ESF Secure - Bollard Servicing and Maintenance
Why Is Bollard Servicing and Maintenance so important?
Bollard systems globally are installed to protect everything from driveways and shop fronts to bus stops and town centre pedestrian zones. By operating as both a physical and visual barrier, they still allow free pedestrian access. Bollards are perfect for guarding property and vulnerable accessible spaces. But, choosing the right security bollard from ESF Secure is only half the story. The correct bollard servicing and maintenance is also essential to ensure your solution keeps working the way it is designed and you need it to.
Bollard maintenance basics – what can cause damage to bollards?
ESF Secure bollards are built to last, but several things can damage your bollards; both immediately and over time. In our 20+ years of experience, four of the most common reasons for bollard disrepair are vehicle impact, vandalism, unskilled maintenance, and environmental degradation due to rock salt, dog pee and acid wash treatments.
Vehicle impact
The very nature of bollards makes them susceptible to bumps, crashes and scrapes. The good news is that PAS 68 and IWA 14 bollards can help. These are HVM rated – Hostile Vehicle Mitigation
Both PAS 68 and IWA 14 bollards have been tested against a range of criteria such as impact methods, speed, weight, tolerances, vehicle types and performance. This test includes physically crashing a vehicle into the bollard and various speeds and angles..
What’s more, crash-tested bollards aren’t just capable of standing firm against driver errors; they also act as a physical counter-terror measure and help to keep spaces, buildings and people safe from deliberate vehicle incursions and attacks.
Find out more about how ESF Secure crash-tested bollards are helping to prevent terrorism on our website.
Vandalism
ESF Secure Bollards aren’t just robust; they can also be aesthetically pleasing. But the look and feel of an area can be diminished if these bollards become spray-painted with graffiti. So, keeping them clean and free from vandalism is essential. Our ESF Secure team offer advise and products to allow you to keep your bollards in pristine condition.
Poor bollard maintenance
Despite the very best of intentions, bollards can become even more damaged when those carrying out maintenance or repairs don’t know what they are doing. Sometimes, trying to cut corners with a DIY approach can be a very costly mistake! Regular inspections and cleaning are essential to long life.
Environmental degradation
Over time, the environment can start to have an impact on the functionality and look of a bollard. For example, coastal areas with high salinity can result in the corrosion of machinery and infrastructure.
As such, when installing new bollards, it’s vital to talk to an expert to ensure that the products you choose are made from a material suitable to the environment you want to protect.
How to keep your bollards working
One of the best ways to ensure your bollards continue to work effectively is to implement a regular inspection, cleaning and maintenance schedule. Government and insurance legislation states these bollards should be serviced every 6 months to ensure your insurance is not invalidated. But what should you look out for when it comes to bollard maintenance?
Of course, one of the most obvious signs that a bollard needs your attention is if it is visually damaged, or if it has stopped working (e.g. a retractable telescopic bollard). But there are some other things to keep an eye out for as part of this regime. These include:
•Bollards that look scratched, rusty or the finish has otherwise deteriorated
•Bollards that have been vandalised (e.g. with spray paint)
•Bollards that have dents or cracks
•Bollards that are excessively dirty
•Bollards that are shaky or loose.
In the long run, by keeping on top of things, and getting any issues resolved ASAP, your bollards will stand the test of time. And you’ll save on the unnecessary costs of replacement and the associated ground works.
Expert’s in bollard maintenance
At ESF Secure, we offer an unbeatable selection when it comes to choosing bollards or complete bollard security systems. We also provide expert bollard servicing and maintenance support to help keep your security bollards in the very best possible working condition.
With one-off servicing or ongoing maintenance options (e.g. six-monthly service visits), our professional service engineers will ensure that your existing bollard installations remain operational in excellent working condition. Ultimately, it’s about giving you peace of mind and long-lasting protection, while also saving you money. It also ensures you comply with all insurance requirements in case of any incidents
When it comes to security, ESF Secure understands how important protecting your world and your property is – so let’s protect it together. For a free quote on our security bollard maintenance options or products, call our service team on 02890 364101 or email us secure@worldofesf.com
