10 uses 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 facilities at risk, collisions and damage are a real concern. 

Height restrictors are an effective way to minimize this risk. They ensure that tall vehicles do not damage surrounding infrastructure. This includes gates, pipes, and other pieces of critical equipment. 

In this article, we explore ten practical uses of height restrictors across different industrial and logistics settings. Our goal is to highlight the versatility and importance of this safety solution.

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

Use 1

Height restrictors in loading bays

In loading bays, height restrictors are often installed inside doorways. Height restrictors protect overhead doors, sectional doors, and door rails from impacts with forklifts moving in and out of loaded trucks. 

To do so, height restrictors prevent loads from being raised too high. This prevents damage to doorways and overhead infrastructure like lights or sprinkler pipes. 

The height restrictor's support posts also make structures more stable. Height restrictors protect door frames, walls, and technical equipment from side impacts while forklifts are maneuvering.

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

Use 2

Pipes and cable trays

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

Height restrictors protect this critical infrastructure. They do so by preventing forklifts or vehicles with tall masts, extended forks, or raised loads from making contact. 

This then prevents damage to electrical lines, sprinkler systems, compressed air pipes, and data cables. Height restictors' posts also protect wall-mounted gutters and switchboards from side impacts.

Use 3

Height restrictors for walkways and mezzanines

Warehouses and production facilities often have walkways, mezzanines, work platforms, and overhead storage areas. This is also accompanied by a great deal of 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 for this. They prevent forklifts and other vehicles from colliding with bridges or platforms. Their posts also protect supporting structures and reduce the risk of side impacts while vehicles are maneuvering.

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

Use 4

Conveyors and sorting systems

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

Height restrictors prevent forklifts or other vehicles from accidentally colliding with these systems. Height restrictor's posts also protect support structures from collisions. This keeps logistical processes safe and efficient.

Use 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 tall building and enter an area with a lower ceiling, there is a risk of collision with raised masts or loads. 

Height restrictors reduce this risk by promptly alerting drivers and preventing vehicles from traveling too far. The height restrictors' posts protect entrances and walls. They also protect surrounding structures from side impacts. This ensures the safe, damage-free passage of vehicles, 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

Use 6

Height restrictors on gates and passages

Industrial facilities typically have multiple buildings connected by passageways, some of which are gated. Each of these passages has a fixed height. This makes them vulnerable to collisions with vehicles carrying raised loads. 

Height restrictors help prevent vehicles from accidentally damaging gates, overhead doors, or connecting structures. The height restrictors' supports also provide protection for the side walls, door frames, and any technical equipment.

Use 7

Lighting and technical equipment

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.

These systems can be damaged by forklifts or other vehicles with raised loads or extended masts. Height restrictors protect these critical systems 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

Use 8

Height restrictors in parking garages and low-clearance areas

Parking garages, whether aboveground or underground, often have limited clearance heights. The minimum height is usually 6.9 feet. The recommended clearance height is 8.2 feet. Vehicles like vans and cars with roof boxes or bike racks often exceed these limits. This can lead to collisions. Height restrictors serve as early warnings for drivers whose vehicles exceed the permitted height. 

Height restrictors are the ideal solution here. They warn drivers if their vehicle is too tall to drive safely into the garage. Height restrictors are also effective at keeping larger vehicles out of certain parking garages. For example, some supermarkets prefer to restrict access for camper vans.

Use 9

HVAC systems

HVAC systems manage the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and extraction in industrial environments. They are often located 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 location, HVAC systems are especially vulnerable to impacts with vehicles that have raised loads or extended masts. Height restrictors help prevent vehicles like these from damaging HVAC infrastructure.

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

Use 10

Organization of work areas

In industrial environments, clear organization of work areas is essential for both safety and efficiency. Height restrictors are an effective way to ensure proper organization. Not just as collision protection equipment, but also as functional elements of traffic flow management. Height restrictors indicate entrances and exits clearly, especially when combined with handrails and safety barriers

By placing one height restrictor at the entrance and another at the exit, you create a controlled flow of vehicles with a specific height limit. This prevents unauthorized vehicles from accessing high-risk zones and helps create a safe and clear traffic flow. This setup is particularly useful when only specific vehicle types are permitted in certain locations, such as loading bays, assembly areas, or individual workstations.

Conclusion: height restrictors are indispensable in industry and logistics

Using height restrictors in industrial environments is more than just best practice, it is a crucial step in preventing costly damage and increasing workplace safety. 

Height restrictors are the first line of defense against collisions. Their wide range of uses highlights their essential role in creating safe and efficient industrial environments. 

Are you ready to take workplace safety to the next level in your industrial or logistics environment? Learn more about the potential of height restrictors.