You will see many main types of crowd barrier made for special needs at events. The most common types are:
- Aluminum barriers are light but strong. They work well inside or outside.
- Steel barriers are strong and safe. People use them where security is important.
- Fence barriers are tough and can be used in many places with lots of people.
This article tells you about each type. It helps you pick the best one.
Key Takeaways
- Pick the best crowd barrier for your event size and type. Strong barriers are good for big events. Lighter barriers work well for small groups.
- Think about local rules and safety when picking barriers. Following rules keeps people safe and helps you avoid fines.
- Each barrier has its own job. Stanchions help control lines. Rigid barriers keep big crowds safe.
Types of Crowd Control Barriers
Pedestrian Barriers
Pedestrian barriers help keep people safe in busy places. You see these barriers on streets, at schools, parks, and near building sites. They stop people from walking into traffic or unsafe spots. At concerts and rallies, they help control crowds and stop people from rushing the stage. These crowd management barricades make safe areas and help organize how people walk during events.
| Environment | Function |
|---|---|
| Urban Streets and Crosswalks | Help people cross safely and stop them from walking into traffic. |
| Schools and Parks | Keep kids safe and help with lines when it is busy. |
| Construction & Work Zones | Keep people away from danger and protect workers. |
| Concerts/Rallies | Control crowds and stop people from rushing the stage. |
| Public Gatherings | Make safe areas and help people walk in order during events. |
Pedestrian barriers are made from different materials. Metal fences last a long time and fit many styles. Chain link fences are simple to put up and do not need much care. Plastic water-fillable barriers are strong and good for festivals. Plastic fencing is light and best for short-term use. Metal barriers are heavy but last long, while plastic ones are easy to move but may not last in rough weather.
- Metal Barricade: Strong and good for long use.
- Barrier Covers and Barrier Jackets: You can add these for signs or safety messages.
Stanchion Barriers
Stanchion barriers help you make lines and control who goes where in stores, airports, and banks. You also see these barriers in theaters and museums, where they look nice and help with crowd flow. Stanchion barriers use posts and chains or ropes to make clear paths.
| Stanchion Type | Diameter | Height | Base Features | Weight (filled) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crowd Control Plastic Barrier | 2″ | 41″ | Can use 1″, 1.5″, or 2″ chain; base can be filled with sand | N/A |
| X-Treme Duty Plastic Barrier | N/A | N/A | Built-in C-hooks, ribbed handle, wheels, water bladder for ballast | 25 lbs (filled) |
| School Crossing Stanchion | 2.5″ | 40″ | Includes C-hooks for chain attachment | N/A |
You find stanchion barriers in many places:
| Venue Type | Purpose of Stanchions |
|---|---|
| Retail Environments | Make lines for customers and help them wait their turn. |
| Airports | Manage lines and keep some areas off-limits. |
| Banks | Control lines and keep things safe. |
| Construction Sites | Keep people safe by blocking off some areas. |
| Theaters and Museums | Look nice and help people move in order. |
Stanchion barriers are different from other crowd management barricades because they look neat and are easy to move. You can use them inside or outside.
Retractable Barriers
Retractable barriers give you choices for crowd control. These barriers have a base, a post, and a belt that pulls out and locks. You can set them up fast and change how they are placed. The belts come in many colors and designs to match your event.
Retractable barriers work well in airports and train stations. They help keep secure and non-secure areas apart. You can move them quickly if there is an emergency. These barriers also help people know where to go, so they feel less stressed.
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability and Modularity | You can change them fast to fit new needs or more people. |
| Psychological Benefits | They help people follow rules and feel calm. |
| Operational Cost Efficiency | They do not need much care and save money over time. |
| Regulatory Alignment | They meet TSA rules for clear spaces and quick changes. |
Retractable barriers are not like stanchion barriers because you can change their length and shape easily. They are great for events where you need to move barriers often.
Wall Mount Barriers
Wall mount barriers save space in busy places like stores and offices. You put these barriers on walls, so floors stay clear for walking and cleaning. You need simple tools to put them up, like a drill and screwdriver. Two people should work together to be safe.
