Steel stanchions are a familiar sight in many everyday situations, even though most people don't give them much thought—whether it’s in a carpark, shopping centres or at schools. However, in industrial environments, these structures play a more significant role. Not only are they crucial for safety, but they also help to guide the movement of people and materials from one point to another.
In this article, we’ll explore two popular types of steel stanchions, how they can be applied, and delve into why steel is the ideal material for this purpose.
What is a Stanchion?
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s clarify what we mean by "stanchion." These are vertical posts or bars, typically used as part of a larger support structure. While they’re often seen alongside pedestrian pathways or stairs in everyday settings, in industrial contexts, stanchions are commonly part of safety barriers and handrails.
Stanchions are essential components in any industrial safety system and should be carefully selected based on their intended use.
Types of Steel Stanchions
Steel stanchions are a key part of many industrial safety setups. Choosing the right system for your project requires careful consideration. At Webforge, we offer industry-leading safety barrier products that can be used for handrails on platforms, walkways, and process floors, or as protective guardrails. Here are two options you can consider:
- Monowills™ Safety Barrier System: This system allows you to choose between heavy-duty or standard material. This allows you to tailor the product to the application, you can use our Barrier Selector Tool to find a system that best suits your purpose.
- Monowills™ Link: A modular version of the Monowills™ system, the Link option allows for quicker installation with no welding required. You can get it as preassembled stanchions or as a completed structure. Please use our Barrier Selector Tool guide for a full list of pre-configured spec sheets.
Stanchions are frequently used in safety barriers, guardrails, and handrails.
The Uses of Steel Stanchions
Steel stanchions serve two primary functions in industrial settings: safety barriers and guardrails. Let’s take a closer look at each:
Safety Barriers:
Ensuring the safety of staff is paramount—especially considering that workplace fatalities from falls remain a significant concern. According to SafeWork Australia, falls from height were responsible for 15% of worker fatalities in 2017.
For work at heights of two meters or more, physical fall prevention measures must be implemented, as stated by the National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Falls in General Construction. However, falls can occur even at lower elevations, so it’s crucial to install proper safety barriers regardless of the height.
When selecting stanchions for safety barriers, factors like load-bearing capacity and the specific environment should be your primary considerations.
Guardrails:
Guardrails are another vital component of industrial safety. The Australian Standard AS1657 provides specific guidelines for guardrails, including the following:
- Height: Guardrails must be at least 0.90 meters.
- Width: Walkways must be no less than 0.6 meters wide, and guardrails should be spaced at least 55 centimeters apart.
- Sloped Roofs: Guardrails need to be placed along the edge of a roof with a slope of 12° or more.
Stanchions play a critical role in meeting these standards, so it’s important to carefully consult AS 1657 when designing your guardrail or safety barrier system.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Stanchion
While steel stanchions are the focus here, there are several materials to choose from within the steel category and beyond:
- Mild Steel: Cost-effective, easy to weld and shape, making it a popular option for stanchions.
- Aluminium: Lighter than stainless steel and easier to install. While it doesn’t offer the same strength as stainless steel, it naturally forms an oxide layer when exposed to oxygen, making it resistant to rust.
- Stainless Steel: Offers greater strength and corrosion resistance compared to mild steel. It's also more aesthetically pleasing due to its polished finish, but it’s more difficult to weld and work with, making it a more expensive choice.
This article has hopefully highlighted the importance of steel stanchions, a safety feature that is often overlooked. For more information or advice on our products, don't hesitate to get in touch with the team at Webforge today!