According to statistics from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, between 15% and 20% of workplace accidents in industrial environments are related to the movement of vehicles and machinery. The situation is even more critical in airports and other high-security environments. Mobile barriers and gates play a vital role in controlling movement and enhancing the protection of people and property. However, their deployment is closely governed by European standards and legislative requirements. Failure to comply can result not only in safety risks but also in significant fines and legal liability for operators.
Why Is Legislation Important for Mobile Barriers?
Mobile barriers and gates are used to control pedestrian movement, regulate vehicle traffic, and prevent unauthorised access to sensitive areas. From a regulatory perspective, they are considered part of a site's safety infrastructure and must comply with specific standards.
Key Standards and Regulations Include:
- EN 13241 and EN 12453 – European standards that define safety requirements for the operation and use of barriers, gates, and access control systems.
- CWA 16221 and PAS 68 – Technical specifications used to assess the impact resistance of mobile barriers against vehicle attacks and collisions.
- National and European legislation – Regulations governing the responsibilities of operators when securing public and private spaces.
Practical Responsibilities of Operators
Before deployment, mobile barriers must be evaluated from both a technical and regulatory perspective.
Operators and event organisers are typically required to:
Conduct a Risk Assessment
A safety assessment should identify potential threats, determine the level of risk, and define the most suitable barrier solution.
Ensure Compliance with Standards and Certifications
Every barrier or gate should have documented evidence of compliance with relevant standards and certification requirements.
Consider Emergency Access Requirements
Barrier systems must not obstruct rapid access for police, firefighters, ambulance services, or other emergency responders.
Implement Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Regulations generally require ongoing inspections and maintenance to ensure that barrier systems remain fully operational and safe to use.
Common Mistakes When Deploying Mobile Barriers
When implementing mobile barrier systems, operators frequently make mistakes that can significantly reduce their effectiveness.
One of the most common issues is selecting a barrier that is not suitable for the actual level of risk. For example, installing a basic access gate in an area where high-energy vehicle impacts are possible may provide insufficient protection.
Other common mistakes include:
- Ignoring manufacturer certifications and compliance documentation
- Failing to comply with relevant standards and regulations
- Overlooking emergency evacuation routes and access requirements for emergency services
- Neglecting routine inspections, maintenance, and operational testing
Regular maintenance is particularly important. In critical situations, poorly maintained barriers may fail to perform as intended, compromising both safety and compliance.
Compliance Is Essential for Effective Protection
Today, protecting people and property is not simply a matter of good organisation—it also requires compliance with increasingly stringent legislative and regulatory requirements.
Mobile barriers must:
- Meet applicable standards and regulations
- Hold appropriate certifications
- Be regularly inspected and maintained
- Be suitable for the specific risks they are designed to address
Whether managing vehicle movement in warehouses, controlling machinery-related risks in industrial facilities, or regulating traffic flow at airports, compliance plays a critical role in ensuring effective protection.
Did You Know?
According to PAS 68 testing protocols, a properly certified mobile barrier can stop a 7.5-tonne truck travelling at 50 km/h.
This demonstrates the critical importance of selecting the right barrier solution and ensuring that it is deployed correctly. When safety barriers are chosen, installed, and maintained in accordance with recognised standards, they become a highly effective component of a comprehensive safety strategy.
Investing in mobile plastic safety barriers delivers long-term benefits in the form of improved safety, enhanced asset protection, and reduced operational costs. If you are interested in tailored solutions for your workplace, do not hesitate to contact the expert team at A-SAFE.
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