Tip: Wall mount barriers help keep stores neat and tidy. You can pull them back when not needed, so they do not block the way.
Wall mount barriers are good for crowd control in small spaces. You can use them to guide people or block off areas during events.
Rigid Barriers
Rigid barriers give strong protection for big crowds. These barriers use steel or concrete and do not move easily. You see them at outdoor events, concerts, and places that need lots of security. Rigid barriers can take a lot of force and keep people safe.
| Barrier Type | Material | Characteristics | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rigid Barriers | Steel/Concrete | Heavy, do not move, very strong | Big crowds, busy places |
| Flexible Barriers | Rope/Retractable | Light, easy to move, look nice | Short-term crowd control |
Rigid barriers are different from other crowd barriers because they are very solid and stable. You use them when you need barricades that will not move or fall over.
| Event Type | Barrier Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Outdoor Events | Use heavy fence bases for uneven ground. |
| Concerts | Use strong steel panels near the stage. |
| Large Gatherings | Use heavy-duty steel barricades for crowd control. |
| High-Security Events | Use concrete or plastic jersey barriers for cars. |
Beam Barricades
Beam barricades help you control crowds in packed areas. These barriers have an A-frame shape and a wide base to stay steady. The front rail helps guide people, and the back platform lets security act fast.
Beam barricades are best for concerts and events with lively crowds. They stop crowd crush and let security help people quickly. You pick beam barricades when you need safe and organized crowd management.
A-Frame Barriers
A-frame barriers are great for short-term crowd control. You can move and set up these barriers easily because they are light. Each leg weighs about 7 lbs, and the whole barrier is under 12 lbs. You can add sand to make them steadier.
| Feature/Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Helps guide or keep people back |
| Lightweight | Easy to carry |
| Customization | You can add your logo or message |
| Optional Reflective Sheeting | Makes them easier to see |
| Fillable with Sand | Adds weight for more stability |
| Various Lengths Available | Pick the size you need |
- You can add covers or jackets to A-frame barriers for signs or safety.
- A-frame barriers are good for events where you need to move barricades quickly.
Interlocking Barriers
Interlocking barriers give extra safety and strength at big events. These barriers use hooks and loops to connect, making a strong line that does not break. You find interlocking barriers made from steel, plastic, or polypropylene.
| Material Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Steel | Hot Dipped Galvanized 16-gauge Steel |
| Plastic | Colorful and light plastic crowd control barrier |
| Polypropylene | Used in LineEx pedestrian interlocking barriers |
- Interlocking Design: Connects fast for a strong barrier.
- Durability: Galvanized steel does not rust or get damaged by weather.
Interlocking barriers are better than other barricades when you need a strong, unbroken line for crowd control.
Expandable Barriers
Expandable barriers help you make quick and clear boundaries. You can change these barriers to fit different spaces, so they are good for changing crowds. Expandable barriers use bright colors and shiny parts to stand out, helping you manage lines and stop confusion.
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Quick and Clear Boundaries | Expandable barricades make clear areas for people to move, stopping crowding and confusion. |
| Visibility and Queue Management | Their bright colors and shiny parts make them easy to see and help with lines. |
| Portability and Storage | You can move and store these barriers easily, so they work for many needs. |
| Emergency Situations | They can quickly block off danger and make safe paths in emergencies. |
Expandable barriers cost less over time because you can use them again and they do not need much care. You can make them any length, so they are more useful than fixed barriers. You use expandable barriers for events, traffic, and emergencies.
Loose Leg Barriers
Loose leg barriers work well on bumpy ground. You can take the legs off to stack and store them easily. The bridge feet design keeps these barriers steady on gravel, grass, or dirt. Loose leg barriers are smart for outdoor events where the ground is not flat.
- You can take off the legs for easy stacking and storage.
- Bridge Feet design keeps them steady on rough ground.
Loose leg barriers are different from other barricades because they fit many surfaces and are easy to move.
Fixed Leg Barriers
Fixed leg barriers are strong and steady. These barriers use thick steel and are made in one piece, so they last longer. The legs spread out to keep the barrier steady on uneven ground. You can stack and use fixed leg barriers at many events.
