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Author Archives: Ontario Bollards

1. The Importance of Proper Bollard Installation

   May 25, 2023 9:41 pm Leave a Comment

   

   What are bollards?

   Bollards are short, sturdy vertical posts that are often used to create a barrier or mark a boundary. They are typically made of metal, concrete or other durable materials and can be found in many different places, such as parking lots, sidewalks, and building exteriors. Bollards are commonly used to protect people and property from accidental collisions, such as when a vehicle veers off course or a bike rider loses control. They can also be used to prevent unauthorized access to certain areas or to guide traffic flow. Bollards can be installed individually or in a series.

   There are many different types of bollards, such as fixed, removable or retractable (manual or automatic). And within these type categories there are various subtypes, including:

   • Decorative bollards: Designed to enhance the aesthetic of an area
   • Anti-terrorism bollards, or crash-rated (K-rated or M-rated) bollards: Designed to withstand high-speed collisions with vehicles, including car-ramming attacks by terrorists, a global issue that has recently become more prominent in Canada..
   • Lighted bollards: Equipped with a built-in light source that illuminates the surrounding area, making it easier for people to see where they are going and to avoid potential hazards.
   • Flexible bollards: Made from materials that bend and absorb impacts from vehicles, reducing damage and the risk of injury.
   • Camera-equipped security bollards: Equipped with surveillance cameras, these bollards can be used to monitor and record activity in areas where security is a concern, such as parking lots, building entrances, and other public spaces. We don’t really carry camera-equipped bollards. I would take out this section.

   Altogether there are about 40 types/subtypes of bollard providing a diverse range of functions. The world of bollards is much more multi-dimensional than most people realize!

   Why proper bollard installation is so important

   

   Proper installation of bollards is fundamental to any streetscape or landscape project where these fixtures are part of the plan. In fact, getting them installed is almost as important as choosing the right ones in the first place! Below are some key reasons why proper bollard installation is so critical.

   • Safety: Bollards are often used to protect pedestrians, buildings, and other structures from vehicular traffic. Improperly installed bollards can become a safety hazard if they are knocked over or if they fail to stop a vehicle. Proper installation ensures that bollards are securely anchored and can withstand the intended level of impact.
   • Durability: Bollards that are not installed correctly can become damaged or worn over time, reducing their effectiveness and longevity. Bollards must be installed using appropriate materials and methods to withstand weather conditions, wear and tear, and potential impacts.
   • Functionality: Bollards are installed for a variety of reasons, such as controlling traffic flow, preventing vehicle access, and enhancing security. Improperly installed bollards may not serve their intended purpose, leading to ineffective or inefficient use of public space.
   • Aesthetics: Bollards can be used to enhance the appearance of a property or to create a specific design element. Proper installation ensures that the bollards are installed in a way that is visually appealing and complements the surrounding environment.
   • Liability: In the event of an accident or injury, improperly installed bollards can create liability issues for property owners and municipalities. Proper installation can help mitigate the risk of accidents and reduce liability.

   It is important to follow industry standards and guidelines when installing bollards to ensure that they provide the intended level of protection and security. The best way to do this is to hire a professional with experience in bollard installation.

   Contact

   Ontario Bollards installs bollards virtually every workday of the year. Our reputation for doing the job right is unparalleled. Click here to learn more about Ontario Bollard’s installation services.

2. Vehicle Theft – Are You Safe?

   October 4, 2022 1:23 pm Leave a Comment

   

   

   

3. Ontario Bollards’ Safety Month Spotlight: MPM Polymer Barriers

   June 30, 2021 2:37 pm Leave a Comment

   

   This past June was the 25th anniversary of National Safety Month founded in 1996 by the United States National Safety Council (NSC). The purpose of National Safety Month is to prevent injuries and deaths and creating a safe workplace. Workplace accidents have continued to climb with the United States seeing its highest number of serious and fatal workplace accidents since 2007 with 5,333 fatal workplace injuries in 2019; according to the NSC. Therefore, observance of National Safety Month is more crucial than ever.

