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How Do Boom Gates Work

How do Boom Gates Work? A Practical Guide to Traffic Safety

Let’s analyze how boom gates work as a method of traffic control barriers and explore how much they cost when considering implementation in warehouse, factory distribution centre, logistics and other industrial workplace environments.

Boom gates are frequently seen in parking lots, toll stations, and industrial sites, yet their function extends beyond just restricting entry.

One of the most effective solutions is an industrial boom gate, a simple yet powerful barrier that regulates vehicle access in high-risk environments.

This guide covers how boom gates work, the different types of boom gates, along with the key costing considerations involved when you are looking to implement them in your industrial workplace environment.

Here’s what you need to know!

What is a Boom Gate?

A boom gate features a lengthy arm connected to a swiveling base. The arm is counterweighted, allowing an operator to effortlessly raise and lower it as required.

Upon a vehicle’s arrival, an authorised operator lifts the arm to allow passage, then lowers it to prevent further entry.

The key features of a Boom Gate

Boom gates are designed to endure tough industrial settings and frequent use. Notable features include:

  • Heavy-duty construction
  • Counterbalanced arm
  • Lockable mechanisms
  • Weather-resistant coating
  • And so forth

The features of these boom gates ensure they are dependable, require minimal upkeep, and are perfect for use in industrial and commercial environments.

They are frequently installed alongside other traffic control measures like bollards, speed humps, and line markings to maintain a secure and orderly worksite.

How do Boom Gates work?

A boom gate works using a straightforward but efficient mechanical system, enabling an operator to manually manage vehicle entry.

The Boom Gate design guarantees seamless operation while offering a robust and noticeable barrier that improves safety in the workplace.

How to operate a Boom Gate

A boom gate features a lengthy horizontal arm connected to a pivoting base. The arm is counterweighted with a weighted system, minimising the effort required to raise and lower it. This design ensures that even a substantial, heavy-duty gate can be operated effortlessly.

As a vehicle nears, an authorised individual raises the arm to permit entry. After the vehicle has passed through, the arm is lowered back to its original position, once again restricting access. Certain boom gates are equipped with a locking mechanism to secure the barrier when closed.

Boom Gates In Industrial Settings

Industrial Boom Gates are designed to endure tough environmental conditions.

They are made from robust materials like galvanized steel or powder-coated aluminum, which offer resistance to corrosion, impact, and prolonged exposure to the elements.

This durability makes Industrial Boom Gates the ideal option for locations such as ports, mining sites, warehouses, factories, and construction areas where reliability is crucial.

Integration with other traffic management systems

Although boom gates function effectively as independent barriers, they are frequently combined with other traffic management solutions to enhance safety and efficiency. Common combinations include:

  1. Bollards and barriers – Employed to safeguard pedestrian zones and strengthen restricted areas.
  2. Line marking and signage – Assists in directing traffic and clearly marking restricted access points.
  3. Security fencing – Offers additional access control in high-security locations.

By integrating boom gates with other safety measures, businesses can establish a comprehensive traffic management system that boosts both security and operational efficiency on-site.

Loading Dock Boom Gate

Where are Boom Gates Used

Boom Gates have the functional capacity to be used in a wide range of commercial, public and industrial settings.

Boom Gates can be commonly found in workplaces such as the following:

  1. Warehouse and distribution centers – Controls vehicle entry and exit to prevent congestion.
  2. Construction sites – Restricts access to workers and approved vehicles only.
  3. Manufacturing plants – Helps manage forklift and truck movement safely.
  4. Mining and remote work sites – Provides a reliable access control solution without the need for power.
  5. Transport depots and ports – Regulates truck and delivery vehicle access.

What are the different types of Boom Gates

Whilst you might imagine Boom Gates as a simple post, boom arm, and receiver system, there are a variety of Boom Gate systems that are designed to suit different workplace needs and applications.

Boom gates come in different designs to suit various site requirements. The most common types include:

  1. Manual Boom Gates – Manual Boom Gates whether their lifting system is spring or strut-assisted, are popular in workplace environments such as loading docks or areas of limited vehicle access in factories, breweries, warehouses, and distribution centres. When the area is in operation the boom arm can be easily released and raised by one person.
  2. Telescopic Boom Gates – Telescopic Boom Gates are a strut assisted light boom gate system designed for applications where there is a restricted overhead space to accommodate a fixed length boom, or insufficient room for a swing gate. The telescopic boom can be locked off at a fixed length if the available height allows or retracted as the boom is raised.
  3. Mezzanine Roll-Over Gate – The Mezzanine Roll-Over Gate is the ideal solution to ensure the safe loading and unloading of pallets on loading docks and mezzanine levels. This roll-over gate helps workplaces ensure their workers don’t fall from elevated surfaces.
  4. Mezzanine Boom Gate – A versatile and reliable safety solution for managing access to elevated work platforms mezzanines, and other restricted areas. Built to withstand rigorous use in industrial and commercial environments, the assembly is constructed from durable materials that guarantee long-lasting performance and stability.
Boom Gate Australia

How Much Does a Boom Gate Cost?

When considering the implementation of boom gates, it’s essential to account for both the initial investment and long-term costs. Factors to consider include:

  • Material quality (e.g., galvanized steel or aluminum)
  • Customization based on site requirements
  • Integration with other traffic control measures
  • Maintenance (e.g., weatherproof coatings or mechanical parts)

Although the upfront cost may vary, boom gates provide long-term benefits in terms of safety, security, and operational efficiency, making them a cost-effective solution for industrial environments.

At Traffic Safety Systems, costs vary depending on the application for your desired boom gate.

Firstly, the Strut Assisted Dock-Safe Manual Boom Gate starts at $2,550.90 AUD (Inc. GST) ideal for loading dock applications in warehouses, factories, and distribution centres.

Next we have the Mezzanine Roll-Over Gate starting at $3,362.70 AUD (Inc. GST) for the safe loading and unloading of pallets of loading docks.

Another great choice is the Mezzanine Double Boom Gate from $3,920.40 AUD (Inc. GST) to provide secure access control for mezzanine floors, elevated platforms, and restricted areas.

Need help finding the perfect boom gate for your workplace? Contact Traffic Safety Systems Today!

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Final Word: Boom Gates For Industrial Safety

Boom gates are a simple yet highly effective solution for managing vehicle access and improving workplace safety.

Here’s why they’re an excellent choice:

🚧 Ideal for controlling entry to warehouses, construction sites, and transport depots

🚗 Help regulate traffic flow and prevent unauthorized access

🛑 Reduce the risk of accidents and improve overall safety

Boom gates offer an easy, reliable way to ensure a safer and more efficient worksite.

By implementing boom gates, businesses can boost both security and productivity while minimising the risk of accidents and unauthorized access.

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