Case Studies
Guiding the Way at Port Nelson
We all know ports are no place for wandering pedestrians. With forklifts, containers, and heavy vehicles moving constantly, there is nothing quite like a bright yellow reminder showing where to walk and where to stay alert as a pedestrian. Port Nelson identified this challenge in a specific zone. While drivers and staff are well trained, there is always added value in clearly defined pedestrian walkways across site. Our Hand Rail system provides the ideal balance of traffic management and visibility. Designed for all-weather conditions, including stormy ports and salt spray environments, it offers reliable hand support along walkways. It can also be integrated with our Barrier system for added strength where required, or combined with Personnel Gates to support safe and efficient pedestrian flow. If you have zones, stairs, mezzanines, or other areas on site that could benefit from improved pedestrian protection, get in touch with our team to find a modular Hand Rail system that suits your site.
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Driving Safer Solutions for Port of Auckland
When New Zealand’s largest import port is building a five-storey car park, it requires a bespoke barrier solution. That’s where our custom manufacturing abilities, decades of experience, and commitment to safety come together to create one of our largest projects to date. The Tru-Gard Solution: Port management requested a custom-designed version of our standard Tru-Gard Barrier system, with 1100mmH support posts coated with a special XR coating system and finished in ‘safety yellow’ to match the rails. Every post is secured to the concrete with a 5-bolt footprint for maximum strength and stability. The top hand rail was specially designed with a square profile for easy attachment directly onto the support posts. Similarly, a lower guardrail of the same profile was added underneath the main barrier to ensure full safety for pedestrians, preventing accidental slipping through the gap and falling out of the building. This carpark building is located centrally in Auckland where both the main port and the city’s CBD come together within highly-populated proximity. Great effort has been put into making the building as attractive as possible in its setting, including a wonderful light show by night. It is an architectural sight to behold while also being one of the safest multi-story buildings in the city. __ __
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Protecting Port Otago Pedestrians
Take one busy port terminal, combine it with thousands of port staff, seafaring workers, cruise ship passengers, and other visitors, and you have a recipe for a high-risk area. Port Otago’s shipyard is a constant hive of activity, with traffic flowing throughout the day, heavy machinery moving shipping containers, and plenty of people on foot. The risks to both people and property are significant. Clearly defined walkways can mean the difference between safely navigating the area and a serious incident. The Tru-Gard Solution: We partnered with the Port Otago management team to design and install a Tru-Gard Hand Rail system in their high-traffic pedestrian zones, including the port entranceway, office areas, and cruise ship terminal. Before the project, pedestrians struggled to identify safe pathways. Now, clearly marked spaces ensure that those on foot can navigate the area safely and confidently. It was essential for us to address the specific risks identified by Port Otago—whether for their staff or international visitors. The solution needed to provide unmistakable guidance for pedestrians, while also ensuring a clear separation from moving vehicles. Our Tru-Gard Hand Rail system met these requirements, creating a safer environment for everyone using the space. Designed for New Zealand’s unique conditions, our multi-purpose, heavy-duty system is built to withstand the wild, windy, salt-laden weather that can batter southern ports. The Tru-Gard Hand Rail is highly configurable, making it an ideal safety solution for diverse settings—from busy shipyards to sports grounds, factories to freight operations, and everything in between. If you’d like to learn more about how our products can make your workplace safer, contact us today.
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Turning Port Otago’s Carpark into a Safety Stronghold
When Port Otago needed additional protection for both pedestrians and vehicles in their new carpark, they knew just who to call. As part of a significant upgrade to surrounding land and infrastructure, including the construction of a newly built company carpark, Port Otago sought safety solutions for a variety of applications. The carpark, which spans different levels and is adjacent to a busy road with a high volume of heavy transport traffic, posed unique safety challenges. The existing combination of concrete walls and steel fencing simply didn’t feel secure enough. Working closely with Port Otago’s management team, we designed a tailored safety system that incorporated Tru-Gard bollards, hand rails, and barriers, providing an extra layer of safety for both pedestrians and vehicles. These solutions were strategically positioned to protect vulnerable areas and direct traffic safely, enhancing the overall safety of the site. Bromley Taylor, Safety Solutions Expert at Tru-Gard, commented on the importance of safety in environments like Port Otago:“Safety is something we take seriously from the moment an employee steps onto a site. In high-traffic, multi-level environments, like this carpark, it’s essential to put the right safety measures in place from the very beginning—before employees even start their day. By working together with Port Otago, we were able to create a comprehensive safety system that significantly reduces the risk of accidents, ensuring that everyone on-site is protected.” This collaborative approach allowed Port Otago to ensure their carpark met the highest safety standards, providing peace of mind to both staff and visitors. Find out more about how our bollards, hand-rails and barriers can create a safer working environment for your team. Contact us today.
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