   In an effort to shed light on effective workplace safety measures and prevent workplace injuries, Ontario Bollards is highlighting the MPM polymer barrier system – flexible industrial safety barriers that make work environments safe wherever there are vehicles, goods, or people. With the ultra-resilient REFLEX technology, polymer barriers from MPM are a much more effective alternative to traditional steel guardrails and can dramatically reduce the risk of workplace injury and damage to goods or equipment involving machinery and vehicles.

   Why MPM?

   MPM polymer barrier systems from Ontario Bollards are resilient, customizable, easy to install, and above all: designed to enhance the safety of factories and warehouses. MPM barriers are made with a proprietary shock-absorbing technology into an ultra-lightweight package, making them an ideal space-saving safety solution. Here are some of the key features of the MPM barrier system which make them a valuable asset in reducing workplace injury.

   REFLEX technology

   The proprietary REFLEX technology used in MPM barrier systems helps to redistribute energy across the entire length of the barrier–allowing the barrier to flex and return to its original shape. The technopolymer used in MPM barriers absorbs impact better than any steel, protecting machinery and vehicles, personnel, inventory, and the warehouse itself in the event of a collision. While steel may be rendered defective or harm an operator from even a slight bump from a vehicle, shock-absorbing MPM barriers bounce back time and time again. REFLEX tech means MPM barriers are always primed to protect. Click here to view our MPM impact tests and see REFLEX in action.

   Compact, modular design

   Different job sites may require different safety measures, and MPM barrier systems provide solutions for any locale. The length of each MPM barrier can be extended or shortened to offer ample coverage without sacrificing impact resistance, and the dense materials used to make each MPM barrier helps to shrink the barrier’s footprint. Taking up less space than other barrier solutions, the MPM barrier leaves more room for usable working space. MPM polymer barrier systems are also easily customizable, making them an ideal safety measure for nearly any job site.

   A superior product for every need

   Ontario Bollards’ wide array of MPM products ensures that there is an MPM polymer barrier system to meet the safety requirements of any site. From lightweight guardrails designed to protect people, machinery, and inventory to safety gates which clearly define safe pedestrian access and exit points, the full catalogue of superior MPM products is designed for long-term use. In addition to being scratch and corrosion resistant, the high-visibility surfaces of MPM barrier systems are easier to clean and longer lasting than steel.

   Ontario Bollards’ commitment to safety

   As North America’s exclusive provider of MPM polymer barrier systems, Ontario Bollards are experts on MPM products. The team at Ontario Bollards understands that optimal productivity begins with a safe work environment. Our commitment to improving workplace safety extends far beyond the confines of Safety Month, with our dedicated team operating around the clock to provide clients with the correct safety solution.

   To schedule an MPM product consultation with the team at Ontario Bollards and improve the safety of your site, dial us at 844-991-8559 or send a note to info@ontariobollards.com.

4. A New/Old Approach in Preventing Vehicle Theft

   June 25, 2021 1:18 am Leave a Comment

   

   Summer in Canada brings longer days and warmer temperatures, it also brings with it an unwanted side-effect: record-high rates of vehicle theft. Reaching epidemic proportions in Canada with theft rates in Toronto nearly doubling since 2015, a vehicle is now stolen every six minutes according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

   The Toronto Police Department reported 5,666 vehicle thefts in 2020, capping a five-year upward trend. TPS also reported that the majority of thefts occurred on weekdays, with a high concentration of thefts taking place between 7 pm and 10 pm. Commercial vehicle thefts saw a 0.3% increase according to these findings, while residential vehicle thefts were up a whopping 13.5%. Despite the daunting statistics, vehicle theft is preventable, and the team at Ontario Bollards has put together a list of tips to greatly reduce the risk of property loss.

   Park defensively

   The simplest defense against vehicle theft can sometimes be a careful parking job. A locked garage is always the safest place for a vehicle, but should one not be available then more strategic parking is a must. For starters, thieves are not too fond of the spotlight, so parking a vehicle in a well-lit area will help deter a theft. When parking two vehicles, it is wise to park in a way that ensures one vehicle is guarding the more valuable (and therefore more susceptible) vehicle. Dedicating a few minutes to ensuring a vehicle is parked strategically may be the difference between a safe vehicle and a stolen one.

