Common Mistakes to Avoid When Working with Guardrail Suppliers
When it comes to road safety, selecting and installing the right guardrails is vitally important. Guardrails are critical in preventing accidents, guiding vehicles, and ensuring road safety in general. However, when working with questionable guardrail suppliers, institutions, municipalities, private companies, and even professional contractors can make several common mistakes. These errors can lead to substandard installations, an increased risk of accidents, and potential legal repercussions.
In this article, the leading guardrail suppliers at Armco Superlite will highlight some frequent mistakes made during the selection and installation of guardrails, provide insights on how to avoid them, and investigate how to acquire these essential life-saving road safety devices.
4 Vital Mistakes Made When Choosing Guardrail Suppliers
Here are four common mistakes people make when choosing guardrail suppliers:
1.Choosing the Wrong Type of Guardrail: Without expert advice from trained professionals, one of the most common mistakes entities make is selecting the incorrect type of guardrail for their specific environment. Guardrails come in various lengths, curves, and types, including timber and steel, as well as flexible and rigid guardrails. Each type is designed specifically for road conditions and safety requirements. To avoid this mistake, companies should consult with experts to ensure they make the correct choice.
For example, we at Armco Superlite are expert guardrail suppliers and offer superior-grade guardrails, including steel-backed timber guardrails. These are also available in galvanised steel, ideal for long, curved, winding roads in most environments, improving their rigidity, strength, and longevity. Alternatively, we also offer straight-length steel guardrails in standard lengths, with special lengths available upon request, all designed to meet high containment standards.
2. Ignoring Compliance with Safety Standards: Without professional guidance, another critical error is mistakenly not complying with the necessary safety standards. Throughout southern Africa and many other countries, guardrails must comply with international standards like SANS 1350 and EN 1317 to ensure they provide the intended level of safety. These standards cover various aspects, including the guardrail’s ability to restrain and guide out-of-control vehicles, a key function of these safety devices.
At Armco, we manufacture guardrails that adhere to these stringent standards, offering peace of mind to our valued customers that our products will perform as required in real-world scenarios. Always remember that it is crucial to verify that products meet or exceed these safety standards to avoid potential liabilities and safety risks when selecting guardrail suppliers.
3. Inadequate Consideration of Installation Requirements: The installation process is as important as selecting the correct guardrails. For instance, individual sections of guardrails may need to be curved to fit the road’s radius, which can range from 3 to 45 meters. If not done correctly, this can lead to misalignments, reducing the effectiveness of the guardrail.
We offer guardrails in effective lengths of 3.81m and 4m, with the option for special lengths upon request. We also provide installation guidelines to ensure that the guardrails are installed correctly. Working closely with professional suppliers offering comprehensive installation support can ensure the guardrails are installed correctly.
4. Selecting Substandard Materials: The durability and effectiveness of a guardrail system largely depend on the materials used throughout the manufacturing process. Some procurement directors may be tempted to choose substandard materials to save costs. Unfortunately, this can lead to reduced safety, premature wear and tear, and increased maintenance costs.
Our guardrails may either be processed through the hot-dipped galvanisation process to SANS 121 / ISO 1461 standards or left uncoated, ensuring quality and long-lasting durability. Our timber posts conform to SANS 457 standards and are creosoted to preserve the wood, while steel posts are manufactured according to customer specifications. Choosing guardrail suppliers who use high-quality materials ensures that the guardrails will withstand harsh environmental conditions and continue to perform their safety functions over time.
Additionally, we offer retroreflective materials that comply with CKS 191 provisions, ensuring maximum visibility, even in low-light conditions.
Why You Need to Partner with Armco
At Armco Superlite, we are the leading guardrail suppliers throughout southern Africa and beyond. Our undisputed commitment to quality, compliance with international standards, comprehensive road safety product offerings, and unequalled customer assistance and service have made us the preferential partner of choice. Contact us today and arm yourself with Armco. For more information, visit our customer service page.