Crowd Control Barriers: A Complete Guide Australian and NZ

Crowd control barriers are essential tools used to manage and direct the movement of people in various settings, ensuring safety, security, and order. They are widely employed in events, public spaces, construction sites, and any environment where controlling pedestrian flow is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of crowd control barriers, their types, applications, and the considerations for selecting the appropriate barrier for specific needs.

Metal Crowd Control Barriers:

Constructed from durable materials like steel, these robust barriers are ideal for large-scale events, concerts, and festivals. They provide a high level of security and effectively prevent unauthorized access.

Specifications

These specifications offer a range of options to suit different needs. The heavy-duty barriers provide extra durability with thicker tubes and more weight. The light-duty barriers are lighter and may be easier to handle. All barriers come with treatment options to enhance corrosion resistance and appearance.

Galvanized Crowd Control Barriers Available pre-galvanized and hot dipped galvanized	Orange powder coated Crowd Control Barriers
Bottom foot designs	Gate design

Metal Crowd Control Barriers Price

Tube thickness greatly affects the price of metal crowd control barriers. Thicker tubes use more steel, which increases material costs. Therefore, barriers with thicker tubes are more expensive.

Freight cost also influences the price. Shipping heavy metal barriers can be costly, especially over long distances. If freight costs rise, the overall price of the barriers goes up.

Steel price is another key factor. When the market price of steel increases, production costs for the barriers rise. This leads to higher prices for the finished product.

The currency exchange rate between USD and Australian dollars impacts the price as well. If the USD strengthens against the Australian dollar, importing barriers becomes more expensive for Australian buyers. Conversely, if the Australian dollar strengthens, the barriers become cheaper.

In summary, tube thickness, freight cost, steel price, and currency exchange rates all play significant roles in determining the price of metal crowd control barriers.

What’s the price of crowd control barriers ?

Purchasing crowd control barriers in small quantities from local suppliers in Australia costs between $48 and $110, including GST. But if you buy imported crowd control barriers from China, the price is much lower. When landed at main Australian ports like Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, the cost ranges from around $25 to $55 per kit.If you are seeking crowd control barriers for hire and are interested in obtaining a quote, we have prepared contact information for 18 reputable suppliers for your reference.

How to Pack Crowd Control Barriers

The standard method for packing crowd control barriers involves placing the panels onto metal pallets. To maintain the balance of the entire pallet, it’s important not to have all the round top sides facing the same direction. The correct packing procedure is to alternate the orientation: one piece with the round top facing one way, then the next piece facing the opposite direction.

The packing methods differ between galvanized crowd control barriers and polyester powder-coated crowd control barriers. The notable difference is that for powder-coated barriers, a layer of plastic film is placed between each barrier to protect the finish. The sequence is: one layer of plastic film, then one barrier, followed by another layer of plastic film.

Typically, OD25mm crowd control barriers are packed with approximately 100 pieces per pallet. 32mm crowd control barriers usually have 75 pieces per pallet, and 38mm crowd control barriers are packed with about 65 pieces per pallet.

Generally, the steel plate feet of the crowd control barriers are placed into the upright spacing between the barriers for efficient use of space. In orders with higher requirements, the feet are often placed in cardboard boxes for additional protection.

stacking in metal pallets	base plate put in upright tubes
crowd control barriers container loading	each barriers stacking with a extra plastic film
as per requirements the base plate put in paper carton	metal barriers wrapped with plastic film

Treatment of Crowd Control Barriers in the Australian and New Zealand Market

Crowd control barriers are essential for ensuring safety and order in public spaces, construction sites, and event venues. In Australia and New Zealand, these barriers must adhere to specific standards that ensure durability, safety, and compliance with local regulations. The treatments applied to these barriers—such as pre-galvanizing, polyester powder coating, and hot-dip galvanizing—are critical for their performance and longevity.The zinc layer on pre-galvanized crowd control barriers typically breaks after welding. To prevent rust, a cold zinc coating is usually applied as an anti-corrosion treatment.

1. Pre-Galvanized Treatment Crowd Control Barriers

Process Overview: Pre-galvanizing involves coating steel with a thin layer of zinc before fabrication. This is typically done by running steel sheets through a molten zinc bath and then forming them into the desired shape.

Advantages:

• Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than other galvanizing methods.
• Smooth Finish: Provides a uniform appearance suitable for applications where aesthetics are important.

Limitations:

• Thinner Coating: Offers less corrosion resistance compared to hot-dip galvanizing.
• Welded Areas Vulnerable: Post-fabrication welding can expose untreated steel, leading to potential corrosion spots.

