In fuel depots and gasoline stations, one would often see some vertical barriers that have been installed on a concrete floor. These vertical posts are called bollards and they are installed at these depots and areas to prevent any vehicle accidents and contacts from occurring in flammable and sensitive areas at the station. Those that have been installed are often plastic-coated cement columns that are placed deep in the concrete of a specific part as a safety protocol.
The use of bollards in the petroleum industry has been useful for many years as the fuel pumps often cannot withstand the harm of being hit by a car. After September in the year of 2011, it became popular in public spaces, to say the least. One could find these vertical barriers everywhere from shopping malls to governmental buildings to add a layer of protection from charging vehicles. Read this short guide to find out the importance of bollards in the petroleum industry.
The purpose of bollards in the petroleum industry.
Most of the bollards that are used in this industry are set deep in the ground and made of cement or even steel depending on the level of protection needed. It often has somewhat of a thick vinyl coating that enhances the appearance and gives it a familiarity to the public. To increase its appearance and awareness the bollards are often painted in a bright colour such as yellow or white.
Bollards used in the petrol and oil industry are placed there to not only protect the product, but also the workers who need to unload the fuel. If placed correctly, they can offer a layer of protection for delivery trucks that are entering or leaving the depot. Protection and safety are an area of volatile cargo that is being transferred as the main reason that bollards are mandatory in fuel depots.
Protection of gas pumps
They often surround gas pumps with security for the attendance and drivers to supply the vehicles with fuel. Although most drivers take much time to manoeuvre their car next to the fuel pump this isn’t the case for all people. Some individuals drive under the influence and then their positioning can be dangerous for the fuel pumps and the attendance. Protective barriers can prevent the fuel from potentially spilling everywhere and creating serious and dangerous expenses for the company.
Protection of attendance
Attendance at the fuel station often has booths where they wait for clients when it’s snowing, raining, too cold, or hot. These booths are protective and comfortable, but the attendance can still sustain damage from wayward vehicles. The fuel station can install high-security bollards for the booths to give the attendance some peace of mind, so they know they are safe in the event of any collisions.
Air pump protection
Most of the gas stations have free air pumps on the side of the perimeter as a courtesy for customers. Just like the fuel pumps the air pumps are subjected to distractions and therefore need to be protected. Bollards can protect the air pumps by creating effective barriers to the fuel station and can continue to offer these free services.
Perimeter protection
Fuel stations often have more than one entrance and therefore these entrances need to be used appropriately and safely. Adding bright colored bollards to the sidewalk help to make the entryways clear for the clients this is especially effective at night when it’s difficult to see. This also protects the employees and customers from wayward drivers to maintain safe premises.
The protection of auto maintenance center
There are fuel stations that have additional features such as an auto maintenance center to assist area drivers. Installing bollards on the sides of these centers ensure that drivers don’t back up into the walls and prevent the walls from scratches, dents, and other cosmetic damage. It will also help drivers to see the walls as a featured backup.
The top five reasons why you should invest in bollard sleeves
The fact that drivers crash into these barriers at petrol companies has become such a norm that the bollards have been advanced. By advancement, the companies have developed sleeves to put around the bollards and only this is removed when someone does crash into the bollard. The sleeves are removed and replaced with another one to maintain the visual appeal as well as the performance.
1. Protection against the sun
Something that commonly happens to bollards is the fact that they fade and eventually crack due to being exposed to the sun for several years. If a sleeve is placed over the bollard can protect it from the damage of the sun and even be replaced when the color is fading. Some of the sleeves that have been developed are made of high-grade polyethylene that is offering a shield of protection against ultraviolet sunlight and has a UV-resistant coating.
2. Sleeves make it easier to see risky areas
Sleeves offer another layer of protection making it easier to be seen by clients at petrol stations to prevent collisions. When the bollards fade and lose their natural color it becomes less visible to the human eye and there is always the risk of workers accidentally driving a vehicle into the fuel pumps. Making use of a sleeve creates a bold new look that can surely catch the attention of workers and drivers in the petroleum industry.
