This past June was the 25th anniversary of National Safety Month founded in 1996 by the United States National Safety Council (NSC). The purpose of National Safety Month is to prevent injuries and deaths and creating a safe workplace. Workplace accidents have continued to climb with the United States seeing its highest number of serious and fatal workplace accidents since 2007 with 5,333 fatal workplace injuries in 2019; according to the NSC. Therefore, observance of National Safety Month is more crucial than ever.
In an effort to shed light on effective workplace safety measures and prevent workplace injuries, Ontario Bollards is highlighting the MPM polymer barrier system – flexible industrial safety barriers that make work environments safe wherever there are vehicles, goods, or people. With the ultra-resilient REFLEX technology, polymer barriers from MPM are a much more effective alternative to traditional steel guardrails and can dramatically reduce the risk of workplace injury and damage to goods or equipment involving machinery and vehicles.
MPM polymer barrier systems from Ontario Bollards are resilient, customizable, easy to install, and above all: designed to enhance the safety of factories and warehouses. MPM barriers are made with a proprietary shock-absorbing technology into an ultra-lightweight package, making them an ideal space-saving safety solution. Here are some of the key features of the MPM barrier system which make them a valuable asset in reducing workplace injury.
The proprietary REFLEX technology used in MPM barrier systems helps to redistribute energy across the entire length of the barrier–allowing the barrier to flex and return to its original shape. The technopolymer used in MPM barriers absorbs impact better than any steel, protecting machinery and vehicles, personnel, inventory, and the warehouse itself in the event of a collision. While steel may be rendered defective or harm an operator from even a slight bump from a vehicle, shock-absorbing MPM barriers bounce back time and time again. REFLEX tech means MPM barriers are always primed to protect. Click here to view our MPM impact tests and see REFLEX in action.
Different job sites may require different safety measures, and MPM barrier systems provide solutions for any locale. The length of each MPM barrier can be extended or shortened to offer ample coverage without sacrificing impact resistance, and the dense materials used to make each MPM barrier helps to shrink the barrier’s footprint. Taking up less space than other barrier solutions, the MPM barrier leaves more room for usable working space. MPM polymer barrier systems are also easily customizable, making them an ideal safety measure for nearly any job site.
Ontario Bollards’ wide array of MPM products ensures that there is an MPM polymer barrier system to meet the safety requirements of any site. From lightweight guardrails designed to protect people, machinery, and inventory to safety gates which clearly define safe pedestrian access and exit points, the full catalogue of superior MPM products is designed for long-term use. In addition to being scratch and corrosion resistant, the high-visibility surfaces of MPM barrier systems are easier to clean and longer lasting than steel.
As North America’s exclusive provider of MPM polymer barrier systems, Ontario Bollards are experts on MPM products. The team at Ontario Bollards understands that optimal productivity begins with a safe work environment. Our commitment to improving workplace safety extends far beyond the confines of Safety Month, with our dedicated team operating around the clock to provide clients with the correct safety solution.
To schedule an MPM product consultation with the team at Ontario Bollards and improve the safety of your site, dial us at 844-991-8559 or send a note to info@ontariobollards.com.
Summer in Canada brings longer days and warmer temperatures, it also brings with it an unwanted side-effect: record-high rates of vehicle theft. Reaching epidemic proportions in Canada with theft rates in Toronto nearly doubling since 2015, a vehicle is now stolen every six minutes according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
The Toronto Police Department reported 5,666 vehicle thefts in 2020, capping a five-year upward trend. TPS also reported that the majority of thefts occurred on weekdays, with a high concentration of thefts taking place between 7 pm and 10 pm. Commercial vehicle thefts saw a 0.3% increase according to these findings, while residential vehicle thefts were up a whopping 13.5%. Despite the daunting statistics, vehicle theft is preventable, and the team at Ontario Bollards has put together a list of tips to greatly reduce the risk of property loss.
