How Do I Choose the Right Crash Barrier?

Cheryl M on 28/04/2023

From crash barriers, wire rope fencing, to guardrails, it can be tough to know which security or barrier system is the optimal choice for your work zone or job. 

Factors such as location, price, function and more, are all areas you need to take into account when making a decision. Read below to learn more about what you should be considering when deciding on a protective system for your road project.             

Location of Project 

Location is everything! The kind of job you’re working on, and where it’s located, will be a huge influence on which barrier system you should go with. 

There are numerous crash barriers and fencing options that work in different environments and conditions. For example, solid guardrails are tough and can withstand all kinds of weather. And if you are looking for a barrier to be utilised near sharp turns, a softer, more flexible option might be more suitable to absorb impacts compared to more solid crash barriers. 

Having a clear understanding of your work’s location is the first step in choosing the right barrier system.  

Desired Durability 

If your work zone has heavy equipment or machinery, you need to decide upon a barrier that will reduce damages to your equipment, as well as protecting motorists and pedestrians. 

Different materials are going to have different durability and flexibility in the event of a crash. Consider the kind of materials that are going to work with what is around you, and how motorists and pedestrians may be acting within the area.

Work with Certified Contractors 

Choosing the right fencing for your project is just one decision you need to make. To get it installed and crafted exactly to your specifications means finding the right contractors who will create and install your barriers with the highest quality and professionalism. 

If they are not installed right, and do not meet safety standards, they will not function as required. These errors in installation can lead to a higher risk of safety barrier failure, posing a large risk to your workforce, pedestrians and motorists, and potentially leading to a damaging lawsuit.

Look for contractors with certifications and quality assured systems in place for higher quality work you can trust.

Choose Function Over Style  

It’s normal to be attracted to pretty things. When you want to be safe, yet exude style, you might be inclined to make a choice of the barrier that is pleasing to the eye. While having a barrier or fence that is easily seen by motorists and pedestrians is definitely a plus, you need to consider the function before making a decision based on looks. Being drawn to a bright barrier system on the other hand, is a definite plus! As that will assist in the awareness of people’s physical surroundings.

You just need to factor in that each specific barrier is designed for a specific purpose, so ensure you are judging them based on what job you require them for. Not only physically will you and others be protected, but you’ll also be legally protected. Don’t risk safety or reputation.

Choosing the right crash barrier system for your road work zone is imperative for keeping everyone as safe as possible. If you’re still unsure which would be the optimal choice for your project, our expert team at McIntosh Fencing are quality assured, and are available to assist you with any enquiry. 

To source high-quality crash barriers for your job, look no further than McIntosh Fencing. Get in touch with us today.

Benefits of Traffic Management Equipment for Road Safety

Cheryl M on 01/04/2023

Whether you’re conducting a project or are in charge of a busy road work zone, the correct traffic management equipment and safety measures need to be in place. 

Road safety is taken very seriously in Australia, the Federal and local governments have numerous regulations that need to be followed to the letter. These rules are in place to reduce the risk of road trauma and deaths, so that people travelling on our roads are protected to the best of our ability and are able to return home safely.

To ensure your work area has the best protection possible for pedestrians, drivers, and your workers, you must have the right traffic management equipment for the job. We’ll go into the best tools and systems you can put in place, and the benefits they provide.                

Road Safety Barriers for Premium Protection 

When your job is on or by the road, it’s imperative that road safety barriers are installed. Not only are they the best method to reduce the risk of injury or accidents, but there are many different types to choose from that will suit the specific needs of your project. 

They will act as a barrier or barricade between motorists and pedestrians or any hazardous work site conditions. It also acts as a protection measure for any workers in the work zone as well. In the case of a collision, these barriers can help in preventing potential injuries and death. 

There are multiple road safety barriers to select from for your project, and it all depends on duration, speed limit, distance between traffic and work zone, and more. Crash barrier systems provide premium shielding from impacts, and the overall importance of roadside barriers means you can mitigate any serious crashes.

When sourcing barriers, ensure you’re using MASH compliant systems which will give you the highest quality standard in Australia. This level of quality also needs to be reflected in how your safety barriers are being installed and created. Only use certified contractors with the right qualifications to work with to avoid a high risk of barrier failure.            

Traffic Control Equipment to Safeguard Workers, Motorists, and Pedestrians

To protect the people and drivers around your work zone, there are other traffic control equipment that will be extremely beneficial for road safety. 

These can include electronic equipment like message boards, traffic lights and speed limit signs. Displaying important information through signage will enhance the safety for everyone within the area, and warn drivers ahead of time to slow their speed or be cautious of any disruptions.  

