Rubber Kerb Blocks | Overview

In this video, Oliver takes you through our Rubber Kerb Blocks system.

The typical method for building traffic islands has been to use either concrete formed on-site or to use concrete kerb blocks, but we had a lot of clients asking us if there’s a way to speed up the traffic islands, and that’s where this modular rubber system has come into play as the bolt down method allows you to complete the installation faster and reduce temporary traffic management costs and causing less disruption to road users during the installation.

A common question we get asked is how durable are these rubber blocks? Each block is made from heavy duty recycled rubber and they weigh on average around twenty seven kilograms per block, so they’re really robust and designed to handle vehicle traffic, and they have been used in some projects in Australia now for up to ten years.

So how does it all work? The entire system is made up of a range of different modular blocks that can all be custom cut to suit your different site layouts and configurations.

We have two different profiles, one here called the Semi-Barrier profile and then the Semi-Mountable profile. The Semi-Mountable profile, as you can see, has more of a gradual slope, which means that when car tires clip the edge of this island, they can mount that island and then drive back off. Whereas the Semi-Barrier is a lot more of a sharp and physical island, and this is designed to prevent cars from being able to drive up onto the island. The Semi-Mountable is typically used in areas where you know that vehicles are going to need to mount the island e.g., tight corners or turning lines. The Semi-Barrier is used in cases where you want more physical protection such as an exposed pedestrian traffic island.

Each profile has four different components to choose from depending on what size or type of traffic island you’re trying to build: a 1m straight block, a 300mm, a 500mm, and 1m radius block. Regardless of which configuration or profile you use, each block can be custom cut to suit the of island that you’re trying to build.

In some projects, it can make sense to use concrete, such as large infrastructure projects where you’ve already got concrete crews on-site. But where rubber blocks are best suited for is retrofit projects where time is important and you need to get in and out of the site as fast as possible.

The good thing with this system being bolt-down is that when it comes to maintenance, if one particular section is damaged, you can simply unbolt that section, remove it, and replace with a new one.

So if you’re looking to use rubber kerb blocks on your project, here’s how it works.

  1. It starts with you sending us your plans on which type of traffic island you’re trying to build.
  2. From there, we’ll work with you and help you select the right components that you’ll need.
  3. If any custom cutting is required, we can do that on-site before dispatching everything to your contractor.

From there, your contractor will take the blocks to site, and then it’s simply a process of:

  1. Positioning the blocks in the correct configuration to build your island,
  2. Bolting the modules down, and then
  3. Infill with whatever material you choose, such as concrete or asphalt.

The road can then be open to traffic straight away.

Each rubber kerb block is supplied with three fastener kits, which includes a coach screw and expanding plug to bolt the modules to the ground, three white rubber caps to cap off the fixing hole once installed, and we will also work with you and your contractor to determine whether you need any additional epoxy or filling materials.

So if you’re interested in using this system for any of your traffic island projects or you have any further questions about this system, feel free to get in touch with our team who are here to help.

Rubber Cycleway Islands | Overview

In this video, Oliver takes you through our Rubber Cycleway Islands.

These islands are designed as an alternative to concrete materials, and the advantage of using rubber instead of concrete is the speed of installation due to the bolt down method, which gives you a reduction in temporary traffic management costs and less disruption to your road network during installations. And they’re also great for providing ability to trial or test new road layouts and be able to remove or relocate if required.

These islands are used for a range of different applications. To name a few, cycleway separation, intersection safety improvements, splitter islands leading up to roundabouts, and for separation of vehicle lanes on the road. Another great application for these islands is in temporary traffic situations where you might have a one to two year long project and you need a semi permanent delineation device which can then be easily removed at the end of a project and repurposed elsewhere. Let’s talk about where rubber islands might be a good option and where they might not be a good option for projects.

