Construction sites are everywhere and though they are necessary to build homes and improve city centres, there’s no escaping the fact that they can be dangerous.
To protect the public and reduce the chances of costly machinery and materials theft, you need a strong and durable solution that is easily erected and dismantled.
What is Site Hoarding?
Site hoarding is (also known as construction hoarding) is form of temporary fencing. It is used to divide venues at large events and to restrict the public on industrial construction sites. This type of temporary fencing can also be seen at :
- Outdoor events
- Parking lots
- Emergency relief sites
- Disaster sites
Site Hoarding Regulations
Site hoardings are durable timber fences erected around the perimeter of construction and demolition sites. Their hard-wearing nature and solid outer means the public are given maximum protection while the interior of the site is not visible to passers by, reducing the possibility of opportunistic theft.
Benefits of Site Hoardings
- Accidental trespassing is impossible
- Equipment and materials are protected from thieves
- Insurance and legal requirements are met
- Intruders are deterred from theft and vandalism
- Public access is clearly forbidden
- Safety standards are met
Regulations
Site hoardings were adopted when the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 was passed. Though this bill didn’t explicitly make hoardings mandatory, the requirement to protect the public from entering construction sites implied the need for a secure site. This ambiguity was resolved in the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 that made hoardings a staple of site security and safety. It’s now industry standard to erect site hoardings around any site where substantial building or demolition work is occurring.
Regulation 13 (6)
This regulation emphasises the need for contractors to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent unauthorised access to a site. This includes hoardings but also stipulates that there must be a system of controlled access to the site through a secured gate. Often this entails checking workers’ employee ID, or requiring deliveries to be scheduled so it’s known at all times who is and isn’t on site.
Regulation 27 (2)
Regulation 27 (2) emphasises the need for adequate signage and protection for the public. For example, site hoardings are not needed for pavement improvements and subterranean systems works where a shallow trench is visible. Instead, small barriers and warning signage must guide pedestrians on an alternate but safe route, protected from traffic.
Safety and the Site Perimeter
The contractor is obligated to plan the site and define its perimeters before choosing adequate site hoardings to fulfil the above regulations. The plans must also include whether the site and its hoardings are to be adjusted part way through the building works. This is all completed as part of the risk assessment. The contractor must then arrange for the correct hoardings to be erected on site before work begins.
Finally, the hoardings must be maintained throughout the duration of construction. This includes regular inspection of the perimeter and strengthening or adjusting of hoardings as appropriate.
RTC Fencing are proud to offer superior site hoardings for construction sites across Leicester, Nottingham, Melton Mowbray and Derby. If you’re looking for permanent and attractive fencing solutions, we’re also experts in school fencing, solar farm fencing and timber fencing, too. For a free quote and site visit, contact our friendly team today.