   High-tech, lower risk

   As thieves get more cunning, a high-tech approach to vehicle defense becomes more necessary. Simple tools like a steering-wheel lock prevent theft by making a vehicle impossible to steer should a successful break-in take place. Immobilizers are a tool that prevents the engine from running unless the correct key is present. This prevents the vehicle from being “hot wired” and reduces vehicular theft. While these less complex measures are effective, vehicle owners should also install GPS trackers on vehicles and store key-fobs in signal-blocking pouches (Faraday bag or cage) to guard them against hacking. Clearly visible security cameras pointed directly at the vehicle(s) can also deter potential thieves, or at very least provide documentation should a successful theft occur.

   Think like a thief!

   To prevent theft, vehicle owners should begin thinking like a thief. A quick trip into a coffee shop or running back into the house to grab a wallet (or a mask) with an unlocked or even running car may seem harmless, but it could present a golden opportunity for a thief to strike. Valuables should be removed or hidden, and vehicles should be locked whenever a vehicle is left unattended, no matter how brief. While Canadians would all like to put their faith in others, with theft rates at a record high it is not worth the risk.

   Learn from the professionals!

   Although residential vehicular theft in 2020 was up 13.5% over the previous year, commercial thefts remained largely unchanged. The defining factor? Bollards. Bollards have been used for decades to protect tractors and other heavy machinery, and car dealerships count on them to protect vehicles from theft while also offering access to inventory when needed. In addition to preventing theft, bollards are cost-effective and are a safety barrier that prevent vehicles from causing accidental or intentional damage to property—making them a valuable asset to car dealerships. With Canadian vehicular theft at an all-time high, however, more and more individuals are now relying on bollards for private residences as well.

   Guard vehicles with Ontario Bollards

   Immobilizers, alarms, and high-tech security systems are a strong defense, remember that bollards are the ultimate protective measure. With over 35 years of industry experience, Ontario Bollards is Canada’s premiere resource for asset security solutions. Sleek, stainless steel removable and retractable bollards from Ontario Bollards provide unbeatable protection while offering convenient access to vehicles when needed. With thefts reaching a fever pitch, vehicle security is more crucial than ever. Fortunately, even the most brazen of thieves are deterred by Ontario Bollards. “Car dealerships have been using them forever,” said president of Ontario Bollards Danny Zanchi. “They’re commonplace in Europe and they are becoming more popular here.”

   Furthermore, Ontario Bollards can install retractable bollards in residential driveways to prevent car theft. Here is the story of one of our clients, who had a vehicle stolen, so they hired Ontario Bollards to install a set of retractable bollards to prevent any possibility of future theft:

   

   The installed retractable bollards on the driveway

   “I recently woke up to discover that my wife’s car had been stolen right out of our home driveway. Needless to say it’s a gut wrenching experience; that leaves you feeling violated and exposed at your own home.

   I decided to look into the idea of residential Retractable Bollards and after making a few calls to educate myself on the cost and details of installing these bollards…

   Eventually I called Ontario Bollards and got on a call immediately with a young man named Nate. I must tell you that I was SO impressed with the customer service side of your company (Nate is absolutely terrific).

   The workmanship was EXCELLENT!!  No mess!  No fuss!  Just excellent execution on all counts!

   

   The installed retractable bollards. Retracted (left)/In Use (right)

   I’m really so impressed with your company and your team; and I just wanted to let you know that I would be happy to be a reference anytime you might have a new client that wants to hear how MY experience went.

   I would highly recommend Ontario Bollards to anyone that is looking to find a way to secure your home driveway from auto theft.”

    -Darrin Jones, Ontario Bollards Customer

   Do not be another statistic. Being proactive rather than reactive in regard to vehicular theft can save heaps of headache (and heartache) in the long-run, and a bollard solution from Ontario Bollards is the most effective way to guard against vehicular theft. For more information on how Ontario Bollards can help keep your vehicles safe, dial us at 844-891-8559 or send an inquiry to info@ontariobollards.com and our team of our experts will be glad to help.