The simplest defense against vehicle theft can sometimes be a careful parking job. A locked garage is always the safest place for a vehicle, but should one not be available then more strategic parking is a must. For starters, thieves are not too fond of the spotlight, so parking a vehicle in a well-lit area will help deter a theft. When parking two vehicles, it is wise to park in a way that ensures one vehicle is guarding the more valuable (and therefore more susceptible) vehicle. Dedicating a few minutes to ensuring a vehicle is parked strategically may be the difference between a safe vehicle and a stolen one.
As thieves get more cunning, a high-tech approach to vehicle defense becomes more necessary. Simple tools like a steering-wheel lock prevent theft by making a vehicle impossible to steer should a successful break-in take place. Immobilizers are a tool that prevents the engine from running unless the correct key is present. This prevents the vehicle from being “hot wired” and reduces vehicular theft. While these less complex measures are effective, vehicle owners should also install GPS trackers on vehicles and store key-fobs in signal-blocking pouches (Faraday bag or cage) to guard them against hacking. Clearly visible security cameras pointed directly at the vehicle(s) can also deter potential thieves, or at very least provide documentation should a successful theft occur.
To prevent theft, vehicle owners should begin thinking like a thief. A quick trip into a coffee shop or running back into the house to grab a wallet (or a mask) with an unlocked or even running car may seem harmless, but it could present a golden opportunity for a thief to strike. Valuables should be removed or hidden, and vehicles should be locked whenever a vehicle is left unattended, no matter how brief. While Canadians would all like to put their faith in others, with theft rates at a record high it is not worth the risk.
Although residential vehicular theft in 2020 was up 13.5% over the previous year, commercial thefts remained largely unchanged. The defining factor? Bollards. Bollards have been used for decades to protect tractors and other heavy machinery, and car dealerships count on them to protect vehicles from theft while also offering access to inventory when needed. In addition to preventing theft, bollards are cost-effective and are a safety barrier that prevent vehicles from causing accidental or intentional damage to property—making them a valuable asset to car dealerships. With Canadian vehicular theft at an all-time high, however, more and more individuals are now relying on bollards for private residences as well.
Immobilizers, alarms, and high-tech security systems are a strong defense, remember that bollards are the ultimate protective measure. With over 35 years of industry experience, Ontario Bollards is Canada’s premiere resource for asset security solutions. Sleek, stainless steel removable and retractable bollards from Ontario Bollards provide unbeatable protection while offering convenient access to vehicles when needed. With thefts reaching a fever pitch, vehicle security is more crucial than ever. Fortunately, even the most brazen of thieves are deterred by Ontario Bollards. “Car dealerships have been using them forever,” said president of Ontario Bollards Danny Zanchi. “They’re commonplace in Europe and they are becoming more popular here.”
Furthermore, Ontario Bollards can install retractable bollards in residential driveways to prevent car theft. Here is the story of one of our clients, who had a vehicle stolen, so they hired Ontario Bollards to install a set of retractable bollards to prevent any possibility of future theft:
“I recently woke up to discover that my wife’s car had been stolen right out of our home driveway. Needless to say it’s a gut wrenching experience; that leaves you feeling violated and exposed at your own home.
I decided to look into the idea of residential Retractable Bollards and after making a few calls to educate myself on the cost and details of installing these bollards…
Eventually I called Ontario Bollards and got on a call immediately with a young man named Nate. I must tell you that I was SO impressed with the customer service side of your company (Nate is absolutely terrific).
The workmanship was EXCELLENT!! No mess! No fuss! Just excellent execution on all counts!
I’m really so impressed with your company and your team; and I just wanted to let you know that I would be happy to be a reference anytime you might have a new client that wants to hear how MY experience went.
I would highly recommend Ontario Bollards to anyone that is looking to find a way to secure your home driveway from auto theft.”
