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The safety of workers, vehicles, and equipment is one of the most important considerations for any mine site or resource facility. Barrier systems play a critical role in providing this protection, helping companies maintain smooth, continuous operations while ensuring compliance with the industry's strict workplace health and safety (WHS) standards. But with both fixed and mobile barriers available, how do you choose the right safety barrier system for your site?
Mobile barriers offer flexibility and ease of deployment for environments that require regularly shifting safety zones, such as mining operations or frequently reconfigured RFM (Resource Facility Management) sites. Fixed barriers, on the other hand, provide long-term security and durability, making them ideal for permanent high-risk zones where safety must be reinforced continuously.
At Backsafe Australia, we provide a wide range of safety barrier systems that reduce the risk of workplace accidents and protect equipment or products. Every business is different, so we focus on offering custom solutions that help our clients streamline their operational processes, improve safety, and bring in cost-effective results.
In this article, we’ll provide a side-by-side comparison of mobile vs. fixed barrier systems, exploring their pros, cons, and ideal use cases to help you determine which solution best suits your worksite.
Understanding Mobile and Fixed Barrier Systems
Mobile Barrier Systems: The Flexible Safety Solution
Mobile barriers are the trusted safety solution when you need more than traffic cones and bright yellow stripes. These lightweight, portable, and retractable safety solutions can be easily repositioned to accommodate changing worksite layouts. These expanding barriers are commonly used in environments where hazards frequently shift, such as mining sites, maintenance areas, or logistics hubs. Options like the retractable belt barrier provide a highly visible and flexible way to secure restricted zones, ensuring worker safety while maintaining efficient site operations.
Pros of Mobile Barrier Systems
✔ Quick Deployment & Reconfiguration – Ideal for temporary hazards, mobile barriers can be set up and removed within minutes.
✔ Cost-Effective – Since they don’t require permanent installation, mobile barriers reduce upfront costs and allow companies to allocate budgets more efficiently.
✔ Adaptability – Perfect for frequent reconfiguration, especially in mining and RFM environments where site layouts change due to new projects, shifting excavation zones, or rotating stock areas.
✔ Improved Workflow Efficiency – Allows personnel and machinery to move safely while ensuring hazard zones remain clearly marked.
✔ Lightweight & Easy to Store – Many mobile barriers are foldable, retractable, or stackable, making them easy to transport and store when not in use.
Cons of Mobile Barrier Systems
✘ Less Durable – While effective for short-term use, mobile barriers are typically not as strong as fixed systems, meaning they offer limited protection against high-impact collisions.
✘ Prone to Misplacement – Mobile barriers need to be properly managed to avoid them being moved unintentionally or left in incorrect positions.
✘ Not Suitable for All Environments – In extremely harsh conditions (e.g., high winds, unstable terrain), mobile barriers may not provide the level of stability needed for long-term safety zones.
Best Use Cases for Mobile Barriers
- Mining Maintenance & Shutdowns – Mark off areas where maintenance is in progress, keeping personnel safe while equipment is being serviced.
- Dynamic Work Zones – Areas where excavation, blasting, or drilling locations change regularly.
- Temporary Hazard Zones – Spill sites, fallen debris areas, or short-term restricted access locations.
- Warehouse & RFM Operations – Facilities that need temporary pedestrian walkways, stock protection, or forklift exclusion zones.
Common Types of Mobile Safety Barriers
Mobile Expandable Barriers
Our expanding crowd control barriers can be freestanding or mobile on castors.
Features include:
- A mobile retractable safety barrier that's mounted on 6 lockable castors for mobility
- Strong but lightweight for easy transport and storage
- Constructed with metal posts and aluminium struts for durability
- 1050mm High for effective delineation
- Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use
- Folds down to a small footprint for storage
- Opens out to a maximum length of 6m; folds down to 625mm
The Lemur: Mobile Barrier Stand and Retractable Tape Reels
MOBILE BARRIER STAND
With The Lemur, you can easily create safety buffers, safe zones, isolation areas, exclusion zones, pedestrian safety paths and more in a matter of minutes. No tools or installation required. Just wheel out The Lemur, reel out your safety tape and relax.
Designed and manufactured to perform in harsh weather environments, The Lemur will stand up to wild weather and heavy handling. It holds heavy-duty safety tape reels with ease, saving you the installation time, money and the hassle of fixed reels.
RETRACTABLE SAFETY TAPE REEL
A go-to, Australian-made solution for creating safety boundaries, barriers or exclusion zones to keep people safe. Loading and unloading vehicles. Entrances to factories. Working machinery. Spillages or securing unsafe areas. A brilliant portable solution to practically any demarcation challenge.