5. Expert Bollard Installation from Ontario Bollards

   May 26, 2021 1:39 am Leave a Comment

   Today, bollards are a true necessity for most locales. Walkways can benefit from the security a bollard provides, as can storefronts, parking lots, and government buildings. With an abundance of applications for bollards, there are more bollard manufacturers and installers than ever. Not all bollard manufacturing and installation companies are created equal. Only the best will do and the clear choice for full-service bollard installation is Ontario Bollards.

   What Sets Ontario Bollards Apart?

   With over 35 years of experience and a highly skilled in-house team, Ontario Bollards has an extensive history of successful bollard installations. The Georgetown, Ontario-based team has mastered the art of installation and understands that delivering an exceptional product and service to valued commercial, residential, and governmental clientele is paramount. Ontario Bollards’ commitment to quality and attention to detail is what sets us apart from the competition.

   The Ontario Bollards Promise

   Operating six days a week, Ontario Bollards understands that perimeter asset protection needs cannot be overlooked. Excellent response times and same-day or next-day installations ensure that a site’s vulnerability is minimal. The Ontario Bollards installation team ensures that all bollards are correctly sized for optimal performance. Ontario Bollards guarantees that all bollards are installed at the precise depth for maximum effectiveness. Our start to finish bollard installation process concludes with a full sweep of the installation site, leaving it immaculate. Whether for a single bollard, or for a full-scale perimeter security solution, Ontario Bollards will ensure that installations are completed quickly, efficiently, and correctly.

   Ontario Bollards Makes the Difference

   As both a manufacturer and an installer, Ontario Bollards is proud to be Canada’s premier full-service bollard company. Ontario Bollards provides a host of bollards to suit all your needs. From static to automatic security bollards, our product lineup is designed to uniquely ensure security and peace of mind. All bollards from Ontario Bollards are manufactured in-house, which is a privilege that many other companies do not share. Whether a bollard is from Ontario Bollards or a competitor, the installation team will ensure that all work is completed to a high standard and that any protection a customer chooses is installed for optimal effectiveness.

   Uncompromising Commitment to Service

   Whether it be for full-service bollard sales, installations of any scale, or for installations of third-party bollards, Ontario Bollards is committed to delivering work of the highest calibre. While extensive experience distinguishes Ontario Bollards from other companies, it is the installation team’s endless pursuit of perfection that truly sets Ontario Bollards apart. The installation leaders at Ontario Bollards refuse to leave safety and security up to chance.

   For more information on expert bollard installations from Ontario Bollards, or to schedule a consultation, dial 844-891-8559 or email at info@ontariobollards.com.

6. MPM Dock Gate

   May 12, 2021 8:16 pm Leave a Comment

   MPM dock gates are a flexible and durable solution to secure your loading dock. As a top plastic extrusion producer, MPM has develop and manufactured this innovative safety product using a patented material that offers significant advantages over other dock gate materials. Incorporating MPM dock gates to secure the loading docks in your facility helps to minimize the risk of injury or damage, allowing personnel and equipment to move freely during loading and unloading operations. The dock
   gates act as a safety mechanism and barrier that flexes on impact to prevent damage.

   Ontario Bollards is the sole distributor of MPM dock gates in Canada. This page will lay out the many benefits of this high-quality protection system and help you identify the ideal solution for your application.

   What are MPM Dock Gates?

   Installing dock gates near a loading bay door provides a higher level of safety and security for equipment operating near the loading area. They prevent workers and vehicles operating near unoccupied docks from slipping or falling off of a loading bay. MPM has more than 35 years in the protective systems business, including a broad selection of dock gates and guardrails, and have developed a reputation for producing innovative technologies with the highest level of craftsmanship.

