What are Mannesmann barriers?

Mannesmann barriers (MMG) are portable, self-standing safety barriers made of light metal designed to ensure public or private safety at events. This type of barrier is particularly suitable for short-term cordons; they are light and particularly flexible to handle. Mannesmann barriers can be used, for example, to guide "quiet" crowds or to demarcate certain areas and zones at events. They do not offer any particular protection (stability) against high levels of pressure from crowds of people pushing through.

Use of Mannesmann barriers

Quiet crowds, people or areas that can be guided or secured with half-height Mannesmann barriers can be found, for example, at street festivals, carnival parades, on the grounds around stadiums and halls, at ticket counters and for guidance at cultural and entertainment events. The barriers are often used for routing at film festivals, galas, press events, award ceremonies, receptions or product launches. The safety barriers also serve to separate the public areas from the walking routes at sporting events, such as bicycle races or marathons. Mannesmann barriers with mounted rollers are also often used to secure access to car parks, where the safety barriers can be moved back and forth flexibly.

Compared to much more stable barrier systems, such as barricades or police grids, Mannesmann barriers cannot be used at events with high visitor pressure. Unlike crowd control barriers, which are secured against tipping over with base plates, a Mannesmann barrier has only four feet. This means that they cannot be used in areas where there is a high volume of foot traffic, such as in front of the stage at concerts. Mannesmann barriers are also not suitable for use at demonstrations or other events where riots are to be expected.

These safety barriers are not suitable for use as protection against theft or unauthorised entry to a site. They are too easy to climb over or move out of the way.

Alternative barriers and crowd-control systems

Mannesmann barriers may not be used in situations involving unmanageable crowds. Crash barriers, stage barriers, gigs and police grids must be set up here. These are much more robust and stable barrier systems that can withstand great pressure from crowds, even as so-called "wavebreakers". Mobile construction fences are particularly suitable for securing access and providing privacy.

Material and function

Various materials are used in the production of Mannesmann barriers. The size, shape and weight vary. Each barrier has a male connector on one side and a female connector on the other, making it easy to connect them together. In addition, they can be secured against being pushed open using hooks and eyelets. However, it is always possible to knock the fences over.

 

Depending on the design, such a safety barrier is

• approx. 1.10 m high
• between 2.30 and 3.00 m long
• Weight: between 10 and 20 kg
• made of aluminium, plastic or galvanised steel.

Variations and terminology

Mannesmann barriers are sold under a number of other names, e.g. as hamburger, Mannheim, Luxembourg or Monrovia barriers, which can differ regionally throughout Germany. In Switzerland, MMG is known as "police grid", which is a completely different, more solid type of grid in Germany. In English, the grid is mainly known by the ironic name "bike rack" (bicycle stand).

Transport and installation of Mannesmann barriers

These universal safety barriers are easy to transport and set up. Thanks to their light weight, they can be transported by small lorries, forklifts, vans or dolly trailers and set up by hand. When setting up, pay attention to unevenness in the ground. The MMGs stand best on firm, even ground. While you can easily fall on sand, uneven meadows or pebble surfaces and therefore need to be secured if necessary, e.g. with rubber mats or by pouring gravel. During assembly, always observe the distances specified by the safety authorities.

Safety in handling

Despite their low weight, the personnel erecting and dismantling the MMGs should ensure that they wear the necessary protective clothing, safety footwear and gloves to prevent injuries. There is also a risk of injury to the back and joints if the MMGs are lifted or lowered incorrectly. For transport, the MMGs are tied together in packages or put together in racks. In all cases, care must be taken to ensure that the packing and stacking are carried out properly and that the goods are correctly secured for transport – also to avoid damage to the grilles.

Recommendation of the Munich Fire Department

According to the Munich Fire Department, Mannesmann barriers are very well suited for "barriers and fences without personal pressure", along escape routes and fire department access routes (on casters) and to a limited extent for separating fans. The barriers are not suitable as privacy screens, stage barriers or for use as crowd barriers or "wavebreakers" in standing areas. See references.