Site hoarding is a temporary structure built on construction sites. They are used for several purposes including preventing unauthorised access, shielding activities from public view and upholding health and safety. These hoardings can also prevent vandalism and theft whilst protecting workers from flying debris.
There are many different types of hoarding on the market, and the one that’s right for you will depend on your needs and circumstances. RTC Fencing is here for you if you need to find reliable site hoarding contractors in Leicester, Nottingham, or Birmingham.
Hoarding can be used to protect not only workers but visitors and the general public too. Building firms can use hoarding to comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. This Act requires employers to take reasonable measures to ensure all people are defended from hazards associated with construction site activities.
Hoarding protects the public from various hazards, preventing them from being hit by falling objects, hit by vehicles, affected by dust and more. This means you can not only protect the public but avoid being hit by costly compensation claims too when you invest in the right type of hoarding. Seek out hoarding that complies fully with Health and Safety regulations.
When you are looking for the right hoarding solutions for your needs, you need to consider a range of factors. You need to think about how long you need it for, whether you will need to re-use it in future and how long for and the location and conditions of the site. If the site is located in a place where the climate is likely to be a problem, you may need to seek out something particularly robust. The hoardings must be stable whether construction is taking place in a rural or urban environment.
Another benefit of site hoarding is that it can also be used for marketing purposes. You can create custom signage for your hoarding and add graphics that tell the public more about the project you are working on. The images you add to your hoarding can help you build anticipation and create a buzz around your project.
Hoarding is also great for boosting security standards. Sadly, the construction industry continues to suffer substantial losses as a result of theft, with some sites being burgled weekly. Robust hoarding can not only deter would-be trespassers but even make it impossible for them to enter the site. This explains why so many business owners are seeking the services of site hoarding contractors in Birmingham, Nottingham, and Leicester.
Let’s take a look at some of the most dependable forms of site hoarding right now.
In-ground timber hoarding is a highly secure solution that’s ideal for larger construction sites as well as long-term requirements. This hoarding can be set in concrete, post-mounted or installed with concrete blocks used as counterweights.
It’s possible to paint this hoarding in all sorts of colours. Many companies opt for hi-vis colours for health and safety reasons. It’s also common for businesses to reflect their own colour schemes and add their own logos and branding. Warnings and instructions can also be added to this type of hoarding, as can vehicle and pedestrian control to make access a breeze.
Timber is also a popular choice due to the way it is ethically-sourced, making it ideal for companies that wish to reduce their carbon footprint and operate more sustainably. It may be possible to re-use some of the timber hoarding for another site or subsequent project in future.
Hoarding using concrete slabs is another popular option amongst many construction companies. This is similar to the way water-filled bases are often used for hoarding but more robust and dependable. Interlocking systems mean perimeter runs can be quickly set up, especially in areas where other perimeter forms cannot be dug into the ground. This hoarding can easily be dismantled and relocated when required. As the hoarding panels are so easy to install and move, labour costs can be reduced.
Steel hoarding is noted for its ease of installation and use. It is fully reusable and can be customised to meet a host of requirements. Used for construction and demolition work, it is often used alongside accessories including block trays, anti-lift brackets and stabilisers to enhance its resistance to wind. Many companies with long-term hoarding requirements opt for steel-based solutions.
Hoarding panels are ideal locations for displaying important information and warnings about hazards and health and safety. Hoarding can also be used for demolition work when perimeter fences are required and information needs to be clearly communicated to the public and workers to keep them safe. It can be used to ensure access is only granted to authorised individuals.
The HSE’s Construction(Design and Management) Regulations say site managers are obliged to prevent unauthorised people from entering constriction sites. Secure hoarding can prevent unauthorised access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It can also be used to direct workers to designated access points.
It’s vitally important that hoarding is installed in line with HSE guidelines or you could be penalised by the authorities. Hoarding can also protect sites from fire and arson as well as theft and unauthorised access, giving site managers, investors, and other stakeholders. It’s also essential that the hoarding is inspected frequently to ensure it remains compliant with HSE regulations. As work continues to progress, perimeters may be moved or changed and requirements may be amended, which explains why regular inspection is so important.
Our site hoarding contractors in Nottingham, Leicester and Birmingham are eager to assist you. Contact us today for more information about sourcing the right hoarding solution for your specific needs. At RTC Fencing, we offer first-class hoarding at the most competitive prices and are able to offer free quotations and site visits. We have more than 20 years of fencing industry experience and are only happy when you are totally satisfied with the solutions that we have supplied to you. Get in touch today to find out more.