How to Identify High Quality Plastic Barriers

You can’t always tell the quality of something just by looking at it — a car may look great, but not run. Furniture may fall apart if built with poor materials. Identifying high quality plastic barriers can be just as tricky, especially if a person doesn’t have extensive knowledge of plastic barricades (don’t feel bad — you are not alone).

So how can someone determine if they’re really purchasing a dependable product? Here we can help! We’ll explain six aspects that affect barrier performance and help interested consumers find great plastic barricades on the market:

Plastic Used

The best plastic barriers on the market are made from polyethylene. Polyethylene actually has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than steel!

Be wary of any plastic barrier made from a different plastic, such as polypropylene, which is not as sturdy as polyethylene.

Plastic Molding Method

It’s not just about the plastic, but how you use it. There are two ways to form polyethylene barriers: blow molding and rotational molding. Blow molding produces high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This material is very rigid, very durable and is resistant to cracks. HDPE barriers are often used at large events and for habitual use at places like airports.

Rotational molding also produces barriers that are durable, but these low-density polyethylene (LDPE) barriers will have a higher tensile strength (they’re more flexible) and impact resistance. This means that high quality plastic barriers built for construction sites are typically made from LDPE.

Wind tunnel jet blast test demonstrating OTW’s Model AR10x96 barricade’s ability to withstand jet blast and prop wash at 70 mph.

Durability

Ideally, professionals who purchase plastic barriers won’t have to replace them often. High quality plastic barriers should be able to stand the test of time, and businesses that sell barriers should offer a warranty of some sort. OTW barricades are designed to last at least eight years and we offer a one-year warranty on our products.

Sustainability

Plastic barriers that can be recycled at a later date are beneficial for companies and for the environment. Recycled parts from plastic barricades may be used for things like benches, tables, and plastic lumber.

Flexibility

Barricades that offer great value are dynamic. Professionals who purchase them should be able to use them both indoors and outdoors, and they should be able to move the barricades with relative ease. That means high quality plastic barriers need to be both durable enough to withstand wind, rain, and biting cold, but manufactured in a way so as not to damage floors when moved around.

High Quality Plastic Barrier Features

In addition to the above considerations, effective plastic barriers may also possess the following features:

• Ability to interlock
• Ability to add extra ballast (sand or water)
• Ability to stack with ease for easier storage and transport

OTW Safety is different from other companies because we don’t just sell plastic barriers –– we manufacture them ourselves. We oversee every aspect of production, and we take pride in designing and creating the best products on the market. We understand the challenges our clients face, and we’re dedicated to building products that address their needs. Contact us here for more information!