In many parts of the world, cafe barriers are a common sight. Cafes and restaurants use them to establish outdoor seating areas for customers. However, in high winds cafe barriers can become a hazard, blowing over and causing damage to property and potentially injuring people.
The wind can blow over cafe barriers if they aren’t properly secured. This can create a safety hazard for customers and employees. A blown-over cafe barrier can block exits, entrances, and potentially trip and injure customers.
Watch the video below to see Awnet test cafe barriers in the Monash University Wind Tunnel, determining what speed a cafe barrier can become a hazard with various weight on the feet.
Cafe barriers, often made of heavy steel or aluminium, have caused several incidents by blowing over in the wind. They damaged nearby cars and buildings, leading to injuries. While insurance may cover the costs, repairs can still be quite expensive.
Some cafe owners take precautions against windy weather, such as removing outdoor furniture and umbrellas and closing the outdoor seating area. Yet, in certain instances, the wind’s strength surpasses these measures, rendering them insufficient to prevent the barriers from blowing over.
Businesses should ensure proper securing to prevent the wind from blowing over cafe barriers. This may include adding weights to the feet of the barriers, or securing the barriers using in-ground sockets. Businesses should also consider removing cafe barriers during high winds.
Cafe barriers are a necessary part of many businesses, but they can pose a risk in high winds. It is important for cafe owners to be aware of the potential dangers and take precautions to prevent damage and injury.