Should you use W-beam barriers in your warehouse?
When exploring barrier options for workplaces, clients often ask whether they can use the same W-beam barriers (often called Armco) that are used on roads, in car parks or outside facilities in their warehouses, logistics centres or plants.
W-beam barriers can be used in workplaces. However, the real question is: should they be? The answer is no, not if you want a forklift impact-rated barrier system that gives you the maximum amount of operational space.
Installing any old steel barrier without considering the unique needs of your workplace can result in wasted space and costly accidents that could have been prevented.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Why aren’t all safety barriers the same?
- Where do W-beam barriers work best?
- ForkSafe vs W-beam barriers: key differences (comparison table)
- Which barrier is right for my site?
Why aren’t all safety barriers the same?
It’s essential to recognise that not every barrier is designed for the same purpose. A forklift barrier that protects staff in a warehouse faces very different demands from a roadside barrier that needs to stop a vehicle at speed.
Materials, design and installation all change depending on what you’re trying to achieve, whether that’s managing pedestrian flow, protecting assets or preventing serious collisions. The challenge comes when the wrong barrier is chosen for the environment. That can create a false sense of security or even introduce new risks.
The question to ask yourself is not “Do we need a barrier?” but “What do we need this barrier to actually do?” Being clear on that upfront helps you select the right type of barrier for the job you’re counting on it to do.
Where do W-beam barriers work best?
A W-beam barrier is a heavy-duty steel barrier commonly used:
- on roads or motorways where vehicles travel at speed
- in car parks where heavy vehicles move through
- outside facilities where trucks are likely to come in and out of the area.
What are the limits of W-beam barriers in workplaces?
While W-beam barriers can be used in workplaces as safety barriers, there are some key factors to consider before installing them in an area such as a warehouse or logistics centre.
W-beam barrier considerations:
- Bulky design: These barriers are up to 300mm wide and can take up unnecessary operational space because of their size.
- Impact testing: W-beam barriers are designed for vehicle impacts. In car parks, they’re typically designed to the vehicle barrier loads in AS/NZS 1170.1, which are based on cars and other vehicles, not forklifts and other materials handling equipment (MHE).
The lack of impact testing against forklifts and other MHE makes the W-beam barrier a poor fit for forklift areas, while its clunky design can take up valuable space.
ForkSafe barriers: save operational space and reduce maintenance costs
ForkSafe Steel Barriers are a certified, modular steel barrier system designed to protect buildings, assets and pedestrians from damage or injury caused by forklifts and other MHE. Thanks to its modular design, the system is highly customisable, easy to install and ideal for ongoing maintenance.
- Space-saving: ForkSafe barriers are 90mm wide, which reduces the amount of operational space they occupy.
- Modular and easily modifiable: The system is highly customisable to meet your site-specific requirements.
- Crumple Zone Technology (CZT): Designed to absorb impact, reduce shock to forklifts or MHE, and protect your concrete floor from blowing out.
- PAS 13 impact tested: PAS 13 is a testing method specifically designed to measure barrier strength and durability against forklift and other MHE impact in industrial environments, not just vehicles.
Related Article: “PAS 13 Steel Barrier Testing: What It Is and Why It Matters.”
ForkSafe vs W-beam barriers: key differences
Understanding the differences between ForkSafe and W-beam barriers will help you make an informed decision about which barrier is right for your site. We’ve put together a handy comparison table to show you the key differences at a glance.
Related Article: The ForkSafe Barrier Range: A Comprehensive Overview
Which barrier is right for my site?
Deciding which barrier is right for your site depends on your specific situation and the objectives you’re trying to achieve. Before investing in a steel barrier, consider:
- the environment you’re installing into, e.g. a warehouse, car park, plant or road
- the types of vehicles travelling through the area, e.g. trucks, cars or forklifts
- the size of the space as a whole
- the volume of traffic moving through the area
- where and when vehicles intersect with pedestrians.
The safest barrier for your workplace isn’t decided by what’s most common, but by what your site actually needs. A warehouse with constant forklift traffic faces very different risks from a car park or state highway.
Before installing any barrier, step back and ask yourself the questions above. Match the barrier to your environment, whether that’s W-beam, ForkSafe or another option. That way you avoid wasted spending, protect your people and make sure the solution genuinely does the job you expect it to.
If you’re still unsure which safety barrier is right for your workplace or site, we’re here to help. We can discuss your situation and advise on the range of steel barrier options available to you. Get in touch with our team today!
Related Article: How Much Do Steel Barriers Cost and Why Should I Invest?
FAQs about W-beam (Armco) barriers
What is a W-beam barrier?
A W-beam barrier is a heavy-duty steel barrier named after the W-shaped profile of its rail. It’s commonly used on roads and motorways, in car parks with heavy vehicle traffic, and outside facilities where trucks come and go.
Is Armco the same as a W-beam barrier?
Armco is a brand name, but it’s widely used to describe W-beam barriers in general. W-beam refers to the style of barrier describing its distinctive W-shaped profile of the corrugated steel rails. So when people say “Armco,” they usually mean a W-beam barrier.
Can W-beam barriers be used in warehouses?
They can, but they’re not the best fit. W-beam barriers are designed for vehicle impacts rather than forklifts and other materials handling equipment (MHE). Their bulky design, up to 300mm wide, also takes up valuable operational space you could otherwise use.
Why aren’t W-beam barriers ideal for forklift areas?
W-beam barriers are designed around impacts from cars and other vehicles, not forklifts and MHE. For areas where forklifts operate near people or assets, look for barriers tested in accordance with PAS 13, which covers forklift and MHE impacts in industrial environments.
How much space does a ForkSafe barrier save compared with W-beam?
ForkSafe barriers are 90mm wide, compared with up to 300mm for W-beam barriers. In a busy warehouse or logistics centre, that difference frees up valuable operational space.
What is PAS 13?
PAS 13 is the internationally recognised code of practice for industrial safety barriers. Its testing method measures barrier strength and durability against forklift and MHE impacts, not just vehicles.
What is Crumple Zone Technology?
Crumple Zone Technology (CZT) is a unique feature of ForkSafe barriers. It’s designed to absorb impact, reduce shock to forklifts or MHE, and help protect your concrete floor from damage.
How do I choose between W-beam and ForkSafe barriers?
Start with what the barrier needs to do. W-beam suits roads, car parks and truck movement areas. ForkSafe is designed for forklifts and MHE in warehouses, plants and logistics centres. Consider your environment, vehicle types, available space, traffic volume, and where vehicles and pedestrians intersect.