Relevant Standards in Australia and New Zealand:

• AS/NZS 4792: Hot-dip galvanized (zinc) coatings on ferrous hollow sections, applied by a continuous or specialized process.
  • Specifies requirements for pre-galvanized hollow sections and open profiles.
• AS/NZS 4680: While primarily for hot-dip galvanizing, this standard also provides guidelines applicable to pre-galvanized products in certain contexts.

2. Polyester Powder Coating Crowd Control Barriers

Process Overview: Polyester powder coating involves applying a dry powder to the metal surface electrostatically and then curing it under heat to form a protective layer.

Advantages:

• Aesthetic Variety: Available in a wide range of colors and finishes.
• Environmental Resistance: Offers good protection against UV radiation and weathering.
• Durability: Resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading.

Limitations:

• Surface Preparation Critical: Inadequate preparation can lead to poor adhesion and coating failure.
• Damage Exposure: If the coating is breached, the underlying metal may corrode.

Relevant Standards in Australia and New Zealand:

• AS 4506: Metal finishing—Thermoset powder coatings.
  • Outlines the requirements for the application and performance of powder coatings on metal substrates.
• AS/NZS 3750.17: Paints for steel structures—Thermosetting powder coatings.
  • Specifies performance requirements for powder coatings used on steel structures, including barriers.

3. Hot-Dip Galvanized Treatment

Process Overview: Hot-dip galvanizing involves immersing the fabricated steel barrier into a bath of molten zinc, creating a robust, metallurgically bonded zinc coating.

Advantages:

• Superior Corrosion Resistance: Offers long-term protection, even in harsh environments.
• Complete Coverage: Ensures all parts of the barrier, including interior surfaces, are coated.
• Low Maintenance: Reduces the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Limitations:

• Higher Initial Cost: More expensive upfront compared to pre-galvanizing.
• Potential for Zinc Runs or Drips: Can affect the aesthetic finish, though this does not impact performance.

Relevant Standards in Australia and New Zealand:

• AS/NZS 4680: Hot-dip galvanized (zinc) coatings on fabricated ferrous articles.
  • The primary standard governing hot-dip galvanizing processes, specifying coating thickness, appearance, and adherence.
• AS/NZS 1214: Hot-dip galvanized coatings on threaded fasteners.
  • Ensures that fasteners used with barriers are also adequately protected.

Compliance and Safety Standards

Beyond the coating treatments, crowd control barriers must comply with several other standards to ensure safety and functionality:

• AS 1657: Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways, and ladders—Design, construction, and installation.
  • While focused on access structures, the principles apply to the stability and safety of barriers.
• AS/NZS 1170.1: Structural design actions—Permanent, imposed, and other actions.
  • Provides guidelines on load-bearing requirements, ensuring barriers can withstand crowd pressures.
• AS/NZS 2312: Guide to the protection of structural steel against atmospheric corrosion by the use of protective coatings.
  • Offers comprehensive guidance on selecting appropriate protective coatings based on environmental conditions.

Key Considerations for Selection

• Environmental Conditions: For coastal or industrial areas with high corrosion potential, hot-dip galvanizing is recommended.
• Duration of Use: Temporary events may opt for pre-galvanized or powder-coated barriers due to lower costs.
• Aesthetic Requirements: Powder coating allows for customization to match branding or visibility needs.
• Budget Constraints: While hot-dip galvanizing offers the best protection, budget limitations may necessitate alternative treatments.

Understanding Different Types of Crowd Control Barrier Feet and How to Choose the Right One

Introduction

Crowd control barriers are essential tools for managing people and ensuring safety at events, construction sites, and public gatherings. One critical aspect of these barriers is the design of their feet, which affects stability, ease of installation, and safety for pedestrians. This article explores the three main types of crowd control barrier feet—bridge foot, flat-style foot, and V-type foot—and provides guidance on how to choose the right one for your specific needs

1. Bridge Foot

Overview

The bridge foot design is one of the most popular options for crowd control barriers. Its unique shape resembles a small bridge, providing exceptional stability and making it ideal for use on uneven or soft surfaces like grass, gravel, or turf.

Advantages

• Exceptional Stability: The arched design offers superior resistance against tipping and movement, even when subjected to crowd pressure or windy conditions.
• Versatility: Suitable for a variety of terrains, especially uneven or soft grounds where other barrier feet might struggle to maintain balance.
• Effective Crowd Management: Ideal for large events such as parades, concerts, or sports events where controlling and directing crowd flow is crucial.

Considerations

• Size and Weight: The bridge foot tends to be bulkier and heavier, which may affect transportation and setup time.
• Potential Tripping Hazard: The protruding feet can pose a risk if not adequately marked or if pedestrians are not attentive.

