Why Do You Need a Column Protector?

The different types of column protectors, why you need them and how to choose the best column protectors for your workspace

Whether you have an industrial space or a warehouse, you are sure to have shelves and columns in the interior of that space. Column protectors surround the columns on pallet racking, shelving and many other hard edges in the business and create a safer surface to work around. These protectors help protect the column itself while serving a variety of other functions. Take note that column protectors aren’t just for industrial purposes – they’re also usable in residential or commercial settings.

You shouldn’t haphazardly buy column protectors just because you have something to install them on. There are several things that you need to take note of, such the material used or the required functions. Read on to find out about the advantages of column protectors, and how to choose just the right one for you.

Why Do You Need a Column Protector? » column protector

Considerations When You Buy

Column protectors help keep buildings strong. If you want to maintain a strong building, you should maintain your columns properly. As such, there are certain considerations that you have to take note of when you buy column protectors. Some of these include the following:

1.      Column size and available space

One significant consideration when choosing a column protector is of course the size of the column in question. Make sure to get the proper measurements for column dimensions when you purchase your protectors. You also need to take available space into account to minimise the space the protectors take up.

2.      Aesthetics

Column protectors come in all shapes, colours, sizes, and designs. You should consider the overall aesthetic if you’re purchasing a protector for residential or commercial purposes. There’s no reason to purchase a design that doesn’t match your interiors, after all.

On the other hand, the aesthetics aren’t as big of a concern in industrial settings. However, if you can get both a functional and stylish protector for your industrial building, then why not? Some will consider brighter colours to help aid in site OH&S standards and policies.

3.      Material

The most crucial choice you have to make is the material that makes up the protector you purchase. The material directly impacts the functionality of your column protector. Some materials, for example, are excellent at weather-proofing. Others work better for preventing structural damage. Examples of these materials will be discussed later on.

4.      Financial

Some types of column protectors are more costly than others. You need to consider your budget and weigh it out with the functions that you need. For example, there’s no point in getting a top-of-the-line column protector for a simple scratch-proofing function. Make sure to consider these things carefully to avoid unnecessary expenditures.

With all this said, don’t just buy a column protector because it looks nice. What’s more important is functionality, so make sure that you consider the factors we mentioned above. The material, in particular, plays a highly significant role.

column protectors and bollards

Types of Materials Used in Column Protectors

Columns can be found in most buildings and come in a variety of functions and forms. Each type of column has different demands when it comes to protection. Luckily, there are many types of column protectors that can meet these needs. Some of the most notable types are made of the following materials:

Foam

Foam column protectors are among the most common non-industrial protectors used. These come in all colours and densities, making them quite a diverse pick. Foam column protectors are great for coating household or commercial columns and excellent for child-proofing.

Polyethylene

Polyethylene is a common plastic material used for a wide variety of purposes. Polyethylene column protectors are often used for industrial columns and are great at preventing structural damage. This is done through the use of high-density plastic and air gaps to minimise collision damage to the column. The colliding vehicle is also protected as a result.

Metal

Several types of alloys are used as column protectors, the most common of which is steel. These materials are great at preventing structural damage and are incredibly sturdy. Metal column protectors can last a long time with proper care. Some types are even weather-proof, depending on the material.

Vinyl

Vinyl column protectors may not be as effective in preventing structural damage compared to other types. However, these are excellent at avoiding surface damage like bumps and scratches. Since vinyl protectors are quite aesthetically-pleasing, they’re often used in household or commercial settings.

Rubber

Rubber column protectors are some of the most cost-effective column protectors available on the market. They also come in a variety of densities, each suited for specific functions. Lower densities are excellent as column sleeves for preventing bumps and scratches. High-density rubber column protectors, on the other hand, are excellent for absorbing shock. Because of their variety, rubber column protectors see use in commercial, household, and industrial settings.

Rubber columns are more vulnerable to wear-and-tear compared to the other types of column protectors. The cost and ease of installation, however, more than make up for this. They’re also quite weather-resistant, which is a plus. In addition, rubber columns are quite easy to clean, and doing so properly may increase their lifespan.

Mixed

Many column protectors use a mix of materials. Through mixing, individual column protectors can take the advantages that each material type has. Foam-coated polyethylene protectors, for example, are great at shock absorption. The foam coat helps protect the plastic material from breakage. Rubber-coated hard materials, on the other hand, increase weather resistance while maintaining protective advantages.

Make sure that you carefully consider the use that you want out of your columns. Doing so can help you decide on which materials are right for them. If you’re unsure, consult a local professional to help you decide.

