We're thrilled to share exciting news from our parent company, IWS Group, which recently impact-tested its range of Brandsafe® polymer safety barriers to the PAS 13 global benchmark.
(Psst... these barriers are available to Beaverswood® resellers - get in touch to expand your product offering today!)
"I came in like a w̶r̶e̶c̶k̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶b̶a̶l̶l̶ pendulum!"
There's only one way to accurately impact test safety barriers, and it's by repeatedly smashing them at various points with a mighty pendulum.
That's the gist of it in layman's terms, anyway. The details are rather more scientific and nuanced and definitely require a passion for all things physics to understand.
Fortunately, IWS Group is full of curious minds and passionate spirits, and they set to work in April 2023, where the barrier range was tested at their subsidiary, Rack Group, in Barnsley.
Video – PAS 13 Safety Barrier Testing – IWS Group
"We undertook this activity to prove the capability of our barrier range and, with TÜV Nord witnessing, it confirms that our internal testing procedure adheres to the industry code of practice," explains Matt Mason, Group Design Manager at IWS Group.
"Testing is conducted on a purpose-built impact pendulum rig designed and commissioned entirely by IWS Group, which simulates real-world impact energies of material handling vehicles travelling at different speeds and provides physical proof of our products' capability.
The pendulum strikes barriers at various pre-determined locations to measure the level of energy the barriers can withstand, how much deflection they display under the impact, and how much force is transferred to the ground fixings and concrete.
Testing also defines the distance behind barriers that is considered the 'safe zone' for the barrier to deflect into, which is identified during installation of the barrier by visual floor markings."
Barrier testing of impact resilience and safe zone
All testing was conducted with UKAS calibrated measuring equipment such as high-speed cameras, torque wrenches, load cells and industrial weigh scales to ensure confidence in every result witnessed."
When the dust settled (literally), the Brandsafe® range of polymer safety barriers was declared to meet the PAS 13 code of practice. This is the only globally recognised code of practice for industrial safety barriers, and compliance ensures barriers effectively protect people and assets from accidents.
Why Should You Care?
Let's be honest; it's great that IWS Group had fun swinging a giant pendulum around, but why should you care?
"This testing is an important step for customers looking to purchase impact protection barriers for their workplace," says Susy Keating, Managing Director of Brandsafe, "Knowing what impact forces a barrier can take, as well as ensuring data is independently certified by a reputable third party, is a vital factor in choosing the right barrier."
"For too long, impact protection has been over-engineered, over-priced and overly complicated. It's time to reset the bar on what impact protection ultimately comes down to: keeping people and products safe."
Stuart Ovington, Managing Director of Rack Group, adds:
"TÜV Nord independently verifying that our testing abided by the PAS 13 guidelines serves as a testimonial to our teams here at IWS Group, as well as the quality of our polymer barrier range. Not every barrier manufacturer undertakes product testing to this level, so we are proud to be amongst the industry leaders.
Our barriers are shown to be high performing, long-lasting and can withstand greater impacts than similar, industry-leading products. In addition, we can create bespoke designs quickly to suit individual needs and, with short lead times, provide a cost-effective solution at the highest standard."
What This Means For Beaverswood® Resellers
In a nutshell - the opportunity to add a PAS 13 accredited polymer barrier range to your product offering! This includes:
By taking this fantastic proposition to market, you can drive revenue for your business and delight your customers with a safety barrier range which outperforms similar products while remaining cost-effective.
It's a win-win, so don't hesitate to contact us today for more information.
T: 0118 979 6096
E: sales@beaverswood.co.uk
