Plastic Barricades vs. Steel Barrier Fences: Which is Best for You?
Controlling traffic is important not only for security but also for safety. Having the right equipment, whether indoors or outdoors, greatly improves the ability to successfully manage any school traffic. Barricades that are easy to transport and set up are a must-have for sporting events or any special events at your school.
Two popular options for crowd control barriers are the Galvanized Steel Portable Barrier Fences and the Interlocking Lightweight Plastic Barricades. Both of these are portable and designed for indoor or outdoor crowd control, so which one should you choose? Below we have put together a simple guide that includes a detailed description and important highlights of each type of barrier, to help you make an informed decision for your facility's needs.
Plastic Barricades
Interlocking Lightweight Plastic Barricades measure 79in.L x 39-3/8in.H and are available in Charcoal (Part No. PS91) or Yellow (Part No. PS93). They allow for interlocking multiple barricades together, to form a safety barrier that is contoured to the specific application. 
Barricades can be placed in a straight line or at 90-degree angles, and work on uneven surfaces and inclines. Featuring anti-trip, 360-degree swivel feet for unsurpassed stability. Pre-drilled holes come standard for optional sign mounting. Optional 24in.W x 18in.H signs are available to mount on barricades (Click to shop) M922, M924, M926, M928.
- Material: Heavy-Duty Plastic
- Color: Yellow or Charcoal
- Dimensions: 79in.L x 39-3/8in.H
- (2) 360 Degree Swivel Feet w/ Anti-Trip Feature
- Pre-Drilled Holes for Optional Sign Mounting
Steel Barrier Fences
Galvanized steel barrier fences assist in controlling traffic in your parking lot, around sports fields, or inside of your facility. Heavy-duty, high-quality 1-5/8in. diameter tubing, available with two leg options - flat foot with rubber foot pads (meant for indoors) or bridge feet (meant for outdoors). All-welded design, with an adjustable foot, supports for leveling. Interlocking brackets connect sections together when a larger area needs fencing off.
- Material: Galvanized Steel
- Foot Styles: Flat (w/rubber foot pads, for indoor use) or Bridge (outdoor use)
- Tubing Size: 1-5/8" Diameter
- Fence Dimensions: 8' 4" L x 43"H
- Flat Foot Model - Weight: 44lbs.
- Bridge Foot Model - Weight: 43lbs.
Depending on your needs, both barriers above are portable, interlocking, and can be used indoors or outdoors. If you need a lightweight option, then the plastic barricade may be the better option; plus these have the ability to add signage. However, if you want something that is more difficult to be tampered with, the heavier steel barricades would be the way to go.
Whichever you choose, we hope you found this guide helpful. To read more about solutions to common school maintenance concerns, please visit the School Fix® Blog, or explore our vast collections of school maintenance products, we have everything from chair glides to locker parts, and whiteboards and more!
