Choosing the right equipment, tools and safety gear is critical when trying to keep your workplace as safe as possible. Materials like steel, GRP and powder-coated finishes are three popular choices that all bring unique strengths to the table.
Knowing the difference between the materials, as well as where they’re best suited, can help you make the right decision to keep your team and your site safe. Whether you want to prioritise strength, durability, affordability or anything in between – safety should never be compromised. This is our comprehensive guide to choosing the right safety gear for your business, and how you choose between steel, GRP and powder-coated finishes.
First Up: Steel
Steel has been an incredibly popular choice for industrial safety equipment for many years, and it’s well-known for its strength and durability. Steel is able to handle a lot of weight, making it suitable for enclosures, fencing, ladders, guardrails and more.
If you’re considering steel for your industrial safety applications, here’s what you need to keep in mind.
Benefits of steel
- Strong
- Durable
- Good impact resistance
- Cost-effective
Drawbacks of steel
Susceptible to corrosion unless treated with protective coatings.
Whilst steel is strong, durable and cost-effective, it might not be suitable for use in harsh environments or outdoors. This is exactly where powder-coating comes in.
Enter Powder Coating
Powder coating is a finishing process for steel where a powder is applied and then cured under heat. This coating is added to a range of products, including powder-coated key clamps, and it provides a smooth, protective layer to your steel so that you can get all the benefits of steel products, whilst also increasing its overall lifespan.
Benefits of powder-coating
- Added corrosion resistance
- Scratch and fade-resistant surface for high-traffic areas
- Wide range of colour options available for customisation
There aren’t any explicit drawbacks of powder-coated steel, as you really get all the best qualities of steel with added corrosion resistance and longevity. This makes powder-coating a perfect choice for anyone looking for long-lasting safety solutions in industrial, commercial and outdoor environments.
What About GRP?
Whilst the above materials are both steel, GRP (glass reinforced plastic) is a composite material made from plastic reinforced with glass fibres. GRP key clamps are known for being lightweight and non-conductive, offering the best balance between strength, flexibility and environmental resistance.
GRP safety materials are perfect for creating barriers, guardrails, handrails and more as they’re safe for both indoor and outdoor use.
Benefits of GRP
- Non-conductive
- Lightweight but still strong
- Resistant to chemicals, rust and moisture
- Low-maintenance
GRP is particularly good for use in marine environments or anywhere where electrics are involved. Whilst steel can corrode when exposed to water or conduct electricity, GRP is non-conductive and able to withstand harsh conditions, including water.
So, How Do I Know Which Is Best?
When it comes down to which material is going to provide the best solution for your safety needs, it really depends on your environment and what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for high-strength, steel is the perfect solution. Need both strength and corrosion resistance? Try powder coating. And finally, if you want something lightweight, affordable and corrosion-resistant, GRP safety materials are the perfect thing.
When you compare the benefits of raw steel, powder-coated steel and GRP, you can ensure you’re getting the best safety solutions that suit your needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for every business, and if you need a hand deciding what’s best for you, you can contact our expert team today. Protect your employees, the public and your business by choosing the right safety materials for your industry.