Why Do You Need a Column Protector? » column protector

The Other Functions of Column Protectors

Column protectors are, obviously, for protecting columns from damage. What many people don’t realise is that these can serve many other purposes. These other purposes are usually tied to the type of material or the make of the column protector. Some of the most important ones are the following:

1.      Maintains the building’s structural integrity

Keeping your columns intact means that you keep the building’s structural integrity intact. Columns, after all, are directly responsible for holding up a building. Keeping the columns in good working order can help maintain the building’s structural integrity

2.      Protects others

Some column protectors are also installed for the protection of people, not just the column itself. For example, foam protectors are for coating columns in playgrounds or day care centres. These foam protectors are to prevent injuries in children. Foam protectors are also helpful for columns in areas with low visibility and workplaces to prevent accidents from happening.

3.      Increase visibility

Certain types of column protectors are great for increasing visibility. Some of these types can be installed with reflectors or luminous strips to mark the presence of a column. These are particularly helpful in low-light areas.

4.      Reduce damage

Columns protectors don’t just protect columns and people. They also help reduce the damage to anything that may collide with them. Collisions are all too common in warehouses that use forklifts, for example. These also occur a lot on the road.

A well-placed column protector can help reduce damage to the colliding vehicle. Some protectors can also absorb a significant amount of shock to protect the person in the vehicle.

5.      Reshaping

Some columns, especially those made of metals, are irregularly shaped or may have sharp edges. These edges can pose a hazard to people and property. Columns like these are commonly found in industrial buildings or attached to warehouse shelves. Luckily, column protectors can help coat these edges to reduce the chances of injury or property damage.

As we have mentioned, column protectors do so much more than just protecting columns – though always be sure to consider the other functions that you want out of your column protectors. Consider as well the conditions of the environment where the column is located to help you decide on what to purchase.

Why Do You Need a Column Protector? » column protector

Advantages of Installing Column Protectors

Column protectors are used for a variety of purposes. The materials they’re made of directly contribute and can give certain benefits. Column protectors’ diverse functions allow them to offer many advantages, such as the following:

Alternative uses for column protectors

Column protectors are not just for columns; they can also be used for other purposes. Other common items where column protectors are installed are street posts, lamp posts, garden lights, shelves, and more.

Lower the chances of serious accidents

With the use of column protectors, the occurrence of serious accidents may be reduced. That’s because the materials that makeup the column protectors can either increase visibility or reduce impact damage. Increasing visibility can help reduce the occurrence of accidents in the first place. On the other hand, reducing impact damage protects everything and everyone involved in the collision.

Reduce or minimise damage

As mentioned, column protectors are designed to absorb impact. That means that anything that collides with the column protector is also somewhat protected. Of course, reducing damage is advantageous in all situations. Therefore, it can help prevent mechanical malfunctions and minimise repair costs.

Prevent legal action

There have been many cases of on-site injuries that have led to lawsuits, especially in work and industrial settings. Courts usually look for negligence on the part of the owner of the premises in these cases. Luckily, column protectors can help prevent this from happening. Using these around your columns can show that you have done the necessary precautions to avoid accidents.

Complying with safety guidelines

There are certain safety guidelines in place for industrial buildings. Installing column protectors can help you meet these safety guidelines. Of course, you’re not just installing these to comply. These items are actually functional and can help increase safety in your industrial space.

Save more money in the long run

While preventing accidents and damage to your machinery helps save you time and stress, it does much more. Prevention will always save you a lot of money long-term. Repair costs for machinery are often quite expensive and machinery replacement costs are even more so.

The most expensive of all the consequences of accidents that column protectors can prevent are human injuries. Hospitalisation costs are costly and are usually shouldered by the one liable for the accident. As the owner of the premises, you want to make sure that these accidents are prevented.

Low maintenance option

Column protectors are convenient in that they require little maintenance. All you need to do is a visual check every once in a while, and you’re good. Most column protectors can last for years, even decades, with proper maintenance. If you do spot something of concern, replacement is not a problem since they’re usually easy to install.

Keep infrastructure and other structures intact

Column protectors don’t just protect against collisions. They also help maintain the structural integrity of the things they protect. By installing column protectors, you directly help in keeping the building or warehouse shelves strong.

Great for decoration, branding and visual appeal

Decorating columns can be great for contributing to the aesthetics of a home or commercial space. Column protectors can come in all designs, and it’s up to you to choose which you prefer. Some materials are even customisable. You can add your own designs to help fit the interior of wherever you’re installing the column protector.

Why Do You Need a Column Protector? » column protector

Columns Keep a Structure Strong. Let Verge Safety Barrier Help You with Their Installation

Columns hold up a building to keep it from collapsing and can help keep people safe – these are the biggest reasons why you should properly maintain your columns. The best way of doing so is to keep them protected using column protectors. As we have discussed earlier, there are many things you must consider when purchasing column protectors.

If you’re interested in getting some column protectors but you just don’t know where to start, then don’t hesitate to ask for help from a local expert like us!

Verge Safety Barriers is your best choice if you need column protectors installed. We have the best inventory and the most experienced professionals that can help. You can call us on1800-765-539 to find out more information from our friendly experts.

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