Impact Protection and Armco Barriers

Q: What is the difference between 'bolt-down' and 'cast-in' installation?

Bolt-down posts use a base plate and heavy-duty anchor bolts drilled into an existing concrete slab. This is faster and ideal for internal warehouses. Cast-in (or dig-in) posts are concreted directly into the ground; this provides higher impact resistance and is preferred for external roadways or tarmac surfaces.

Safeguard Your People, Buildings and Assets

In busy industrial environments, the interface between heavy vehicles and pedestrians is a critical risk area. Our impact protection systems are designed to manage this risk physically. From distribution centres to retail car parks, we install robust barriers that prevent damage to building fabric and ensure the safety of staff and visitors. Built from low-maintenance, high-strength steel, our systems deliver lasting protection where it matters most.

Armco Crash Barriers

The Industry Standard for Vehicle Containment

A low-speed collision from a forklift or delivery truck can cause structural damage costing thousands to repair, not to mention the potential downtime.

Our Armco barrier systems utilise the classic corrugated steel beam design found on motorways, adapted for industrial use. The steel beam is designed to absorb the kinetic energy of an impact, deforming to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop rather than snapping. We install these on heavy-duty ‘Z’ posts or RSJ posts, depending on the likely impact force.

Armco offers the perfect balance of strength and modularity. It effectively separates traffic routes from pedestrian areas and protects expensive machinery or cladding. We can finish the beams in galvanised steel for longevity or powder-coat them in Safety Yellow for maximum visibility in low-light warehouses.

Need to protect your loading bays? Contact us for a supply and install quote.

Safety Bollards & Column Protectors

Static Protection for Critical Infrastructure

Roller shutter doors, building corners and structural columns are magnets for accidental vehicle scrapes. These “minor” accidents often result in major repair bills or jammed doors that halt operations.

We supply a comprehensive range of bollards and column protectors to act as a physical shield. Our range includes:

Column Protectors: Specialist metal guards designed to wrap around structural beams.
Static Steel Bollards: Concrete-filled for maximum anti-ram protection.
Telescopic Bollards: For flexible access control.

By installing the correct specification of TPF before heavy works begin, you eliminate the risk of accidental damage to root systems. This ensures a smooth handover with the local authority and demonstrates your commitment to environmental stewardship.

Protect your assets before an accident happens. Ask about our range of sizes and finishes.

Pedestrian Guardrails & Walkways

Defining Safe Routes. Segregating Risk.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) clearly states that pedestrians and vehicles should be separated wherever possible. Painted lines on the floor are often ignored; physical barriers are not.

Our pedestrian guardrails are designed to create clearly defined, physical walkways through warehouses, service yards and car parks. Unlike heavy Armco, these tubular steel rails are designed for pedestrian height, often featuring sight-gaps so walkers can see approaching traffic before crossing.

By installing a physical barrier, you force compliance. Staff stay within the safe zones, and vehicles are physically prevented from encroaching into walkways. It is the most effective way to reduce the risk of workplace accidents involving plant machinery.

Reviewing your site traffic management plan? Let us price your pedestrian walkways.

Davison Fencing were incredibly and easy to work with from start to finish. Their communication was clear, the process was smooth, and the quality of their workmanship is outstanding. I’m extremely pleased with the final result and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable, high quality fencing contractor.

Construction Manager, Willmott Dixon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ‘bolt-down’ and ‘cast-in’ installation?

Bolt-down posts use a base plate and heavy-duty anchor bolts drilled into an existing concrete slab. This is faster and ideal for internal warehouses.
Cast-in (or dig-in) posts are concreted directly into the ground; this provides higher impact resistance and is preferred for external roadways or tarmac surfaces.

Can you match the barriers to our corporate colours?

Yes. While standard galvanised steel (silver) is the most durable finish, we can powder coat Armco, bollards and railings in any RAL colour. Safety Yellow (RAL 1004 or 1023) is the most common choice for high visibility.

How high should an Armco barrier be?

It depends on the traffic. For cars and light vans (e.g., car parks), a single rail at approx. 610mm high is standard. For HGVs and heavy forklifts, we recommend a double-height rail or a higher single rail (approx. 760mm+) to ensure the barrier engages with the vehicle bumper rather than the wheels.

Do you install “fishtail” ends and corners?

Yes. To ensure safety (so there are no sharp steel edges exposed), we install proper terminal ends. These include pedestrian ends (curved back to the wall) and fishtail ends. We also use flexible plastic yellow caps on posts to prevent injury from sharp edges.