   MPM dock gates are made from patented techno-polymer materials to provide optimal properties for durability and damage reduction. MPM dock gates are shockproof, resilient, and pliable, featuring inherent flexibility that prevents damage to vehicles by gently stopping the vehicle with minimal stress to the operator. The dock gate keeps its shape even after absorbing countless shocks, due to MPM’s remarkable REFLEX technology.

   MPM Dock Gate Benefits

   MPM dock gates rely on MPM's high-quality materials and craftsmanship along with the company’s proprietary REFLEX technology, delivering unmatched performance. MPM dock gates provide the following advantages:

   • Durability. REFLEX technology absorbs energy and distributes it evenly to reduce damage. The dock gate maintains its shape after collisions.
   • Flexibility. REFLEX techno-polymer minimizes shock to the gate, vehicle, and operator, allowing the gate to flex without incurring damage.
   • Lightweight. MPM's unique materials result in a lightweight product, especially compared to other common guardrail materials like steel.
   • Low-maintenance. High-visibility extruded plastic does not scratch and requires no paint. It maintains optimal performance with little maintenance and will not corrode or rust like metal gates.
   • Safety. Enhanced reliability and performance impart maximum safety to operators and vehicles. The pliable material and durable design prevent shock that may harm vehicles and operators.

   Various applications rely on MPM dock gates to ensure operator safety in their industrial facility or warehouse. They can provide an additional safety barrier for walkways, platforms, and near machinery. MPM dock gates are a reliable solution to dock safety. Ontario Bollards can help you determine the ideal loading dock gate solution for your facility.

   MPM Dock Gates From Ontario Bollards

   MPM dock gates improve the safety of your loading dock with higher durability and flexibility than any other dock gate product. The dock gate relies on MPM’s innovative REFLEX technology to protect vehicles and operators from injury and damage. They are also low maintenance and lightweight, offering convenience and low cost of ownership.

   Ontario Bollards can help you determine the ideal safety solution for your facility and install the product of your choice. As the exclusive MPM distributor in Canada, we offer a variety of sizes and customization options. To see how MPM dock gates can benefit your facility, please contact us to speak with a representative or request a quote today.

7. MPM Dock Gates and Safety Guardrails from Ontario Bollards

   April 5, 2021 4:26 pm Leave a Comment

   Since 1985, MPM has offered innovative protective products to a broad spectrum of businesses across countless industries. The firm’s eagerness to implement and master emerging technologies as well as their dedication to quality craftsmanship has cemented them as one of the world’s leading plastic extrusion producers, and Ontario Bollards is proud to be Canada’s sole distributor of MPM’s revolutionary product line.

   Though the firm’s catalogue includes a variety of protection systems, one MPM solution which Ontario Bollards is especially proud to offer is MPM’s dock gates. Acting as a safety guardrail to prevent falling, slipping, or tipping of moving vehicles near loading bays, MPM’s dock gates are an irreplaceable security and safety measure for any manufacturing facility, distribution center, or warehouse. The dock gates are made from MPM’s patented materials, resulting in maximum resiliency while still remaining pliable–allowing them to gently stop vehicles without damaging machinery or harming workers.

   The Benefits of MPM Dock Gates

   

   Highly durable, lightweight, and flexible, MPM’s safety guardrails are truly the superior solution. The patented construction of each dock gate ensures longevity and resiliency, allowing them to sustain countless impacts without hindering performance. The high-visibility finish of each safety guardrail assists in preventing collisions (no paint job necessary), but should a collision occur the shock-resistant quality of MPM’s REFLEX technology is sure to keep your people–and machinery–safe.

   What is REFLEX?

   Developed in MPM’s laboratory by a team of plastics experts with decades of experience, RELEX is a proprietary techno polymer which is able to absorb and redistribute energy unlike almost any other material. When applied to MPM’s dock gates, the result is quite spectacular: a lightweight and highly effective safety guardrail that requires minimal maintenance to ensure maximum performance.  Check out just how effective these safety guardrails are in our performance video:

   When the time comes that a dock gate or section of guardrail is retired from service, they are also fully recyclable and ready to be re-installed elsewhere.