 Flat-Style Foot

Overview

The flat-style foot barrier is designed with a flat base that lies flush with the ground. This design minimizes tripping hazards and allows for easy passage over the feet by pedestrians and vehicles.

Advantages

• Safety: Reduced risk of tripping due to the flat base, making it suitable for high-foot-traffic areas.
• Ease of Access: Vehicles can roll over the flat feet without causing damage to the barrier or the vehicle, useful for areas requiring occasional vehicle access.
• Stability on Hard Surfaces: Provides even weight distribution on flat, hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt.
• Easy Installation: Often equipped with holes for screws or bolts, allowing for secure fastening to the ground if necessary.

Considerations

• Less Effective on Uneven Surfaces: Not ideal for soft or uneven terrain where the flat base may not provide sufficient stability.
• Requires Level Ground: Best suited for flat surfaces to maximize contact and stability.

3. V-Type Foot

Overview

The V-type foot features a V-shaped support that balances stability with portability. This design allows for quick assembly and disassembly, making it convenient for events that require rapid setup and takedown.

Advantages

• Good Stability: The V-shape provides a stable footprint that can handle crowd pressure effectively.
• Portability: Lighter and easier to stack, transport, and store compared to bulkier foot designs.
• Quick Setup: Can be rapidly deployed and connected to form a continuous barrier, beneficial for events with tight schedules.
• Space-Efficient Storage: The design allows barriers to nest together, saving storage space.

Considerations

• Moderate Stability on Soft Ground: May require additional support or anchoring on very soft or uneven surfaces.
• Potential Obstruction: The protruding V-foot can be a minor obstacle and may require caution signs to prevent tripping.

How to Choose the Right Barrier Foot

Selecting the appropriate barrier foot depends on several factors:

1. Surface Type

• Uneven or Soft Surfaces: Opt for the bridge foot for maximum stability.
• Flat, Hard Surfaces: The flat-style foot is ideal due to its even weight distribution and reduced tripping hazard.
• Mixed Terrains: Consider the V-type foot for a balance between stability and portability.

2. Crowd Density and Movement

• High-Density Crowds: The bridge foot provides superior stability for managing large, active crowds.
• Moderate Crowds with Vehicle Access: The flat-style foot allows vehicles to pass over and is safer for pedestrians.
• Dynamic Events: The V-type foot is suitable for events that require quick changes in barrier configurations.

3. Safety Concerns

• Tripping Hazards: If minimizing tripping risks is a priority, the flat-style foot is the best option.
• Visibility: Ensure any protruding feet (bridge or V-type) are clearly visible or marked.

4. Setup and Storage

• Ease of Installation: The V-type foot offers quick setup and is lightweight.
• Storage Space: The V-type foot and some flat-style foot barriers stack efficiently.
• Transportation: Consider the weight and bulkiness; V-type and flat-style feet are generally easier to transport.

5. Environmental Conditions

• Windy Conditions: The bridge foot provides enhanced stability against wind.
• Event Duration: For long-term installations, sturdier options like the bridge foot may be more appropriate.

Choosing the right crowd control barriers foot is essential for the safety, efficiency, and success of your event or project. By considering factors such as surface type, crowd density, safety concerns, and logistical needs, you can select the barrier foot design that best suits your requirements. Whether it’s the stability of the bridge foot, the safety of the flat-style foot, or the versatility of the V-type foot, understanding these options ensures effective crowd management and a smoother operational experience.

Plastic Crowd Control Barriers:

Lightweight and versatile, plastic barriers are well-suited for smaller events such as conferences and exhibitions. They are easy to assemble, transport, and can be customized with event-specific branding.

Specifications

 Retractable Belt Barriers:

Commonly used in indoor settings like museums, exhibitions, and queues, these portable and visually appealing barriers help maintain orderly and organized lines.

 Police Crowd Barriers:

Specifically designed for crowd control and public safety, police barriers are sturdy and reliable solutions for managing large gatherings, parades, and high-security events. Made from heavy-duty materials, they offer enhanced security measures and effectively prevent unauthorized access and disruptions.

MOJO BARRIERS

Mojo Barriers is a leading company that specializes in designing and manufacturing high-quality crowd control barriers. Their products are widely used at concerts, festivals, and large events to ensure crowd safety and security. Known for their durability, lightweight construction, and easy installation, Mojo crowd control Barriers offer reliable solutions for managing crowds and creating safe environments for both attendees and performers. The company has a strong reputation for innovation and excellence in the event safety industry.

Selecting the right foot design depends on surface type, crowd density, safety concerns, and logistical needs.