-Darrin Jones, Ontario Bollards Customer
Do not be another statistic. Being proactive rather than reactive in regard to vehicular theft can save heaps of headache (and heartache) in the long-run, and a bollard solution from Ontario Bollards is the most effective way to guard against vehicular theft. For more information on how Ontario Bollards can help keep your vehicles safe, dial us at 844-891-8559 or send an inquiry to info@ontariobollards.com and our team of our experts will be glad to help.
Today, bollards are a true necessity for most locales. Walkways can benefit from the security a bollard provides, as can storefronts, parking lots, and government buildings. With an abundance of applications for bollards, there are more bollard manufacturers and installers than ever. Not all bollard manufacturing and installation companies are created equal. Only the best will do and the clear choice for full-service bollard installation is Ontario Bollards.
With over 35 years of experience and a highly skilled in-house team, Ontario Bollards has an extensive history of successful bollard installations. The Georgetown, Ontario-based team has mastered the art of installation and understands that delivering an exceptional product and service to valued commercial, residential, and governmental clientele is paramount. Ontario Bollards’ commitment to quality and attention to detail is what sets us apart from the competition.
Operating six days a week, Ontario Bollards understands that perimeter asset protection needs cannot be overlooked. Excellent response times and same-day or next-day installations ensure that a site’s vulnerability is minimal. The Ontario Bollards installation team ensures that all bollards are correctly sized for optimal performance. Ontario Bollards guarantees that all bollards are installed at the precise depth for maximum effectiveness. Our start to finish bollard installation process concludes with a full sweep of the installation site, leaving it immaculate. Whether for a single bollard, or for a full-scale perimeter security solution, Ontario Bollards will ensure that installations are completed quickly, efficiently, and correctly.
As both a manufacturer and an installer, Ontario Bollards is proud to be Canada’s premier full-service bollard company. Ontario Bollards provides a host of bollards to suit all your needs. From static to automatic security bollards, our product lineup is designed to uniquely ensure security and peace of mind. All bollards from Ontario Bollards are manufactured in-house, which is a privilege that many other companies do not share. Whether a bollard is from Ontario Bollards or a competitor, the installation team will ensure that all work is completed to a high standard and that any protection a customer chooses is installed for optimal effectiveness.
Whether it be for full-service bollard sales, installations of any scale, or for installations of third-party bollards, Ontario Bollards is committed to delivering work of the highest calibre. While extensive experience distinguishes Ontario Bollards from other companies, it is the installation team’s endless pursuit of perfection that truly sets Ontario Bollards apart. The installation leaders at Ontario Bollards refuse to leave safety and security up to chance.
For more information on expert bollard installations from Ontario Bollards, or to schedule a consultation, dial 844-891-8559 or email at info@ontariobollards.com.
Since 1985, MPM has offered innovative protective products to a broad spectrum of businesses across countless industries. The firm’s eagerness to implement and master emerging technologies as well as their dedication to quality craftsmanship has cemented them as one of the world’s leading plastic extrusion producers, and Ontario Bollards is proud to be Canada’s sole distributor of MPM’s revolutionary product line.
Though the firm’s catalogue includes a variety of protection systems, one MPM solution which Ontario Bollards is especially proud to offer is MPM’s dock gates. Acting as a safety guardrail to prevent falling, slipping, or tipping of moving vehicles near loading bays, MPM’s dock gates are an irreplaceable security and safety measure for any manufacturing facility, distribution center, or warehouse. The dock gates are made from MPM’s patented materials, resulting in maximum resiliency while still remaining pliable–allowing them to gently stop vehicles without damaging machinery or harming workers.
Highly durable, lightweight, and flexible, MPM’s safety guardrails are truly the superior solution. The patented construction of each dock gate ensures longevity and resiliency, allowing them to sustain countless impacts without hindering performance. The high-visibility finish of each safety guardrail assists in preventing collisions (no paint job necessary), but should a collision occur the shock-resistant quality of MPM’s REFLEX technology is sure to keep your people–and machinery–safe.
