Barrier fences are an indispensable part of road traffic. Here we explain where they are used, what you should consider when setting them up, and what they have to do with mobile heaters.
Table of Contents
What is a barrier fence?
It is a barrier element that is primarily used in road traffic. Its function is to temporarily or permanently prevent pedestrians and drivers from entering the cordoned-off road area. The design of is intentionally conspicuous, usually in the signal colors of white and red, to ensure immediate recognition and a warning effect for all road users.
What are barrier fences used for?
Barrier fences are versatile barrier elements that are mainly used in road traffic and on construction sites. Their main tasks include:
- Securing construction sites and danger zones: They mark and secure areas where construction work is taking place or where potential dangers exist in order to prevent accidents.
- Temporary closure of traffic areas: They are used to temporarily close roads, paths, or other traffic areas to pedestrians and vehicles.
- Traffic guidance and diversions: Barrier fences help to direct traffic around construction sites or to set up diversions.
- Fall protection: Barrier fences made of robust plastic, in particular, serve as reliable fall protection on construction sites.
- Demarcation at events and in public areas: They are also used at events or in public areas where clear demarcation and safety are required.
The conspicuous design in signal colors and the option of equipping them with warning lights ensure high visibility and a warning effect.
How do you set up barrier fences correctly?
The correct installation of barrier fences is crucial for safety on construction sites and in road traffic. The following points must be observed:
Stable base plates
The barrier fence base must be stable and heavy, and as a rule, have a dead weight of 28-38 kg. Usually, two base plates are used per fence element to ensure stability against wind and collisions. The base plates should be aligned transversely to the barrier grids to counteract the tipping moment.
Compliance with guidelines
When using fall protection systems, the guidelines for securing work sites on roads (RSA 95) and additional technical contractual conditions (ZTV-SA) must be observed. For a fall depth of 1.25 m or more, for example, a Euro2 model with a grid is mandatory, to be set up with a K1 base plate.
Correct placement
Barrier fences are used for longitudinal barriers and guidance. They should be set up in such a way that they control access to hazardous areas and keep unauthorized persons away. When setting them up in road traffic, care must be taken to ensure that there is sufficient space for traffic and that construction workers and road users are protected.
The installation should always be carried out taking into account the local conditions and specific safety requirements to ensure maximum safety.
Why are barrier fences needed in connection with mobile heaters?
Mobile heaters represent potential sources of danger due to their mode of operation and often high heating output. It is important to maintain a safe distance from flammable materials and buildings. The use of barrier fences when using mobile heaters is sensible and necessary for the following reasons:
Demarcation of danger zones
Mobile heating devices, especially larger central heating units, generate high temperatures and can release exhaust gases. Barrier fences are used to create a safety area around these devices to prevent unauthorized access by personnel or passers-by and to ensure the prescribed minimum distance.
Fire protection
The barrier ensures that no flammable materials get too close to the heating devices and that the risk of fire is minimized. This is particularly important on construction sites where material is stored.
Access control
Barrier fences enable access control to the area of the mobile heater.
Indication of dangers
In combination with warning signs, barrier fences can indicate specific dangers.
The exact distances and safety measures should always comply with the manufacturer’s instructions for the heating devices as well as the applicable safety regulations and risk assessments for construction sites.
How long is a barrier beacon?
The length can vary. The standard length is 2,000 mm, the standard height is 1,000 mm.
Sources:
Absperrshop. (seen on 25.09.2025). Barrier Fence.
Baustellenshop24. (seen on 25.09.2025). Barrier Fence.
BfGA. (seen on 25.09.2025). Use of mobile heating devices.
Brewes. (seen on 25.09.2025). Barrier grids and beacons.