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Perforated Metal for Smarter Safety Barriers

Think safety barriers mean simple, solid panels? Perforated metal is proving that safety and security can be striking.

Urban planners, contractors, and specifiers are turning to perforated metal for more than just strength. Its customisability – from pattern and open area to finish – makes it ideal for safety barriers in complex spaces, ensuring compliance, people protection, and a result that enhances project design.

Here’s how perforated metal is being applied across projects like transport hubs, playgrounds, schools, and sports centres – and why it’s proving to be an essential material in modern urban design.

Why Perforated Metal Makes Secure Safety Barriers

From anti-climb fencing to protective screening, perforated metal stands out for its versatility. Benefits include:

• Security and visibility: Unlike solid panels, perforated metal provides airflow and line of sight — ideal for car parks, walkways, and busy public areas where visibility matters.

• Built to last: Perforated metal can be engineered to handle heavy use. Depending on the base metal, it resists corrosion, impact, and wear, offering long-term durability and low maintenance.

• Design flexibility: From simple patterns to detailed illustrations or historic imagery, perforated metal offers near-limitless design flexibility, ensuring projects meet safety standards without compromising on aesthetics.

• Anti-trap by design: In urban planning, safety means thinking about every user. Perforation size can be tailored to avoid finger traps and reduce injury risk.

• Anti-climbing: Perforated metal can be specified to remove any chance of footholds and hand grips, making it ideal for bridges, fences, and elevated walkways where climbing must be prevented.

Perforated Metal Safety Barriers In Action

Arrow Metal perforated metal is already making an impact in some of the most demanding urban environments. Explore how and where we’ve helped to deliver safety, compliance, and statement design:

Public transport

For high-risk areas like public transport walkways and bridges, perforated metal provides a strong, reliable barrier. It maintains visibility while offering protection from falls, wind, and weather, customisable to the project’s look and location.

Click on photos to enlarge

Example projects:

• Denistone Station: We manufactured panels with a custom gumnut design, recognising the area’s Indigenous heritage while delivering safe, durable barriers for the upgraded footbridge.

• Towradgi Station: We produced custom perforated panels for the new footbridge, designed for safety, airflow, and durability. The panels include a polycarbonate layer to reduce wind and rain exposure, creating a secure crossing for commuters in all weathers.

• Hazelbrook Station: We customised panels with a nature-inspired design, creating a cohesive aesthetic while providing essential protection for the station’s new pedestrian footbridge. 

Playgrounds

Keeping children safe is always the priority in playground design, especially in high-traffic locations. Perforated metal safety barriers provide secure boundaries without compromising visibility – essential to ensure carer line of sight. 

Example project:

• Narellan Town Centre: We created playful perforated safety barriers featuring trains and trees for Narellan Town Centre’s playground. The panels form a fun and secure perimeter, improving safety without closing off the space. 

Sports centres

Whether it’s for crowd control or securing restricted areas, perforated metal ensures safety while allowing air and light to pass through, creating a welcoming and open environment for athletes and spectators.

Example project:

• Blacktown Tennis Centre: We manufactured perforated panels across the tennis centre, including custom stairway and walkway screening to enhance safety and airflow, along with a large-scale sports mural for dynamic visual impact.

Schools

For schools, fencing needs to do more than mark a boundary. Perforated metal creates a safe, secure, and visible space for students while still feeling welcoming and inclusive. 

Example project:

• Punchbowl Boys High School: As part of a NSW Government upgrade to the school courtyard, we manufactured custom panels for Punchbowl Boys High School featuring its motto and logo, creating a safety barrier that combines security with school pride.

Explore Perforated Metal Safety Barrier Options For Your Next Project

From PixelPerf bespoke designs to standard perforation patterns, we have a perforated metal solution for every project and budget. Our team are experts in metal performance, ensuring panels meet all compliance and safety standards according to the brief.

Browse our range of patterns, metals, and finishes in our brochure. Free sample and specification packs are available on request – chat to our team on (02) 9748 2200 or email sales@arrowmetal.com.au

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