Back in my time, we could use phrases like “dumb as a post,” and people were not offended, and they clearly understood what you were trying to convey. I often think back to that statement when I think about bollards—such a simple, effective means to protect critical assets when designed and installed PROPERLY. Many seem to struggle with the design and install properly aspects!
One of, if not the most common, failures we find when we come across the use of bollards is their placement distance from the object they intend to protect. Take this recent picture posted by Riverside County Department of Environmental Health Hazardous Materials Branch (HMMB) on their RMP page…
Do you notice the issue? Here are the design requirements for bollards from its RAGAGEP: (answer highlighted by me)
Posts. Guard posts shall comply with all of the following requirements:
1. Constructed of steel not less than 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter and concrete filled.
2. Spaced not more than 4 feet (1219 mm) between posts on center.
3. Set not less than 3 feet (914 mm) deep in a concrete footing of not less than a 15-inch (381 mm) diameter.
4. Set with the top of the posts not less than 3 feet (914 mm) above ground.
5. Located not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the protected object.
To learn more about vehicle protection using bollards or an approved alternative, please read the following posts:
- First 2021 BLEVE event – LPG 1,000-gallon Tank
- When bollards fail!
- Fueling stations, bollards and fake bollards
- When bollards look good, but fail miserably
- Vehicle Impact Protection Alternative to Bollards – Curb Barrier Protection Model
- Ever seen an “unemployable bollard”
- When BOLLARDS work! (Video)
- Is a bollard just a post?
- LPG Cylinder Exchange “Cage” and Vehicular Barrier Protection (VBP
- EPA issues RMP citations @ gas processing plant (NH3, SO2, C₄H₁₀, H2 & $174K)
- Is the “maintenance bay” on a new winder machine a PRCS
- First 2021 BLEVE event – LPG 1,000-gallon Tank
- Liquid Nitrogen and the IFC (Part I)
- Compressed Gas Cylinders, OSHA and your AHJ with the IFC
- When inches matter in our design basis
- Flammable Liquids and Piping Design (IFC 2018)
- Protecting your fire hydrants and connections per “code
- Flammable Liquid Piping, it’s supports and fire protection
- 2017 Video of the Week #38 (that barricade tape was there for a reason)
- Even underground HAZMAT tanks need VEHICLE PROTECTION
- Is your plant speed limit based on engineering or a whim
- Consider the assumptions made during a PHA Facility Siting Assessment (Pipe Bridges)
- EPA RMP GDC Citations @ Cold Storage (NH3 $108K w/ SEP of $205K)
- (UPDATED on 2/16) 2014 Photo of the Week #04 (Process Safety)
- Vehicle impact protection for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) exchange cages