Developed in MPM’s laboratory by a team of plastics experts with decades of experience, RELEX is a proprietary techno polymer which is able to absorb and redistribute energy unlike almost any other material. When applied to MPM’s dock gates, the result is quite spectacular: a lightweight and highly effective safety guardrail that requires minimal maintenance to ensure maximum performance. Check out just how effective these safety guardrails are in our performance video:
When the time comes that a dock gate or section of guardrail is retired from service, they are also fully recyclable and ready to be re-installed elsewhere.
While MPM dock gates are a far more lightweight and painless solution than steel safety guardrails, we still encourage that you allow the experts at Ontario Bollards to install your dock gates for you. MPM dock gates are also available in a variety of different sizes, and this customization option can present a unique challenge when determining which size safety guardrail is best for your site. As Canada’s only MPM providers, our team of professionals is committed to making your installation as seamless as possible and we are ready to help find the MPM dock gate solution that best suits the safety and security needs of your business. Of course, you are more than welcome to install the safety guardrails yourself, we do however suggest that you let the experts at Ontario Bollards take care of it–our team is glad to help.
Interested in seeing how MPM dock gates can improve the safety and efficiency of your workspace, or exploring Ontario Bollards’ exclusive range of MPM products? Contact us today for more information or submit a request for a quote via the online form. We look forward to working with you.
At Ontario Bollards, we specialize in the supply, service, and installation of asset protection equipment and systems. One of our core product offerings is bollards, which come in a wide range of variations to suit different functional and decorative applications. Below, we highlight stainless steel bollards.
Stainless steel is a type of steel alloy that contains chromium and other elements (e.g., manganese, molybdenum, nickel, niobium, and titanium). The addition of chromium increases the material’s corrosion resistance, while the addition of the other elements enhances its mechanical properties. The result is a strong, durable, and attractive metal with the following characteristics:
These characteristics can vary depending on the exact composition. For example, a higher chromium content results in better corrosion resistance, while a higher nickel content results in greater flexibility. Regardless of these slight differences, the general characteristics of stainless steel make it well-suited for use in the manufacture of various outdoor parts and products, including bollards.
Bollards are structural elements used for both functional and decorative purposes. For example, they can direct and guide traffic, protect pedestrians and buildings from oncoming vehicles, and enhance the overall design of the landscape. They come in a number of designs and materials to suit different environments and applications.
At Ontario Bollards, we offer bollards made from polyurethane, steel, and stainless steel. Our stainless steel bollards come in the following styles:
These bollards are typically constructed of 316 stainless steel with a #6 satin finish to ensure high resistance to corrosion and weathering. However, they are available in powder coated variations. All posts ship with one of four colored reflector stripes, which are used to improve visibility.
Bollards play an essential role in many industrial and commercial facilities. By preventing vehicles from entering restricted areas, they keep personnel and pedestrians safe from injury and buildings and equipment safe from damage.
For high-quality stainless steel bollards you can trust to protect your people, products, and processes, turn to the experts at Ontario Bollards! We maintain a broad selection of bollard products to accommodate various environments and applications. Whether you need a bollard for traffic control, access control, or landscape design, we’ve got you covered. To learn more about our product and service offerings, contact us or request a quote today.
Major metropolitan areas, regardless of where you are in the world, all share some commonalities. Droves of people, for one, are a big-city mainstay, as are newspaper and street food carts. While you may notice the crowds, and the vendors, there’s another city-fixture that may go undetected: the array of concrete-reinforced steel posts which stand at attention outside of storefronts and commercial buildings. These posts, called bollards, are not decorative, but rather serve the real-world purpose of providing passive Anti-Terrorism security in urban areas. As global tensions continue to rise and the threat of terrorism is ever-imminent, bollards have become a necessity in urban areas. However, not all Anti-Terrorism bollards are the same.
These Anti-Terrorism bollards may all adhere to a fairly uniform appearance, but they are distinguished by capability according to two rating systems: K-ratings and M-ratings. While M-ratings are officially used throughout North America, K-ratings are still used as a common reference point in the industry.
