How to Save Money When Buying highway guardrail

Light gauge safety guardrails are the old standard for construction fall protection. Particularly, the yellow-painted guardrail is often specified in projects.

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As safety professionals what we’ve learned during inspections over the years is light gauge painted rails are only dependable in the short-term. They often rust and erode within 5 years and can become a safety liability. Unfortunately, light gauge painted steel safety guardrails have become expected and acceptable for leading edge fall protection. Yet, falls are the leading cause of death on construction sites and we know rust and corrosion weakens painted rails causing potential grave liabilities.

Light gauge painted gaurdrails often rust and erode within 5 years and can become a safety liability.

You did not have many options before, but now you do. The most recent “modern” steel guardrails have come a long way from their yellow painted predecessors. If you are in the market for a robust construction guardrail system, here are four factors you should consider before you invest.

Durability

How long do you need the guardrail to last?
Do you need to move it, reuse it, crane it, lift it, or transport it?
What is the project location’s climate?

Guardrails for construction require durability. They are left in extreme weather conditions, craned and forked around a job site, and are often stacked and transported to multiple locations.

If you are looking for a long-lasting guardrail system that can meet the demands of construction, invest in heavy-duty steel that is hot-dipped galvanized inside and out. Why? Galvanized rails can last 15-20 years longer than non-galvanized “painted” yellow rails. And because galvanized steel extends the longevity of the guardrail it is reusable and can be transported to future job sites.

A galvanized guardrail can take the wear and tear of construction equipment, like forklifts, with minimal dents. Its integrity is upheld in harsh weather conditions where snow and rain can pool at its bases or the sun’s harsh UV rays oxidize and deteriorate the clear coat finish.

Expert Tip: If you absolutely need “yellow” then have it galvanized before you paint it to limit risk of rust and corrosion.

Time to Install and Maintain

Although many guardrail systems appear similar at quick glance, their assembly mechanisms vary. Many old standard guardrails have complicated components for guardrail installation that take more time to install and leave room for user error.

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Twisty knobs and mechanical compression styles with multiple parts open the door for installers skipping steps or incorrectly installing the guardrail system. They can also and take longer to assemble and dismantle.

Guardrail styles that hide the locking mechanism and make them difficult to inspect should be reconsidered. In this scenario you do not know you are at risk or that the guardrail is unsafe until it fails.

Expert Tip: You want a system that is simple with minimal assembly components. A guardrail, a base, and a visible locking mechanism that can be easily seen and inspected.

Cost vs Value – ROI

While up-front costs of the old standard painted rails are generally less than those of modern galvanized rails, the long-term return on investment for modern galvanized guardrails is much higher. A galvanized system costs 5-10% more than a painted yellow light gauge system but the galvanized guardrail is reusable and lasts 20+ years vs the limited 5 year lifespan of a painted light gauge rail.

Reusability also means saving money on costly disposal fees and the durability of the system offers less financial risk of potential OSHA fines and serious accidents due to faulty rails.

Expert Tip: Hot Dipped Galvanized rails can be reused and re-rented for 20+ years. Create a revenue stream in your fleet with a guardrail system that pays for itself.

Expert Tip: For safety, efficiency and versatility choose a guardrail system that has engineered attachment and cart options.

Get more information about the Hilmerson Safety Rail System™

About Hilmerson Safety

Hilmerson Safety® is a full-service safety product design and manufacturing company serving the construction industry. Since Hilmerson Safety® has been working with construction industry leaders and contractors to develop safe, lean, construction-grade™ products and solutions that add to the company’s bottom line.

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How to Find the Best Guardrail Suppliers

Considering the importance of a highway crash barrier, it is essential to purchase quality materials from guardrail suppliers you can trust. But finding one amongst the many manufacturers in the market supplying products suitable for South African roads can be difficult. To make it easier, follow the tips below when selecting guardrail suppliers:

• Range of services and products. Select a manufacturer that offers a wide range of road-safety products in addition to construction-related steel materials. This way, you can purchase all your road-construction and safety products from a single supplier, helping you to save money without compromising on quality. You don’t have to place orders at several manufacturers and can thus improve project planning, since it is easier to schedule delivery of the items at the right time. As such, you reduce the administrative burden of ordering.
• Product quality. The barriers must be manufactured according to specific international and SANS standards. To this end, purchase from a manufacturer that can provide you with specifications and proof of compliance with the standard requirements. The safety of road users depends on the quality and performance of the rails.
• Never compromise on quality for the sake of cost-savings. As tempting as it can be to purchase from the manufacturer with the lowest prices, rather purchase quality products from a reliable manufacturer. Buying cheap can mean substandard materials and an inability of the manufacturer to supply at the required time.
• Buy local. Imports come with several complications. Instead of having to deal with such problems, purchase from one of the local guardrail suppliers. In this way, you also have assurance of after-sales service, ongoing support, and warranties.
• Reputation of excellence. Review the company’s website and social-media pages. Their history and reputation can provide you with insight as to the quality and reliability you can expect.

Armco Superlite in South Africa meets and exceeds every requirement and is the perfect choice if you are looking for the best of the guardrail suppliers in South Africa.

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