When working in a warehouse, collisions with freestanding structures are the order of the day. Entrepreneurs are not always aware of the options available to secure such sensitive areas.
Structural columns are a definite staple of large-scale hall construction. Nowadays, reinforced concrete columns, steel columns or mixed structures using both technologies are used. Reinforced concrete structures are associated with high strength to withstand static and dynamic loads, are fireproof and resistant to corrosion. They are most often used in facilities that must meet stringent fire safety requirements. Steel columns are also used in the construction of halls, which is often associated primarily with lower construction costs, as they are much cheaper than concrete counterparts. Steel modules are easier to install and are also often used as elements of the roof structure. To increase the level of fire resistance, special foams or paints are used to protect the poles, which involves maintenance. The dense placement of columns certainly contributes to the stability of the entire hall structure, however, in warehouse halls a dense grid of columns can be quite a challenge in organizing work and space for storage and transport.
Impacts on poles – causes and consequences
Poles are an element without which it is impossible to build a large-area hall, just as it is impossible to run an optimal warehouse without the use of forklifts or pallet trucks. The combination of forklifts and pillars in one area, always raises a great risk of accident and serious consequences. Hitting a structural column with a forklift not only leads to micro-damage visually, it can also upset the stability of the column and, consequently, the roof. Even small but repeated impacts can reduce the strength of the column and lead to tragedy. What’s more, in a sudden collision with a pole, the lack of impact cushioning also affects the operator. Stretched cervical vertebrae, strained spine and even mechanical impacts all negatively affect a worker’s physical health. Voluminous goods, the need for caution, reverse driving, pedestrian traffic, the need to perform work in a fast and efficient manner – all of this makes it necessary for operators to have “eyes around their heads.“
How to secure the poles in the warehouse?
To protect pillars or columns from collisions, column guards are used. Among the bumpers for structural columns can be used:
- foam bumpers
- steel bumpers
- wooden bumpers
EOS®- Flexible pole covers
An innovative solution for safety, is the use of a modern product – flexible pole covers. Our company has created and designed an ideal product, ensuring safety in halls and warehouses. EOS®, are high-quality protectors made of energy-absorbing foam, which absorbs the kinetic energy created at the moment of impact. It is an effective protection for workers, against dangerous warehouse structures.
EOS® is distinguished by:
The possibility of using the shield outside and inside the facility,
Is a reusable product, making it an environmentally friendly material,
No scratching or need for painting,
Simplicity of assembly and disassembly, without the use of specialized tools,
Significantly improves security at the warehouse,
Completely prevents damage to buildings and vehicles.
The most important property of using various types of protection, is to cushion impacts, or completely avoid accidents while maintaining the integrity of the warehouse or hall. EOS® meets all necessary safety requirements and is a certified product. It can be configured in countless variants, so it will adapt to any characteristics and capabilities of the hall or warehouse.
