Expandable Barriers

Expandable Barriers for Temporary Access Control and Site Safety

HERMEQ is the UK's largest supplier of expandable barriers, designed for tight spaces. These barriers can be quickly extended when needed and easily folded back when not in use, making them a versatile and space-saving option for safety and crowd control.Our expandable barriers are available in a range of different heights and widths up to 4 meters once fully extended. Many of our expanding barriers can also be connected, allowing you to create even larger collapsible barricades to any custom length. Durable and portable, expandable barriers are widely used for events, construction, and pedestrian safety management.

Which Expandable Barrier Do I Need?

For Compact Temporary Access Control

Choose a folding or concertina barrier when you need a quick temporary solution that can be opened out during use and can be folded away easily when not in use. These are useful for doorways, corridors, maintenance work areas or temporary hazard zones.

For Frequent Repositioning

Choose a wheeled expandable barrier for easy handling and if it needs to be moved often around a site, depot, venue, public building or warehouse.

For High Visibility

Choose a yellow, yellow and black, or red and white expandable barrier when the public needs a clear visual warning. These options are useful for temporary hazards, cleaning areas, maintenance works or restricted zones.

For More Robust Repeat Use

Choose a steel or metal expanding barrier when a more stronger frame is preferred. These barriers are beneficial for work areas, depots, industrial sites and environments where the barrier may be used more frequently.

For Linked Barrier Runs

Choose an expandable barrier that comes with a connection system if you need to connect multiple units together. This can be useful in construction environments, larger maintenance zones, events, or for any type of temporary restricted area.

Types of Expandable Barriers

Concertina Barriers

Concertina barriers are made from aluminium and are available in yellow or red. This lightweight yet durable barrier closes off entrances and exits, cordons off areas for pedestrians, and prevents trespassers from entering public and private spaces. Highly visible and with a solid metal structure, this expandable safety barrier is difficult to get past and is powder coated for extra durability and protection. Supplied with 7 frames, a pair of brakes and a pair of interconnectors.Concertina barrier systems are used for crowd and traffic control. Extending out to lengths up to 4.0 Meters these systems are used at site entrances and in areas where space is tight.

Plastic Expandable Barriers

Plastic expandable barriers are a practical solution for your crowd control and safety needs. Manufactured from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), the plastic extendable barrier offers a reliable alternative to traditional steel barriers. Designed with functionality in mind, it is a portable option for various settings.The Plastic Expandable Barrier is easily transportable and can be stored without taking up much space. When expanded, it extends to a substantial 3.9m, effectively creating a visible and durable barricade for any situation.

Steel Concertina Barriers

Steel concertina barriers are designed to highlight areas that are prohibited or to guide pedestrians away from an entrance or exit. The Steel Concertina Barrier has a 2.5m expanding design and a frame of 8kg. Highly versatile these barriers can be linked to create larger systems and are designed with a 3 in 1 latching system.

Wheeled Expanding Barriers

Wheeled expanding barriers can be easily moved and deployed by one person. Multipurpose, robust and ideal for a wide range of settings, can be used indoor and outdoor as well.The Instagate is a collapsible barrier that can be easily expanded when required and is available in 1.3m and 1.8m high variants. It has robust braked wheels that allow for easy movement and placement.

High-Visibility Expandable Barriers

High-visibility expandable barriers can help making temporary restrictions easier to see. Yellow and black, red and white, and other contrasting finishes are useful in busy public areas and anywhere where high visibility is important.The Titan Yellow & Black Expandable Safety Barrier is a good option for a highly visible barrier that has a 3.1m expanding width and a compact width of 550mm when closed, that makes it extremely practical for transporting and carrying around.

How to Choose the Right Expandable Barrier?

Area Width

Begin by measuring the opening, doorway, corridor, entrance or hazard zone that needs a barrier. Some expandable barriers can cover shorter access points, while others can cover wider areas. For larger layouts, barriers that can be linked together and have a connection system are recommended.

Storage Space

Expandable barriers are useful where storage space is limited. Check the closed width or collapsed size on the product page, especially if the barrier needs to be stored in a van, cupboard, maintenance room, depot or behind a reception area.

Material

Choose the material based on handling, durability and the environment. Plastic barriers are easier to move and they normally have great visibility, while aluminium options have a lightweight frame for frequent use. Steel and metal barriers are better when a stronger frame is required.

Wheels and Mobility

If the barrier needs to be moved more frequently, a good option is wheeled barrier. Braked wheels are useful to position the barrier more securely once deployed.

Visibility

Think about using high visibility expandable barriers if you are working in a public space or a busy area and visibility is important for safety. Yellow-black or red-white barriers are great for drawing attention to restricted areas and blocked access routes.

Indoor or Outdoor Use

Check the individual product page for confirmed indoor and outdoor suitability. Some barriers are described as suitable for indoor and outdoor use, while others may be better suited to sheltered areas, smooth floors or temporary external deployment only.

Linking Multiple Barriers

Where a longer run is required, check whether the chosen barrier has clips, latches or a connection system to link multiple units. This is useful for larger maintenance zones, temporary perimeters or different events.

Common Uses for Expandable Barriers

Construction Sites and Maintenance Zones

Expandable barriers can be used to restrict access to temporary hazards, works areas, maintenance tasks, plant rooms or internal site routes. These are a good solution for construction sites where the layout changes frequently and a fixed barrier would not be ideal.

Facilities Management and Public Buildings

Facilities teams normally use expandable barriers to secure areas like wet floors, lift maintenance zones, cleaning areas, restricted rooms or any temporary hazard. Their design makes them easy to store and move between tasks.

Events, Venues and Public Access

Expandable barriers can be used for temporary queues, backstage restrictions, venue closures, public access control and staff only areas. They are really useful where barriers need to be deployed quickly and removed after the event.

Warehouses, Depots and Industrial Sites

In warehouses and depots, expanding barriers can mark off aisles, loading areas, temporary hazards, machinery maintenance zones and restricted operational spaces, and are useful due to their collapsible and wheeled design.

Schools, Hospitals, Retail and Transport Sites

Expandable barriers are also commonly used in busy public environments where temporary restrictions must be easy to notice and understand. They can help close access points, guide pedestrians and isolate hazards during maintenance and cleaning works, repairs or emergency works.