Understanding Polymer Barriers: What They Are and Why They’re Important
Whether you are managing a warehouse, manufacturing, construction site, or other facility that depends on safety barriers, there’s a better solution out there when compared to steel, metal, concrete, and other traditional products. Enter polymer barriers, a product made from a blend of high-density, resilient plastics. The expert team at Stokes Equipment with high-speed rubber doors serving South Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, is ready to assist you with all your loading dock equipment needs. Look at the benefits of a newer player on the safety block…polymer barriers.
What are Polymer Barriers, and Why Are They Better?
A polymer is made by combining small molecules, resulting in larger molecules. There are both natural and synthetic polymers. Natural examples are fabrics like silk and wool, while synthetic examples are man-made, including plastic, Teflon, and nylon. Man-made polymers are engineered for specific reasons, including quality safety barriers used in various environments with one thing in common: to keep people and products protected and safe. They are an important layer of safety and bring a new resilience to this industry.
What are Plastic Polymer Safety Barriers?
Plastic polymer safety barriers provide an extremely dense, strong structure that can withstand a strong impact, say from a forklift or vehicle collision. One of the most amazing and innovative features is that right after impact, they go back to their original shape. They are more resilient than traditional fiberglass mesh, steel, metal, and concrete safety barriers and offer a longer-lasting and more cost-effective solution. Other benefits of polymer barriers include:
- Versatile Applications: Polymer barriers are available in multiple products for various applications, including protecting people, infrastructure, and assets.
- Define Walkways and Work Zones: Polymer barriers mark “off limits” areas, protecting people from harm.
- Prevents Tipping: Polymer barriers prevent stacked materials and pallets from falling or tipping, protecting products and people.
- Separates People and Product: Polymer barriers separate people and products from vehicle traffic
- Offers Flexibility and Customization: Polymer barriers are lightweight, easy to install, easy to customize, and easy to repair.
The bottom line is that quality polymer barriers are designed to get the job done by keeping your team, equipment, and infrastructure safe. Additionally, this material is more flexible, resilient, and durable than traditional steel, metal, fiberglass, and concrete.
Do Polymer Barriers Provide Value?
Yes. Keep in mind that any product has both pros and cons. You might think less is more if you are cutting corners and working within a tight budget. You may be tempted to go with the lower product price, but this might cost you more in the long run. It’s important to note that polymer barriers cost more initially than other materials available on the market. That said, polymer barriers are a long-term investment that will save you money and headaches in the future, especially if you experience accidents. Polymer bounces back, unlike other barriers made from concrete, metal, steel, and other lower-quality materials.
When a collision or an incident occurs, your costs for repairing the damaged traditional materials will be much higher than if you invest in polymer barriers that can withstand the collision time and time again. This is compounded when you add in the downtime caused by operation disruption, injuries, and replacement, which can devastate your operations and bottom line.
Contact Our Stokes Equipment Experts Today
We understand that keeping your facility safe and operational is your top priority. Our Stokes Equipment team is dedicated to loading dock door service in the Philadelphia, PA, area, from concept to completion. Contact us today.