If you’re looking for something to be used on a major infrastructure upgrade with a higher volume of traffic, then we wouldn’t recommend using this product, and you’d be better to use concrete for the durability. If you’re looking for something to test a new layout or you’re on a lower traffic or residential gate islands can be a great option. You can expect to pay more upfront in terms of material cost for rubber compared to concrete, but where you get the advantage is in the speed of installation and the reduction of temporary traffic management which overall reduces your whole installation cost and it also means you spend less time disrupting your road network during the installation.

This system is made up of two main components, so we have a rounded end module and a center module here. Both are five hundred millimeters wide and five hundred millimeters long and because its modular design means you can connect as many parts as you need depending on your project requirements. So you could have small connected sections or you could connect a longer continuous line for lane separation. The way each module and end cap connects together is through the steel connector which is supplied with the product.

So it slots into the recess under each island and then as you place each one down, lift the next module, connect together. And this helps your installers to align the modules and end caps when installing, and it provides more strength as well. If you are placing these on the road shoulder, we do recommend that you leave gaps in between each section of separator, and this allows for drainage and prevents flooding from happening. Another advantage of this rubber system over concrete is that all the edges come pre fitted with three m reflective edging, which provides great visibility at nighttime for vehicles approaching the islands and means that you don’t need to apply any reflective treatment once the product’s installed.

We also have a glass dome inbuilt into each end and this is another visibility point that will reflect a vehicle’s lights back at the driver as they approach. The end modules also have a space here to mount a flexible delineator such as our Ultraflex post for added visibility. You also get four fixings per module and end cap and these allow you to bolt the product down into asphalt, concrete or chip seal and four rubber caps to cap off the fixing holes.

If you have any further questions about this product or you want to find out whether this is the right product for your project, our team are always here to assist.

Ready to Install Safety Barriers & Bollards? Prep Your Site in 10 Steps

Safety barriers can transform your workplace, but they need to be installed properly to do so. Many warehouse owners may not be aware of what needs to be done ahead of an install. Skipping crucial steps can lead to delays, added costs, or unsafe installations.

So, before you start unboxing and grabbing your drill, you need to make sure your site is fully ready. From utility checks to selecting the right surface and installers, getting this right will ensure a smooth, safe, and effective installation.

This article walks you through 10 essential steps to ensure your site is ready for a safe, compliant and efficient installation:

  1. Decide on the installation team
  2. Confirm barrier placement
  3. Locate underground utilities
  4. Check surface type
  5. Prepare concrete footings
  6. Remove obstructions and plan clearance
  7. Gather tools and safety gear
  8. Understand compliance requirements
  9. Document everything
  10. Prioritise safety

Let’s take a deeper look.

Who is this guide for?

If you are considering barriers and bollards at your worksite, or have already made a purchase, this guide will help you understand what you need to do before putting them in the ground. Checking off the ten steps makes sure your site is ready so you won’t waste time or money or introduce new safety risks. You might not need all the steps, but knowing what is involved enables you to make better decisions.

Step 1: Decide if it’s a DIY or professional installation

You need to be confident in your installation. DIY only if you have the skills.

Ask yourself:

  • Do you have the tools?
  • Do you understand compliance rules?
  • Are you confident anchoring to concrete?

If you answered no, or maybe? We recommend using a Vanguard professional installer to ensure compliance and reliability. Our team will quote installation as part of your project if, or we can quote ‘supply-only’ if you want to install it yourself.

Watch How Vanguard Installs our SlowStop Bollard into concrete

Step 2: Confirm barrier placement with a final risk check

Before you install anything, double-check your placement against your risk assessment. This is your best chance to prevent errors.

Even though you’ve already chosen your safety barriers, take one last walk around your site with your specific goals in mind. It’s much easier to make any changes before your new hardware is installed on the ground. It’s a good idea to include your team in the placement discussions, even if you have already in the planning stage.

  • Double-check the risk assessment. Are there any changes since your initial assessment?
  • Are you absolutely sure the chosen locations will adequately protect the assets, people or areas you’ve identified as high?
  • Visualise the impact by imagining vehicles and people moving through the space.

This quick review can prevent costly mistakes.

Image: A bollard protects the building by absorbing the vehicle’s impact energy

Step 3. Locate underground services before you dig

Hitting buried power or gas lines is dangerous. Locate all underground utilities first.