- Strong: Made from thick steel.
- Durable: One-piece design with few welds.
- Stable: Legs spread out for better balance.
- Galvanised Steel: Stops rust and damage.
- Lightweight: Easy to move and set up.
- Stackable & Reusable: Good for storage and moving.
Fixed leg barriers are best for busy places. Type 2 safety barriers have two shiny panels so people can see them better. These barriers are more steady and last longer than other crowd management barricades.
Met Police Barriers
Met Police barriers give the best safety for big crowds. These barriers use strong galvanized steel and anti-climb mesh. The interlocking system keeps them steady, and the wide base stops them from tipping. You can use Met Police barriers inside or outside, and they last a long time with little care.
| Feature | Met Police Barriers | Standard Barriers |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Heavy-duty with anti-climb mesh | Standard materials |
| Interlocking System | Strong connections for stability | May not have strong connections |
| Construction | Galvanised steel for long life | Not always as strong |
| Stability | Wide base keeps them steady in crowds | Can tip or fall over |
| Deployment | Good for inside and outside use | May only work in some places |
| Maintenance Cost | Lasts longer, so costs less to replace | Needs more replacements |
Met Police barriers are different from other crowd barriers because they give the most safety and stability. You pick these barricades for events where safety matters most.
Choosing the Right Crowd Barrier
Key Features to Consider
When you pick a crowd barrier, think about what your event needs. The right barriers keep people safe and help things go well. Look at this table to help you choose:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Size and Type | Big events need strong barriers. Small events can use light ones. |
| Local Regulations and Safety | Follow local rules for height, space, and material to keep everyone safe. |
| Accessibility Needs | Make sure paths are wide for strollers and wheelchairs. |
| Durability and Material | Pick materials that last for your event. |
| Customization Options | Choose colors or features that fit your event. |
| Portability and Setup | Light barriers are easier to set up and move. |
| Regulatory Compliance | Use barriers that meet safety rules to avoid trouble. |
| Cost and Budget | Think about price, especially for big events. |
Tip: Always check local rules before buying crowd safety barriers. This helps you avoid fines and keeps everyone safe.
Common Use Cases
You see different crowd barriers at many events. Here are some examples:
- Stanchions are good for lines at stores or banks. They are easy to move and cost less, but they do not stop big crowds.
- Metal barricades protect people at concerts or sports games. They are strong but hard to move.
- Plastic barricades are in the middle. They last longer than stanchions and cost less than metal ones.
- Pedestrian crowd control barriers guide people at parades or festivals and keep them safe.
Pick the best barrier for your event. Think about how many people will come and how much space you have.
Fixed Leg vs Loose Leg Comparison
Fixed leg and loose leg barriers both help with crowd control. They work best in different places.
| Feature | Fixed Leg Barriers | Loose Leg Barriers |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Very steady on most ground | Good on bumpy ground |
| Portability | Easy to stack and move | Legs come off for storage |
| Setup | Fast to set up | Takes longer to put together |
| Best Use | Busy events, flat ground | Outdoor events, rough ground |
If your event is on grass or gravel, loose leg barriers stay steady. For busy places with flat ground, fixed leg barriers work better. Always match your barrier to your event and where it is.
Note: For extra safety, add covers or jackets to your metal barrier. This helps people see the barrier and keeps everyone safe.
There are lots of choices for crowd barriers at events. Each kind helps people know where to go and keeps crowds from getting too big. They also block off areas that should stay private. Always remember to keep people safe and pick barriers that last. Make sure people can walk easily. If you are not sure what to pick, ask an expert for help that matches your event.
FAQ
What is the main purpose of crowd barriers?
Crowd barriers help keep people safe at events. They guide how people move. Barriers also block off areas people should not enter.
Where should you use temporary pedestrian barriers?
Use temporary pedestrian barriers at festivals and parades. You can also use them at construction sites. These barriers help control crowds. They keep walkways open and safe.
How do you choose the right barrier for your event?
Think about how big your event is. Look at where your event will be. Make sure you know what safety you need. Pick a barrier that fits your space. Choose one that keeps everyone safe.