K-ratings were introduced in 1985 by the U.S. Department of State, and are organized into three designations–all correlating to a bollard’s resilience against a 15,000 lb vehicle traveling at a given speed. A K4 can defend against said vehicle traveling at 30 mph, a K8 at 40, and a K12-rated bollard can successfully stop a 15,000 lb vehicle traveling at 50 mph. This advanced designation guarantees a bollard’s effectiveness as a last line of defense when it comes to protecting public–and private–spaces.
All K-rated bollards are not created equal. Beyond the K-rating designation, the effectiveness of an Anti-Terrorism bollard can also be measured by whether it is engineered or certified. An Engineered K-rated bollard is engineered to certain specifications which would allow it to withstand a K-ratings’ given weight and speed parameters. This cost-cutting measure may ultimately diminish the effectiveness of a bollard. Ontario Bollards is proud to provide certified bollards, which all undergo rigorous testing as required by DOS, ASTM, PAS and IWA standards, ensuring that each of our Anti-Terrorism bollards is ready to provide real world protection, anywhere in the world.
Among these various K-ratings, there are also different types of bollards which offer specific advantages depending on use.
Fixed bollards are exactly what they sound like, and are made to provide permanent passive protection.
Removable bollards, again, live up to their name, offering high-level security with the added advantage of being manually removed from spaces where infrequent access may be required.
Semi-automatic bollards are manually lowered into the ground via a crank or drill, and provide a cost-effective alternative to automatic bollards, which can be lowered remotely via a number of methods (a key pad, a push-button, or even a cell phone). Both semi-automatic and automatic bollards offer unparalleled versatility and ease-of-use, but the added convenience of automatic bollards makes them a top choice for any security solution–from the most basic to the more advanced.
K-rated bollards, in addition to protecting the populus in city centres, also offer a small-footprint solution for diverting traffic while still granting passage for smaller vehicles. This application makes them ideal for government buildings and spaces. Anti-Terrorism bollards can prove to be a tremendous asset to the municipal, provincial, and federal government, with the aforementioned different types of bollards offering unique benefits to each.
Provincial government buildings are made safer by the presence of fixed Anti-Terrorism bollards, as the lining of bollards around a building’s perimeter guarantees it safety from a high-speed vehicular attack.
Municipal government spaces may take advantage of the increased safety fixed K-rated bollards provide, while also leveraging their use to divert traffic away from designated areas such as school courtyards.
Federal government sites may benefit from the presence of automatic bollards which can prevent or grant access to restricted, high-security areas while guaranteeing protection.
While each branch can benefit from different types of Anti-Terrorism bollards for unique reasons, the most advanced solutions may require a combination of each type.
When it comes to K-rated Anti-Terrorism bollards, there is a lot to know. Understanding which solution–or combination of multiple solutions–is right for your site may be easier said than done, which is why you can rest easy knowing that the experts at Ontario Bollards are on your team. Designing, sourcing, and installing all of our Anti-Terrorism solutions, Ontario Bollards are industry leaders in providing a turn-key experience.
Contact our experts today to learn more about how our K-rated bollard solutions can benefit your site, or request a quote for pricing details.
Whether you need bollards because of building or fire codes, the design of the building, traffic patterns, or safety concerns, you want to ensure you are getting the right product for your site requirements. From crash rated bollards to traffic pattern indicators, bollard design is critical in providing the ideal protection for your building. To find the right barrier for your project, our team at Ontario Bollards shares the following information.
Safety bollards are an excellent way to provide guidance for traffic flow, protection for pedestrian traffic, and an additional security measure for the building entry. However, despite their efficacy as visual and physical guides for vehicles, particularly in public venues, they are often overlooked.
When these robust, reinforced metal posts are placed in front of buildings or other outdoor spaces, it not only cues drivers where to go, but provides a safe space for pedestrian walkways and protects storefronts. Gate bollards can be used to seal off roads, bike paths, or walking trails, while parking bollards can prevent drivers from accidentally rolling too far past the parking spaces.