   Ontario Bollards: The MPM Experts

   While MPM dock gates are a far more lightweight and painless solution than steel safety guardrails, we still encourage that you allow the experts at Ontario Bollards to install your dock gates for you. MPM dock gates are also available in a variety of different sizes, and this customization option can present a unique challenge when determining which size safety guardrail is best for your site. As Canada’s only MPM providers, our team of professionals is committed to making your installation as seamless as possible and we are ready to help find the MPM dock gate solution that best suits the safety and security needs of your business. Of course, you are more than welcome to install the safety guardrails yourself, we do however suggest that you let the experts at Ontario Bollards take care of it–our team is glad to help.

   Interested in seeing how MPM dock gates can improve the safety and efficiency of your workspace, or exploring Ontario Bollards’ exclusive range of MPM products? Contact us today for more information or submit a request for a quote via the online form. We look forward to working with you.

8. Why Use Stainless Steel for Bollards?

   March 31, 2021 3:46 pm Leave a Comment

   At Ontario Bollards, we specialize in the supply, service, and installation of asset protection equipment and systems. One of our core product offerings is bollards, which come in a wide range of variations to suit different functional and decorative applications. Below, we highlight stainless steel bollards.

   What Is Stainless Steel?

   Stainless steel is a type of steel alloy that contains chromium and other elements (e.g., manganese, molybdenum, nickel, niobium, and titanium). The addition of chromium increases the material’s corrosion resistance, while the addition of the other elements enhances its mechanical properties. The result is a strong, durable, and attractive metal with the following characteristics:

   • Corrosion resistance
   • Impact resistance
   • High/low-temperature resistance
   • Fire resistance
   • Weather resistance (rain and salt)
   • High workability
   • Easy cleanability
   • 100% recyclability

   These characteristics can vary depending on the exact composition. For example, a higher chromium content results in better corrosion resistance, while a higher nickel content results in greater flexibility. Regardless of these slight differences, the general characteristics of stainless steel make it well-suited for use in the manufacture of various outdoor parts and products, including bollards.

   Stainless Steel Bollards at Ontario Bollards

   Bollards are structural elements used for both functional and decorative purposes. For example, they can direct and guide traffic, protect pedestrians and buildings from oncoming vehicles, and enhance the overall design of the landscape. They come in a number of designs and materials to suit different environments and applications.

   At Ontario Bollards, we offer bollards made from polyurethane, steel, and stainless steel. Our stainless steel bollards come in the following styles:

   • Fixed embedded. Fixed embedded bollards are designed to be embedded in concrete. They have a clean, versatile, and visible design that makes them suitable for installation in any modern building or landscape.
   • Surface mount. Surface mount bollards—also known as bolt-down bollards—are designed to be bolted to the ground. They have a sturdy design that makes them ideal for protecting pedestrians, buildings, and equipment from accidental collision damage.
   • Retractable. Retractable bollards are designed to retract into the ground and lock in the extended position when needed. They are perfect for applications that need intermittent access control—they are raised to prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering the area, and they are lowered to allow authorized vehicles to enter the area. We offer them in semi-automatic or fully automatic and electromechanical, gas spring, or hydraulic variations.
   • Removable. Removable bollards are designed to be installed and removed as needed. They are well-suited for applications that temporarily require a clear and visible barrier that prevents vehicles from entering a high-foot-traffic or restricted area.

   These bollards are typically constructed of 316 stainless steel with a #6 satin finish to ensure high resistance to corrosion and weathering. However, they are available in powder coated variations. All posts ship with one of four colored reflector stripes, which are used to improve visibility.

   Contact the Bollards Experts at Ontario Bollards Today

   Bollards play an essential role in many industrial and commercial facilities. By preventing vehicles from entering restricted areas, they keep personnel and pedestrians safe from injury and buildings and equipment safe from damage.

   For high-quality stainless steel bollards you can trust to protect your people, products, and processes, turn to the experts at Ontario Bollards! We maintain a broad selection of bollard products to accommodate various environments and applications. Whether you need a bollard for traffic control, access control, or landscape design, we’ve got you covered. To learn more about our product and service offerings, contact us or request a quote today.

