What Are Crowd Control Barriers? All You Need To Know

Do you manage events, road work, or busy public places? Then, you need to know about crowd control barriers.

In this guide, you will learn about crowd control barrier types, uses, benefits, sizes, costs, and legal safety rules. We will also explain how crowd control barriers help you guide people, block danger zones, and stay organized.

Definition of Crowd Control Barriers

Crowd control barriers are physical barriers made from metal or plastic. They are installed to protect large groups of people. For example: you can place them at concerts, parades, sports events and busy public areas. With the help of crowd control barriers you can stop the public from entering dangerous and restricted zones.

This property of crowd control barriers maintain your things and environments as well. Because, these barriers help you know where to go and where not to go. Furthermore, you can do your job more properly and it’s beneficial for your staff and security teams too.

What Are Crowd Control Barriers Made of?

Manufacturer companies use different types of materials in the construction of crowd control barriers. You generally need tough materials that can handle all kinds of weather and outdoor conditions.

Some of the best options for you are plastic, galvanized steel, and polyethylene. For an attractive look, you can also add a coating and paint. It will also help you to match the safety colors like red, orange & yellow. However, each material offers you its own set of advantages, such as:

Polyethylene: PE is durable and flexible for use. It’s ideal for you in temporary setups and outdoor events. Polyethylene is resistant to UV rays also. Plus, it won’t crack under extreme pressure.

Galvanized Steel: You should use galvanized steel if you want strong barriers. It is also perfect for resisting rust and corrosion. It stays in top condition, and you only need a little effort to maintain it.

Plastic: Plastic barriers are lightweight and easy to transport. You can use it if you want a short-term application. They offer decent waterproof quality, but may not be as durable as metal options.

Types of Crowd Control Barriers

There are a variety of control barriers present in the market for you. However, each has its unique features and specific jobs. We will explain some of them below.

Loose Leg Crowd Control Barriers

Loose leg crowd control barriers have flat legs that are not fixed in place. So that you can move them easily, they are great when you need to set up and take them down quickly. We use them when you need flexibility, such as at outdoor events and temporary work zones.

Additionally manufacturer companies use heavy duty metal & steel in its construction. You will get a solid welded frame and tube. Plus, most loose leg barriers are around 2 to 2.5 meters long and about 1 meter tall.

Fixed Leg Crowd Control Barriers

Fixed leg crowd control barriers have legs that are permanently attached to the main frame. You can’t move them easily. If you want to change its location, this process will take more time and effort.

For this purpose, you have to lift the entire barrier and move it as one piece. You will get better balance on uneven ground too, if you use fixed led barriers. You can use hooks and slots to connect barriers in a row.

Metal Police Barriers

Police and security teams generally use metal police barriers. They are necessary to manage high-risk events and projects, such as construction work, political rallies, and protests.

Moreover, you can also install these barriers when you need something extra secure that can handle pushing / pressure from big crowds. Once you set them up, people can’t easily lift them.

Main Purposes of Crowd Control Barriers

• Control Traffic & Flow

You can use barriers to guide how people and their cars move. This will help you to avoid crowd jams and manage everything in order, too.

• Make Walkways

To set a clear path for people, you have to install crowd control barriers. So that your public can survive easily around blocked and busy locations. 

• Set Clear Entry / Exit Points

It is important for visitors, workers and for you to stay informed about where they right gate & doors. In such a way, you can place crowd control barriers to support people, where they move in and out without any mix-ups.

• Law Enforcement

Local authorities and security panels have to use barriers to control and manage crowds so that they can keep things in order and respond quickly if needed.

• Separate Different Groups

You can place barriers to hold different groups apart, such as: fans and VIPs. This lets you organize everyone. You can also ensure that they can stay where they belong.

Standard Dimensions of Crowd Control Barriers

Are you looking for good crowd control barriers? So, it is mandatory for you to carefully inspect the standard size / dimensions of products. As a result, you will be able to purchase the right one according to your needs.

• The perfect length for you is 2 to 2.5 meters. It is enough to set closer boundaries for the crowd.
• You should crowd control barriers that have standard weight between 10-15 KG ( (22 to 33 pounds). However, it varies according to material type.
• Next, you need to select the barriers which have a height of around 1 meter. Generally, this will be best for you to manage your setups.
• You should thoroughly choose the material type that well fits your environments, where you want to install crowd control barriers.
• Plus, place the barrier in a way that it must have approximately a 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 feet) gap between two barriers.

Difference Between Pedestrian Barriers & Crowd Control Barriers

Well, some people mix them up and consider pedestrian barriers and crowd control barriers to be the same. But they are actually different in terms of their functions and properties.

