Description
Low-level wall and column protection for high-traffic environments
Walls, columns and building infrastructure in busy warehouse and industrial environments face constant risk of low-speed contact from forklifts, pallet trucks and other MHE. Each unaddressed impact adds cumulative damage to the building structure. The MBT Heavy Duty Rail creates a physical buffer between high-traffic routes and the assets behind them. It absorbs and deflects low-speed contact before it reaches the wall or column surface. Acting as the last line of defence.
At 262mm above floor level, the rail targets the zone where MHE bumpers, forks and bases make contact most frequently. It does this without taking up significant floor space or obstructing operational movement.
Galvanised steel modular warehouse box rail construction
The MBT Heavy Duty Rail uses galvanised steel in a 51mm x 76mm box section profile. The galvanised finish provides long-term corrosion resistance in demanding warehouse, factory and distribution centre environments. This includes areas exposed to moisture and wash-down activity.
The aluminium feet, ends and corners allow the system to assemble to any length. It configures around corners, access points and irregular layouts without requiring bespoke fabrication. This fully modular design means the rail adapts to the site rather than the other way around. It suits both internal and external applications across a wide range of industrial settings.
Installation and configuration
The shock-absorbing box rail has support foot fixings, each using two M10 x 80mm expandable rawl shields and bolts. This provides a secure and stable anchor point on concrete and masonry substrates. The maximum distance between support feet is 2000mm. This allows extensive coverage across long wall runs. The maximum distance of a foot from an end or corner is 150mm. This ensures consistent protection across the full length of the installation.
The finished depth of the rail is 136mm. Installation is straightforward. The modular components mean the system plans and assembles on site without specialist tools or fabrication equipment.
Where the MBT Heavy Duty Rail is specified
The MBT Heavy Duty Rail suits any location where walls, columns and building fabric need protection from low-speed MHE contact. Typical applications include warehouse aisles where forklifts operate close to perimeter walls. It also suits loading bay areas where vehicle manoeuvring creates a risk of wall contact. Distribution centres use it where column protection is required along vehicle routes. Factory environments specify it where equipment and machinery sit close to structural walls.
Its modular design makes it particularly well suited to sites with irregular layouts, multiple access points or phased installation requirements. Where a fixed system would not provide the flexibility needed, this one does.
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 maintain building fabric and workplace infrastructure in a condition that does not place people or assets at risk. Unprotected walls and columns in areas where MHE operates represent a foreseeable and manageable risk. Addressing it is straightforward.
The MBT Heavy Duty Rail provides a practical, low-cost physical control measure at the point where vehicle and building contact is most likely. For facilities managers and H&S managers, installing wall and column protection along high-traffic routes demonstrates a proactive approach to asset protection. It also supports the requirement to maintain building fabric in a safe condition. The result is less structural damage, lower repair costs and a safer, better organised site.
