PAS 13 was created and published by the British Standards Institution in association with the Health and Safety Executive. The BSI worked with a steering group made up of many high-profile blue-chip companies. These companies were able to offer first-hand experience of safety across a range of industries, to create a consistent and transferable set of guidelines for barrier installation.

Rack Group Announces Lagerinnredning as New Distributor in Norway for Rack Armour®

Posted on 8 November 2023 by Maisie Greenfield

Sheffield, UK – 07 11 2023 – Rack Group, a leading provider of warehouse safety solutions, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its international distribution network through a new partnership with Lagerinnredning AS, a prominent Norwegian company specialising in warehouse optimisation and equipment.

This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone for Rack Group as it extends its reach into the Norwegian market, offering its state-of-the-art racking impact protection solutions to a broader audience. Lagerinnredning’s commitment to quality and customer service aligns with Rack Group’s mission to deliver unparalleled safety products to the warehousing and logistics industry.

“We are delighted to welcome Lagerinnredning into our family of distributors,” said Stuart Ovington, Managing Director of Rack Group. “Their deep understanding of the Norwegian market and dedication to delivering high-quality solutions make them the perfect partner to represent our Rack Armour® solutions. We are confident that this partnership will ensure Norwegian businesses have access to the best safety products to protect their staff and infrastructure.”

Tim Solsvik, Managing Director of Lagerinnredning AS, also expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “It is with great pleasure that we join forces with Rack Group. Their innovative Rack Armour® complement our existing products and services perfectly, and we are excited to bring such a reputable brand to our customers in Norway. We believe that the combination of Rack Group’s expertise in warehouse safety solutions and our local market knowledge will result in a highly beneficial relationship for both parties and, most importantly, for our customers.”

Sushil Kumar, Regional Sales Manager of Rack Group said “We are very excited to work with Tim, and support Lagerinnredning AS with their ambitious growth plans, within the Norwegian market”

The collaboration is to start immediately, with Lagerinnredning AS ready to distribute Rack Armour®. The partnership is expected to improve the availability of premium safety solutions for Norwegian businesses and contribute to safer work environments across the region.

For more information about Rack Group and their Rack Armour® solutions, please visit www.therackgroup.com or www.lagerinnredning.no.

About Rack Group

Rack Group specializes in providing high-quality, durable safety solutions for the warehousing industry. With a focus on innovation and customer service, Rack Group has established itself as a leader in the field of warehouse safety, offering a wide range of products designed to protect both personnel and infrastructure including racking protection, bumper barriers and safety gates.

About Rack Armour®

Made from ballistics grade plastic, the Rack Armour® outer shell is shaped to divert impact energy around the rack leg instead of through it. Any remaining impact energy is absorbed by the interior foam until it is diffused. This twin action protection uniquely helps to maintain the structural integrity of the racking system.

Fitted in seconds and last for years, Rack Armour® requires no maintenance, and is rust and fade resistant. It is also fully recyclable and suitable for use in food production facilities.

For more information in becoming an international partner, please contact Sushil Kumar via email sushil@therackgroup.com or telephone +44 7708 326150

About Lagerinnredning AS

Lagerinnredning AS is a Norwegian company with a strong focus on warehouse optimization and equipment supply. Renowned for their expertise in creating efficient and safe storage environments, they offer a comprehensive range of products and services tailored to meet the unique needs of their customers.

Simplifying Safety Barrier Systems: Making Informed Choices for Your Warehouse

Posted on 8 September 2023 by Maisie Greenfield

In a recent webinar, experts from across IWS Group of companies came together to shed light on the importance of safety barrier testing and how to make informed decisions when selecting them.

In particular, the significance of PAS 13 impact rating, choosing the right impact protection for your warehouse risks, and saving on repair and maintenance costs.

This article aims to summarize the key points discussed during the webinar and provide valuable insights for warehouse decision-makers, facilities managers, and health and safety professionals.

Understanding the Importance of PAS 13

PAS 13 is a globally recognised guidance, established by the British Standards Institutes (BSi) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It serves as a benchmark for safety barriers used in industrial workplaces.

It was explained that the use the PAS 13 BSi guidance is the foundation for IWS Group product testing to benchmark and validate that their barriers comply with PAS 13. Also to further seek verification from an independent testing house, such as TÜV Nord.

