Written by Jake Oakey on January 24, 2023

What is a plastic safety barrier?


A plastic safety barrier, also known as a plastic pedestrian barrier or chapter 8 barrier, is a type of barrier used to control and direct the flow of pedestrians in public spaces. These barriers are designed to be lightweight, durable, and easy to install, making them a popular choice for a variety of applications.

Key Takeaways

  1. Purpose: Chapter 8 barriers control pedestrian flow and protect them from traffic hazards.
  2. Material: Made from durable, eco-friendly high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
  3. Uses: Employed in roads, construction sites, events, and as temporary walkways.
  4. Types: Includes concrete, water-filled, steel, plastic, jersey barriers, guardrails, and bollards.
  5. Benefits: Lightweight, easy installation, low maintenance, high visibility, flexible, and cost-effective.
  6. Recommendation: Purchase quality barriers from reputable manufacturers like Oaklands Group.

Chapter 8 barriers, named after the UK Department for Transport's Traffic Signs Manual, are a type of safety barrier used to separate pedestrians from traffic and other potential hazards. These barriers are commonly used on roads, highways, construction sites, and other areas where there is a risk of pedestrian injury or death.

What do they protect you and what are there uses?

The primary function of chapter 8 barriers is to protect pedestrians from traffic and other hazards. They are used to separate pedestrians from the road, creating a physical barrier that prevents accidents and injuries. These barriers are also used to direct pedestrian traffic, making it easier for people to navigate busy areas and reducing the risk of collisions.

In addition to protecting pedestrians, chapter 8 barriers also have a number of other uses. They can be used to block off construction sites, to create temporary walkways, to direct traffic, and to create temporary crowd control barriers.

They are used in event management, to create safe areas and to manage the flow of pedestrians. This makes them a versatile and useful tool in a variety of settings, and they are an important part of keeping pedestrians safe.

Here are some popular uses of plastic safety barriers:

  • Creating designated walkways and paths in public spaces
  • Separating pedestrians from moving vehicles
  • Marking off areas that are off-limits to the public
  • Creating temporary barriers for construction sites and events
  • Providing additional safety measures for roadwork and other temporary situations



What are they made from?

The barriers are designed to meet the safety requirements outlined in Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual which specify the design, construction, and maintenance of traffic signs and road markings, as well as the placement and use of safety barriers. This ensures that the barriers are effective in protecting pedestrians, and are also visible and easy to understand.

Plastic pedestrian barriers are made from high density polyethylene (HDPE), which is a durable and lightweight material that can withstand impact and weathering. HDPE is also UV stabilized, which means that it can resist fading and cracking caused by exposure to sunlight.

This makes them an ideal choice for outdoor use, as they can withstand the elements and remain in good condition for many years. Additionally, HDPE is a sustainable and eco-friendly material that can be recycled, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

What are the different types of safety barriers?

Safety barriers are essential elements in preventing accidents and protecting workers, drivers, and pedestrians. There are different types of safety barriers, and each is designed for specific applications. Here are some of the most common types of safety barriers:

  1. Concrete Barriers:

    Concrete barriers are widely used for traffic management and safety on highways and bridges. These barriers provide a strong physical barrier between vehicles and other objects, such as barriers or guardrails.
  2. Water Filled Barriers:

    Water filled barriers are lightweight and flexible, making them suitable for temporary use in construction sites, event management, and other applications. These barriers are filled with water and can be easily transported and installed.
  3. Steel Barriers:

    Steel barriers are often used in construction sites, airports, and other areas where heavy duty protection is required. These barriers are durable and can withstand high impacts.
  4. Plastic Barriers:

    Plastic barriers are lightweight, easy to install, and require low maintenance. These barriers are used in many applications, such as construction sites, pedestrian safety, and event management.
  5. Jersey Barriers:

    Jersey barriers are made of reinforced concrete and are used to separate traffic lanes and prevent vehicles from crossing over into opposing lanes. These barriers are often seen on highways and bridges.
  6. Guardrails:

    Guardrails are a type of barrier that is installed on the edge of roads, bridges, and highways. They are designed to prevent vehicles from leaving the road and to protect drivers and passengers.
  7. Bollards:

    Bollards are vertical posts that are used to protect buildings, pedestrians, and other objects from vehicles. They are often seen in urban areas and are made of materials such as concrete, steel, and plastic.

