Security bollards play an important role in safeguarding businesses, public areas and residential properties from vehicular incursions. They are installed in the ground in order to provide maximum physical protection.
Installing security bollards is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. It involves determining the ideal location and conducting groundworks before fitting the bollard into place. Electric security bollards must also be wired in to allow for remote access control.
Read on to discover the importance of proper security bollard installation and the various steps involved.
What Are Security Bollards?
Security bollards are sturdy vertical posts designed to control or prevent vehicular access to a restricted area. They form a key part of residential, commercial and public security, helping to protect pedestrians and mitigate property damage.
Bollards come in various designs, each suited to different applications. Fixed bollards provide a permanent vehicle barrier, while retractable security bollards lower into the ground to provide temporary access. Hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) bollards are the strongest, offering robust protection against deliberate vehicular attacks.
The Importance of Correct Bollard Installation
A bollard’s security, strength and overall performance hinges heavily on proper installation. An incorrectly installed bollard may fail to effectively stop vehicles, potentially putting pedestrians and buildings at risk.
Moreover, correct installation ensures the bollard’s durability and longevity, providing a reliable security solution for years to come. It’s also essential to invest in regular security bollard servicing to keep it well-maintained and in good working order.
Best Practice Guidelines: The Role of PAS 69
In the UK, there are no specific laws or regulations that dictate how security bollards must be installed. However, the British Standards Institution has published a document called PAS 69, which outlines best practice guidelines for HVM bollards installation. It provides recommendations on selecting, placing and fitting vehicle barriers to ensure they offer maximum security against vehicle-borne threats.
All bollard installers should ensure they adhere to the PAS 69 standard when selecting and using HVM products. Following these guidelines not only enhances the bollard’s physical performance but also helps to safeguard employees, customers and members of the public.
The Security Bollard Installation Process
Installing security bollards is a complex, multi-step task that should always be carried out by a professional. We recommend hiring a trusted bollard supplier, such as Macs Bollards, to handle the commissioning process. We will work with you to design a security solution that meets your needs, oversee the installation and ensure your bollards are functioning correctly.
The specifics of bollard installation can vary depending on the type of bollard and the site’s unique characteristics. Here is a broad overview of the steps involved.
Selecting the Right Type of Security Bollard
The first step is selecting the right type of security bollards. This will depend upon many factors, such as:
- Intended use and level of impact resistance required. For example, HVM bollards should be chosen if there is a high risk of vehicular attacks.
- How frequently authorised vehicles will need to enter the area. Automatic bollards offer the greatest convenience in locations where regular access is required.
- The layout of the site and the working space for excavation. Shallow-mount bollards may be necessary if installation depth is limited by underground pipes and cables.
You should also consider pedestrian access and visibility requirements. This will help to determine what size bollards you need.
Determining Bollard Placement
The next step is to determine the ideal location for your security bollards. Correct bollard placement should effectively prevent vehicles from broaching the area while not obstructing pedestrian movement.
It’s important to consider the anticipated volume of pedestrians and the width and layout of the path. The space between bollards should also be large enough to accommodate wheelchairs and pushchairs. Additionally, security bollards should always be placed sufficiently far from a building to maximise blast standoff distance.
Carrying Out Groundworks
Once you have chosen your ideal security bollards and determined their ideal placement, groundworks can begin. This means preparing the ground to allow the bollards to be fitted. For example:
- Checking for obstructions, e.g. below-ground utilities, before marking the installation site
- Removing paving slabs or cutting into concrete or tarmac to allow for excavation
- Digging a hole that is deep and wide enough to accommodate the bollard
- Installing a subsurface concrete or stone foundation
- Installing a ground sleeve or casing (for telescopic bollards) and setting it in place with concrete
The specific steps required will depend on the condition of the ground, the type of bollard and the chosen mounting method.
Fitting and Connecting the Bollard
After the groundworks are complete, the security bollard can be fitted. This involves carefully positioning and securing the bollard, ensuring it is level.
For hydraulic or pneumatic semi-automatic bollards, the oil circuit or air circuit must then be connected. If automatic bollards are being installed, additional steps are required for electrical wiring and setting up the automated controls.
Finally, the engineer will conduct a full bollard commissioning service including extensive operational testing. They will also provide training, safety advice, maintenance information and aftercare.
Why Choose Macs Bollards?
If you are looking for a reliable supplier of residential or commercial security bollards, Macs Bollards can help. We have many years of experience in bollard commissioning, wiring and maintenance, and pride ourselves on our excellent customer service.
We supply a wide range of fixed, removable, telescopic and automatic security bollards for every application, from parking control to hostile vehicle mitigation. Our experienced team will be happy to discuss your requirements and recommend the right security solution for you.
Contact Macs Bollards today for a free quote. Fill in our enquiry form, email enquiries@macs-bollards.com or call us on 0161 320 6463.
Macs Automated Bollard Systems Ltd specialise in the nationwide supply of automatic rising bollards. Our experts keep the Macs Bollards blog updated with all the latest bollard news!