PAS 13, testing covers both horizontal barriers and vertical posts, to be impact tested ensuring comprehensive compliance. Testing involves impacting the barriers and measuring their deflection and force transfer. By adhering to PAS 13 standards, customers can have confidence in the reliability and quality of the safety barriers they choose.

Choosing the right impact protection for your specific warehouse risk

Safety barriers play a crucial role in protecting people, property, and stock in warehouse environments. However, it was raised that navigating the market and choosing the right safety barrier system can be a daunting task. It was agreed that when selecting safety barriers, decision-makers must thoroughly understand their warehouse environment and the areas that need protection. This includes identifying walkways, stock zones, and deflection zones. Deflection zones are essential for ensuring the safety of individuals by accounting for the distance a barrier will deflect upon impact. Different manufacturers offer varying deflection zones based on factors such as forklift types, speeds, and loads. Comparing barrier test data is key, but that can be challenging as many are not comparable, due to either not testing to PAS 13 and are not third party accredited. Consulting with experts and asking the right questions is crucial in determining the most suitable solution for a specific warehouse.

Simplifying Testing Data

Understanding testing data can also be challenging, especially when it involves complex terms like energy and kilojoules. To address this issue, the webinar participants introduced a simplified approach called “Safety Simplified.” This approach provides customers with straightforward information about the energy levels their products can withstand in real world terms. By customers knowing the maximum loads and speeds of their forklifts, they can easily interpret the performance of safety barriers to identify which best meet their needs.

Download the “Safety Simplified” infographic to clearly show barrier performance in real world situations.

Avoiding the Cost of Over-Engineering and Underperformance

The webinar addressed the common challenges faced by customers in the market when selecting safety barrier systems. The marketplace offers a wide range of safety barrier systems with varying prices and performance levels. It is important to avoid “over-engineered” products, as different environments require different specifications. For example, an airport can require far higher specification and performance of barriers in comparison to inside a warehouse. Also purchasing low cost, untested products may result in frequent replacements and compromised safety. Therefore it is crucial to invest in safety barriers that match the specific needs of a workplace.

Availability and Lead Times

Lead times can significantly impact the development timetable of a warehouse either from construction or ongoing risk management of an existing workplace. It was stressed to check lead times before purchasing which can often vary between weeks and many months and to plan this detail into your risk management strategy and planning.

The panelists reassured the audience that tested safety barrier products from Brandsafe have an average lead time of four weeks. As a UK manufacturer, Brandsafe has invested in its manufacturing process to meet customer requirements efficiently with warehouses in the UK, Central Europe and the USA for rapid response and worldwide product availability.

Saving on repair and maintenance costs

All the panelists agreed that choosing the right safety barrier system for a warehouse requires careful consideration of factors such as budget, durability and risk. It was also made clear that choosing polymer barriers over metal had several benefits.

The flexible barrier design and polymer material are engineered to absorb the load of impact, away from a vehicle and ground fixings to reduce damage and repair time, unlike metal barriers.

The benefits from such a design means customers will lower their repairs and maintenance cost compared to metal barriers and reduce vehicle impact damage and downtime. Maintenance is further lowered as these polymer barriers don’t rust, corrode, fade or require re-painting, and only need replacing after frequent, major impacts have occurred. They are also non-toxic and suitable for use in food production and freezer environments.

It was stressed that budget constraints can force compromises on durability and longevity. However, with the Brandsafe range of products, customers can find the perfect balance between cost-effectiveness and meeting their specific needs.

Key Considerations for Decision Makers

It was wrapped up with advice for decision makers, including facility managers, health and safety managers, and distributors, to assess their environment, determine what needs protection (people, property, and stock), map out walkways, vehicle flow and stock zones, and consider deflection zones. Then review PAS 13 tested and third party accredited barrier products to be confident your risk assessment is best supported by products you can trust.

A final point raised was sustainability is also a critical consideration to ensure long-term viability. Brandsafe barrier range not only offer 100% recyclability but also provide replacement parts, allowing for easy maintenance and extended product lifespan.

For more information view our range of products or contact us for advice or a quote.

📞 0044 1226 78 44 88
📧 info@therackgroup.com

Become a Distributor

The webinar highlighted the benefits for distributors who deal with safety barriers as part of their portfolio or wish to add them. Companies were invited to join as a distributor or reseller of Brandsafe barriers to help their customers create a safe and productive workplace.

For more information visit our distributor page.

