A street-works and site-security stalwart, Multi Applicational Safety System (MASS) barriers are aptly named as one of the most versatile barrier systems available in the UK. Part of their versatility comes from their innovative and adaptable design, whilst additional flexibility comes from the range of purposes that MASS barriers can serve.
Difference, by design
The number of sites and situations when MASS barriers can be effectively deployed is maximised by their many key design features, which include:
- An integrated interlocking system which uses vertical pins to secure barriers to each other, allowing robust lengths of barrier runs to be created.
- Unit adaptations which allow rotation to accommodate curved boundaries as required. These can also be installed to create 90o corner bends and to allow access points.
- Vehicle roll-on, roll-off stability which uses the weight of an errant vehicle to stabilise the barrier.
- Easy installation, non-permanent fixing as anchorage is achieved through steel buffer terminal sections, making MASS barriers one of the most re-deployable and flexible systems around.
- Relatively lightweight construction, to help ensure quick repositioning as required, and less labour-intensive removal, transportation and storage.
- Design to accommodate a range of fence or panel top sections, making MASS barriers suitable and adaptable across a range of sites and purposes.
- Powder-coated safety colours for high visibility.
- Hot dip galvanised steel elements, for durability and full weather-resistance.
- Crash tested to full T2 W5, for enhanced roadside protection.
Features for flexibility
With these design features, MASS barriers are the barrier of choice for a considerable range of sites and situations, including:
- Road placement
MASS barriers are crash tested up to a T2 W5 standard (which meets current European standards) and are fully suited to highways with a 30 mph speed restriction. The roll-on, roll-off design offers increased stability in the event of a vehicle striking the barrier, with the barrier also helping to return the vehicle back to the roadside, rather than through to the site beyond. In this way, MASS barriers can offer additional protection to pedestrians and road site workers as well as to vehicle drivers. - Street works
A varied range of safety fencing can be attached as top sections to MASS barriers, making them flexible across a wide range of deployment options and to ensure that street works can be fully secured and screened as appropriate from pedestrians and vehicles alike. Pedestrian-guard fence panels are fully tested to European standards and offer a cost-effective way to minimise public liability. - Siteguard security
The range of top sections available includes anti-climb and anti-vandalism fence panels, so that sites can be appropriately protected from trespass and vandalism. Gates can be incorporated into runs of barriers so that access can be facilitated, monitored and secured as appropriate – ideal for sites where access by different contractors is needed or site security for risk management is an essential consideration. - Screen guard
Screen guard security can be achieved with the addition of hoarding panels as top sections. These panels afford privacy and complete screening of works for security and safety and can particularly be useful in:- Protecting site workers from debris flying up from the road.
- Protecting traffic and pedestrians from site debris being blown off the site in high wind or vulnerable locations.
- Reducing excessive noise from sites.
- Providing emergency screening, as screen guard panels can be quickly and easily assembled.
All of these features make MASS barriers suitable for a range of situations and locations, but specific types of location, site or purpose aren’t the only criteria which make MASS barriers a popular choice for some construction and street works projects: MASS barriers are also the barrier of choice when site and operational efficiency is called for.
After all, schedules relating to progressing works, financial considerations, security issues, risk management, insurance and local government requirements all mean that operational efficiency is essential for almost all projects and works. With their quick and easy installation and redeployment as works progress, European safety standard design and adaptable range of base and fencing options, MASS barriers consistently deliver on many aspects of site and operational efficiency in both short and long-term projects and works.
In the recent construction of the M6 link road from Heysham in Lancashire, MASS barriers were a highly visible presence, offering protection on both sides of the barrier. As works progressed, MASS barriers enhanced operational efficiency with minimal traffic flow disruption as redeployment and dismantling took place, as well as fulfilling the safety requirements of a roadside barrier.
Finally, the fact that MASS barriers are relatively easy to transport, stack and store adds to their cost-effectiveness, whether purchased or hired from Safe Site Facilities, with quick delivery throughout the UK.
