Every event manager knows the importance of crowd control. You need to keep the queues moving in an orderly manner and direct incoming traffic, all within minutes. It can be difficult finding a barrier that is lightweight, expandable, easy to use, and doesn’t take up too much space. For years, the standard solution was to use stanchions and ropes. Revered for their sophisticated appeared, you’re probably most familiar with this setup, as it has been utilized for countless movie premieres and award shows. However, stanchions are quite versatile and come in an assortment of shapes and sizes.
In fact, most crowd control professionals today prefer to use retractable belt stanchions, a variation of the traditional rope and stanchions combination. These stanchions are multi-purpose, modern, and the belts can be customized to promote your brand.
Stanchions can also be used for an array of other purposes besides crowd control. Before deciding which kind of stanchion to use, it’s essential to understand the difference between the varying types and where to use them.
Types of Stanchions:
- Retractable belt stanchions (standard in use today, these stanchions are spring loaded and generally include a slow retract mechanism built-in for safety. The belts can be configured in single, double, and triple-belt combinations.)
- Fixed stanchion with metal wires
- Fixed with ropes (stanchion ropes are decorative, come in various colors, and are usually made of velvet.)
Applications:
- Retractable belt stanchions are most often used at concerts and in movie theaters.
- Stanchions with metal wires are used to mark hazardous areas at constructions sites and to protect the art at museums by keeping patrons at a specified distance.
- As previously mentioned, stanchions with ropes are generally used for high-end events.
Other Popular Uses:
- In soccer, football, and other goal-oriented sports, stanchions act as either diagonal or horizontal extensions to the goalposts to prevent the goal net from falling.
- They act as the vertical supports for temporary troop seating in military aircraft.
- They provide stable, vertical support to standing passengers aboard almost all buses, trains, and subways.
- Stanchions are also used in yachting. They’re the metal bars that hold the lifelines around the yacht’s perimeter.
All stanchions are typically made of stainless steel, but you’ll want to be sure that the one you choose is designed with a heavy, low-profile base. This prevents the stanchion from tipping and aids in avoiding potential trip hazards.
