In today’s fast-paced industrial world, protecting your facility’s assets is more than a priority—it’s a necessity. With advancements in materials technology, selecting the right protective system can mean the difference between seamless operations and costly downtime. So, how do you choose between steel, plastics, and nylon? Let’s break it down.

Why Does Material Matter?

The evolution of materials has transformed protective systems. Lighter metals and stronger plastics now offer a range of options, but your choice should hinge on traffic levels, past damage incidents, and budget constraints.

Steel vs. Plastics vs. Nylon: What’s the Difference?

• Steel: The gold standard for strength and durability, perfect for high-impact areas and heavy equipment movement.
• Plastics and Nylon: Flexible and impact-resistant, ideal for lighter applications and environments where corrosion resistance is crucial.

When is One Material Better Than Another?

• Loading Docks: A blend of steel and plastic offers rigidity and flexibility for door protection, forklift runoff, and fall protection.
• Mesh/Nylon Barriers: Lightweight and easy to handle but prone to sagging, which can hinder OSHA compliance. Combining steel and fiberglass solves this problem.
• High-Traffic Zones: Steel excels in areas with heavy machinery, while plastics shine where chemical resistance and lighter weight are top of mind.

APS’s Material Arsenal

APS leverages various steel gauges and high-strength plastics like ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Thanks to APS’s Aftermarket Division, customized solutions are tailored to meet your facility’s unique needs.

Managing Traffic Flow for Maximum Safety

Gone are the days when painted lines were enough to separate pedestrians from vehicles. As business speeds up, so do the hazards. Work with EHS/EWS personnel to identify high-traffic zones and implement protective systems in areas like:

• Pedestrian walkways
• Forklift paths
• Loading and unloading zones
• Blind spots

Structural Protection: When and Where?

The old saying “if it can be hit, it will be hit” couldn’t be more accurate. Safeguard critical assets like door tracks, structural columns, racking systems, and charging stations with:

• Bollards
• Guardrails
• Column protectors
• Machine guards

Visual Communication: The Next Level of Safety

Yellow steel is often enough, but facilities looking to enhance their communication with signaling and lighting have come to APS for other options. Enter APS&GO 2.0 and Impact-A-Track LED, which help provide clear visual cues to prevent early truck departures and hazardous interactions. Additional lighting in obstructed areas further boosts safety.

Spotting the Need for Additional Protection

EHS/EWS professionals should prioritize areas where vehicle and pedestrian traffic intersect. Keep an eye on:

• Workstations near traffic flow
• Loading docks
• High-speed doorways
• Equipment charging stations

Regular audits and employee feedback are key to identifying potential hazards before incidents occur.

APS Protective Systems: Comprehensive Solutions

From safeguarding personnel to protecting your building, APS offers:

• Sentry Rail for pedestrian and asset protection
• Sentry Rail LT for fall prevention
• Goal Posts for high-speed door reinforcement
• Track Guards for shielding door tracks
• Dock Impact Barriers for forklift runoff control and fall prevention
• Machine Guards for equipment and charging station safety
• Column Protection for structural integrity
• Drainpipe Protectors for additional reinforcement
• Fork Sentry for wall and asset defense
• Bollards for personnel and asset safety
• Rack Guards to prevent racking system collapse
• Custom-fabricated steel for corners, building, and asset protection

The APS Advantage

Choosing the right protective system means safeguarding your facility’s operations, protecting your workforce, and avoiding costly downtime. With APS’s extensive range of products and expertise, you can create a safer, more efficient environment. Contact APS today to assess your facility’s needs and implement tailored solutions that ensure long-term safety and productivity.

Ready to Enhance Your Facility’s Safety?

Visit APS Protective Systems to explore our full range of protective solutions and get in touch with our experts at 262-518-1000 or info@apsresource.com.