Is there a definitive origin for the art of queueing? The word queue comes from the 12th century Old French word 'cue' meaning tail of an animal, which originates from the Latin word 'cauda'. So when did queueing start in Britain? During the early 19th century queues had become common occurrences as masses of people had migrated from the countryside to the towns to find work during the Industrial Revolution. By the 1920s, 'clocking in' required large numbers of workers to queue in order to enter factories at the start of their shift. Certainly, food and ration queues had become a regular sight, starting in 1918, when Britain was fighting WWI. Rationing returned for WWII and continued beyond the end of it, right up until 1954.
Believe it or not there is actually a whole science related to queueing! In the early 20th century, Agner Krarup Erland, a Danish mathematician and engineer invented ‘queueing theory’. Discover why it’s important and how its data can be used. Show me.
In today’s society, queueing is a very normal, daily occurrence. We stand in line at supermarket checkouts to pay for our goods, queue at pub bars to order drinks, wait in an orderly manner to enter venues. With the sad passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, an orderly queue formed at Westminster Hall where the Queen lay in state for three days, so people could pay their respects. It’s maximum length was 10 miles which resulted in people queueing for over 24 hours.
When people are queueing close to a roadside, near to machinery or in danger of spilling out into areas which could cause a hazard, it’s imperative to add safety measures. There are various types of barriers which all provide the same end result but using the most appropriate one, will result in providing safest passage for the queue. Each system has its own merits and the benefits can differ, so it’s helpful to know the differences.
Steel Crowd Barriers
- Provides a strong visual barrier, makes it obvious where to queue.
- Prevents queue-jumping.
- Temporary construction can be easily placed and removed.
- Can create varying lengths and shapes for queue to follow.
- Stacks so takes up less room when storing.
- Lightweight so easy to transport from venue to venue.
Hand Rail Systems
- Provides a strong visual barrier, makes it obvious where to queue.
- Permanent fittings so is sturdy and can offer hand support especially on uneven ground.
- Finished in bright colours to alert users where to walk.
Extending Belt Barriers
- Provides a strong visual barrier, makes it obvious where to queue.
- Temporary construction can be easily placed and removed.
- Can create varying lengths and shapes for queue to follow.
- Belt retracts into post so easy to store.
- Sign holders to help relay information to queue.
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