By Stephen Tate, ICorr Past President
Pedestrian barriers are essential for maintaining order, safety, and aesthetics in public spaces, whether in parks, around construction sites, during events, or along busy streets. Designed to direct pedestrian traffic and prevent accidents, these barriers often face harsh environmental conditions, constant use, and wear over time. Ensuring their longevity and effectiveness requires consistent and thorough maintenance. One of the biggest threats to pedestrian barriers is structural corrosion, especially for those made of metal, commonly carbon steel, which can compromise their functionality and create safety hazards.
By implementing a proactive maintenance approach consisting of regular inspections, effective cleaning of surface contaminants, rust prevention, fastener checks, and alignment adjustments, corrosion of pedestrian barriers can be reduced. Properly maintained barriers will not only serve their functional purpose but also retain their aesthetic appeal, contributing to safer and more organised public spaces.
Photo: Structural Corrosion of Pedestrian Barriers, Observed in Xi’an China – October 2024.
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