Applications of Control Crowd Barrier

As we already mentioned, crowd control barriers are used in many places to manage people. You can also place them at your concerts, fairs, and sports games.

If you are a manager for construction projects, these barriers are necessary for you to block danger zones. In addition, if you have too many people around you, barriers help you to keep control in such surroundings.

However, crowd control barriers also have a number of other applications. For example: at airports, train stations, neat lines, redirect vehicles and close certain roads.

What Each Crowd Control Barrier Color Means

If we talk about the specific colors of crowd control barriers and their specific purpose, it tells you different things. The following are what each color usually stands for:

• Orange: Crowd control barriers which have orange color, stand out in all setups. Their basic purpose is to warn the public and workers (especially during road construction). It is the most popular color because of its high visibility. Wherever you see that type of barrier, it means slow down, pay attention and stay away from certain areas.

• Galvanised Silver: You can generally see them where the environment is rough and faces extreme sunlight. They are coated with a layer of zinc to stop them from rusting. Furthermore, these barriers stay strong and don’t get damaged easily, so you can use them again and again.

• Red: This color signals danger and restricted areas. You commonly see red barriers around areas that are off-limits. Plus, it’s placed where there is a high level of risk. It tells you to stay away and be cautious.

Advantages of Crowd Control Barrier

Maximum Security

When you set up crowd control barriers, you will be able to keep your event area safe from unwanted people. Additionally, you can stop others if they enter places where they shouldn’t go. So, with crowd control barriers you will get maximum security & your activities more secure.

Versatility

No matter if it is a concert, roadwork, sports match, or school function, they work well for you everywhere. Hence, you don’t need to worry about the type of crowd. So, it provides you with the benefits that you can adjust them to any setting without worry.

Protection of the Event Premises

When you plan a big event, there is a high risk of disruptions. Some people might try to enter without permission. In such a case, crowd control barriers are the solution. You build a safe zone with barriers. No strangers step in without your say.

Effective Crowd Management

Barriers act as guides that lead people where they need to go. You can organize your large groups without worry. Furthermore, you should place them at entrances, exits, and other main areas.

Reduce Risk of Injuries

The higher the number of people, the greater the chance of accidents. So, security teams install control barricades to tackle the situation. It will prevent you and the people around you, too. You can also ensure that visitors don’t push or bump into each other.

Restrict the Crowd Movement

You can block off private and dangerous areas with the help of crowd control barriers. They also help you to control how fast or slow the crowd moves. This will stop anyone from going the wrong way and causing any trouble for you.

Easy Setup and Removal

Crowd control barriers are designed in a simple way. That makes it easy to set up. Plus, you don’t need special tools and skills. When the event is over, you can remove them quickly without any problem. This saves you time and effort as well.

What Is the Cost of Crowd Control Barriers?

If we talk about cost, it exactly depends on the type of crowd control you want to purchase. Also, the price can increase/decrease based on what kind of quality material you choose.

But to give you an estimated range, the price generally falls between 2$ to $10 per barrier. Stronger materials & special features may cost you more.

If you deal with trusted international suppliers such as Jackwin, you can get quality barriers at a fair price. We will also recommend you to rent control barriers, if you only need them for a short time. You should also consider other factors that can impact the final price, such as:

• Shipping Costs
• Customization (custom logos)
• Size and Weight
• Quantity you ordered
• Supplier Location
• Seasonality and Demand

Compliance Guidelines For Crowd Control Barriers

No matter which country you live in, all laws made by specific authorities should be followed. Some major organizations that enforce regulations are OSHA, the Health and Safety Executive and ANSI ES1.9-2020.

• You have to place crowd control barriers to manage overcrowding and also shield people.
• According to OSHA, you can use different types of color according to environment and needs. For example: red/white for fire prevention, black/white for housekeeping and magenta/yellow for radiation hazards.
• For big or busy events, you must choose the right barrier design to match the setup.
• You should also check for possible dangers and take steps to ensure that everyone is safe who surrounds your area.
• Additionally, employers and managers are responsible for crowd safety. You should have a plan before any big gathering happens.

To Summarize

Hence, crowd control barrier is a simple and powerful tool for you to manage your projects in the right place. So it doesn’t matter if you are doing duty to run an event, handle traffic or just secure a worksite. The right barriers make a big difference for you.

However, if you want a professional supplier for crowd control barriers, Jackwin is here to help you. Contact us today and our R&D team will be happy to manufacture/custom products 100% according to your needs.