Are you thinking about installing steel barriers in your workplace?
Perhaps you’ve considered it, but uncertainty about the cost has held you back from making a decision.
By installing steel barriers in your workplace, you can significantly reduce the risk of harm to people and vehicles by keeping them separate and protected.
Whether you’re considering investing or are ready to upgrade your existing steel barriers, it’s crucial to understand where they fit into your budget.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about steel barrier cost, alternative options and the factors that influence price, so you can make an informed decision that’s right for your workplace, situation and budget.
Steel barrier cost: why do some seem cheap and others so expensive?
Let’s start with the basics. When it comes to steel barriers, you can expect prices to range from under $100 per metre to well over $1,000 per metre.
So, why such a big range in price?
Several factors can influence steel barrier pricing:
- the supplier used
- the location of the manufacturer
- the level of protection required
- the chosen configuration
- whether the barrier has been impact-tested
- the materials
- the finish (painted, galvanised, powder-coated, etc.)
While some steel barriers on the market may seem significantly cheaper than others, ultimately, as in most industries, you get what you pay for.
Not all steel barriers are created equal
It’s no secret that a number of different barrier suppliers and manufacturers operate in the Australasian market. Each one will claim its barriers have unique features. But the primary consideration when choosing a steel barrier should be matching it to the specific conditions and level of risk on your site.
And this doesn’t always mean you need the “Rolls-Royce” option. In fact, the more expensive solution can sometimes be over-engineered for your situation.
After over 35 years of helping clients create safer workplaces, we understand the importance of taking the time to understand what you’re trying to achieve, so we can recommend the right barrier solution for your situation. At Vanguard, we believe in providing a quality product that matches your level of risk at an affordable price.
What factors influence steel barrier price?
Purchasing steel barriers is one cost, but a range of other factors can cause the total figure to climb.
Supply only vs supply and install
If it’s a supply-only situation, you only pay for the steel barrier, based on its length and layout. If you want installation included, you can expect to pay an additional 20–25% of the supply-only price.
Groundwork preparation for installation
The bottom line is this: the more groundwork or preparation required, the more expensive it will be to install your steel barriers. The price can increase rapidly because steel barriers must be installed directly into a concrete surface.
We won’t install them into anything else. Why? Because if barriers are installed into a below-par surface like asphalt, the impact ratings no longer apply, and the barrier’s ability to withstand impact is severely compromised.
If your area doesn’t have a concrete surface, you’ll need to install a concrete footing for the barrier to be bolted into. Concrete can be poured as either individual footings (one per post) or a continuous footing, depending on the area your barriers will cover and the layout of the barrier system.
Impact testing and rating
Matching your steel barrier to the level of risk on your site depends on a number of key factors:
- whether you have forklifts or other materials handling equipment (MHE) operating on site
- how close they operate to your assets or people
- the speeds forklifts are travelling
- the weight of the loads they’re carrying
Where forklifts or other MHE operate close to people, you may need barriers that can withstand forklift impact. To be confident a steel barrier can stop or withstand forklift impacts, it’s important that it has been tested in accordance with PAS 13.
What is PAS 13?
Publicly Available Standard (PAS) 13 is the internationally recognised code of practice for industrial safety barriers. It provides official guidelines for workplace traffic management, barrier application and impact testing.
PAS 13 aims to minimise the risk of collision between vehicles and machinery, structures, buildings and pedestrians. It provides recommendations for:
- the design, manufacture, classification and testing of barriers
- the selection and positioning of barriers to manage industrial workplace traffic risks.
PAS 13 sets out physical impact testing for barriers designed to protect against forklifts and other MHE. By comparison, AS/NZS 1170.1 sets design loads for vehicle barriers, typically in car parks, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a computer simulation rather than a physical test.
Read More: PAS 13 Steel Barrier Testing: What It Is and Why It Matters
Barrier materials and construction
Steel barriers may look similar, with their yellow finishes and metal rails. But what they’re made of and how they’re finished can make a big difference to their performance, durability and cost.
If a barrier is installed indoors, away from the elements, a non-galvanised finish may be sufficient. But for outdoor areas or locations exposed to the weather, such as near an open door, galvanised steel is the smarter choice.
The same goes for the material itself. Aluminium barriers may cost less, but in areas where forklifts and other MHE operate, steel is more durable and more robust when handling impacts.
Ultimately, the right barrier depends on the conditions and demands of your site, not simply on choosing the cheapest or most expensive option.
Barrier configuration
Steel barriers come in a wide range of configurations and can be customised to suit your situation. When it comes to configuration and cost, every workplace is unique and needs a different approach to get the appropriate level of protection.
Configurations are designed for different use cases, whether that’s walkway protection, asset protection, topple protection or all of the above.
The level of protection required from your steel barrier is determined by the weight, speed and volume of the traffic moving through your workplace. The more impact protection required, the higher the cost of the barrier.
