Impact Protection in Shock-Absorbing Polymer

Impact Protection in Shock-Absorbing Polymer for Warehouses and Industry

Impact protection in shock-absorbing polymer is developed for environments where forklifts, warehouse vehicles and personnel move close to machinery, buildings and storage systems. Unlike completely rigid barriers, polymer-based protection can flex on impact and absorb part of the kinetic energy before it is transferred to the floor.

This can reduce the risk of damage to vehicles, barriers and floors, and limit the need for repairs after minor collisions. Many models are also designed to return to their original position after loading. Always refer to each product's technical information for values regarding energy absorption, anchoring and recommended applications.

Benefits of Shock-Absorbing Impact Protection

Polymer-based systems combine clear separation with a flexible design. The material does not rust and normally does not need repainting, which makes this protection especially attractive in warehouses, production facilities and logistics environments where maintenance and downtime need to be kept to a minimum.

• Absorbs and distributes the force of an impact
• Can reduce the load on vehicles and floor anchoring
• Does not rust and normally requires no repainting
• Clear separation between pedestrian traffic and vehicle routes
• Modular systems that can be adapted to the facility
• Suitable for protecting people, machinery, doors and building components

If you want to compare the features with traditional steel railings, read our guide on choosing plastic or steel for impact protection.

Create Safe Walkways and Work Zones

A common application is separating pedestrians from forklift traffic. With a continuous railing system, walkways, workstations, machinery and other protected zones can be clearly defined. Gates and openings can be placed where personnel need to pass through, making traffic flow more controlled.

Polymer barriers can also be used in front of doors, walls, conveyors and installations at risk of being hit by forklifts or material handling vehicles. For more designs and materials, see the full category of guard rail systems or our complete range of impact protection.

How to Choose the Right Polymer Barrier

Your choice should be based on a risk assessment of the specific location. Vehicle weight and speed matter a great deal, but the impact angle, traffic intensity and distance between the barrier and what needs protecting also affect which solution is required.

Check in particular:

• what type of forklift or vehicle is used
• the vehicle's maximum weight and normal speed
• the possible impact angle
• what needs protecting and what safety clearance is required
• the condition of the floor and whether proper anchoring is possible
• the product's documented energy absorption and maximum load

A tall barrier may be needed to protect pedestrians, while a low-profile guard may be sufficient in front of a machine or along a wall. For high loads, polymer can be combined with steel or other heavier-duty protection. Our buying guide for warehouses and logistics buildings helps you identify the risks and choose the right type of protection.

For Warehouses, Terminals and Production Environments

Shock-absorbing polymer systems are used primarily where recurring forklift traffic creates a risk of collision. This may be along walkways, at goods receiving areas, around machinery or between different work zones.

See also our examples of protection solutions for warehousing and distribution and freight terminals.

Mounting and Placement

The protection only works if the right product is selected and mounted on a floor that can handle the forces involved. The barrier must be placed at a sufficient distance from the person, machine or building component being protected, since a flexible system can deflect on impact.

Always follow the product's mounting instructions and anchoring requirements. For larger installations, Nordguard can help with product selection, sizing and quote documentation. Also read about legal requirements and responsibilities for impact protection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Polymer Impact Protection