The Rise of Polymer Over Metal Impact Barriers: The New Standard in Strength and Safety

Posted on 6 September 2023 by Maisie Greenfield

A crucial aspect of achieving a secure and efficient workplace environment is selecting the right impact barriers, that can effectively safeguard your facility from potential risks.

Traditionally, metal impact barriers have been the go-to choice, but in today’s workplace, an innovative alternative is proving to be just as strong, if not stronger and with many more advantages – polymer impact barriers.

Strength Tested and Accredited

The perception that metal barriers are inherently stronger than polymer barriers is being challenged with groundbreaking research and rigorous testing. Polymer impact barriers have undergone comprehensive testing by reputable accrediting bodies, proving their formidable strength. Their accredited performance data demonstrates that they are well-suited for specified purposes, including withstanding high-impact scenarios.

Flexibility in Design for Maximum Safety

The automotive industry has taught us valuable lessons about impact resistance. Modern cars are designed with more flexible materials and structures to absorb and disperse impact forces, ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers. In the same vein, polymer impact barriers are strategically engineered with this principle in mind.

A metal barrier will typically upon impact be scratched or dented as well as the vehicle. Unlike polymer barriers, a metal barrier also relies more on the impact force to be absorbed through the floor fittings which can in addition damage the floor and require further repairs. The flexible nature of polymer barriers allows them to absorb and distribute impact energy more evenly. This intelligent design not only enhances safety but also prolongs the lifespan of the barriers, floor fittings and vehicles, reducing the need for frequent replacements, repairs and maintenance.

Proven Usage of Polymer Barriers Across Industries

Polymer impact barriers have emerged as game-changers in high impact protection across various industries. From bustling airports to busy warehouses, these barriers have proven their mettle in safeguarding critical infrastructure and personnel.

The adaptability of polymer barriers makes them ideal for diverse applications. Whether it’s guiding traffic, protecting equipment, or enhancing pedestrian safety, they rise to the occasion with unmatched performance.

Greater Environmental Protection

In addition to their strength and safety benefits, polymer impact barriers have a compelling edge over traditional metal barriers when it comes to their environmental impact. The manufacturing process of polymer barriers involves less energy consumption and generates fewer emissions, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint. Polymer barriers can be 100% recycled and reprocessed, adding to their eco-friendliness. Also the lightweight nature of polymer barriers translates to significant advantages in transportation. During shipment, less fuel is consumed due to reduced weight, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the lighter weight makes handling and installation of polymer barriers easier and more efficient, saving time and resources on-site.

The durability of polymer barriers further contributes to their environmental appeal. Their ability to withstand harsh conditions, including exposure to extreme weather and corrosive agents, means they have a longer lifespan than many metal barriers.

The Advantages in Summary

Proven Strength: Rigorous testing and accreditation validate the strength and reliability of polymer impact barriers, putting them on par with metal barriers.
Smart Design for Enhanced Safety: The flexible design of polymer barriers allows them to absorb impact energy, minimizing potential damage and protecting personnel.
Wide Industry Applicability: Polymer barriers have been successfully implemented across various sectors, attesting to their versatility and effectiveness.
Cost-Effective and Long-Lasting: With their robustness and extended lifespan, polymer barriers save on replacement costs while maintaining top-notch protection.
Eco-friendly: Beyond their strength, polymer barriers boast eco-advantages, with lower carbon emissions, recyclability, longevity and less maintenance.

In conclusion, while it is proven polymer barriers perform as well as metal barriers, the question asked by employers should not be “are polymer barriers stronger than metal barriers” but which barriers will best support your specific risk and cost.

With many different grades of metal and polymer barriers available, they will all perform differently, so it is essential to review the performance of each to assess suitability. This can be achieved by reviewing test data, and ensuring it is third party accredited. Look out for BSI PAS13 code of practice which is a globally recognised and respected guidance for manufactures to follow, as best practice when testing their products. PAS13 requires consistency in testing, so it should provide you with the ability to compare products more easily.

From warehouse to health and safety managers, it’s time to embrace the advancements in impact barrier technology. Polymer impact barriers have proven their strength, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, making them a reliable choice for ensuring the safety of your facility. By choosing polymer impact barriers over metal barriers, you also make a tangible contribution to environmental preservation and sustainability.

IWS Group is committed to pioneering workplace safety with our Brandsafe® range of polymer impact barriers which are:

Tested to PAS 13 and third party accredited by TUV Nord
Our barriers outperform similar products in the market
Rapid customisation to fit a customer’s unique environment
Shorter lead times, than any other providers

Finding the right polymer barrier for your risk

It can be challenging to interpret barrier testing data, and especially when manufacturers are not consistent or third party accredited. To help you identify which barriers are suitable to address your specific risk, we have developed a user-friendly approach called Safety Simplified.