9. Steel Guard Rails vs. MPM Plastic Guard Rails

   3:39 pm Leave a Comment

   Guard rails are essential elements in any industrial and commercial facility. By protecting people, products, and plant equipment from accidental collision damage, they can save the facility significant amounts of money throughout the year. However, their effectiveness depends on their design. Different styles, sizes, and materials are appropriate for different environments and applications.

   Below, we highlight two of the most popular guard rail solutions: steel guard rails and MPM plastic guard rails. We outline what they are, what properties they have, and what applications they are used in.

   Overview of Steel Guard Rails

   Steel guard rails have been used as a safety barrier solution in various industrial and commercial applications for years. Some of the key benefits of using them over other guard rail solutions include:

   • High strength. Steel is strong, hard, and tough. As a result, parts and products made out of them, such as guard rails, can readily withstand impact and other stresses. These qualities are important for components like guard rails that are designed to prevent incoming forces from damaging something (e.g., a person, product, or equipment) on the other side.
   • Consistent construction. Over the years, guard rail manufacturers have developed production methods that virtually eliminate inconsistencies from one steel guard to the next. This ensures that guard rails always fit together as intended and form a uniform assembly.
   • Long service life. The strength and durability of the steel allow these components to withstand use in harsh conditions over an extended period.

   The above characteristics make steel guard rails appropriate for use in a wide range of industrial and commercial facilities and locations. Typical areas where they are installed include:

   • Electrical panels
   • Industrial facilities and warehouses
   • In-plant offices
   • Inventory areas
   • Loading docks
   • Pedestrian aisles
   • Work platforms

   Overview of MPM Plastic Guard Rails

   A popular alternative to traditional steel guard rails is plastic guard rails. A premier provider of these safety barrier products is MPM—an Italian company that designs and manufactures high-quality guard rails made from polymer materials.

   MPM plastic guard rails are engineered to protect facility walls from accidental collision by light-duty and heavy-duty trucks and forklifts. Some of the key benefits of using them over other guard rail solutions include:

   • High flexibility. The flexibility of the MPM guard rails enables them to absorb impact forces and bounce back to their original shape. This ensures they and the impacting object remain undamaged.
   • Durable construction. MPM guard rails are resistant to abrasion, acids, alcohols, detergents, gasoline, and oil. They are also self-extinguishing. These qualities help them maintain their integrity in harsh conditions.
   • Hygienic design. Since the plastic material is resistant to detergents, these components can be easily cleaned and sterilized without fear of damage or degradation. This makes it easier for facility workers to maintain sanitary conditions.
   • Low maintenance requirements. As MPM guard rails are flexible and durable, they require less maintenance, repair, and replacement than other types of guard rails.
   • Good cost-effectiveness. The low maintenance/replacement cost of MPM guard rails, combined with their effectiveness at preventing injury and damage, helps lower the facility’s overall operational costs. Facilities are less likely to need to repair damage, pay for worker compensation, or replace broken goods.

   The above characteristics make MPM plastic guard rails suitable for installation in a wide range of industrial and commercial facilities and locations. Typical uses include:

   • Airports
   • Car parks
   • Food & beverage processing plants
   • Industrial facilities and warehouses
   • Medical facilities
   • Mines
   • Retail stores
   • Transportation & logistics centers
   • Walls

   Guard Rail Solutions From Ontario Bollards

   Need guard rails for your industrial or commercial facility? Turn to the experts at Ontario Bollards! We offer both steel and polymer barrier systems, including steel and MPM plastic guard rails. To learn more about our products and how they can benefit your facility, contact us today. For assistance choosing an appropriate safety barrier product, request a quote.