Choosing the right traffic control equipment for your road work zone is imperative for meeting the right regulatory requirements and keeping everyone as safe as possible. At McIntosh Fencing, we are quality assured, working to a Quality Management System to meet the Australian and International Quality Management System standards. 

To source high-quality crash barriers and traffic control equipment for your job, look no further than McIntosh Fencing. Get in touch with us today.

Why You Need to Use Certified Contractors to Install Safety Barriers

Cheryl M on 01/03/2023

When you’re employing a company or a contractor to install any kind of fencing, safety barriers, or crash barrier, you expect the work to be completed to a high standard, ensuring that your project, worksite and employees are protected. 

But if the contractors working on your job aren’t certified, could that pose a threat to the quality and safety of the work? We’re going to be blunt here. Yes, it could very well mean the difference between a job that will serve its purpose and be the ultimate protection, and one that can cause disastrous consequences.     

What are the Risks Without a Certified Contractor? 

So, you decide to take the cheaper option. The contractor you choose isn’t certified. This could lead to your safety barriers being installed incorrectly, without the ideal features included and the proper care being taken.

If they are not installed right, and do not meet the safety standards, they will not function as they should. These errors in installation can lead to a higher risk of safety barrier failure, resulting in many more work zone and pedestrian/motorist accidents.   

Not only will your own workforce employees be in danger, but also the likelihood of passersby such as pedestrians and motorists could come to harm under these risky conditions. If someone receives an injury, it could also lead to an expensive and damaging lawsuit. 

Which Qualifications Should You Look Out For? 

Now that you understand the potential threat of hiring contractors without the proper qualifications, and realise you should not be skimping on safety, which qualifications should you be on the lookout for? 

Check that the company you’re considering has the qualifications below: 

  • AS/NZS 4801 
  • ISO 9001
  • ISO 14001 
  • MASH compliance barriers 

These will ensure your safety barriers are not only top quality, but are being installed by experts in the industry. 

Go With Someone You Can Trust 

There is no excuse for skimping on safety, and at McIntosh Fencing, we know how disastrous it can be when barriers are not implemented correctly. 

Holding the tri-certification accreditation (AS/NZS 4801, ISO 9001, ISO 14001), we have the skills and knowledge to follow all strategies efficiently and to quality standards. Our Quality Management System is implemented with all staff, to ensure we meet Australian standards. If you need safety barriers that really work, McIntosh Fencing’s team are the go-to qualified professionals. We have you covered. Get in touch with us today.

Stay Safe at Night with Safety Barriers

Cheryl M on 16/01/2023

No matter the time or day, motorists and pedestrians will be out and about on the road. This means that safety barriers are always just as crucial for the protection of drivers, pedestrians, and your own work crew.

Nighttime is the most dangerous time of all, with low visibility and tiredness coming into play, making ensuring you have a properly-crafted crash barrier installed imperative.

Safety Barriers for a Secure Environment 

Even in the dark of the night, safety barriers are going to assist in reducing the impact and severity of accidents near your work zone. As a business owner, worksite manager or project manager, it is your responsibility to place crash barriers for maximum safeguarding on your site, protecting any passersby and your own crew.

Keep Motorists and Pedestrians Safe at Night 

If you’re walking or driving in an unfamiliar area at night, there is a sense of fear and uncertainty. Without any fencing or barriers as protection on these roads or around the work area, that feeling is heightened.

This sort of scenario is exactly what we consider when developing and installing safety barriers for our clients. It’s key to avoid accidents at night by installing these safety barriers, not only for protection but also as the manager of your work site/project. It will provide your team with peace of mind while they are on the site, and will give you a greater opportunity to better understand and connect with your industry and the local community.

Find the Right Crash Barrier for You

In these situations, you need to source the best quality fencing or barrier solution to perfectly fit your needs, no matter if it’s during the day or night.

At McIntosh Fencing, we know there’s no skimping when it comes to protection on the roads, especially at nighttime. We provide guard rails, wire ropes, barrier systems and security fencing that are designed and built to the highest standards.

We pride ourselves on our work, and we know that you need superior service within the industry to keep your project running smoothly. Get in touch with us today to ensure you’re receiving the very best service for your fencing and barrier needs.

How to Prevent Traffic Accidents During Construction and Roadworks

Cheryl M on 05/01/2023

It can be an extremely dangerous time when you’re around any roadworks or construction. Whether you’re a driver or a pedestrian, you need to always be on alert for any potential hazards that you could encounter. 

As a worker during these projects, you also need to have the best equipment and protective barriers in place to ensure you’re putting the safety of pedestrians and drivers first. You never know when something can go wrong, so here are some important measures to put into place on your job to maximise safety.  

