If you run a venue space or any type of area that has heavy transit, like subway or train stations, amusement parks, or museums, you know how important a barrier system is for everyone’s safety and for the sake of order. Museum barriers, outdoor restaurant barriers, and site safety barriers are all examples of how a barrier system can be used for diverse purposes among many different types of venues. Although many people complain about waiting in line (almost 90% of people said they’ve given up waiting in line after a significant amount of time and simply left), lines seem to be a fact of life, supported by some sort of barrier system.
Why Is A Barrier System A Good Idea?
A barrier system controls the flow of energy into specific paths and channels. People are taught to stay in line and follow the line, and it keep chaos from spreading. A barrier system can also be an extra safety measure to protect both the public and the people associated with the venue or event occurring.
Where Is A Barrier System Typically Used?
You can generally see a barrier system in place wherever there are lines. For example, at a sporting event, where there can be at least 70,000 avid fans or more, crowd control barriers are vital to keep everyone safe. Some sporting events have also been known to get heated, and crowd control equipment put in place by a barrier system can help reduce or eliminate brawls. Another time a barrier system is often seen is during big holidays in cities, like the ball dropping in Times Square for New Year’s Eve or the Macy’s Day parade around Thanksgiving. This keeps accidents from happening (say, a child running out into the street) and allows safety personnel to screen visitors for potentially dangerous materials in or around their person. A barrier system creates an orderly flow and channels the energy into certain paths, although to the people it’s controlling, the line can often feel excruciatingly long.
What Kind of Barrier Systems Are There?
As you would expect, there’s a different kind of barrier system for different needs. For example, at a fancier event, you may see a more sophisticated barrier system, such as velvet ropes attached to poles (stanchions) that keep celebrities separated from fans or visitors. Such a barrier system is also often seen at museums or art galleries to keep the art or materials protected. A thicker metal barrier system may be used at larger public events where people are more apt to test the barriers, like sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment venues. A much simpler barrier system are those used by restaurants, especially those with outdoor seating. Such a barrier system often provides a little privacy from the foot traffic and gives the diner a more closed-in feel.
Although Americans spend about two years of their life waiting in lines restricted by a barrier system, remember that the barrier system is there for your protection and for efficiency. Ideally, a barrier system will allow a line to flow more quickly and easily and without any disruption or harm to the people involved.