Accordion safety barricades are a versatile way to secure equipment and restrict access to spaces. They are used in many settings including factories, public spaces, events, warehouses, construction sites, parking garages, train stations, and more. Depending on the setting, accordion barricades can be as simple as a pull-out belt, as complex as a mesh-lined accordion frame, or anything in between. Keep reading to learn more about this critical safety equipment.
What Are Accordion Barricades?
An accordion barricade is used to physically block a path, prevent access to an area or machine, and serve as a visible indication that caution is required in the area. They can be made from any type of material that can be drawn or extended across an area and rolled or folded back out of the way as needed.
This type of barrier is designed for quick set up and removal, and can be configured for temporary or permanent installation or mounting for maximum flexibility. Many types of materials can be used, including rolls of mesh or fabric sheeting, belts, vertical folding panels, or accordion-style slats linked with rivets.
Temporary barricades are often portable so they can be used where and when they are needed, then stored out of the way. These units consist of a pair of stanchions with the barrier material attached at both ends. The stanchions are spread to extend the barrier as much or as little as needed, and are sometimes outfitted with casters for easy movement.
Permanent installations are mounted to the floor, wall, or equipment cell directly. The barrier is pulled across the area to be guarded and latched or hooked into place on the opposite post. Many designs are modular and can add additional sections.
There are several ways to customize accordion barriers for specific applications. For example, at North American Safety Products (NASP), we offer several options for our accordion barrier systems that enhance safety, including:
- Fabric or mesh curtain overlays to contain flying debris or dust
- Locking latches to prevent unauthorized removal or opening of barriers
- Electric interlocking switches that prevent opening the barrier while a machine is in use, or to prevent a machine from operating until the barrier is secured
- Brackets to attach lights or signage
Benefits of Accordion Barricades
Accordion barriers offer several advantages over other types of barriers and obstructions like lights, signage, chains, or roping. These include:
- Ease of use. Portable barricades are easy to carry and set up at the point of need. Permanent installations with posts can be bolted to the floor or wall. The barrier is easily pulled from its retracted position and pulled into place.
- Adaptable. Barricades can be used in multiple ways to guide foot traffic and block access, such as surrounding equipment, creating a path through a hazardous area, blocking an entranceway, or barricading out-of-service stairs, elevators, or escalators.
- Visible and recognizable. NAPS barricades are made with highly visible accordion slats and clearly communicate that an area is restricted. This makes them useful in a variety of settings where crowds, employees, or general foot traffic must be controlled.
- Small footprint. When not engaged, these barricades have a very slim footprint because they roll or fold down between stanchions or into the mounting post.
- Customization. Several colors, curtain materials, heights, and lengths are available. Modular guards can be used together to span longer distances.
Applications for Accordion Barricades
Accordion safety barricades are very versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, such as:
- Blocking off aisles when forklifts or other vehicles are in use
- Acting as crowd control retractable barricades
- Redirecting and guiding foot traffic in stores, industrial facilities, public events, and outdoor spaces
- Compartmentalizing large, open industrial or commercial spaces into clear work zones
- Reducing the risk of trampling, injury, or unauthorized access to hazardous areas during big events
- Marking store or warehouse aisles as off-limits when forklifts are bringing down inventory
- Preventing trips and falls on uneven or slick surfaces, holes, closed stairways, or dangerous equipment
Accordion Barricades from North American Safety Products
NASP is a leading provider of barriers, safety guards, and other safety equipment for worksites and public spaces. Accordion-style aluminum slats are joined with sturdy rivets for smooth expansion and retraction with no pinch points. Steel tube posts and a variety of mounting brackets ensure this guarding system is solid. All slats are powder-coated and feature rounded ends.
Two of our most popular accordion barricade solutions are:
Rear-Guard®
Our Rear-Guard® Expandable & Accordion Machine Guarding products create OSHA-compliant barriers between workers and dangerous equipment. Reduce injuries or fatalities from workers getting too close to equipment like press brakes, welding centers, painting stations, pallet wrappers, loading docks, and other workplace hazards. Electric interlocking controls are available to prevent machinery from running when the barrier is open.
Versa-Guard®
First developed in 1995, these portable accordion safety barricades can block access, organize spaces, and manage pedestrian traffic. They are quick to set up with no tools required, and are available in a variety of heights and lengths. When retracted, Versa-Guard® barricades are easy to carry and store, and can be moved from place to place as needed. Rounded slats and accordion-style design with sturdy rivets eliminate pinch points for added safety.
Find Your Accordion Barricades at North American Safety Products
North American Safety Products specializes in safety gating and barriers for industrial, commercial, and event use. All of our products are developed to help you stay compliant with OSHA worksite safety requirements and to protect workers, visitors, and the public.
Contact us today to learn more about our accordion barricades and other safety solutions, or request a quote to start your order.
Comments are closed