Description
Dual-purpose protection for commercial vehicles and pedestrians
Access ramps, loading routes and shared traffic areas present a unique challenge. Commercial vehicles and pedestrians often share the same space. This creates a risk of collision at exactly the point where both are most vulnerable. The Armco 760HR Safety Barrier addresses both risks in a single integrated system. That is what makes it different from a standard Armco barrier.
The 760mm Armco barrier provides the current recommended level of protection against commercial vehicle impacts at the lower level. The 1100mm black and yellow pedestrian handrail, the HR50 system, sits above it. It provides a clearly designated walkway for employees and visitors at full pedestrian barrier height. Together they create separate, safe routes for HGV and forklift traffic and the people working alongside them.
760mm Armco vehicle protection
The lower Armco barrier uses mild steel with a hot dip galvanised finish to BS EN ISO 1461. At 760mm high it meets the current recommended design standard for commercial vehicle protection. It provides the strength and coverage required to withstand impacts from HGVs, forklifts and other large vehicles. The system uses a Type B baseplate measuring 330mm x 250mm x 12mm thick with 4 fixing holes per post. Edge spacing conforms to a 100mm minimum. Centre spacing is 160mm x 210mm, conforming to a 100mm minimum. The footprint depth is 409mm.
Both systems are compatible with the full range of Brandsafe Armco accessories. Polymer safety ends, corners and caps integrate directly. These eliminate exposed metal edges at barrier run ends and improve driver and pedestrian awareness across the site.
1100mm pedestrian handrail
The integrated 1100mm black and yellow pedestrian handrail sits above the Armco barrier. It provides a clearly visible and physically defined pedestrian walkway at the height required for pedestrian barrier compliance. The black and yellow colour scheme delivers high contrast visibility for both pedestrians and vehicle operators. The flush floor fixing design eliminates trip hazards along the full length of the pedestrian route.
The handrail cuts to length on site using a standard chop-saw. This allows the system to configure to any access ramp or route length without bespoke fabrication. All fixings are supplied.
Post centres and installation
Post centre spacing depends on the impact risk of the location. For high-impact areas such as turning points and active loading zones, 1.6m post centres provide greater rigidity and resistance. For lower-impact areas, 3.2m post centres are suitable and cost-efficient. Both configurations use the same components and fixings. That consistency keeps specification and installation straightforward.
Floor anchors are M16 x 150mm galvanised throughbolts as standard. Alternative fixing methods including M20 galvanised throughbolts and M16 chemical resin or stud fix are available depending on site conditions and substrate requirements. For bespoke project specifications or fixing method queries, contact the Brandsafe team for tailored guidance.
Where the Armco 760HR is specified
The 760HR suits any location where commercial vehicle and pedestrian traffic share the same route and dual level protection is required. Typical applications include warehouse and logistics centre access ramps, loading bay approach routes, service yard pedestrian crossing points and factory and industrial site perimeter routes. It also suits any location where HGV or forklift traffic operates alongside designated pedestrian walkways.
For locations where only vehicle protection is required without the pedestrian handrail, the standard Armco 760 provides the same lower-level specification. For locations requiring double or triple rail vehicle protection, the Armco 760D, 1100D and 1100T configurations provide the appropriate higher specification.
Supporting compliance and duty of care
Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must keep pedestrian routes clearly defined and safe from vehicle encroachment. They must also maintain building fabric and infrastructure in a safe condition. On access ramps and shared routes where commercial vehicles and pedestrians operate simultaneously, both obligations apply at the same location. The Armco 760HR safety barrier addresses both directly. That is its primary purpose.
For H&S managers, facilities teams and specifiers, installing a dual-purpose Armco and handrail system at shared vehicle and pedestrian routes demonstrates a proactive and comprehensive approach to workplace transport safety. It also supports the requirement to manage foreseeable risks to a practicable minimum. The result is clearer routes, fewer near misses and a safer operational environment across the site.