Variable Messaging Signs

One way to set up a safe work zone is to employ the help of signage. That could come in the form of a variable messaging sign or specific individuals holding signs to direct the flow of traffic.        

Safety Barriers 

Naturally your construction zone is going to need some crash barriers (our speciality). These could be guard rails, wire ropes, or barrier systems to help protect not only the pedestrians and drivers, but also your working team onsite.

There is always the danger of distracted drivers, and you’ll require barriers to ensure the safety of your work goes on as scheduled. There is nothing worse when an issue arises on the job, costing you time and money! You can also add features such as crash cushions to your barriers for extra cushioning in any crash situation.     

What If You’re a Driver?  

We haven’t forgotten about the regular drivers in this situation! If you’re surrounded by roadworks or just casually driving through, we have some tips on how to stay as safe as possible in that situation. It’s not just up to the workers to keep you protected, you need to be on the lookout as well.

Do Not Tailgate

This is a big no-no! The less space there is between you and the car in front of you, the less time you have to stop safely and avoid a collision. This is even riskier in a construction zone, as there can be multiple vehicles and workers moving in unpredictable ways. Keep extra space between you and the car in front to protect yourself and others. 

Do Not Get Distracted

Distractions are a big one! We’re looking at you, the phone obsessed. You should not be on your phone full stop if you’re driving, but it’s even more dangerous around roadworks. There also may be signs and workers you need to be paying attention to, so put that pesky phone away and watch carefully.  

Follow All Construction Worker Instructions 

Signs, workers, barriers, they may all have instructions for you. Be on alert for any information that may be important to follow. Check if workers are holding signs or if there are any changes you need to be wary of. 
We hope this gives you a good idea to not only protect yourself in a roadworks situation, but also how to prepare if your own job is to set up and manage a construction area. At McIntosh Fencing, we craft crash barriers of the highest quality, and can supply you with the protection that you need for your project. Get in touch today.

Guardrails in Flooding Events

Cheryl M on 01/12/2022

Recently we’ve seen extremely heavy rainfall in Australia, specifically for NSW and Victoria regions.

As the leading specialists in guardrails and fence protection for roads and pedestrians, we know how important it is to stay safe on the roads, and that’s what our guardrails and fencing options are there for! But in mass rain and flood events, sometimes guardrails may not be enough to protect your vehicle or passengers. 

Did you know that it takes only 15cm of water to float a small car? 

It means that just because a road may have protective guardrails, it does not ensure that the road underneath the flood water is in good condition for driving.    

We recommend sticking to the advice from the government and protective services in your area, and steering clear from attempting to drive through dangerous zones. 

Driving on flooded roads is always a risky option, and it doesn’t take much for your car to become unstable, lose traction or wash away. 

Here are tips from the SES on how to prepare for flooding situations: 

  • Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater
  • Never allow children to play in or near floodwater
  • If evacuated, do not return until it is safe to do so
  • Follow the advice of authorities (including any requests for evacuation)
  • Leave early before flooding occurs and goto family or friends on higher ground if you can
  • Contact family, neighbours and those you know are at risk to ensure they are aware of the situation and know what to do
  • Learn more about the risk of flooding in your area – Check to see if your community has a Local Flood Guide or local flood information

It is important that you do not drive through floodwater, but here are some tips for driving on the road in heavy rain if you have no other option: 

  • Keep your eyes on the road and pay attention to the cars around you. 
  • Keep your headlights on so that vehicles can see you and you can see them! 
  • Skidding/hydroplaning is where the tyres lose their grip on a wet surface and slides. Try to drive in the tracks of the cars in front of you to increase your tyre grip on the road.
  • Allow a 5 second gap between you and the car in front. By doing this, you can avoid any nasty crashes.
  • The rain can cause your windscreen to fog up, blocking your vision. Turn on the defogger and aircon in the front and back of your car.  You’ll get the best results running the aircon on cold!
  • Check live traffic updates online or on the radio to see if there are any road closures or accidents. Plan your trip to avoid heavy traffic and be aware of current weather conditions.

You can go to the SES website for your state for more information on how to prepare for any dangerous flooding situations. 

As always, stay safe out on the roads.

The Importance of Roadside Barriers

Cheryl M on 13/11/2022

If safety is your name, then roadside barriers are your game. Accidents can happen at any moment! Especially on the road. You need to be fully prepared and fully fitted out for any situation that could have potentially dire consequences.   

As you know, roads are fraught with dangers, and that’s why we recommend using a barrier to help mitigate any serious injuries and prevent devastating crashes. 

