Every worksite, no matter its size or industry, faces unique safety challenges. From vehicle collisions and pedestrian movement to site access and boundary protection, choosing the right barrier system is critical to maintaining a secure and efficient environment. The right choice doesn’t just reduce risks — it keeps your workforce protected, operations smooth, and your site compliant with UK safety regulations.
At Compass Protection, we understand that no two projects are the same. That’s why we offer a complete range of Armco, pedestrian, and temporary barrier systems, designed to meet specific on-site requirements. This guide explores each option in detail, helping you determine which system is best suited for your project layout and safety priorities.
Why Site Safety Barriers Are Essential
Construction, logistics, and industrial sites often bring together people, machinery, and vehicles in close proximity. Without clearly defined boundaries, the potential for accidents increases dramatically. Safety barriers act as physical and visual controls, guiding movement, managing risk, and preventing damage to property or injury to personnel.
A well-designed barrier system helps to:
- Separate vehicles and pedestrians safely.
- Prevent impact damage to structures and equipment.
- Define safe zones and restricted access areas.
- Support compliance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines.
The key is selecting the right combination of systems for your site’s size, traffic flow, and risk level — something the experts at Compass Protection can help you achieve with precision.
Armco Barriers: Reliable Vehicle Impact Protection
Armco barriers remain the industry standard for vehicle impact protection. Manufactured from high-tensile galvanised steel, these barriers are specifically engineered to absorb and deflect energy during collisions, protecting both people and property.
They are most commonly used in:
- Construction sites and warehouses – protecting assets, plant, and loading zones.
- Car parks and logistics depots – separating vehicle routes and preventing wall impacts.
- Public infrastructure – safeguarding pedestrians and assets near roads or transport hubs.
The corrugated design of Armco barriers allows them to flex under pressure, distributing impact energy along the length of the rail. This prevents vehicles from breaching protected areas while minimising secondary damage.
At Compass Protection, we provide both surface-mounted and cast-in post systems, ensuring every installation meets structural and safety standards while fitting seamlessly into your site layout.
Pedestrian Barriers: Creating Safer Walkways and Work Zones
While Armco barriers protect against vehicles, pedestrian barriers are vital for maintaining safe foot traffic flow within busy sites. These systems define safe walking routes and prevent unauthorised access to restricted or high-risk areas.
Key benefits include:
- Clear separation between public areas and active work zones.
- Enhanced visibility and control in event or temporary sites.
- Modular designs for quick deployment and repositioning.
Compass Protection’s pedestrian barrier systems can be installed as standalone solutions or integrated with Armco crash barriers to form complete safety perimeters. Many are made from powder-coated steel for visibility and weather resistance, ensuring long-lasting performance even in demanding site conditions.
Temporary Barriers: Flexibility for Short-Term Projects
For projects with evolving layouts or temporary hazards, temporary barrier systems provide the flexibility you need without compromising safety. These systems are quick to install, reposition, or remove — ideal for short-term works, road projects, or event management.
Compass Protection supplies modular temporary barrier systems that are:
- Lightweight yet durable.
- Easy to assemble and transport.
- Compliant with BS EN 1317 for road and site safety.
They’re perfect for roadside construction, maintenance works, and temporary pedestrian routes, helping you control movement and minimise risk during every phase of the project.
Choosing the Right Barrier System for Your Site
Selecting the right system starts with understanding your site’s traffic patterns, risk zones, and safety priorities. The following considerations can guide your decision:
- Type of Hazard – Are you protecting pedestrians, equipment, or vehicles?
- Duration of Use – Is the system temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent?
- Level of Impact Risk – What types of vehicles operate on-site, and at what speeds?
- Space and Layout – How much clearance is available for installation and manoeuvring?
- Compliance Requirements – Does your site need to meet specific HSE or BS EN standards?
At Compass Protection, our experts carry out comprehensive site assessments to design barrier systems that address these factors precisely. Each solution is engineered for optimal performance, ensuring your investment delivers both safety and long-term reliability.
Integrating Barrier Systems for Maximum Effectiveness
The most effective safety plans often combine multiple barrier types into a layered protection strategy. For example:
- Armco barriers can protect perimeters and vehicle routes.
- Pedestrian barriers define safe walking zones within the site.
- Temporary barriers secure evolving or short-term areas.
By integrating these systems strategically, Compass Protection creates cohesive safety environments that reduce risk across every point of movement.
Professional Installation and Maintenance
Even the most advanced barrier systems rely on expert installation for maximum effectiveness. Compass Protection’s professional installers ensure every barrier is:
- Anchored securely and aligned for maximum strength.
- Configured to withstand expected impact loads.
- Finished with the correct end terminals and corner sections for full coverage.
We also provide ongoing maintenance and inspection services, keeping your barriers compliant, reliable, and ready to perform when needed most.
Conclusion: Safer Sites Start with Smarter Choices
Choosing the right safety barrier system isn’t just about compliance — it’s about creating a worksite where everyone feels protected and operations run smoothly. Whether you need robust Armco crash barriers, practical pedestrian fencing, or flexible temporary systems, Compass Protection provides tailored solutions that meet every requirement.
With expert guidance, quality materials, and professional installation, we help clients across the UK build safer, more efficient sites — one barrier at a time.
