Testing of Car Park Barriers to BS 6180

Deflection of a car park barrier under a test load

Verifying adequacy of car park perimeter crash barrier

Failure of inadequate barriers has resulted in cars falling from car parks. Barriers should be designed and installed in accordance with the requirements of BS 6180:1999 ‘Code of Practice for Barriers in and about Buildings'.

The only means of ensuring that all components of an installed barrier work together to achieve the required performance is to conduct in-situ testing on the completed system. Test requirements are specified in BS 6180.

Depending upon the barrier type, test loads of up to 150kN per 1.5m run may be required. These high loads require purpose built equipment for loading and monitoring of deflection.

Fixing bolts for barrier systems can also be tested independently prior to the installation of a new or refurbished barrier.