The Retractable Safety Tape Reel is supplied on its own, with the option of teaming it with The Lemur: Mobile Barrier Stand for Retractable Tape Reels to create the ultimate safety combo. You can bolt this safety reel to existing bollards using The Boa bracket for a static barrier solution using your existing bollard.
Fixed Barrier Systems: The Permanent Safety Solution
Fixed barriers are permanently installed safety structures, including bollards, guardrails, and fencing, designed to withstand harsh environments and high-impact forces. They are best suited for high-risk areas that require constant protection. Hazardous areas, public access, pedestrian control,
Pros of Fixed Barrier Systems
✔ Maximum Protection & Durability – Fixed barriers are built to withstand extreme weather, high-impact collisions, and long-term wear.
✔ Clear, Consistent Safety Zones – Unlike mobile barriers, fixed systems cannot be moved, ensuring safety zones remain consistently defined and enforced.
✔ Ideal for Heavy-Duty Worksites – Perfect for permanent high-risk areas, such as mine entrances, fuel storage sites, and heavy vehicle routes.
✔ Enhances Compliance with Safety Regulations – Helps businesses meet WHS standards for high-risk zones that require permanent physical barriers.
✔ Customizable & Scalable – Available in various heights, materials, and configurations to match specific safety needs.
Cons of Fixed Barrier Systems
✘ Higher Initial Investment – The cost of installation is higher compared to mobile barriers, but they provide long-term value.
✘ Inflexibility – Once installed, fixed barriers cannot be easily moved to accommodate changing site layouts.
✘ Potential Workflow Limitations – If not planned properly, fixed barriers can hinder site accessibility, requiring additional routes for workers and vehicles.
Best Use Cases for Fixed Barriers
- Mine Site Entrances & Perimeters – Prevent unauthorised entry and protect workers from vehicle impact zones.
- Fuel Storage & Chemical Areas – Secure high-risk locations that require permanent hazard demarcation.
- Heavy Machinery Operating Zones – Separate pedestrian walkways from high-risk machinery areas.
- Loading Docks & Warehouses – Protect stock, racking, and infrastructure from vehicle damage.
- Permanent Pedestrian Pathways – Clearly define safe walking routes in high-traffic areas.
Common Types of Fixed Safety Barriers
Concrete Base Safety Barriers
Heavy-duty Portable Concrete Base Safety Barriers with gates are designed for optimal safety and visibility in mining environments. This product provides a robust solution for delineation and offers exceptional durability and performance in demanding industrial settings.
Verge Safety Barriers
Perfect for creating separate pedestrian and work vehicle pathways. A great way to prevent injuries in warehouses and high-traffic workplaces.
De-Fence Panel System
The ‘De-fence’ panel system has numerous applications both indoors and outdoors, including segregating pedestrians from moving equipment such as forklifts and providing a safety guard for active machinery.
Making the Right Choice: Mobile or Fixed?
If your worksite requires constant reconfiguration and temporary hazard demarcation, mobile barriers are the best choice. However, if you need permanent protection for high-risk zones, fixed barriers provide superior safety and compliance.
Why Choose Backsafe Australia for Your Safety Barriers?
At Backsafe Australia, we understand that no two work sites are the same. That’s why we offer a wide range of mobile and fixed barrier systems, designed to enhance safety, streamline workflows, and protect your workforce.
Our comprehensive range of safety barriers includes everything from posts and tape to traffic bollards. Where appropriate, they are designed to be highly visible with bright colours and reflective strips to act as a warning system and to prevent accidents.
We have a variety of safety barriers that can be used temporarily or in the long term.
Backsafe Australia: Safety Barrier Leaders
✔ Industry Leaders in WHS Solutions – Decades of experience delivering custom safety solutions for mining, RFM, and industrial facilities.
✔ Customizable Barrier Systems – Tailored options for fixed bollards, guardrails, retractable barriers, and modular safety solutions.
✔ High-Quality, Durable Materials – Designed for harsh site conditions, ensuring long-term safety and compliance.
✔ Expert Consultation & Support – Our safety experts help identify the best barrier solutions for your specific needs.
Breaking Down the Barriers for a Safer Work Site
When you're selecting between mobile and fixed barrier systems, it's important to weigh up the pros and cons of each and match them up against the operational and safety demands of your worksite.
Mobile barriers offer flexibility and ease of deployment, making them ideal for temporary hazards and frequently changing layouts. Fixed barriers, on the other hand, provide long-term protection for high-risk areas, ensuring permanent safety compliance.
At Backsafe Australia, we help businesses make the right choice with industry-leading safety, storage, and productivity solutions. Whether you need mobile barriers for dynamic worksites or fixed safety systems for long-term hazard protection, we have the expertise and products to transform your site safety.
Explore our range of safety solutions today at Backsafe Australia and take the next step in improving your site’s safety, workflow, and productivity.
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