How To Maintain Pedestrian Guardrails For Ultimate Safety
Public safety and accessibility for all are vital, and when it comes to keeping the public safe, few solutions are more crucial than pedestrian guardrails. But how do you ensure your guardrails stand the test of time? And how do you maintain them so that they remain effective for years to come?
Whether you are installing pedestrian guardrails by highways, in factories, on construction sites, in carparks or anywhere else, regular maintenance of these structures is vital to keep pedestrians away from potential hazards.
This is a comprehensive guide on absolutely everything you need to know for effective pedestrian guardrail maintenance so that your safety solutions are long-lasting and effective.
Firstly, What Are The Uses Of Pedestrian Guardrails?
Pedestrian guardrails are used to keep the public safe and away from various potential hazards. You will often see pedestrian guardrails in warehouses, on construction sites, by the sides of roads, in carparks and more. Often they are used to keep pedestrians away from hazards like vehicles, machinery or open worksites.
But they aren’t just to keep the public safe! Guardrails are essential items that also protect staff working in these areas from potential dangers. They are essential when it comes to preventing injuries and accidents and are vital for ensuring a safe environment for both workers and members of the public.
How Should Pedestrian Guardrails Be Maintained?
When it comes to the overall maintenance of pedestrian guardrails, there are a number of different factors you should be keeping in mind to ensure the best outcomes. Not only does regular maintenance ensure your solutions are always working at their best to keep people safe, but it also means you can extend the lifespan of your guardrails to last for (potentially) decades to come!
Here are some of the ways you can maintain your guardrails to ensure the best results:
- Perform Regular Inspections
To keep your guardrails in tip-top shape, you need to ensure you have a regular schedule to inspect your guardrails for signs of wear and tear, weather damage, corrosion or structural problems. During these inspections, you also need to check your guardrail connections to ensure they are all well-fitted and secure.
- Fix Damage Immediately
Whilst it can feel like a bit of a burden to immediately repair any issues you find during your inspections, it will ultimately save you time (and money) in the long run. You want to address loose or damaged parts by replacing them or tightening them to ensure your guardrails are always structurally sound.
- Clean Them Regularly
It might seem silly to clean your guardrails, but it can really improve the overall lifespan of your products. You want to remove any debris, dirt or residue as often as possible to ensure that your guardrails don’t rust or become corroded.
- Ensure Compliance With Industry Standards
This is a no-brainer, and it’s less about extending the lifespan of your guardrails and more about ensuring the safety of pedestrians. You need to ensure that your guardrails adhere to current British Standards for safety regulations so that you can be sure that you’re always compliant.
How Often Should Guardrails Be Professionally Inspected?
Guardrails should be inspected at least twice a year by a professional, especially if they are located in areas that get heavy traffic or are particularly exposed to the elements. Getting your pedestrian guardrails professionally inspected helps to guarantee they are functional and safe for the public.
If your guardrails are in industrial or construction environments, you may need to get these professionally inspected quarterly in order to ensure compliance with the latest safety standards. Booking (and sticking to) a regular inspection for your guardrails is the key to ensuring repairs or replacements are dealt with quickly.
Is Maintenance Really That Important?
The short answer to this question is absolutely. If pedestrian guardrails are in any way damaged, they don’t work as well, and they could be putting your staff and members of the public at risk.
Not only does not maintaining your guardrails lead to them potentially malfunctioning and not doing the one job they were installed for, but in the case of workplace accidents you could have some hefty legal costs on your hands.
Pedestrian guardrails are vital – and it’s just as vital that you take their role (and the safety of pedestrians) seriously at all times.
A Well Maintained Guardrail Is A Safe Guardrail
Well-maintained guardrails are key to ensuring proper safety for employees and the public. Not only do well-maintained guardrails work more effectively to keep the public safe, but they can also help you keep costs down as rather than replacing damaged guardrails, regular maintenance ensures they last for many years.
Prioritise the maintenance of your guardrails, your employees, the public (and your wallet) will thank you for it!
