Clarity’s MPM polymer barriers are designed to guide foot and vehicle traffic, protect assets, and create safer workplaces—but how easy are they to install? While we offer professional installation, many customers choose to self-install to manage costs and free up budget for other safety solutions such as LED-projected signage or Safeway gates.
This guide will take you through best practices, expert contractor advice, and step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth, secure installation.
Barrier Orientation Matters
MPM barriers have a rounded face, and this must face the vehicle traffic for maximum impact absorption. Installing them the wrong way reduces their ability to flex and absorb collisions.
Post Placement & Clearance
Posts (floor plates) must be installed at least 100mm away from walls, existing posts, or other obstructions to ensure proper impact absorption and alignment.
Assemble First, Then Drill
Do not drill posts into the ground first. Instead, fully assemble the barrier, line it up, and ensure the setup looks correct. Once satisfied, mark the post positions, move everything aside, then drill.
Clarity's MPM barriers are an excellent solution for roads, car parks, and warehouses with slower-moving traffic. These barriers can contain any damage caused by potential collisions, safeguarding buildings, machinery, and pedestrians alike.
Before installation, it’s essential to assess the risk of potential collisions. Consider factors like the speed of vehicles, the weight of the vehicles, and the angle at which they may impact the barrier.
In addition to their protective capabilities, Clarity's MPM barriers are bright yellow which makes them highly visible. When combined with appropriate signage and floor markings, these barriers serve as both a physical and visual deterrent, alerting drivers to potential hazards.
Different environments require different barrier configurations. For example, curved or wall-mounted barriers are ideal for areas with specific obstacles. Barriers also come in varying sizes, with the height of the barrier chosen based on the usage of that area.
Here are the most common sizes:
To help you determine the exact specifications for your needs, you can use our free barrier calculator or reach out for a personalised quote.
While professional installation is always recommended to provide your full 2-year guaranteed warranty and to ensure your barriers are secure and effective, Clarity's MPM barriers are relatively simple to install.
If you choose to install them yourself, here’s a list of tools and skills that will be required:
Ensure that all the materials you’ve received match what you ordered. This includes verifying the quantity and the correct specifications for the posts, barriers, fixings, and any accessories like end caps or impact buffers. If anything is missing or incorrect, contact us immediately to avoid delays.
Use your 3D drawings or installation plans to confirm the exact placement of the barriers. This will help you understand how the barriers should be aligned and where each post should go. If needed, mark the ground where each post will be installed.
Using a string line, ensure that the barrier sections will be installed in a straight line. This will help ensure precision and alignment for the entire installation process. A straight barrier will not only look professional but also function correctly, maintaining structural integrity. If you have one, you can also use a laser line to ensure the barriers are straight.
Once your posts are positioned, use a drill to make holes in the ground or concrete where the posts will be mounted. This step is essential to ensure that the posts are secured properly. If you’re installing on a concrete surface, make sure the holes are the right depth and size for the fixings. You will also need to make sure that you have the correct fixings for the ground you are mounting into. We have two standard options; Concrete or Tarmac fixings, however we can find alternative solutions if required. This should be discussed with our team at the quoting stage to ensure we are aware as early on as possible.
Step 5: Install the Posts
Place the posts into the drilled holes. If you're installing into concrete, secure the posts using concrete fixings. If installing on a level concrete surface, use base plated posts, ensuring they are secure and aligned properly. For each barrier, you’ll need two posts, with the end post serving as the starting post for the next barrier.
Step 6: Feed the Horizontal Rails Through the Posts
Once the posts are secure, it’s time to feed the horizontal rails through the posts. Ensure the rails are aligned with the pre-drilled holes on the posts, and double-check that they are evenly spaced. All corner posts, will have horizontal rails pre-cut at 45 degrees, which will be pre-determined at the quoting stage for you.
Step 7: Install the Dowels
To keep the horizontal rails in place, install the dowels. This will prevent any shifting and ensure that the structure remains stable and secure over time.
Step 8: Ensure a Smooth Finish with End Caps
Install the end caps into the edge of the barriers to ensure a smooth, professional finish. End caps help prevent any sharp edges and protect the barrier from environmental wear.
Step 9: Test and Inspect the Barrier
Once everything is in place, check that the barrier is secure and aligned properly. Make sure all fixings are tight, and the posts are stable. Test the barrier’s stability by lightly pushing on it, ensuring there’s no wobble or instability. Also check that all the parts have been installed correctly, and there are no missing items.
Step 10: Capture the Finished Result
Take photos of the finished installation. Not only will this give you a record of the job well done to shout about with your team, but we also love seeing successful installations. Feel free to share them with us - we’re always excited to see our products in action!
We stand behind the quality of our barriers, and we’re pleased to offer a 2-year warranty on all our barriers, whether installed by us or by you. Unlike some other barrier companies, we don’t void the warranty if you choose to install the barriers yourself. Our guarantee ensures peace of mind, knowing your installation is fully supported by us.
Our barriers are a highly effective way to prevent damage to your equipment, buildings, and people. They’re designed for easy installation, while offering superior protection in various industrial and commercial settings.
If you're unsure about the specifics of your installation or need guidance on which barriers are best suited for your environment, don’t hesitate to contact one of our experts, email us at info@clarity-safety.com, or call us on 01482 296451.