts, but they go a long way in traffic control. Therefore, take your time and use an expert.