At the same time, you should only ever pay for what you need. Our team can help you get the right solution for your situation, without over- or under-engineering your steel barrier configuration.
How much do Vanguard’s ForkSafe steel barriers cost?
Our ForkSafe Steel Barriers are a modular steel barrier system, impact-tested in accordance with PAS 13 and designed to protect buildings, assets and personnel from damage or injury.
Multiple configurations are available depending on your application as detailed below.
Multiple configurations are available depending on your application, and different configurations carry different costs:
- Walkway and asset protection steel barriers (400–950mm high) range from $190–$520 per metre (+ GST).
- Higher steel barriers, such as cages, tunnels and topple barriers (1,800–2,200mm high), range from $875–$1,050 per metre (+ GST).
To learn more about our ForkSafe range, check out the article below, or get in touch and we’ll work with you to find the right solution for what you’re trying to achieve.
Read: A Comprehensive Overview of the ForkSafe Barrier Range
Are steel barriers cheaper than flexible barriers?
Steel barriers are an entirely suitable protective solution for people and assets in environments where pedestrians, forklifts and other MHE are active. Plus, they’re typically 25–50% cheaper than flexible barriers.
Flexible barriers are more expensive because they’re made of energy-absorbing materials and have a more advanced structure. If you know your barrier will be taking regular hits in high-traffic areas, a flexible barrier may be the better solution for long-term value for money and maintenance.
Read More: Steel vs Flexible Barriers (Differences, Benefits & More)
How do I know which barrier is right for me?
Deciding which barrier solution is right for your workplace will depend on:
- the size of the space
- the types of vehicles moving through it
- the volume of traffic
- where and when vehicles intersect with pedestrians.
Investing in barriers as a safety solution involves budgeting, planning and expense. However, the benefits they offer in protecting people and assets are invaluable. Now that you have a better understanding of steel barrier cost and the factors that influence the final price, you’ll be better equipped to decide which solution is right for you and your workplace.
Read More: How Lineage Upgraded Their Traffic Management Controls to Create a Safer Workplace
At Vanguard, we’ve helped make thousands of workplace situations safer, and steel barriers are a solution that has helped us do just that.
If you need help with the selection process or have a specific project at your workplace that needs guidance, watch our 5-Step Safety Design Process video to see how we can help, or contact us to discuss your situation.
FAQs about steel barrier cost
How much do steel barriers cost per metre?
Steel barriers range from under $100 per metre to well over $1,000 per metre. The price depends on the supplier, where the barrier is made, the level of protection needed, the configuration, whether it’s been impact-tested, and the materials and finish.
How much do ForkSafe steel barriers cost?
Vanguard’s PAS 13 tested ForkSafe walkway and asset protection barriers (400–950mm high) range from $190–$520 per metre (+ GST). Higher barriers such as cages, tunnels and topple barriers (1,800–2,200mm high) range from $875–$1,050 per metre (+ GST).
Why are some steel barriers so much cheaper than others?
Cheaper barriers often haven’t been impact-tested, or use lighter materials and finishes. The right barrier is the one matched to the conditions and risks on your site. That isn’t always the most expensive option, because a high-end barrier can be over-engineered for the job.
How much does it cost to install steel barriers?
Installation typically adds 20–25% to the supply-only price. Groundwork can add more. Steel barriers must be bolted into concrete, so if your site doesn’t have a suitable concrete surface, you’ll need to pour footings first.
Can steel barriers be installed into asphalt?
Vanguard won’t install steel barriers into asphalt. In anything other than concrete, the barrier’s impact ratings don’t apply and its ability to withstand an impact is severely compromised. Sites without concrete need individual footings (one per post) or a continuous footing.
What is PAS 13?
PAS 13 is the internationally recognised code of practice for industrial safety barriers. It covers the design, manufacture, classification and impact testing of barriers, and how to select and position them to manage workplace traffic risks.
Do I need a PAS 13 tested barrier?
If forklifts or other materials handling equipment (MHE) operate close to people or assets, you need a barrier you can trust to withstand an impact. Barriers tested in accordance with PAS 13 give you that confidence. The level required depends on vehicle speeds, load weights and proximity to people.
Should I choose galvanised or non-galvanised steel barriers?
Indoors and away from the elements, a non-galvanised finish may be enough. Outdoors, or anywhere exposed to the weather, such as near an open door, galvanised steel is the smarter choice.
Are steel barriers cheaper than flexible barriers?
Yes. Steel barriers are typically 25–50% cheaper than flexible barriers. Flexible barriers cost more because they use energy-absorbing materials, but where a barrier will take regular hits in high-traffic areas, they can offer better long-term value and lower maintenance.
How do I choose the right barrier for my workplace?
The right barrier depends on the size of the space, the types of vehicles moving through it, the volume of traffic, and where and when vehicles and pedestrians intersect. Vanguard can assess your site and help you avoid over- or under-engineering your barrier system.
