Armco barriers are one of the most durable and strong safety-proofing materials you can buy, making them ideal as a long-term, low maintenance safety measure.

But as strong and durable as they might be, Armco barriers do sometimes need maintaining like any other physical safety-proofing system, or you risk corrosion and structural weakening, which leads to decreased safety.

At CT Safety, we are experts at Armco barrier maintenance. Whether it’s securing your Armco posts to strengthen the structure of your barriers, or repairing your Armco beams, we have the resources to ensure a smooth maintenance with minimal operational disruption.

CT safety barriers provide durable Armco products crafted to suit all sites and environments. Experience compliant, cost-effective protection today.

Lifespan of Armco Barriers

Armco Barriers are designed for long-term durability and can last from 20 to 30 years depending on environmental conditions and maintenance measures taken in that time.

The galvanised steel barriers are resistant to corrosion, but the locations they are put in often expose them to environmental factors like industrial pollutants, road salts, and coastal areas, which can reduce their lifespan.

Also, in cases of collision, there is a much higher chance of damage and the need for replacement. In each situation, you will have to assess the damage and replace severely dented or damaged products.

What to look for during inspection

When inspecting your Armco products, you should look at the following:

Rust and corrosion: Investigate for signs of oxidation – particularly at joints and connection points, as these tend to accumulate moisture and get worn down.
Bent or deformed parts: These weaken the damage resistance and structural integrity of the barriers, decreasing their safety.
Loose or missing bolts: Armco fixings can loosen over time, affecting the barrier’s stability.
Damage to posts or anchors: The foundations of your barriers must remain structurally sound, or you could experience a decrease in their effectiveness.
Paint or coating wear: Protective coatings – including yellow powder coating – are used to protect barriers from rust. If this is damaged or weathered, then the risk of rust and wear increases.

What to do in the case of a collision

If the worst happens and your site or barrier location experiences a collision, here is what you should do:

Inspect the damage: Minor dents might not need to be replaced whereas significant deformation or structural weakening will.
Check the post integrity: If the support posts are compromised, the entire barrier section may need to be replaced or risk giving way, leading to greater future costs.
Implement temporary measures (if necessary): If an immediate replacement isn’t available, you should install temporary signage or barriers until you can acquire it.
Install new Armco barriers: Replace the damaged barriers with high-quality, durable barriers for a continuation of robust safety measures.

Browse our full range of Armco products here.

Armco Barrier inspection checklist

Here’s what to look for when inspecting and maintaining your Armco Barriers:

Check components: Inspect rails, posts, bolts and fixings, ensuring they are all fastened and aligned the way they should be, checking with the supplier for confirmation as needed.
Wear and tear: Check for rust, cracks, or deformations in the infrastructure. Issues wear can seem small but over time weaken the structural integrity of your barriers and worksite.
Alignment: Ensure the barrier(s) are properly aligned with no leaning or displacement. Look for gaps or misaligned sections that compromise the barrier’s performance.
Terminals & impact absorbers: Check that end terminals and impact absorbers are intact.
Record and schedule repairs: Document any issues and schedule repairs as needed. Use a thorough approach to ensure no element gets left and that you implement an optimal solution.

How often should you inspect Armco Barriers?

This depends on why you are inspecting them. Routine inspections should take place every 6-12 months, whereas causal inspections are subject to happenstance. These include:

Collisions: If your worksite has a collision, inspecting the Armco structure should be one of the first things you do (after ensuring nobody is hurt).
Weather: Severe weather conditions like storms, flooding, or heavy snowfall can cause hidden damage or corrosion, so it might be important to inspect them in this scenario.
Otherwise: Delegate the inspection on a routine basis, ensuring that even if there are no extraneous factors like weather or collisions damaging the products, that they are checked on regardless.

Further maintenance tips

Here are CT Safety Barriers’ top maintenance tips for Armco barrier longevity:

Clean off debris & dirt: Accumulated dirt and debris can hide corrosion and damage, so remove it with a stiff brush or dry cloth. You can also use a hose or pressure sprayer – with clean water – to rinse away surface grime. If needed, a mild detergent mixed with water can break dirt down further.
Apply protective coatings: Repaint or reapply anti-corrosion coatings as needed, as this will extend the longevity of your barriers.
Tighten bolts: Regularly check and tighten loose fixings, ensuring a sturdy structure.
Replace small parts: Worn or damaged washers, nuts, and bolts should be swapped out early to prevent them causing bigger issues.
Keep drainage clear: Ensure water isn’t pooling around the Armco posts, as this will accelerate corrosion.

Strengthen and replace your safety plan with CT Safety Barriers

Inspecting and maintaining your Armco barriers is a fundamental part of nurturing a safe worksite or environment.

At CT Safety, our barriers are designed to last a long time and to be flexible enough to suit a dynamic range of environments. Our expertise means we can offer solid advice on your individual barriers and worksite needs.

If you need to discuss a maintenance project, reach out. We are eager professionals and we’re happy to help.

Call us on (01977) 666 818

Alternatively, email us at sales@ctsafetybarriers.co.uk