Download our infographic which presents our test data in a clear format, so you can easily understand the performance of our products. This will enable you to make better informed decisions based on your specific forklift truck specifications, and loads.

Simplifying barrier performance – Infographic – The Rack Group

Rack Group partners with Capita for Seamless Warehouse Relocation

Posted on 26 June 2023 by Maisie Greenfield

The Solution

Capita first engaged with Rack Group several years ago requesting racking repair and inspections. Rack Group have since become a preferred racking partner for Capita. Rack Group designers and installation engineers supported Capita in sourcing new warehouse premises.

Six properties were reviewed around the North East of England which were in close proximity and had easy access to motorways. For some of the identified properties, racking designs were produced by Rack Group, to understand how the space could be optimized for to assess the immediate and longer term warehouse storage capacity.

A warehouse property was finally sourced which Rack Group estimated could support 15,000 pallet locations. The relocation was planned in four phases over a 10 week period to minimize disruption to operations. Standard adjustable racking was sourced from AR Racking and installed by the Rack Group. The stored items in the original warehouse were transported after each phase of installation, on time and on budget.

To maintain the integrity of the racking from vehicle impact damage, barriers were also installed. These consisted of end of aisle barriers supplied by RMI and Rack Armour® to protect the racking uprights.

The Benefits

Zero disruption to operations and no loss of output was achieved through the phased installation and relocation of assets.
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The project was delivered on time and on budget including the sourcing, installation and protection of the racking.
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Warehouse sourcing was expedited and storage space optimised, with the assistance of Rack Group designers and engineering team..
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Single point of contact to source racking, installation and inspections, plus impact barriers due to Rack Group being part of IWS Group, a family of industrial solution providers.

"With a major relocation in a very tight timeframe, Rack Group worked with us every step of the way, from layout design, planning, phasing and installation. Our need to move meant that we had started to decant our old premises to the new location, even before the racking installations began. Rack group came in and got on with the installations, to allow us to place items onto the racking almost as soon as each phase was completed. I would have no hesitation in recommending Rack Group for any size of project."

Mary Collins Head of Projects, Group Property Capita PLC.

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IWS Group is resetting the bar on impact safety, with PAS 13 barrier range certified by TÜV Nord

Posted on 12 May 2023 by Maisie Greenfield

IWS Group, has impact tested its Brandsafe® range of polymer safety barriers according to the rigorous PAS 13 code of practice, which has been third-party accredited by TÜV Nord, an internationally recognised seal of quality.

The testing process measures the impact resilience of these barriers, enabling customers to make informed choices about the right systems for their needs. By adhering to PAS 13, IWS Group is among a select few companies committed to the highest safety benchmark in the industry today.

Testing of the barrier range took place in April 2023 at an IWS subsidiary, Rack Group in Barnsley, where the barriers are designed and manufactured. A custom-built pendulum was used to strike the barriers at various points to measure the resilience of the barrier. How much force the barrier could take, as well as how much it deflected, was recorded on-site using high-spec measuring equipment.

Commenting on what the testing means for customers, Susy Keating, MD at Brandsafe said, “This testing is an important step for customers looking to purchase impact protection barriers for their workplace. Knowing what impact forces a barrier can take, as well as ensuring that data is independently certified by a reputable third party, is a vital factor in choosing the right barrier. For too long impact protection has been over-engineered, over-priced and overly complicated. It’s time to reset the bar on what impact protection ultimately comes down to, which is keeping people and products safe.”

Stuart Ovington, MD of Rack Group said, “TÜV Nord independently verifying that our testing abided by the PAS 13 guidelines serves as a testimonial to our teams here at IWS Group, as well as the quality of our polymer barrier range. Not every barrier manufacturer undertakes product testing to this level, so we are proud to be amongst the industry leaders. Our barriers are shown to be high performing, long-lasting and can withstand greater impacts than similar, industry-leading products. In addition, we can create bespoke designs quickly to suit individual needs and, with short lead times, provide a cost-effective solution at the highest standard.”

Matt Mason, Group Design Manager at IWS Group added, “We undertook this activity to prove the capability of our barrier range and, with TÜV Nord witnessing, it confirms that our internal testing procedure adheres to the industry code of practice.

