Some states and municipalities require commercial businesses to have steel barriers or bollards placed at the entrance. This safety regulation is to prevent vehicles from crashing into storefronts and causing injury to pedestrians, employees, and shoppers or clients. What began as a precaution is quickly becoming an essential security and safety measure everywhere. It only takes a glance at the nightly news to realize the importance of steel barriers.

Decreasing Liability

The use of quality steel pipe or tubing to protect a building is wise in the back as well as the front. The presence of bollards or barriers will decrease liability risks for the business. Vehicles have long been a preference for bombers, but they are also the weapon of choice for protesters, disgruntled employees, fanatics, and people who have stopped taking their medication. The lawsuits will mount if a vehicle crashes through the store due to an absence of steel barriers.

Be Creative!

Steel barriers do not have to be expensive, unsightly, or impractical. Used steel from an experienced supplier will keep costs down. Many companies, like Varner Pipe LLC, for example, will deliver steel piping or tubing to the business location. Diameters range from four and a half inches to thirty inches. That leaves a lot of room for creativity.

One retailer painted the steel bollards outside all locations a bright red to match the color of the logo. Barriers can be painted to resemble mascots, logos, and featured products to increase brand recognition. Add banners to the barriers to change the look periodically. Holiday themed banners, banners that indicate a local charity supported by the business, or even sale announcement banners can be created to fit the steel.

Dual Purpose

The goal here is to provide extra protection rather than scare people. Adding a dual purpose to the barriers is a great way to make them coalesce with the surroundings. Have the tops flattened to hold small trash cans, or sand trays for smoking customers to deposit cigarettes before entering the store. Flower baskets, ornamental trees or shrubs, or potted plants can also be used to make a barrier fit into the area.

Another way to disguise security in plain sight is to have comment cards, pencils, and a suggestion box bolted to the barriers. It is also a great way to introduce a contest or have people sign up for a prize. Request an email to help create lists for email campaigns.