Guardrail MHE / PIT

Guardrail System (MHE / PIT)

Heavy Duty Steel Segregation Barrier for Warehouse and Industrial Environments

The Guardrail System (MHE / PIT) is a modular steel safety barrier designed to segregate pedestrian walkways from forklift, pallet truck and Low Level Order Picker (LLOP) traffic within warehouses, logistics centres and industrial facilities. In environments where material handling equipment operates close to structural infrastructure and pedestrian routes, effective segregation is essential to reduce collision risk and maintain safe operational flow.

This heavy-duty guardrail system provides a robust physical barrier that defines traffic routes while protecting structural columns, mezzanine supports and conveyor systems from low-level fork penetration, a common cause of damage within warehouse environments.

Manufactured from mild steel and finished in high visibility RAL 1023 yellow, the system delivers durable, long-term protection in demanding operational conditions.

Designed for Warehouse Segregation and Low-Level Impact Protection

In warehouse and logistics environments, forklifts and LLOPs frequently operate at low fork heights when manoeuvring pallets. This creates a risk of low-level fork penetration into columns, racking structures and mezzanine supports, which can result in structural damage and costly repairs.

The MHE / PIT Guardrail System has been specifically designed to address this risk by incorporating a heavy-duty lower rail capable of absorbing and deflecting low-level impacts.

Typical environments include:

• Warehouses and distribution centres
• Logistics and fulfilment hubs
• Manufacturing and assembly facilities
• Conveyor and automation areas
• Mezzanine-supported storage systems
• High traffic forklift operating zones

By protecting vulnerable infrastructure at ground level, the system helps reduce damage and maintain operational continuity.

Modular Barrier System for Flexible Installation

The guardrail system is designed as a modular solution, allowing installations to be tailored to suit specific site layouts and operational requirements.

Posts, rails and components can be configured to create:

• Straight segregation routes
• Corner and turning point protection
• Walkway boundaries
• Equipment exclusion zones
• Structural protection perimeters

The modular design allows the system to be adapted to both new installations and retrofit projects within existing facilities.

Low-Level Fork Protection Design

A key feature of the system is the heavy-duty lower rail, typically sized at 120 mm x 80 mm, which provides enhanced resistance to low-level fork impact. This rail is positioned to intercept forklift forks before they can contact structural elements.

The mid and top rails, typically 80 mm x 80 mm, provide additional structural integrity and visible segregation between pedestrian and vehicle zones.

This configuration ensures that the system delivers both:

• Impact protection at floor level
• Clear visual segregation at pedestrian height

Anti-Topple and Low-Level Variations

The Guardrail System (MHE / PIT) can be configured to meet specific site risks and operational requirements, including low-level variations and anti-topple designs.

Low-level configurations are available where protection is required specifically against fork penetration without full-height segregation. These are particularly useful in areas with restricted space or where visibility must be maintained.

Anti-topple variants can be specified for high-risk environments where there is potential for heavier vehicle contact. These configurations provide increased structural stability and resistance to impact forces, helping prevent barrier displacement or failure.

These customisation options allow the system to be adapted to:

• High impact forklift zones
• LLOP operating environments
• Narrow aisle layouts
• Mezzanine and conveyor protection areas
• High-risk infrastructure zones

Durable Steel Construction

The guardrail system is manufactured from mild steel, providing the strength and durability required for industrial environments. All components are finished in a powder-coated RAL 1023 yellow, ensuring high visibility while providing protection against corrosion and wear.

Material advantages include:

• Heavy-duty steel construction for impact resistance
• Durable powder-coated finish
• Long operational lifespan
• Suitable for demanding industrial environments

The system is designed to withstand repeated low-level impacts while maintaining structural integrity.

Impact Absorption and Floor Protection

Each upright post is fitted with impact-absorbing rubber pads, which help dissipate impact forces and reduce stress transferred to the floor fixings. This feature helps minimise damage to floor substrates and reduces long-term maintenance requirements.

Foam gaskets and baseplate pads further enhance performance by:

• Reducing debris build-up around baseplates
• Improving installation finish
• Supporting long-term durability

Height and Structural Configuration

The guardrail system is designed to provide effective segregation and protection at a height of 1100 mm, in line with BS 6180:2011 and EN 1991-1-1 (Eurocode 1).

For environments requiring additional vertical protection, the system can be fitted with de-stacker extensions, increasing the overall height to approximately 3000 mm. This allows the barrier to provide enhanced protection against higher vehicle loads or stacked goods.

Typical configuration includes:

• Steel posts spaced at approximately 1850 mm centres
• Three rail system (base, mid and top rail)
• Modular extension capability for increased height

Installation and System Components

The Guardrail System is supplied as a complete kit, including posts, rails and fixings required for installation.

Fixings include:

• M10 safety plus anchors for post installation
• M12 rail fixing components
• Nylon washers and nuts for secure assembly

The system is designed for efficient installation while maintaining secure and stable positioning within operational environments.

High Visibility Safety Design

Finished in RAL 1023 yellow, the guardrail system provides strong visual contrast within industrial environments. This high visibility design helps forklift operators and pedestrians clearly identify segregation zones and protected areas.

Custom colour options are available on request, allowing the system to be aligned with specific site requirements or branding guidelines.

Operational Benefits

Installing the MHE / PIT Guardrail System provides a range of practical benefits.

Protects structural infrastructure

Prevents damage to columns, mezzanines and conveyor supports.

Reduces low-level fork penetration risk

Heavy-duty lower rail intercepts forklift forks.

Improves pedestrian safety

Clearly separates pedestrian walkways from vehicle routes.

Supports LLOP operations

Designed for environments where low-level order pickers operate.

Customisable system design

Adaptable to site-specific risks with anti-topple and low-level options.

Durable industrial construction

Steel system provides long-term reliability.

Improves traffic management

Defines routes and supports structured warehouse layouts.

Typical Applications

The Guardrail System (MHE / PIT) is commonly installed in environments where both pedestrian segregation and infrastructure protection are required.

Typical installations include:

• Warehouse pedestrian walkways
• LLOP operating zones
• Mezzanine support protection
• Conveyor system protection areas
• Forklift traffic routes
• Loading bay approach zones
• Industrial production facilities
• Logistics centre infrastructure protection

Summary

The Guardrail System (MHE / PIT) is a heavy-duty modular steel barrier designed to provide effective segregation between pedestrians and material handling equipment while protecting critical infrastructure from low-level fork impact. With its robust construction, high visibility finish and configurable design, the system is particularly suited to warehouse environments where forklifts and LLOPs operate. The inclusion of low-level protection, anti-topple configurations and modular flexibility allows the system to be tailored to specific site requirements, making it a reliable solution for improving safety, reducing damage and supporting efficient industrial operations.