We have been making plastic barrier chains for more than 50 years, and sell millions of feet of it every year. Nevertheless, I have been to trade shows where people walk by and say “well, that is a colorful booth, but what would I use that chain for?” Honestly, I used to feel surprised and, to be honest, maybe even a little annoyed since I thought that it was so obvious. Why doesn't everyone know how plastic chain is used? Finally, I had to admit that, like a lot of manufacturers, we are so close to our product that we think everyone should know what we know about our plastic chain. After all, our product is simple. There's nothing technical about it. And, in my travels, since I am so sensitive and so aware of our product, I always notice when there is plastic chain being used. Because of that, I feel that it is everywhere, but if someone is not as conscious of this as I am, there can be plastic chain in plain sight that isn't “seen” by the average observer. The main purpose for plastic chain is for Safety and Crowd Control. The colors of the chain have real meaning, and by far the most common color is Yellow. Yellow chain indicates Caution or Warning of some risk. In some cases, it requires a visual barrier must be in place. The best way to illustrate what this means is to show actual examples of the more common ways the product is used:
1. Machine guarding – Set up plastic barrier chain to indicate that the area around a machine presents some danger, and that persons should not get close to it.
2. Closing aisles – When restocking an aisle in a warehouse or distribution center, use plastic chain to restrict access.
3. Forming queues – When people line up for an event or to check out at a retail store, use chain to show how the line is formed or to show that the lane is closed.
4. Loading docks – it requires a visual barrier only if the dock is 48” high or less.
5. Parking garages or lots – Use plastic chain to show where cars should or should not park.
6. Traffic cones – Use plastic chain to form a barrier between traffic cones to direct traffic.
7. Bollards or delineators – Use plastic chain to form a barrier between bollards or delineator posts to prevent people or vehicles to go between them.
8. Car shows – Set up chain with stanchions to protect the cars and prevent people from touching or getting into the cars.
9. Restricting access – Use plastic chain to prevent access to any area temporarily – e.g. Indicate the floor is wet.
There are so many more examples, but these are the ones we see the most, and these should give a good idea of how our product is used. Now that you know, I'm guessing you will also see plastic chain everywhere you go.
We are a Plastic Chain supplier. Please feel free to contact us if you need them!