Testing is conducted on a purpose-built impact pendulum rig designed and commissioned entirely by IWS Group, which simulates real world impact energies of material handling vehicles travelling at different speeds and provides physical proof to the capability of our products.

The pendulum strikes barriers at various pre-determined locations to measure the level of energy the barriers can withstand, how much deflection they display under impact and how much force is transferred to the ground fixings and concrete. Testing also defines the distance behind barriers that is considered the ‘safe zone’ for the barrier to deflect in to, which is identified during installation of the barrier by visual floor markings.

All testing was conducted with UKAS calibrated measuring equipment such as high-speed cameras, torque wrenches, load cells and industrial weigh scales to ensure confidence in every result witnessed.”

To find out more about the Brandsafe® polymer barrier range and the impact safety testing that has been carried out, visit brandsafeprotection.com or request the technical data by emailing sales@brandsafeprotection.com.

Safety, simplified.

How are these barriers designed to withstand impact?

The flexible barrier design and polymer material are engineered to absorb the load of impact, away from a vehicle and ground fixings to reduce damage and repair time, unlike metal barriers.

The benefits from such a design means customers will lower their repairs and maintenance cost compared to metal barriers and reduce vehicle impact damage and downtime.

Maintenance is lowered as these polymer barriers don’t rust, corrode, fade or require re-painting, and only need replacing after frequent, major impacts have occurred.

They are also fully recyclable, non-toxic and suitable for use in food production and freezer environments.

About IWS Group

IWS Group is a family of market-leading product brands, manufacturers and service companies, providing essential services and supplies to the logistics, material handling and other industrial sectors across Europe and beyond. The group consists of four companies:

Impact Safety Specialist, Brandsafe

Industrial Racking Specialist, Rack Group

Visual Management Manufacturer & Specialist, Beaverswood

Exclusively Trade Shelving & Storage Specialist, Anco

Discover more at www.iws.group

PAS 13: The Code of Practice for Safety Barriers explained

Posted on 8 March 2023 by Maisie Greenfield

PAS 13 Code of Practice for Safety Barriers was developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI), and is published as the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 13, Code of practice for safety barriers used in traffic management within workplace environments with test methods for safety barrier impact resilience.

What is PAS 13 code of practice?

PAS 13 is the only code of practice for industrial safety barriers that is recognised globally. It is intended to be used as a reference for engineers, architects, contractors, health and safety professionals, and other stakeholders involved in the design, construction, deployment and maintenance of safety barriers. The code is based on the principles of risk assessment and recommends selecting the appropriate safety barriers based on the potential hazards and risks.

Compliance with PAS 13 can help ensure that safety barriers are effective in protecting people and assets from potential hazards and minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.

Why was PAS 13 created?

The consequences of workplace accidents and injuries can be severe. They can result in lost productivity, downtime, and increased maintenance and repair costs. Moreover, they can lead to long-term health problems for employees and even legal and financial liabilities for the company.

According to Health and Safety Executive statistics approximately 50 people are killed each year, and more than 5,000 injured, in accidents involving workplace transport. PAS 13 outlines the current good practice traffic management procedures for a workplace and provides a standard for the safety barriers within them.

Mixing vehicles and pedestrians increases the risk of potential accidents, so it is imperative that steps are taken to minimize the associated risks. PAS 13 gives recommendations for impact resilience, dimensions and positions of safety barriers in the workplace; guidance on how to manage the risks associated with vehicles within the workplace; and specifies the criteria for testing the impact resilience of a barrier.

Overview of PAS 13

PAS 13 is a code of practice for industrial safety barriers that provides comprehensive guidance on good practice for using industrial safety barriers. As mentioned earlier, it is an official document produced by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and is globally recognised as the most reliable code of practice for industrial safety barriers.

PAS 13 is broken down into two sections. The first section provides Health and Safety and Operations managers with detailed guidance on the correct application of safety barriers at busy industrial facilities. This section includes recommendations on how to select the appropriate barrier system based on the level of risk, traffic flow, and environmental conditions.

The second section of PAS 13 is primarily for safety barrier manufacturers. It covers how to conduct standardised testing of safety barriers for strength and durability and record results in a way that is clear and transparent for customers. This section of PAS 13 helps manufacturers ensure that their products meet the required strength and durability standards, giving customers peace of mind when selecting their barrier systems.

