Crash Cushion 101: SLED Crash Cushion
In the latest edition of our crash cushion 101 series, we thought we would take a closer look at what a SLED barrier is and the many benefits that it can provide. No matter whether you are looking to protect workers on a construction site or roadworkers, this robust and highly effective crash barrier is a fantastic addition to your project.
Here at RPM Hire, we know how important the SLED barrier can be to your next project, which is why we pride ourselves on offering our customers the very best crash barriers possible.
What is the SLED barrier?
Before we take a look at the various benefits that the SLED crash cushion provides, it is first important to understand exactly what this type of crash cushion is. The Sentry Longitudinal Energy Dissipater (SLED) barrier is a very narrow non-re-directive crash barrier that is rated to TL-3 MASH standard.
The SLED crash cushion is designed to protect the end of some of the most popular styles of temporary crash barriers, including the DB80 and JJ Hooks concrete crash barriers. This type of crash barrier is filled with water and has been designed to incorporate four internal steel cables. These cables will then work to envelop a colliding car and reduce the risk of a further incident.
All of our SLED crash cushions are made from UV-stabilised plastic, which ensures not only maximum protection for your team but also long-term durability that you can rely on. These barriers are designed for use in a wide range of situations where either the JJ Hooks or DB80 solutions are in use and are suitable for use in work zones that see vehicles travelling up to 80km an hour.
Alongside offering fantastic protection against vehicle accidents, the SLED crash cushion is also incredibly quick and easy to install. Thanks to its innovative anchor-free system, the solution can be deployed or retrieved in rapid time, ensuring safety is never compromised.
What kind of barriers can SLED crash cushions be used on?
As mentioned, the SLED crash cushions are designed for use on two essential styles of crash barrier, the JJ Hooks concrete barrier or the DB80 concrete barrier.
JJ Hooks concrete barrier
Used across a huge array of construction sites, roadworks and events, the pre-cast barriers are essential when safety and security are of the utmost importance. Utilised across the globe, these barriers are ideal for either permanent or temporary deployment and offer self-aligning connections which makes them incredibly quick to install.
That installation process also ensures the barriers can be altered and adjusted as required, allowing you to move them as your project advances.
DB80 concrete barrier
Another very popular and highly effective safety barrier, the DB80 series by Deltabloc, is a highly versatile product. Despite its strong performance, DB80 barriers are lightweight, making them easier to transport and install without having to sacrifice on performance.
The pre-cast concrete barriers also come in a range of different sizes, ensuring that they can be used across a wide spectrum of construction projects and roadworks.
What are the key benefits of the SLED crash cushion?
The SLED crash cushion is a fantastic addition to your DB80 or JJ Hooks concrete crash barriers and, when installed, can help you to maximise the safety of your next project. There are a huge array of benefits that come from adding a SLED barrier, including:
1) ASBAP-approved to 80km/h
A big advantage of the SLED barrier is that they can be installed in areas of up to 80km/h. This ensures that they are suitable for use across a wide range of construction projects and roadworks.
2) MASH TL-3 Compliant
MASH (Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware) is a unique set of testing procedures and guidelines that help to ensure the safety levels of crash barriers. These tests explore the overall weight, shape, construction and design of the barrier, as well as its performance when impacted by a vehicle.
The barrier is then given a rating between TL-1 and TL-6, with the lower rating meaning it is suitable in low-speed scenarios and the higher rating making them ideal in faster situations.
3) Quick installation
We know how important it is to keep your constriction or roadwork project on time to ensure it remains on budget. That is why a major benefit of the SLED crash cushion is that it offers rapid deployment and retrieval.
The unique anchor-free connection system allows it to be quickly implemented on your site.
4) Quick replacement
Of course, it is not just about the quick installation or retrieval properties of a crash barrier. Should an accident occur, you will want to ensure that you are able to replace the damaged section as quickly as possible to avoid delays and disruption.
Thankfully, due to its quick installation properties and lightweight design, the SLED crash cushion allows for very rapid replacement.
5) Long-lasting
The water-filled SLED crash cushion is made from a very robust and durable UV-stabilised polyethylene. This means you can have complete peace of mind in the longevity of your SLED barrier. You will not have to worry about the barrier degrading over time when exposed to the elements, ensuring it is working to protect your team around the clock.
6) Recognisable
Protecting your workers and road users is not just about ensuring you have the relevant crash barriers in place. Accurate and clear signage plays a vital role in informing drivers of the hazards ahead and ensuring that they respond and slow down accordingly.
The bright yellow SLED crash cushion is instantly recognisable and visible from a long distance, encouraging other road users to slow down before arriving.
7) Low maintenance
Another significant benefit of the SLED crash cushion is that it is very low maintenance. Once installed, the barrier will not need to be repositioned or cared for unless you want to move it or a vehicle has collided with it.
Looking to install a SLED crash cushion?
If you are undertaking a construction project near a road or are planning on completing roadworks and want to protect your workers and other road users with a SLED barrier, then RPM Hire is here to help you.
Since our launch in 2011, we have been focused on providing customers with the very best roadside and event equipment possible. From crash cushions and road safety barriers to light towers and arrow boards, we have a comprehensive array of items designed to help you maximise the efficiency and safety of your project.
We pride ourselves on delivering the very best equipment possible, and our highly experienced team is able to help you find the right products before installing them to ensure the perfect fit every time. All of our products are able to be hired on both a short-term and long-term basis, and we strive to offer our customers the very best pricing possible.
So if you are looking to install a SLED crash cushion and want to find out how RPM Hire can help you, call us today on 1300 479 570 or send an enquiry via our contact form.