Benefits of plastic safety barriers?

Plastic safety barriers are increasingly becoming popular in many industries, thanks to their numerous benefits. Here are some of the advantages of plastic safety barriers:

  1. Lightweight and Easy to Install:

    One of the main benefits of plastic safety barriers is that they are lightweight and easy to install. This makes them ideal for temporary use in construction sites, event management, and other applications where barriers need to be moved or repositioned frequently.
  2. Low Maintenance:

    Unlike concrete or steel barriers, plastic safety barriers require very little maintenance. They are easy to clean and do not require painting, which reduces the long-term cost of maintenance.
  3. Highly Visible:

    Plastic safety barriers are often brightly coloured, making them highly visible and easy to see. This enhances safety by alerting drivers and pedestrians to the presence of a barrier, which can help prevent accidents.
  4. Reduced Damage to Vehicles and Infrastructure:

    Plastic safety barriers are designed to absorb impacts, which reduces damage to vehicles and infrastructure. This can help reduce the cost of repairs and maintenance in the long run.
  5. Flexible:

    Plastic safety barriers are designed to be flexible, which allows them to bend and deform upon impact. This helps prevent the barrier from shattering or breaking, which can cause further damage or injury.
  6. Sustainable:

    Many plastic safety barriers are made from recycled materials, which makes them an eco-friendly option. Additionally, plastic barriers can be recycled, which reduces waste and pollution.
  7. Cost effective:

    Plastic safety barriers are often less expensive than concrete or steel barriers, making them a cost effective option. This makes them ideal for temporary or short-term use, where it may not be necessary to invest in more expensive barriers.

Conclusion

One of the key benefits of chapter 8 barriers is that they are easy to install, move, and store. They are lightweight and easy to handle, which means that they can be quickly deployed to an area where they are needed. Additionally, they are easy to store when not in use, which means that they can be easily transported and reused. This makes them a cost-effective solution for a wide range of applications.

In conclusion, chapter 8 barriers are a type of safety barrier used to separate pedestrians from traffic and other potential hazards. They are made from high-density polyethylene, and are designed to meet the safety requirements outlined in Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual.

They are used to protect pedestrians from traffic and other hazards, and also to direct pedestrian traffic, making it easier for people to navigate busy areas and reducing the risk of collisions. They are versatile and easy to install, move, and store, making them an ideal solution for a wide range of applications.

OAKEYS safety suggests making sure you buy your plastic pedestrian barrier from a reputable manufacture such as Oaklands Group so you can be sure to get chapter 8 quality barriers such as the Oaklands Group Firmus 2m Barrier. This barrier along with a wide range of other traffic management products are available on our online store, link below.

  1. What are Chapter 8 Barriers? Chapter 8 barriers are plastic safety barriers used to control pedestrian traffic and protect them from hazards, especially in areas near roads and construction sites.
  2. Why are they called 'Chapter 8' barriers? They are named after the UK Department for Transport's Traffic Signs Manual's Chapter 8, which outlines safety requirements for traffic signs and road markings.
  3. What materials are used to make Chapter 8 barriers? These barriers are primarily made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), known for its durability and environmental friendliness.
  4. Where are Chapter 8 barriers commonly used? They are used in various settings including roads, highways, construction sites, event management, and for creating temporary walkways.
  5. What are the benefits of using plastic safety barriers? Plastic safety barriers are lightweight, easy to install and move, require minimal maintenance, are highly visible, flexible, and cost-effective.

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