Advantages of using impact barriers in industrial workplaces

The use of impact barriers in industrial workplaces can have numerous benefits, including:

Racking protection

Impact barriers can also provide protection for racking and other storage systems. In busy industrial facilities, forklifts and other vehicles can cause damage to racking, which can be costly to repair or replace. Impact barriers can absorb the force of collisions, minimizing damage and reducing maintenance and repair costs.

Pedestrian protection

Impact barriers can be used to create safe pedestrian walkways in busy industrial facilities. By separating pedestrian areas from areas where vehicles are operating, the risk of accidents is greatly reduced. This can help to create a safer working environment and reduce the risk of accidents.

Forklift damage

Forklifts are a common cause of damage in industrial facilities, and collisions with other vehicles, racking, and equipment can be costly to repair. Impact barriers can help to absorb the force of collisions, reducing the risk of damage to forklifts and other vehicles.

Maintenance and repair costs

By reducing the risk of damage to racking, equipment, and vehicles, impact barriers can also help to reduce maintenance and repair costs. In addition, impact barriers themselves are designed to be durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacement.

The use of impact barriers in industrial workplaces can have numerous benefits, including increased employee safety, protection for racking and other storage systems, safe pedestrian walkways, reduced damage to forklifts and other vehicles, and lower maintenance and repair costs. By investing in impact barriers and following the guidelines set out in PAS 13, companies can create a safer working environment and improve the efficiency of their operations.

PAS 13 benefits

Health and safety managers, procurement specialists, directors, facility managers, project managers and site safety leaders will benefit from PAS 13. It will also likely be of interest to those who want to apply traffic management procedures and those who test and measure the performance of safety barriers will also benefit from PAS, and manufacturers and distributors of safety barriers.

Here are some of the ways Implementing PAS 13 can greatly improve the use of impact barriers in industrial workplaces:

Clear guidelines for barrier selection: PAS 13 provides detailed guidelines for the correct application of safety barriers in industrial facilities. This includes information on the selection of barriers that best fit the needs of the facility, taking into account factors such as vehicle types, traffic flow, and the potential for impact.
Standardised testing for barrier strength and durability: The second section of PAS 13 covers how to conduct standardised testing of safety barriers for strength and durability, and record results in a way that is clear and transparent for customers. This ensures that all barriers used in the facility meet a consistent standard for safety and durability.
Improved traffic management: The guidelines set out in PAS 13 can also help to improve traffic management in industrial facilities. By using barriers to separate pedestrian walkways from areas where vehicles are operating, the risk of accidents is greatly reduced. This can help to create a safer working environment and improve the efficiency of operations by reducing downtime due to accidents.
Safety: The primary objective of impact barriers is to prevent accidents and protect workers from hazards. By manufacturers following the recommendations and requirements set out in PAS 13, customers can ensure that their safety barriers are properly designed and installed to provide maximum protection for workers.
Risk assessment: PAS 13 emphasises the importance of conducting a thorough risk assessment before installing safety barriers. This helps businesses identify potential hazards and ensure that their safety barriers are designed to address these specific risks.
Cost-effectiveness: Properly designed and installed safety barriers can help reduce the risk of accidents and damage to equipment and products, which can ultimately result in cost savings for businesses.

In conclusion, the use of impact barriers in industrial workplaces is essential for protecting employees and equipment from harm. The implementation of the PAS 13 code of conduct for industrial safety barriers provides a reliable and effective means of ensuring that the correct barriers are selected and used in the workplace. PAS 13 provides clear guidelines for barrier selection, standardised testing for barrier strength and durability, improved traffic management, reduced maintenance and repair costs, and compliance with safety regulations.

By following the guidelines set out in PAS 13, companies can create a safer working environment and improve the efficiency of their operations. Investing in high-quality impact barriers that meet PAS 13 standards not only reduces the risk of accidents but also protects the company from liability and reduces maintenance and repair costs over time.

Therefore, we highly recommend that all industrial workplaces use the PAS 13 code of conduct when selecting and implementing impact barriers. As a leading provider of impact protection barriers, our company offers a range of high-quality barriers that meet PAS 13 guidance.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you improve safety in your industrial workplace and view our range of barriers.

RACK GROUP & BRANDSAFE POLYMER BARRIERS TESTED TO PAS13

Posted on 8 March 2023 by Maisie Greenfield

The testing measures the impact resilience of the barrier products, ensuring customers can confidently choose the right barrier for their industrial workplaces. By choosing to adhere to PAS13, the only code of practice for traffic management within workplace environments, IWS Group are one of only a handful of companies committing to the highest benchmark in the industry today.