This step is relevant if you are installing in-ground bollards or putting in concrete footers to anchor your posts.

Before you dig:

  • Contact your local utility companies and request a professional service location. They’ll identify underground utilities like power lines, gas lines, water pipes, and communication cables.
  • Consider a ground scan to detect unmarked utilities.
  • Document everything from service maps to site notes. This is useful for future work or repairs.

Don’t skip this step! Hitting an underground utility can be incredibly dangerous and expensive. Check out ‘before u dig’ for help.

Step 4: Check surface type: Is it concrete or asphalt?

Critical note: Barriers and bollards can only be anchored to concrete. All other surfaces will require prep work.

Your current surface will determine your installation method and amount of preparation work:

  • Existing concrete slab (at least 100mm (4 inches) thick) and in good condition – you can bolt directly to it.
  • Asphalt requires new concrete footings. It isn’t strong enough to provide a secure anchor. (See below for sizes)
  • Other surfaces (Gravel, Soil, etc.): These will require concrete footings to provide a stable base for the barriers.

Step 5: Prepare correct footings based on barrier type

Footing dimensions and depth vary slightly, depending on the equipment. Get this right to ensure long-term strength.

If you’re installing barriers in an area without an existing concrete slab, you’ll need to pour concrete footings of at least 25MPA.

The recommended footing sizes of different bollards and flexible barriers (for each post) are:

You will need to allow the concrete to cure properly before installing the barriers. This will ensure maximum strength and stability.

Inground Bollards

Image: In-ground galvanised steel bollards installed in a concrete footing

Step 6: Remove obstructions and plan for clearance

Clear the installation area of anything overhead, underground or in the path of vehicles or pedestrians.

To avoid introducing new hazards to your worksite, check for:

  • Roof overhangs, pipes, or structural obstacles.
  • Manholes, drainage, or underground hazards.
  • Pedestrian or forklift traffic paths.

What seems obvious is often missed. Making sure your workspace is clear will keep workers safe and streamline your installation process.

Step 7: Gather tools and personal protective equipment

Having the right tools and PPE on hand speeds up installation and prevents injuries.

Some common things needed for an installation:

  • Heavy-duty drill and appropriate anchors for bolting the barriers to the concrete (bolts are supplied with Vanguard products)
  • Cutting saw for concrete footing prep into existing asphalt surfaces.
  • Shovels, picks, and a wheelbarrow.
  • Safety gear like eye protection, gloves, and a hard hat.
  • Temporary signs or barriers to zone off hazards.

Step 8: Understand local regulations and permits

Local councils may require permits, especially near public roads or fall zones. Check before you start.

Check with your local authorities to see if there are any regulations or permits required for installing barriers or bollards on your property. For example, in New Zealan,d the Building Code requires a barrier if someone could fall more than 1m. You can check with your local council for transport laws you must comply with if your property is close to a public road.

Step 9: Document site prep and installation details

Photos, utility maps and installation notes will save you headaches in future repairs or inspections.

Why does it matter? You can use this information in future projects and when carrying out maintenance and repairs. It will help with safety audits, achieve consistency across sites and support insurance claims!

Step 10: Prioritise safety throughout the installation

You’re installing safety equipment, so make sure the process itself is just as safe.

Wearing appropriate safety gear (step 6) and following safety procedures will keep workers safe while your barriers are installed.

Use high vis vests and set up exclusion zones if needed. Assign someone as the safety lead to monitor the process and enforce restricted access to the area.

Taking the time to prepare your site properly, you can ensure a smooth, safe, and effective installation of your barriers and bollards.

Need Help?

Now you know the 10 essential steps to get your warehouse ready for barrier and bollard installation.

Before rushing in, check for underground services, surface conditions and compliance requirements so you don’t waste time, money or compromise safety.

If you are still unsure about whether your site is ready, our team is here to help. At Vanguard, we specialise in warehouse safety, so give us a call and we can help you do it once, and do it right.