Metal vs. Plastic Barricades
Metal barricades and plastic barricades for crowd control
Crowd control is an essential part of any event, and barricades are the safest and most secure choice for pedestrian safety. Cones aren’t secure enough, nor are caution tape, snow fencing, or stanchions.
If you are looking into buying crowd-control barricades for your event or venue, the best choices are going to be either metal or plastic barricades, like our Billboard Barricades. These barriers are generally sturdy and are large and tall enough to direct the flow of pedestrian traffic and block entry into unauthorized places.
But how do these two options compare? While the two barricade styles are both commonly used (and we do stock both!), the advantages of plastic barricades outweigh metal barricades by a long shot. Plastic barricades are safer, more durable, and, overall, a better choice.
The advantages of plastic barricades versus metal
Go plastic for increased pedestrian safety
One of the main advantages of plastic barricades is that they are generally safer to interact with. Plastic barricades are manufactured to be lightweight yet sturdy, while metal barricades are heavier and more easily tipped. At the 2019 Bumbershoot Festival in Seattle, WA, 25 people were treated for injuries and 4 people were sent to the hospital when the barricades in front of one of the stages collapsed. The crowd crush was so bad that the barricades crashing down had the same effect on rows of people.
Another safety concern associated with metal barricades is sharp corners and edges. If not properly interlocked, these sharp metal corners are left exposed, leading to greater chances of injury, especially with large crowds walking by or pressing up against the barricades. At one sporting event in Kansas City, an exposed corner on a metal barricade led to a fatal crash. The barricades at the event were not properly interlocked and, when a cyclist crashed into one, he hit his forehead on the sharp edge. If plastic barricades had been used in this situation, there could have been a completely different outcome.
These safety problems with metal barricades, and more, are solved with plastic barricades. Production staff can carry multiple barricades at a time without worrying about cuts, and patrons can interact with them without the need for caution. Additionally, because of the way the feet are designed and the ease with which barricades are interconnected, they don’t tip over easily and are far less harmful if they do.
Based on safety alone, plastic barricades are the better choice!
More durable than bike rack barricades
When comparing metal to plastic barricades, another aspect to look at is durability. Plastic barricades are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which doesn’t rust or erode. This high-quality plastic is resistant to impact and punctures, and the barriers are 100% recyclable. They also have UV protection added during the manufacturing process, which means their bright colors won’t fade over time.
On the other hand, metal barricades can rust when used frequently outdoors. They can also end up bending, making the feet less stable and the connection points impossible to line up. When zip ties are necessary just to create a continuous line, you know the product has not been designed to last. The feet of metal barricades are especially susceptible to bending and breaking, so it’s commonly necessary to replace them, which can end up outweighing the initial low price of metal barricades.
Increase visibility with plastic crowd control barriers
Another advantage of plastic barricades over metal barricades is greater visibility. Plastic barricades are available in a variety of bright colors, making the pedestrian barriers stand out. This is especially helpful at night or at events that are poorly lit.
On top of increased visibility due to the hue, you can choose colors that match your branding and enhance your aesthetic, creating a better atmosphere overall.
Custom signage opportunities built right in
Oftentimes, events need signage to provide directions and increase accessibility. If you want to attach any signage to your barriers, plastic barricades offer a built-in display panel, eliminating the need for excessive additional accessories. When you order custom signage along with your Billboard Barricades (and have us do the heavy lifting on attaching them!), no additional work or hardware is required. If ordered alone, each sign simply needs four tap bolts and four fender washers to attach to the display panel securely. The expensive covers that fit over metal barricades are unnecessary, and zip ties will be a thing of the past!
Pedestrian safety lightning quick with plastic barricades
Metal barricades are heavy and cumbersome, meaning it takes a decent amount of muscle to move them. This results in time-consuming set-ups and tear-downs and many trips to get the steel pedestrian barricades to their intended places. Loading and unloading are big factors in the total time it takes to set and strike an event or gathering! In addition to this, they can also be difficult to store because of their size and shape.
Plastic crowd control barriers, on the other hand, are light and easy to move quickly. One person can carry one or two at a time and two people could carry even more. This speeds up set and strike times and makes everything more efficient. For storage, they are equipped with swiveling feet and stack flat when they’re not in use – they take up a lot less space when storing or transporting!
Metal barricades are out for stability: plastic barriers are where it’s at
There are two common types of feet on metal barricades: bridged or flat. These feet are intended to keep the barricades level and upright, and, while they usually do the job well enough, there are no guarantees when it comes to stability. Metal barricades with bridged feet are better on uneven ground, but, unfortunately, the bridged feet are tripping hazards. On the other hand, while it’s less of a tripping hazard, the flat feet option isn’t very stable in general and can be tipped easily, meaning there are drawbacks to whichever option you choose. In addition, both types of feet often break, meaning you may have to replace them and add to your overall cost.
Plastic barricades are built to be sturdy by default, and, thanks to the folding feet of the Billboard Barricade, are stable and tripping-hazard-free. They can also be ballasted with water or weighed down with sandbags in windy or inclement conditions for extra security. For more permanent applications on concrete or pavement, the barricades can be staked directly into the ground through the extra flag holes on each end, while on softer ground like dirt or grass, the barricades can also be staked in place and then easily removed. There are endless options to ensure that your plastic barricades are solid and steady as they contain and direct the crowds.
The results are clear: plastic barricades for the win
We’ve covered the advantages of plastic barricades and we think the choice is obvious in the metal versus plastic barricade showdown. Plastic barricades offer trip-free stability while still being lightweight and durable, are aesthetically pleasing, and can be ordered in nearly any color for branding and/or visibility.
If you are looking for crowd control barriers for your next event, OTW Safety has a variety of choices available, and we’re happy to answer any questions you might have. Ready to let us help you find the perfect barricade for your event? Contact us today!
