INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT on the Seton EasyExtend Retractable Barrier System
As working practices, legislation and technology evolve, it is crucial to have the very best safety equipment available to keep your workforce safe. When designing our latest innovation, the Seton EasyExtend Retractable Barrier System, we conducted a focus group to discover what our customers wanted from a retractable barrier. Our innovation team then set to work to ensure the EasyExtend barrier met all the needs of our customers.
Here are the five most important features our customers wanted in a retractable barrier system…
1. Easy to store
Our customers pointed out that retractable barriers can often be impractical and difficult to store. This means they are not always available at the point of need or have to be stored in undesirable locations, making the workplace look untidy.
EasyExtend solution: The modular system allows all components of the post and base, plus up to two head units, to be stored within the base unit. Up to five units can be stacked neatly to use minimal storage space. This is a patented feature of the EasyExtend barrier. The compact design means it can be stored close to the point of need for quick and easy deployment.
2. Easy to transport
According to our customers, retractable barriers are often bulky and difficult to carry, especially when trying to transport various components for multiple posts. This can result in additional trips for the user and causes an unnecessary delay in constructing the barrier around a hazard.
EasyExtend solution: The base component has two integrated handles to allow the user to easily lift and carry the complete unit in one hand. This feature saves a considerable amount of time and effort.
3. Difficult to bypass
Our customers wanted a retractable barrier that pedestrians could not pass under easily to help deter unauthorised access.
EasyExtend solution: We developed the modular post and base system so that two head units can be used on each post, creating a dual tape configuration. This allows our customers to implement a more imposing system and deter pedestrians from bypassing the barrier.
4. Stable in all conditions
Our customers wanted a stable, robust barrier that could withstand extreme weather, strong winds and tough, industrial environments. A single user should also be able to extend the entire length of the tape without the unit toppling over.
EasyExtend solution: We included an integrated dry weight component in the base. This gives a total manageable unit weight of 5.75k to ensure the unit will stay upright under relatively high force.
5. Easy to fill and empty
For additional stability in strong winds, it was important for our customers to be able to fill and empty the unit easily using sand or water.
EasyExtend solution: Because of the dry weight, water or sand only needs to be used in high wind situations. However, if the need arises, the EasyExtend has been designed with a durable screw-on cap so customers can fill and empty with ease.
Our Expert Says
‟ You can now set up a temporary barrier quickly, safely, and effortlessly with EasyExtend. We know that not every job is the same, that’s why we’ve created a modular solution so you can use the barrier to suit your exact needs.”
Alex Hinton – Innovations Manager