10. K-Rated Bollards: What you need to know

    February 22, 2021 5:20 pm Leave a Comment

    

    K-Rated Bollards: What you need to know

    Major metropolitan areas, regardless of where you are in the world, all share some commonalities. Droves of people, for one, are a big-city mainstay, as are newspaper and street food carts. While you may notice the crowds, and the vendors, there’s another city-fixture that may go undetected: the array of concrete-reinforced steel posts which stand at attention outside of storefronts and commercial buildings. These posts, called bollards, are not decorative, but rather serve the real-world purpose of providing passive Anti-Terrorism security in urban areas. As global tensions continue to rise and the threat of terrorism is ever-imminent, bollards have become a necessity in urban areas. However, not all Anti-Terrorism bollards are the same.

    Know your ratings

    These Anti-Terrorism bollards may all adhere to a fairly uniform appearance, but they are distinguished by capability according to two rating systems: K-ratings and M-ratings. While M-ratings are officially used throughout North America, K-ratings are still used as a common reference point in the industry.

    K-ratings were introduced in 1985 by the U.S. Department of State, and are organized into three designations–all correlating to a bollard’s resilience against a 15,000 lb vehicle traveling at a given speed. A K4 can defend against said vehicle traveling at 30 mph, a K8 at 40, and a K12-rated bollard can successfully stop a 15,000 lb vehicle traveling at 50 mph. This advanced designation guarantees a bollard’s effectiveness as a last line of defense when it comes to protecting public–and private–spaces.

    Engineered vs. certified bollards

    All K-rated bollards are not created equal. Beyond the K-rating designation, the effectiveness of an Anti-Terrorism bollard can also be measured by whether it is engineered or certified. An Engineered K-rated bollard is engineered to certain specifications which would allow it to withstand a K-ratings’ given weight and speed parameters. This cost-cutting measure may ultimately diminish the effectiveness of a bollard. Ontario Bollards is proud to provide certified bollards, which all undergo rigorous testing as required by DOS, ASTM, PAS and IWA standards, ensuring that each of our Anti-Terrorism bollards is ready to provide real world protection, anywhere in the world.

    

    Our Range of Stainless Steel Semiautomatic Retractable Bollards

    Types of K-rated bollards

    Among these various K-ratings, there are also different types of bollards which offer specific advantages depending on use.

    Fixed bollards are exactly what they sound like, and are made to provide permanent passive protection.

    Removable bollards, again, live up to their name, offering high-level security with the added advantage of being manually removed from spaces where infrequent access may be required.

    Semi-automatic bollards are manually lowered into the ground via a crank or drill, and provide a cost-effective alternative to automatic bollards, which can be lowered remotely via a number of methods (a key pad, a push-button, or even a cell phone). Both semi-automatic and automatic bollards offer unparalleled versatility and ease-of-use, but the added convenience of automatic bollards makes them a top choice for any security solution–from the most basic to the more advanced.

    Bollards for government use

    K-rated bollards, in addition to protecting the populus in city centres, also offer a small-footprint solution for diverting traffic while still granting passage for smaller vehicles. This application makes them ideal for government buildings and spaces. Anti-Terrorism bollards can prove to be a tremendous asset to the municipal, provincial, and federal government, with the aforementioned different types of bollards offering unique benefits to each.

    Provincial government buildings are made safer by the presence of fixed Anti-Terrorism bollards, as the lining of bollards around a building’s perimeter guarantees it safety from a high-speed vehicular attack.

    Municipal government spaces may take advantage of the increased safety fixed K-rated bollards provide, while also leveraging their use to divert traffic away from designated areas such as school courtyards.

    Federal government sites may benefit from the presence of automatic bollards which can prevent or grant access to restricted, high-security areas while guaranteeing protection.

    While each branch can benefit from different types of Anti-Terrorism bollards for unique reasons, the most advanced solutions may require a combination of each type.

    The Ontario Bollards advantage  

    When it comes to K-rated Anti-Terrorism bollards, there is a lot to know. Understanding which solution–or combination of multiple solutions–is right for your site may be easier said than done, which is why you can rest easy knowing that the experts at Ontario Bollards are on your team. Designing, sourcing, and installing all of our Anti-Terrorism solutions, Ontario Bollards are industry leaders in providing a turn-key experience.

    Contact our experts today to learn more about how our K-rated bollard solutions can benefit your site, or request a quote for pricing details.