PolyWRAP Column Protectors

Product Details

Column protection for forklift and MHE routes

Structural columns and mezzanine supports are often exposed in warehouse and industrial environments. Forklifts, power trucks and MHE pass close to these columns throughout the day, especially near racking, aisles, loading areas and pedestrian routes. When vehicle clashes happen, the column, vehicle and surrounding infrastructure can all be damaged.

PolyWRAP Column Protectors provide a visible physical protection measure for these high-risk points. The polyethylene body cushions impact around the column, helping reduce contact damage from forklifts and power trucks. This helps protect the column while making the hazard easier for drivers to identify.

100% recyclable polyethylene construction

PolyWRAP Column Protectors are manufactured from 100% recyclable polyethylene. This gives the product a practical, impact resistant construction for warehouse, logistics and industrial environments.

The protector is manufactured in the UK and suitable for internal and external use. It has a temperature range of -40°C to 90°C, which makes it suitable for ambient, chilled and freezer environments. Because of this, PolyWRAP can be used across a wide range of operational areas, including cold stores and external loading zones.

Moulded sizes for common column profiles

Column protection works best when the protector fits the column correctly. PolyWRAP Column Protectors are available in a variety of moulded options to fit common steel column sizes, from 152mm x 152mm up to 914mm x 305mm. Standard size options include 210mm x 210mm, 320mm x 320mm, 380mm x 380mm, 420mm x 420mm, 620mm x 320mm and 920mm x 320mm.

For the best fit, contact our team with your exact column measurements. This should include the external column dimensions and the internal profile details, especially where the product is being fitted around an I-beam. Our team can then advise the most suitable column protector size and impact absorbing foam infill arrangement for the profile.

Foam infill for fitted protection

Some column profiles require internal foam infill to create a closer fit around the column. This helps the protector sit more securely around I-beams and other internal column profiles, supporting more consistent impact cushioning during contact.

The foam infill also closes open spaces within the protector. This has a practical secondary benefit, as it helps prevent employees from placing rubbish, packaging or loose items inside the column protector. As a result, the protector remains cleaner and better suited to busy operational areas.

Quick installation with ratchet straps

PolyWRAP Column Protectors use a simple clam-shell style design, making installation quick and practical. The protector wraps around the column and is secured using 2x 25mm wide ratchet straps with 800kg rating. No mechanical floor or column fixing is required.

This makes the product suitable for active sites where column protection needs to be installed with minimal disruption. The protector can also be stacked where greater protected height is required, depending on site risk and column layout.

Base plate recess and optional low-level protection

Columns often include base plates, studs and fixing details at floor level. PolyWRAP Column Protectors include a recess feature to cover column base plates and studs up to 580mm x 580mm. This helps the protector sit correctly around the column base while maintaining a cleaner fitted appearance.

For sites with frequent low-level forklift contact, an optional 140mm high steel forklift impact skirt is also available. This provides additional low-level impact protection where the base of the column faces regular contact risk. Use this as part of the wider column protection specification where the site layout, traffic type and impact risk justify it.

Where PolyWRAP Column Protectors are specified

PolyWRAP Column Protectors are specified where structural columns, mezzanine columns or exposed supports sit close to forklift and MHE routes. Typical applications include warehouses, distribution centres, logistics hubs, cold stores, manufacturing sites, loading areas, racking aisles, goods-in areas and high-risk mezzanine columns.

They are especially useful where columns are positioned near turning points, route edges or operational pinch points. They also suit sites where column visibility is poor, or where previous contact has caused damage to columns, vehicles or base plates.

Supporting compliance and duty of care

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees at work. Regulation 17 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 also requires workplace traffic routes to be suitable for the people and vehicles using them, and HSE workplace transport guidance advises providing suitable barriers or guard rails where needed to protect people near vehicle routes.

PolyWRAP Column Protectors provide a practical physical control measure for reducing impact risk around structural and mezzanine columns in MHE areas. For H&S managers, facilities managers, warehouse operators, specifiers and contractors, specifying column protection helps demonstrate a proactive approach to workplace transport risk, building protection and site organisation. The result is more visible columns, reduced impact damage and safer movement across the site.

PolyWRAP Column Protectors Video demonstration