Mojo Barrier
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Mojo Barriers are a type of temporary fencing commonly used at public events such as concerts and festivals. They are specifically used for separating the area open to the public from the stage. These barriers were developed in the 1980s by Dutch event organisor Mojo Concerts. Several types of fencing (especially regular crowd control barriers) were used before, but these can lead to suffocation.
Distribution of these barriers is now organised by a company called The Mojo Barriers, which now has offices in De Meern (Netherlands), London (UK) and Colorado Springs (USA). Although several other companies now produce a similar type of fencing, the name "Mojo Barrier" has become a worldwide standard.
Mojo Barriers were developed to protect visitors of events. Their height prevents visitors from suffocation or crushing in case a venue should become overcrowded or if all visitors move towards the stage. At the side of the stage the barriers include small steps allowing security guards to safely lift people out of the audience (e.g. when visitors require medical attention). The barriers can be flat-packed and then stacked onto dollies.
Regular Mojo Barriers are made of aluminium or steel. Other types of barriers include:
- bar barriers sections that are usually made of plastic (with a counter top),
- sections including gates (with or without turnstiles),
- Pitstop Barriers, British designed steel barriers with wider steps for security guards (industry standard in the UK),
Several elements can be added to the regular barrier lines, such as:
- curves/corners to allow for several types of fencing design,
- security walkways: back-step extensions fitted onto the back of the barriers creating more working space for security guards,
- barrier padding: a foam cover for the tops of the barriers offering additional comfort to crowds against the barriers,
- sightline kills: panels on the top of barriers blocking the crowd’s view at certain points preventing pressure building up at e.g. the side of stage areas.
