Across the country, bollards are one of the most commonly seen forms of security equipment seen in locations as diverse as ports and power stations to high street pavements and sporting arenas. Bollards serve a dual purpose in protecting both buildings and pedestrians from impact and can be utilised as a simple yet effective means of access control. However, like other forms of perimeter security, bollards require a certain level of respect and upkeep to maintain their effectiveness. Here we share some top bollard maintenance tips.
Risks to bollards
Like everything else, bollards require periodic maintenance to preserve their looks and their effectiveness. Often placed outdoors, bollards are at risk from environmental conditions and human interactions.
The outdoors, particularly in the UK, bring adverse weather conditions throughout the year. Heavy rain, sleet, and winds can wear down materials with time, and heat and prolonged sun exposure may warp or dull exteriors.
Equally, bollards are at risk from their surroundings and human interaction. A bollard’s purpose is to protect and limit vehicular movement and as such may occasionally be struck or scraped by cars, lorries, and other types of vehicles. They may also be subject to vandalism or improper repair or usage.
Signs of damage and how to deal with them
So, what are some of the warning signs that your bollard may be in need of repair or upkeep? And what should you do to both prevent and deal with any problems that may arise?
Check bollard condition regularly
The first step in ensuring the longevity of your bollard system is to periodically check and clean your equipment. A simple clean with soapy water can often remove dirt, grime, and other pollutants that may build up over time, however always discuss your proposed cleaning routine with your manufacturer to avoid any problems. Having a regular clean can counteract many other issues down the line and ensure that all the parts are working properly. Consider diarising a bi-annual appointment to clean down your security equipment.
Avoid vandalism
The second type of problem that you may encounter with your bollard may be from vandalism or sabotage. While vandalism and crime are sad facts of life, there may be steps that you can take to prevent this from happening and send a clear message to criminals that you won’t take their actions lightly. You may achieve this by installing CCTV, warning signs, increasing manned patrols, or taking a broader look at your site’s needs and how you can upgrade your perimeter security with tools like gates or access control equipment.
Check for vehicle damage
Finally, the third type of problem with bollards may be of the technical variety. If a bollard has been damaged by a vehicle, fittings have jarred or become loose, or general wear and tear have resulted in reduced performance, then it may be time to call in the experts to bring your equipment back up to scratch. After all, a bollard is no use at all if it doesn’t operate as it is supposed to. Indeed a broken bollard may hinder your operations as a business, or cause a public health hazard. So it is important that you can call on experts to quickly assess and repair any damage.
As well as providing nationwide manufacturer and installation of perimeter security systems and devices, Gateway Automation also offers a servicing and repairs option. We provide nationwide maintenance contracts, and supply parts for all manufacturers’ equipment, so you can rest assured that we will have you back on track with minimum disruption to your business. To find out more, please contact us here.
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