They help safeguard pedestrians, vehicles and drivers, and will add extra peace of mind to any project or job you’re conducting. Since they’re often a necessity, they need to comply with Australian Standards, which can attest to the quality of barrier you’re receiving.         

So which barrier should I get? Why exactly should I invest in them for my project? We’re going to answer those questions for you. Read on to find out more. 

What Are the Benefits?

As we already discussed, the main benefit of a barrier is protection. But they actually hold many more uses than just that, depending on the environment they’re placed in. For example, some barriers or bollards may be used to block emergency exits from traffic or alert road users of dangerous areas.   

They have numerous benefits including: 

  • Diverting traffic 
  • Blocking off areas that are potentially hazardous 
  • Segregating vehicles and traffic    
  • Preventing accidents and collisions 
  • Directing flow of crowds              

Depending on your roadside project, there are multiple options to choose from when deciding what kind of fence or barrier will work best. If you’re wondering which to choose, we’ve got you covered.   

Which Safety Barrier Is Right for My Job? 

Choosing the right safety barrier can seem intimidating! How do you know what will suit your needs? There are three kinds of common barriers to mull over: 

  • Flexible barriers 
  • Semi-rigid barriers 
  • Rigid barriers 

Flexible barriers help minimise injuries of vehicle occupants and deflect to a high degree. 

Semi-rigid barriers deflect a bit less than the flexible barriers, their deflection is at a moderate level. 

Rigid barriers are best suited to heavy vehicles, they have a high level of containment. 

Get the Safest Road Barriers Around 

You must now be experts on safety barriers! And you should be able to find the best-suited option for your project. No matter the job you’ve got, there’ll be a roadside barrier for you. And there’s no better option than McIntosh Fencing to provide you with high-quality, safe and strong barriers. Get in touch with us today to talk more about which will work best for you and how we can make your project a safe success.

Wire Rope Barriers

Cheryl M on 26/10/2022

While some crash barriers can be heavy-duty like crash barrier systems, there are other options that can enable a softer impact. Wire rope barriers are a prime and trusted alternative from more rigid crash barriers.

Wire rope barriers consist of a straight alignment of ropes, allowing for easy installation and tensioning. They are critical for the separation of oncoming vehicles and protection from any roadside hazards.

When a vehicle makes an impact onto the wire rope barrier, it will be redirected in a safe and predictable manner. The design has a lot of benefits and features that has meant it’s become a key countermeasure in barrier designs and is often a top choice for numerous protective barrier projects.

The major factor in favour of wire rope barrier systems is that they are more forgiving than other, more rigid systems. They provide a softer ride-down deceleration for vehicle occupants in the event of a crash, meaning less chance of an injury for the occupants of the vehicle.

Our wire rope fences are a smart option to assist in your project, offering top-of-the-range protection for on-road vehicles.

Additional Features: 

  • Easy installation 
  • Minimal maintenance required 
  • Quick to repair after collisions 
  • Cables can be installed and removed in any order and with ease 
  • Soft vehicle containment and redirection

If you’re in need of top-quality fencing, specifically a wire rope barrier that you know will work to your high standards, contact us today for all of your safety barriers and fencing needs.

We’re the team that you can trust to craft and install the very best in the industry, every time.

What Is the MASH Standard?

Cheryl M on 24/10/2022

If you’re needing a road safety barrier, and have been doing a bit of research, you may have seen the term ‘MASH standard’ or ‘MASH compliant’ thrown around a lot. But what exactly is it? 

MASH Explained

MASH stands for Manual of Assessing Safety Hardware, and is now set as the standard for Australian roadside crash barriers.  

To ensure you’re receiving the best quality, and absolute safest barrier system out there, AustRoads has set up the MASH program that prescribes a set of crash tests to validate barrier systems before they can be approved for use on our road networks. 

There’s one thing we can guarantee: if your crash barrier systems are MASH compliant, you’ll be receiving a product that does not compromise on safety or quality.   

Why Is MASH Testing Important? 

OK, now you know what it is, why should you care? Because if your fence or barrier system is not MASH compliant, it runs the risk of being much less safe and sturdy. The MASH performance criteria ensures that road barriers have proven capability to tackle the weight and speed of modern-day vehicles.         

At McIntosh Fencing, we are quality assured MASH compliant with our barrier and fence systems, as well as holding tri-certification accreditation and being consistently quality assured. 

Get in touch today to find out how we can support your project and get you the very best of barrier and fence protection for your roads.

We’ll be providing you with valuable knowledge, information and updates via our Blog page, so don’t forget to see what other blogs you can read to keep you informed on all things fencing!   

And as always, keep up to date on the state road authorities via the links below: 

NSW Roads & Traffic Authority  

VicRoads