Testing of the barrier range recently took place at Rack Group in Barnsley, where the barriers are designed and manufactured. A custom-built pendulum was used to strike the barriers at various points to measure the resilience of the barrier. How much force the barrier could take, as well as how much it deflected was recorded.

Commenting on what the testing means for distributors and customers, Stuart Ovington, MD of Rack Group said “This testing is an important step for distributors to be confident in providing barriers that adhere to a high standard and for customers looking to purchase impact protection barriers for their workplace. Knowing what impact forces a barrier can take, is a vital first step in choosing the right barrier. Not every barrier manufacturer undertakes testing to this standard, so we are proud to be amongst the industry leaders. We will also be shortly receiving TUV Nord, who will be attending our testing and reviewing our test data to ensure it abides by the PAS13 guidelines.”

To find out more about the polymer barrier range visit https://therackgroup.com/product-category/impact-protection

Overview of our PAS 13 testing

A weighted pendulum was used to strike the barriers at various points to measure the resilience of the barrier. How much force the barrier could take, as well as how much it deflected was recorded. These measurements enable customers to choose the right type of barrier for their warehouse, depending on the amount of impact they need to withstand. The testing also advises the distance behind the barrier that is considered the ‘safe zone’, which is identified following installation of the barrier.

Polymer barrier range from IWS Group has been tested in line with the PAS13 code of practice
Range includes pedestrian, racking and low level protections barriers, plus bollards and a metal guardrail
Testing took place at Rack Group Training Centre in Barnsley, where the barriers are manufactured and shipped to customers
Teams from IWS Group companies Brandsafe and Rack Group carried out the testing using a custom built pendulum
Testing took place over 5 days where each barrier was tested multiple times in accordance with PAS13, the code of practice for safety barriers
The barriers were hit with the pendulum at the end post and in the middle of the rail
High speed cameras, industrial scales and load cells were used to verify the equipment
PAS13 is the industry’s only code of practice that advises on the types of barriers that are suitable for use within the workplace to segregate vehicles and pedestrians. It also includes guidance on how safety barriers should be tested to demonstrate their resilience.
The pendulum tests are weighted to mimic the impact force experienced by material handling equipment colliding with safety barriers.

KEEPING PEOPLE, PRODUCTS, AND PROPERTY SAFE

Raleigh selects Rack Group to help fast-track new warehouse build

Posted on 1 March 2023 by Maisie Greenfield

The Solution

Rack Group reached out to Raleigh to offer our services as a specialist racking design and install company.

Following a site visit, drawings of the design and layout were created to propose how to maximise capacity and workflow within the warehouse whilst ensuring safety and compliance. Raleigh chose Rack Group due to their quick response to their
short deadlines and a combination of expertise, and cost
effective proposal.

The racking used was AR Racking, who offered a quality, cost-effective product with quick lead times, thanks to our Official Distributor status. The install was for storage of bicycles and spare parts.

Providing a dedicated Account Manager, the racking was installed on time and on budget. It was also identified at the start of the install, that impact protection for the temporary structure was required. Rack Group are part of the IWS Group, which includes Brandsafe, who specialise in impact protection for outside and inside the warehouse. Brandsafe provided a number of barrier protection solutions to ensure the warehouse remained safe from vehicle impact.

During the project, Raleigh mentioned they were looking for a flexible storage solution for their spare parts within the warehouse. Another IWS Group company, warehouse accessory specialist Beaverswood, supplied hard-wearing, reusable refuse sacks for the warehouse, which were the ideal customer solution.

The Benefits

Rack Group delivered and installed the racking on site quickly after the construction of the warehouse, making essential alterations on the day to ensure the most optimised layout for Raleigh.
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Thanks to being part of the IWS Group, we were able to act as a one-stop-solution provider for the additional requirements of Raleigh, saving them time, money and hassle.
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Raleigh now has a fully functioning, safe, temporary warehouse to house their additional stock to meet increased demand.
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The products supplied are all adaptable, should there be a requirement to relocate the equipment to a permanent warehouse in the future.

"The project required a quick turnaround from building the warehouse to racking installation, so we could be operational in time for the unexpected increase in customer demand. We chose Rack Group based on their expertise and ability to quickly deliver a great solution.

