If you work in the security industry, you probably know how important it is to keep people away from specific areas.

It may be because the area is dangerous (like railroads or power stations), illegal (like private property or restricted facilities), or for safety reasons (like near construction zones).

Barricade covers are used to conceal the steel parts of a security or crowd control barricade so that bystanders, vehicles, and others do not get injured due to protruding bolts.

The covers are made from various materials depending on what type of area they will be installed in: indoors (indoor), outdoors (outdoor), and even underwater (marine).

This article will give you an overview of the various types of security barricade covers, how they are made, and what to consider when buying them.

What are Barricade Covers and How Do They Work?

According to reports, the global barrier systems market is expected to witness significant growth due to various technologies, transport infrastructure modification, and commercial real estate development.

There are three different types of covers available:

Indoor Covers

These covers are made from polyurethane, synthetic rubber resistant to acid and oil. The covers are designed to be non-conductive, making them suitable for installation indoors with a risk of electrical shock.

Outdoor Covers

These covers are commonly made from a high-impact styrene material. It has good weather resistance and is UV-resistant.

Marine Covers

These covers have to be resistant to sunlight, salt, and oil exposure in addition to being non-conductive. Being submerged can also lead to corrosion, so marine covers are made from zinc-aluminum alloy or stainless steel.

How Are Barricade Covers Installed?

When installing a cover, it’s always important to focus on safety first. It means you should never attach the covers with nails or staples as these can damage the cover and injure people. Instead, use hog rings.

They are easy to install without any additional tools and give the best protection against tampering.

What Are Some of the Different Applications for Security Barricade Covers?

There are many different places where barricade covers can be used:

Oil and Gas Facilities

These include oil production, transportation, drilling rigs, and refineries. It is an industry that’s heavily reliant on steel structures, so security barricades play a critical role in keeping people away from danger zones.

Railway Stations

Trains and railways transport people and goods between cities and towns, so securing these areas is essential to keep the public safe. Security barricades provide security by blocking off access to unauthorized areas.

Building Construction Sites

These sites often present a hazardous environment for the general public since they contain heavy equipment, exposed electrical wiring, and other dangers. Barricades ensure safety by blocking hazardous areas, so public access is limited.

Security Audits

During a security audit, the objective is to check the status of an existing physical security system (such as CCTV, alarm systems, and entrance controls).

Keeping Children Safe at Schools or Public Places

Kids playing near construction zones are often in danger of getting hurt by heavy equipment, so barricades are used to block off danger zones and help keep children safe.

How Do You Choose the Right Barricade Covers?

There are a few factors that you should consider when choosing covers for barricades:

Installation Costs

Some types of barricade cover require unique installation methods (such as welding) or are more challenging to install, making them more expensive.

Material

The material the cover is made from will depend on its use. Indoor covers are usually made from polyurethane, while outdoor covers are made from styrene. Marine barricade covers are often made from zinc alloy or stainless steel. You also want to ensure the material is non-conductive to meet safety standards.

Strength

The barricade cover should be strong enough to withstand impact and tampering like cutting, sawing, or drilling.

It can be essential during a security audit when you need to test different methods of breaching the covers. If the cover cannot resist these attacks, you should consider a robust model.

Visibility

The factor is often overlooked, but it’s essential to ensure that people on either side of the barricade can see the cover.

It ensures safety for people passing by and helps maintain the visibility of security cameras mounted above the covers.

Appearance

While you need to ensure the cover can do its job, it also needs to look professional. It is often vital for large projects where appearance makes a difference for visitor safety and public relations.

Size

Barricade covers must match your existing system since they’re designed to be used with certain types of posts (square or round).

You also want to ensure you cover all four sides of your posts so that cover extensions can help protect corners not always visible from above.