One of the most popular street barrier systems around, MASS crash-tested barriers have literally masses of uses – one reason why it’s one of the most common barrier systems found on construction sites and roadways across the UK.
Major road developments, such as Edinburgh city’s roadworks (to accommodate its new public transport and congestion reduction initiative) and the major reconstruction of a main public thoroughfare in the heart of London, both have MASS crash-tested barriers deployed as the barrier of choice to protect pedestrians, vehicles and road workers alike.
It takes something with a proven track record for site safety to make it the go-to option for such significant sites and this is exactly what MASS crash-tested barriers offer.
With a durable steel construction, innovative traffic-safety design and many highly visible colour options, MASS crash-tested barriers not only make it possible to complete road projects and street works while keeping thoroughfares open for business, but can also fulfil a range of other demands for site managers through the following benefits.
Adaptability
MASS barriers are essentially a base barrier which can be purchased or hired in two parts, a sturdy base and a range of possible top sections suitable for variety of applications, to meet the exact needs of many different types of roadworks, building site or construction project.
These bases and top sections are purchased and attached separately, to allow for maximum versatility, even at the time of purchase. Different top sections can also be hired as the need arises, adding to the adaptability, as well as cost-effectiveness of the system.
Because these barriers use a vertical pin system for linking, runs can be easily created and deployed, to include runs of differing lengths and configurations, such as bends of 90-degree curves to assist with traffic convergence.
The non-permanent fixing to secure these barriers also adds to their potential use as they can be easy to deploy temporarily and in emergency situations. Securing the barriers for maximum stability is achieved by anchorage to the terminal sections, with steel buffers filled with sandbags.
Without the need to core or drill into the road to fix these barriers in place, deployment is both time and money-saving and also allows for configurations to be more easily changed as a project progresses from one phase to another.
Privacy
The range of top sections for MASS crash-tested barriers includes hoarding panels for sites. In conjunction with the many deployment options of the barrier bases, these hoarding panels can offer complete screening of works, allowing privacy and minimising distractions such as noise and increasing safety from traffic as well as shielding the public from dust, debris and noise nuisance.
Security
As well as attaching hoardings to offer “out-of-sight” security, attaching anti-climb fencing to create a site perimeter can boost security by preventing access. The special design of an anti-vandalism fence option can also prevent access being gained through vandalism and destruction, something which can also reduce the potential for anti-social behaviour in the area of the site.
But what kinds of sites are MASS crash-tested barriers particularly useful for?
Traffic and road workers
Suitable on roads with maximum speeds of up to 40mph, even without the addition of hoarding or fencing top section these highly visible barriers offer an easy alert to road works and clear guidance for diversion delineation, traffic flow and road worker protection.
It’s also in the name that these barriers offer full crash tested protection, with a highly effective vehicle roll-on, roll-off stability which uses the force from the impact of an errant vehicle to increase the barrier stability.
Pedestrian protection
Attaching pedestrian guards to guide foot traffic can make these barriers optimum for ensuring pedestrian protection. Coupled with their highly visible powder coating, these barriers also help to prevent accidents for pedestrians by keeping them on the right side of the site and away keeping them safe from any traffic on the other side of the barrier.
Overall safety
The ultimate aim from any barrier is of course safety from all sides. MASS crash-tested barriers provide all options for safety, screening, security and control, to protect all users and all types of traffic – vehicle as well as pedestrian, across most types of road or site projects, allowing site managers to demonstrate recognition and adherence to statutory duties of care and industry best practice – maximum safety provision as well as maximum cost-effectiveness for use.
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