They completed the install on time, and ensured we had the best solution by providing advice and alterations ongoing. Additionally we really benefitted from the Rack Group being part of the IWS Group, as they also helped provide safety barriers and storage solutions. From start to finish, Rack Group were the ideal company to help us deliver our project on time and on budget, providing expert advice and additional solutions to make it a success."
Christopher Green, Warehouse Manager

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Rack Armour® Size Guide

Posted on 31 August 2022 by Maisie Greenfield

Find the Rack Armour® fit for your racking

This handy guide lists the most popular types of racking, along with the size of Rack Armour® that is the best match.

Rack Armour® is the original upright protection against impact damage. Patented in 18 countries around the world and impact tested to FEM 10.2.02 international standards.

The unique design has a dual function to combat impact damage to racking uprights. The rounded shape deflects collisions, with the interior foam absorbing any transferred impact.

Made from HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), Rack Armour® guards are durable and extremely effective in preventing damage to uprights.

DOWNLOAD SIZE GUIDE

Which Rack Armour® size do I need?

Rack Armour® comes in various sizes to fit most types of racking uprights.

EURO A - fits racking fronts up to 87mm

EURO B - fits racking fronts up to 100mm

EURO C - fits racking fronts up to 120mm

Available in a range of striking, high visibility colours that are easily detectable to prevent impact before it occurs. Why not organise your warehouse with our traffic light bundles!

Fully recyclable and non-toxic. The original Rack Armour® is suitable for use in food production facilities and freezer environments down to -40°C.

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What you need to know about rack guards

Posted on 6 July 2022 by Maisie Greenfield

Even if we employ the safest of measures, accidents still happen, especially when taking a look at industrial storage. From drops to impacts, many things can happen that will damage your things, but of course, this doesn't mean you should do nothing about it. You should still implement as many safety precautions as possible to protect your items. This can reduce the risk of damage and even the severity of damage if it does occur.

That said, if you are using racks for storage, you should also consider protecting them to ensure your system lasts as long as possible. How, you ask? With rack guards of course!

What Are Rack Guards?

Rack guards are a form of protection that you can often find on the front uprights of racks and other storage units. They generally come in several different forms and can be attached directly to the racking, or installed on the floor directly in front of the rack. They are usually made from rubber, plastic, or metal and are designed to protect the rack from damage, whether it be from physical impact (drops, bumps, etc.), acting as a visual warning before impact occurs, or even protecting from damage caused by liquids or chemicals.

Rack guards are also a great way of protecting the items on the rack, as they can be installed at the back of each beam level to prevent pallets being pushed too far.

What Kind of Rack Guards Are There?

Rack guards can come in many different shapes and sizes, but there are three main types that are the most common:

Rack End Guards - These are placed on the ends of rack enclosures, and they can be made of polyethylene, steel, or a combination of the two. These are made to act as a visual signal to warehouse operators and absorb any impact that occurs, protecting the rack from direct damage.

Edge Guards - These are accessories that are installed on the front uprights of the rack enclosure. They are also made from polymer or metal and are intended to protect the rack and its contents from damage from pallets being moved on and off the rack.

Rail Guards – These are components that are attached to the floor in front of a racking bay, or even at the back of beams, and are often made from polymer. They are designed to prevent forklift trucks and other material handling equipment from pushing pallets too far into the rack.

What Are the Benefits of Rack Guards?

Rack guards are a great way of protecting your items from damage. Whether it's from bumps or drops, from environmental factors, or simply from a little bit of wear and tear, these guards can really protect your investment. They not only protect your assets from damage, they protect your warehouse operators from injury caused by damaged racking collapsing.

What Are the Drawbacks of Rack Guards?

The only real drawback of rack guards is that they can be expensive. They can add quite a bit to the overall cost of your unit, so it's important to make sure they are worth the investment. However, if you plan on keeping the rack for a long time and will be using other enclosures to protect your items, they can be a great way to protect your investment and can even help you save money in the long run!

Conclusion

Rack guards are a great way to protect the items within your rack, as well as the unit itself. If you are looking to protect and prolong the life of your equipment, be sure to take a look at rack guards! There are many rack guard solutions out there, so understand what they offer, how much they cost andhow you can install them to protect your assets before you make your decision. Some rack guard suppliers will even offer a free or reduced price sample of the guard for you to try before you buy.

Rack Group is a provider of UK warehouse racking solutions, offering repairs, protection, inspections, and more to help companies save money. If you are looking for rack guards, browse our full range online now.