Are Bollards Required By Code
It’s common to see bollards in front of shopping centers, retail stores, hospitals, and airport loading zones. These barriers also play an essential role in parking lots and garages. Knowing whether bollards are required by code — and what standards to follow — is important for contractors and building owners alike.
What Are the Code Requirements for Bollards?
A bollard is a sturdy post that helps to protect structures from physical damage, prevent vehicles from entering off-limits areas, keep pedestrians safe, and control the flow of traffic. Code requirements for bollards generally revolve around size, design, placement, and impact resistance:
- Spacing of 3 to 5 feet between bollards
- Posts at least 3 feet above the ground
- Concrete-filled steel construction
- Minimum diameter of 4 inches
On one hand, bollards need to allow pedestrians, bikes, or authorized personnel to transit smoothly. At the same time, defensive barriers have to be strong and positioned strategically to keep motor vehicles out.
Are Bollards Required By Code?
Some national building codes mention protective barriers such as bollards, but mainly for fire or electrical applications.
National Electrical Code Requirements
NEC building codes require defensive barriers when electrical equipment is at risk of vehicular impacts. For example, NEC 110.27 (B) requires guards or enclosures for locations where physical damage is likely, such as pad-mounted transformers in parking lots.
International Fire Code
IFC standards impact the construction of bollards and guard posts near fire hazards. According to IFC 312.2, defensive barriers must be at least 3 feet deep and have concrete footings that measure at least 15 inches around.
National Fire Protection Association Requirements
Section 6.27.3.14 of the NFPA 58 Liquified Petroleum Gas Code specifies vehicular barrier protection when LP gas dispensers are located close to parking lots, roads, or highways. This section contains requirements for the spacing, depth, height, and location of bollards.
Department of Defense Unified Facilities Criteria
Military and Department of Defense contractors must follow the UFC system for construction projects. UFC 4-010-01 “DOD Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings” outlines defensive measures, minimum standards, site design considerations, and test ratings. As a critical line of defense against bomb tactics and other types of domestic terrorism, bollards must be capable of absorbing the kinetic force of moving vehicles.
UFC 4-022-02 “Selection and Application of Vehicle Barriers” details the construction of DoD-approved bollards for passive barriers. Anti-ram bollards must have a minimum outside diameter of 8 inches, extend at least 3 feet above ground, and be at least 7 feet long.
Americans With Disabilities Act
Part 206.8 “Security Barriers” of the Americans with Disabilities Act outlines requirements for the placement of security barriers, including bollards. ADA building codes prohibit placing bollards in a way that blocks wheelchair access. This means leaving enough space between bollards, usually 3 or 4 feet.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration Requirements
In 29 CFR Part 1926 “Safety and Health Regulations for Construction,” OSHA requires the installation of appropriate barriers to keep unauthorized workers and employees from accessing hazardous areas. Temporary bollards can keep employees away from live electricity, asbestos, falling objects, and heavy machinery. Bollards can also protect construction workers from vehicular traffic, forklifts, and other dangers.
State and Municipal Building Codes
Many states, counties, and cities include specifications for bollards and other protective barriers in locations where vehicle traffic is expected. Some municipal building codes actively require vehicle barriers. Others merely outline the minimum standards bollards have to meet.
For example, the New York Department of Transportation Highway Design Manual offers guidance for selecting and installing bollards. The code differentiates between conventional bollards for pedestrian protection and high-security bollards for building protection applications.
In Orange County, California, child care centers near roadways must have bollards or other appropriate vehicle impact protection devices. The minimum spacing is 48 inches and the maximum 56 inches.
Will a Bollard Stop a Car?
When properly designed and installed, security bollards are capable of stopping cars and trucks. It’s necessary to choose bollards that meet appropriate ASTM crash ratings for the unique application, ASTM 2656 for high-security bollards and ASTM F3016 for low-speed barriers.
ASTM code requirements determine how much force a bollard can absorb. The M50 rating is tested for a 15,000-pound vehicle going 50 mph, and the M30 rating is designed for 30-mph impacts. High-security bollards with a P1 rating can prevent vehicles from traveling more than three feet after impact.
What Are the Bollard Code Requirements for Your Project?
There are many types and configurations of bollards, including hydraulic, manual, and pneumatic variants. To select the right product, you need to consider municipal code requirements for bollards, safety specifications, usage plans, and vehicle traffic. At Delta Scientific, we’re experts in M30- and M50 high-security bollards. Contact us for more information today.
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