3. Easy to install sleeves around the bollards
You might think that it’s complicated to place the sleeve around the bollard, but in all truth, it’s easy to install. The sleeve is placed directly over the bollard for a secure fitting. To install a sleeve, you don’t need complicated mounting kits or tools because the sleeves fit directly over the bollards. The sleeves that are used come in a wide variety of sizes and heights so it would be important for the fuel station to take a moment to take measurements before making the purchase.
4. The sleeves that are placed over the bollards make it look better
The faded and cracked bollards send the wrong message about workplace space. This tells the workers as well as the clients that the company doesn’t place any importance on their safety by upkeeping or maintaining the bollards. Rather than taking out the bollards and replacing them with a new one the company could cover the old ones with a sleeve to make them look improved and visually appealing. This option of only putting a sleeve on will help the bollard look more professional without investing thousands of dollars or replacing it.
5. Putting on a sleeve will protect the bollard against scuffed paint
The fifth and final reason for a company to invest in sleeves is to protect the scuffed paint. Workers and clients are going to bump into the bollards from time to time, but if the bollard is wearing sleeves it can prevent the paint from being damaged. This gives the workers less time spent doing paint touch-ups and more time to focus on increasing the work that is done in the petroleum industry.
The installation specifications for bollards at fuel stations
The type of bollard you choose and the area in which you choose to place it will determine the installation procedure. It would be wise to consider the following factors before starting the installation process.
Legal requirement
Local ordinances and codes are placed to ensure that bollards are installed safely and correctly. You should seek counsel from a local Building code department regarding the code for the bollard such as the permits you may need or the recommended digging dept. for these specific objects. According to the law, passengers must be allowed to enter in a situation of emergency.
You should once again check with the site planner and the local authorities to find out what bylaws and ordinances have in place in that area. If the process of installing and placing is done incorrectly the bollards can be removed according to law. Architects that form part of the installation would often create a site plan for the bollards and this tells you about the spacing and installation method.
Spacing of the bollards
Typically, bollards are installed in a row for drivers and passengers to see them. It’s important to consider the spacing between them effectively. According to compliance with the Americans with Disability, act bollards must have enough space between them for passengers in individuals in wheelchairs and motorized chairs to pass through. The spacing relies heavily on in what area it’s placed and for what reason.
Preparing for the installation of a bollard
Before you can learn about the perfect company to assist you with all your bollard needs you first need to know how to prepare for the installation. For any site, it is important to prepare the site so the bollards would stand straight up and function effectively. Here are some of the things that need to be taken into consideration to prepare for an effective installation process.
Before the workers can make holes for the bollards it’s important to check for any hazards such as gas lines, wires, or pipes. In some cases, the site plans of the area can provide this information. The next thing to consider is to test the ground by making a hole with the drill to get an idea of the full dept.
Finally, the company should clean the site before having a company such as StreetScape provide the service of installation. When drilling holes or even mixing cement the property might become dirty and interrupt the placement of the bollards. It’s a good idea to use a broom, pressure washer, or even a blower to clean all the surfaces before installation.
Bollard’s installation services
Bollards are important elements, especially in public spaces. If you are a homeowner, business owner, or involved in your area you need to ensure that the public spaces incorporate barriers. If you are looking for a company to assist you with the installation of the bollard and all the rules and regulations that are associated with it, you should hire StreetScape as your go-to company for practical bollard designs.
StreetScape is a Cape Town-based company that manufactures all your landscaping elements. The company is passionate about creating landscaping that isn’t only stunning, but also practical. This will make it easy for you to find a landscaping element that is useful as stated previously.
Many landscaping items are available at StreetScape, but bollards form one of the best landscaping items. StreetScape has highly experienced employees to assist you with all your bollard needs. You should get in touch to discuss the best bollards for your practical needs and that are aesthetically pleasing to the outside world.
Next time you want to protect something that is outside and valuable contact StreetScapes to come an install protective bollards.