In today's industrial landscape, safety and security are top concerns for the work environment. One innovative solution gaining traction is the use of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) enclosures. FRP composites, made from a blend of glass fibers and resin, offer a robust alternative to traditional materials such as metal, wood, or concrete. 

Potential Uses for FRP Enclosures

Machine Fencing: Ensuring workplace safety by preventing injuries from moving parts and integrating seamlessly into Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) programs. 

• FRP is sturdy and can not be cut with wire cutters, which helps safeguard the equipment from tampering.

FRP Equipment Safety Cage from Fibergrate

Driver Access Cages: Restricting unauthorized access while facilitating controlled delivery of goods and materials.

• This material is lightweight and easy to build with, making it simple to create a cage of the correct size and shape for any loading dock or other logistics environment.

Rooftop and Stairway Safety Enclosures: Enhancing safety in elevated areas with durable and secure fencing solutions. 

• FRP rooftop safety products are non-penetrating, meaning they can be installed without the risk of damaging the roof structure. FRP guardrails and other safety components are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use since they stand up well to the elements.

FRP Staircase Fencing from Fibergrate

Air Duct & Wall Fan Screens: Optimizing airflow while ensuring safety in industrial settings. 

• Because it is lightweight and easy to install, it offers a good alternative to metal gratings. It also does not rust which makes it a smart choice for humid environments.

Protective Barriers: Creating physical barriers for enhanced security and safety.

• FRP has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is impact resistant. Unlike chain link fencing, the holes in the fiberglass reinforced plastic mesh are too small to offer a toe hold, making it difficult to climb. 

Substation Enclosures and Transformer Cages: Securing substations and transformers from vandalism and unauthorized access.

• Substations and transformers are critical infrastructure components but pose a hazard to workers. FRP is non-conductive and a good choice for limiting exposure to this type of hazardous equipment. The material is made of glass and plastic polymer materials which do not conduct electricity. This makes FRP the preferred choice for ENC fencing.

Machinery & Equipment Guards: Protecting machinery and equipment from damage and tampering.

• FRP grating enclosures can be built without the need for skilled welders or heavy equipment to lift panels into place. Most FRP components can be easily lifted by two people and installed without the use of anything more than power hand tools.

Properties and Characteristics of FRP

FRP enclosures have a number of characteristics that make them a standout choice for safety and security applications. They exhibit exceptional strength and durability, capable of withstanding heavy loads, impact, and harsh environmental conditions. 

Corrosion resistance helps protect this building material from deterioration in the event of exposure to saltwater, chemical cleaners, and more. The material requires minimal upkeep, providing lasting protection for valuable assets.

FRP is also a good solution for enclosures that need to be thermally and electrically non-conductive. It is a popular choice for ENC fencing in substations and other industrial environments where high-voltage equipment is present. 

FRP cages and enclosures are surprisingly lightweight. FRP grating can easily be cut and adjusted in the field to fit specific size requirements. Dynaform Structural Shapes® and Dynarail® products can be designed and produced to meet specs so every part of a custom enclosure is ready for smooth installation on delivery. These additional FRP components mean enclosures can easily be built in conjunction with surrounding structures that feature railings, crossovers, platforms, and more. 

Applications of FRP Enclosures

FRP fences and enclosures are popular across various industries. In manufacturing plants, they house sensitive equipment, protecting it from dust and debris. Power generation plants utilize FRP for its non-conductive properties which support compliance with OSHA requirements regarding electrical safety. 

Chemical processing plants benefit from FRP's resistance to harsh chemicals, safeguarding both equipment and personnel. Water and wastewater treatment facilities rely on FRP enclosures for their weatherproof nature, ensuring critical equipment functions smoothly regardless of outdoor conditions.

Advantages of FRP Enclosures

FRP enclosures represent a versatile and effective solution for enhancing safety and security across various industries. By choosing non-conductive, chemically resistant, strong, and resilient materials like these advanced composites, organizations reduce the overall lifetime cost of this infrastructure while helping keep people and property safer each day.