Managing Foot Traffic with Expanding Barriers

Areas with high volumes of foot traffic can be hard to manage at the best of times. If there are extenuating circumstances, this can become even more difficult. On top of this, throw in a situation where flexibility is needed, or access is required for certain people, and the task becomes virtually impossible without huge numbers of staff. This is where barriers come into their own as a way to direct pedestrians effectively. However, a static barrier may lack the flexibility that many property managers need and that is when expanding barriers become an attractive alternative.

What is an Expanding Barrier?

This is a barrier that is usually made from a tough nylon belt material that retracts into a post. The posts can be made from a number of different materials and finishes. A popular choice for many professional businesses is a classic chrome or polished stainless steel finish. The bottom of the post is weighted to give it stability, and there may be a material underneath to prevent scratching on floors. Installed in the top of the post there is a clever system to feed the belt out to the next post. The poles are strung together to create any kind of barrier that you may need to manage pedestrian movement.

Effective Queue Management:

The primary purpose that most people would use an expanding barrier for would be for queue management. The ideal situation for any area where queueing would be taking place is to ensure that a smooth, orderly line is maintained. In the past, this would have been achieved using some poles and rope, but that will not cut it in the modern age. Any kind of queueing can be accommodated in even a fairly small space, and the system is very easy to set up.

Area Denial Functionality:

Another common use for this kind of barrier is to cordon off an internal building area. Premises such as art galleries exhibitions, museums display areas, and limited access libraries all use these kinds of systems. They are functional and more aesthetic than plastic barriers that would be used outdoor at a music festival or similar event. Another advantage is that as events change, it is simple to alter the flow of foot traffic and alter access. Employees that need to enter areas can do so simply without ducking under or stepping over rope barriers that could cause an accident.

If you’re interested in using an expandable safety barrier on your property, contact us. At Image Bollards, we stock a wide variety of high quality safety and security equipment, including expanding safety barriers. All the items in our product range is manufactured to meet Australian standards. If you need more information, we would be happy to discuss your needs in greater detail.

Supply and install high quality security bollards around Australia, we supply wide range of bollards including steel bollards, removable, along with rubber wheel stops.