To select the right bollard for your needs, consider the following factors for your site:
The strongest bollards are steel pipe reinforced with concrete and installed in a concrete substrate. Collapsible or retractable bollards can allow vehicle access from specific directions while preventing access from others without removing them.
You may choose to install a permanent crash rated, high impact bollard to prevent vehicles from hitting pedestrians or damaging property. If you are using bollards to section off areas, a low impact bollard may be a better choice. For multi-use areas, consider removable bollards.
Regardless of the design and installation, there are many benefits to using bollards on your site:
Since bollards create not only a physical but also a visual barrier, it is essential to choose a supplier who offers options in the shape, size, design, and function while providing professional guidance on the appropriate decisions for the site and application.
Ontario Bollards has been an industry leader in asset protection, providing bollards in various materials, designs, and safety ratings for almost 40 years. Our goal is to find the balance of safety and aesthetics to optimize the experience for visitors to your site.
For more information on our capabilities, products, or projects, contact us today. To request a quote, submit via the online form.
Bollards are a common sight at the front of nearly any commercial building. Typically installed near entrances, these architectural structures protect pedestrians and buildings from damage caused by oncoming vehicles. They are available in numerous variations to suit different purposes, such as preventing cars from inadvertently ending up on the sidewalk, minimizing the risk of vehicles rubbing against buildings in drive-thrus, or stopping heavy-duty vehicles from ramming into high-security facilities. In applications where there is a high risk of vehicle impact, crash-rated bollards are generally installed. These bollards are commonly rated based on one of two crash rating systems: K-ratings or M-ratings.
The following article discusses the differences between these two bollard crash rating systems.
K-rating bollard standards were originally developed by the United States Department of State (DOS) in 1985 and later revised by the DOS and Department of Defense (DOD) in 2003. Bollards that complied with these standards needed to withstand impact from 15,000-pound payloads (approximately the size of a medium-duty truck) moving at 30, 40, or 50 mph, depending on the rating.
Following 9/11 and an increasing interest in developing technology to guard against criminal/terrorist attacks on buildings, the DOS updated these standards in 2003 to focus on the bollard’s effectiveness at stopping a moving vehicle (given that it is moving within its speed range) from passing the barrier.
Bollards with no certification have an unknown level of penetration resistance.
Following the widespread installation of K-rated bollards, the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) developed and introduced a more comprehensive bollard crash rating system that focused on a bollard’s ability to stop vehicle penetration through the barrier. This new system largely replaced the older K-rating system as it outlined speed and penetration ratings for a broader range of vehicles, including small passenger vehicles (2,430 lbs.), pickup trucks (5,070 lbs.), medium-duty trucks (15,000 lbs.), and heavy-duty vehicles (65,000 lbs.). However, many industry professionals continue to use the term “K-rating” when talking about barrier crash ratings for medium-duty trucks.
Bollards rated for medium-duty vehicles could receive M-ratings.
They could also be certified regardless of how far a vehicle travels past the barrier.
The revision of the rating standards and the replacement of old standards led to building designers and security experts putting more trust in the ability of M-rated bollards to resist high-speed, heavyweight impacts.
M-rated bollards—also commonly referred to as K-rated bollards—serve a critical role in anti-terrorism efforts. P1-certified bollards prevent 15,000 lbs. vehicles at a specific speed from penetrating the barrier beyond 36 inches, which helps minimize and/or eliminate the risk of injury to pedestrians and damage to buildings caused by oncoming cars and trucks. If you need K-rated bollards for your facility, Ontario Bollards has got you covered.
At Ontario Bollards, we specialize in supplying, installing, and servicing the equipment you need to protect people and assets at your facility. One of our core product offerings is anti-terrorism (K-rated) bollards. To learn more about our product and service offerings, contact us or request a quote today.