10 applications of height restrictors in industrial and logistics environments

In the complex world of industry and logistics, safety is key. With a constant flow of vehicles and valuable installations at risk, collisions and damage are a real concern. 

Height restrictors are an effective way to minimise this risk. They ensure that vehicles that are too high do not damage the infrastructure. This includes gates, pipes and other critical installations. 

In this article, we explore ten practical applications of height restrictors across industrial and logistics settings. We highlight the versatility and importance of this safety solution.

Boplan FLEX IMPACT® GP Goal Post 200B in an industrial environment

Application 1

Height restrictors at loading bays

At loading bays, height restrictors are installed inside doorways. They protect overhead doors, sectional doors and door rails from impact by forklifts moving in and out of loaded lorries. 

The height restrictor prevents loads from being lifted too high. This prevents the risk of damage to doorways and overhead infrastructure like lighting or sprinkler pipes. 

The height portal's support posts make the structure more stable. They protect door frames, walls and technical installations from side impacts during manoeuvring.

Boplan FLEX IMPACT® GP Goal Post 250R in an industrial environment
Boplan FLEX IMPACT® GP Goal Post 200B in an industrial environment

Application 2

Pipes and cable trays

In production halls and logistics environment, pipes and cable trays are often mounted along ceilings and walls. This making them vulnerable to collisions by forklifts or other vehicles with raised loads. 

Height restrictors protect this critical infrastructure. They offer protection by preventing forklifts or vehicles with high masts, extended forks or lifted loads from making contact. 

This prevents electrical lines, sprinkler systems, compressed air pipes and data cables from damage. The height portal posts also protect wall-mounted gutters and switchboards from side impacts.

Application 3

Height restrictors for walkways and mezzanines

Warehouses and production facilities often include walkways, mezzanines, work platforms and overhead storage areas. This is accompanied by high traffic passing below. As a result, there is a risk of collision with vehicles carrying tall or protruding loads. 

Height restrictors offer a practical solution. They prevent forklifts and other vehicles from colliding with bridges or platforms. The posts also protect the supporting structures and reduce the risk of side collisions during manoeuvring.

Boplan FLEX IMPACT® GP Goal Post 200B in an industrial environment
Boplan FLEX IMPACT® GP Goal Post 250R in an industrial environment

Application 4

Conveyors and sorting systems

Conveyors and sorting systems are essential in warehouses and logistics centres. They automate the movement and sorting of goods. These systems are often installed at height to maximise floor space, making them susceptible to impact. Height restrictors help prevent collisions with these systems by stopping vehicles with raised masts or loads from making contact. 

Height restrictors prevent forklifts or other vehicles from accidentally colliding with these systems. The height portal's posts also protect support structures from collisions. This keeps the logistics process safe and efficient.

Application 5

Height restrictors for canopies and roofs

In and around industrial buildings, there are often areas with low roofs. This includes bicycle shelters, waiting zones, storage areas and other covered spaces. When vehicles exit a taller hall and enter a room with a lower ceiling, there’s a risk of collision caused by raised masts or high loads. 

Height restrictors reduce this risk by alerting drivers in time and preventing vehicles from going too far. The height restrictor portal’s support posts protect entrances and walls. They also protect surrounding structures from side impacts. This ensures safe, damage-free passage both indoors and outdoors.

Boplan FLEX IMPACT® GP Goal Post 250R in an industrial environment
Boplan FLEX IMPACT® GP Goal Post 200B in an industrial environment

Application 6

Height restrictors on gates and passages

Industrial sites typically include multiple buildings connected by passageways, some of which are gated. Each of these passages has a fixed height. This makes them susceptible to collisions from vehicles with elevated loads. 

Height restrictors help prevent accidental damage to gates, overhead doors or connecting structures from vehicles. The height portal supports also provide protection for the side walls, door frames and any technical installations.

Application 7

Lighting and technical installations

Traffic routes in industrial environments are often lined with sensitive overhead components. These include lighting fixtures, fire alarms, sprinkler pipes, surveillance cameras and cable trays. Their placement makes them particularly vulnerable to damage.

This can be done by forklifts or other vehicles with elevated loads or extended masts. Height restrictors protect these critical installations by preventing vehicles from colliding with them.

Boplan FLEX IMPACT® GP Goal Post 250R in an industrial environment
Boplan FLEX IMPACT® GP Goal Post 200B in an industrial environment

Application 8

Height restrictors in parking garages and low-clearance areas

Underground garages and car parks often have limited clearance heights. The minimum is 2.10 metres. The recommended clearance height is 2.50 metres. Vehicles such as vans, cars with roof boxes or bike racks often exceed these limits. This can lead to collisions. Height restrictors serve as early warnings to drivers whose vehicles exceed the permitted height. 

Height restrictors are the ideal solution for this. They warn drivers if their vehicle is too high to drive safely into the garage. A height restrictor is also effective in keeping larger vehicles out of certain car parks. For example, some supermarkets prefer to restrict access for camper vans.

Application 9

HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning)

HVAC systems manage heating, ventilation, air conditioning and extraction in industrial environments. They are often positioned above vehicle routes or work areas. Examples include large pipes, air ducts or extraction lines connected to specific machines or production processes.

Due to their size and placement, HVAC systems are especially vulnerable to impacts from vehicles with raised loads or protruding masts. Height restrictors help prevent vehicles like these from damaging the HVAC infrastructure.

Boplan FLEX IMPACT® GP Goal Post 200B in an industrial environment
Boplan FLEX IMPACT® GP Goal Post 250R in an industrial environment

Application 10

Organisation of a work area

In industrial environments, clear organisation of work zones is essential for both safety and efficiency. Height restrictors actively contribute to this. Not only as collision protection tools but also as functional elements of traffic management. Height restrictors serve as clear entry and exit gates, especially when combined with handrails and safety barriers

By placing one height restrictor at the entrance and another at the exit, you establish a controlled flow for vehicles within a defined height limit. This prevents vehicles from unauthorised access to high-risk zones and helps structure internal traffic safely and clearly. This setup is particularly useful in locations where only specific vehicle types are permitted, such as loading bays, assembly areas or individual workstations.

Conclusion: height restrictors are indispensable in industry and logistics

Installing height restrictors in an industrial environment is more than just a best practice. it’s a crucial step in preventing costly damage and improving workplace safety. 

Height restrictors serve as the first line of defence against collision risks. Their wide range of applications highlights their essential role in creating a safe, efficient industrial environment. 

Ready to take safety to the next level in your industrial or logistics environment? Discover the potential of height restrictors.