Keeping your construction site secure in this day and age has never been easier. Imagine your ancestors and the work they had to put in to keep their property secure – they had 10-metre-high walls and had to build moats just to prevent people from getting into their castles and manors! Today, however, it’s a different story. There are so many simple ways to keep a construction site secure, so let’s go through them in this post.
Temporary fencing
The most effective way of deterring unauthorised personnel and keeping your construction site secure is by installing temporary fencing. These fences block access to the entire site, can be locked up at night and are quick and easy to install. Not only is it the best way of keeping your site secure, but it’s also a legal requirement to make the site inaccessible to members of the public.
The main reason why fencing is required around construction sites is that other preventative measures alone, such as warning signs and security cameras, do not deter unauthorised personnel. Children, for example, tend to be curious about construction sites, are only deterred by physical boundaries like fences. That’s why the contractor must ensure that a fence surrounds the construction site, preventing serious injuries and death.
Warning signs
Warning signs are another important way to stave off intruders and keep your construction site secure. Signs that state the presence of danger can be effective in deterring people from entering the site. Warning signs that state there are heights, unstable structures or any other hazards are better, as they specifically outline the dangers of entering your construction site. Another classic warning sign is, ‘Beware of the Dog’. Guard dogs are an off-putting factor for any intruder, thief or vandal. These signs are widely available and are a cost-effective option for keeping your construction site secure.
Security cameras
Warnings signs that state there are security cameras on your site are good but installing actual security cameras is even better. Make sure your security cameras are in a clearly visible position, allowing people to see the cameras as soon as they potentially enter the sight. Security cameras are super effective in deterring intruders, keeping your site secure. They’re not quite as cost-effective as temporary fencing or warning signs but are a great addition to achieve maximum security on your building site.
Keeping your construction site secure with temporary fencing is the best move for you. If you’re in need of temporary fencing, get in touch with the experts at SBS Fence and Toilet Hire. Specialising in fence and toilet hire for all kinds of purposes, including construction sites, festivals and pool fencing, they guarantee quality-controlled fences at affordable prices. Grab a quote from SBS Fence and Toilet Hire today!
Is a fence required around a construction site?
Construction sites are quite vulnerable areas. They’re often preyed upon by vandals and thieves who are drawn to damaging or stealing property with a low risk of getting caught. They can also present hazards to members of the public – especially if there are heights, unstable structures or machinery within the construction site. For these reasons, you’ll see fences around construction sites right across Australia.
But are they simply there to look pretty, or are they required by law? In this post, we’ll talk about the legal obligations of construction companies when it comes to installing temporary fencing. We’ll also tell you who to call if your site needs a quality fencing hire team.
Required or recommended?
Construction companies have a legal obligation to make construction sites inaccessible to the public and are therefore required to install temporary fencing around the site. The main reason why fencing is required around construction sites is that other preventative measures alone, such as warning and danger signs, do not deter unauthorised personnel – including children who are curious about the site. That’s why the contractor must ensure that a fence surrounds the construction site, preventing serious injuries and death.
There are several qualities that every construction site fence must possess to be deemed effective. Here are a few of the basics:
- They must be a minimum height of 1500mm
- They must always remain erect and stable
- Must be installed, moved or altered by a competent and trained installer
- Must be installed in accordance with the specific hirer’s instruction/installation manual
- The fence design has considered wind loading, impact tests and stability
- All fencing components are in good condition and maintained regularly
- It must be made of specific materials
- Its shape should make it difficult to climb
- The fence should be installed in a way that makes it impossible to gain access by tunnelling underneath
- It should be constructed from sturdy materials that make it stable and allow it to withstand anticipated loads
- The fence’s gates and joints should be secure.
Many of these points are outlined in Australian Standard AS 4687-2007 which governs the installation and requirements of temporary fencing in Australia. Always ensure that your fencing hire team complies with these codes – and don’t be afraid to ask them about it! All compliant fencing hire companies should be happy to answer questions about their fences and compliance with Australian Standard AS 4687-2007.
If you’re setting up a construction site and need a great temporary fence hire service, get in touch with the pros at SBS Fence and Toilet Hire. Specialising in fence and toilet hire for all kinds of purposes, including construction sites, festivals and pool fencing, they guarantee quality-controlled fences at affordable prices. Grab a quote from SBS Fence and Toilet Hire today!
