Temporary fencing is the unsung hero of any job site. This simple staple has long been an effective solution to promote safety and security on construction sites worldwide.
However, even though temporary fencing stands as the often-overlooked cornerstone of job site safety and security, it must be used correctly.
To truly secure a site, it’s important to use fencing in a way that enhances the overall operation of the site. Explore the best practices to maximize job safety with temporary fencing.
Temporary Fencing Performs MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS
- Security: Temporary fencing defines the construction site area, preventing access from random people. Furthermore, fencing ensures workers’ safety as it can define hazardous areas.
- Protection: A construction site includes expensive equipment, tools, and materials. A solid fence provides protection against anyone looking to get access.
- Promotion: Temporary fencing is also an opportunity to promote your construction company by showcasing its name around the boundary of the site.
Risky Business?
Before installing temporary fencing on a job site, it’s important to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment tailored to the specifics of the project. By identifying potential hazards, project managers can develop the most appropriate security measures and set up a suitable temporary fencing system, mitigating any risk.
- Identify any potential hazard or risk that could endanger workers, visitors, or the public inside or in the surrounding job site.
- Evaluate potential issues around the site’s location, terrain, nearby roadways, or any environmental considerations.
- Consider possible risks not only on the site itself but also from the nearby structures. For example, if there are buildings or other construction sites adjacent to your location, evaluate the risk.
- Make a plan to secure the fencing itself. The last thing you want is a potential problem from the fencing itself. Make a plan to choose fencing and weights to avoid any fall hazard.
Conducting a risk assessment is important for two main reasons.
Risk Assessment is Important
- It enhances the site’s safety, reducing the likelihood of accidents or injury.
- Temporary fencing system are customized for the needs of a specific site, avoiding waste of resources and money.
- Ensure Secure Installation
As we’ve mentioned, the last thing you want is a potential hazard to be created by the temporary fencing itself. For this reason, proper installation must be a priority.
When we speak of proper installation, we are not limited to making sure that the fences are upright . We’re also addressing proper layout, identification of access points, and maintenance. So, when it comes to installation, these are the best practices:
- Plan the placement of the fences in advance. Consider the risk assessment while doing so and all the specifics of the site.
- Identify access points.
- Rely on trained personnel for the installation process. (Like Site Services USA). Professional teams should be able to follow the temporary fencing guidelines and the industry standards.
- Anchor fencing to the ground using weights or drive posts. Make sure to check these systems regularly.
- Make sure all components are fastened together.
- Choose the Appropriate Fencing Type
Reliable temporary fencing rental services offer a wide range of temporary fencing types. Some contractors make the mistake of opting for the most expensive fencing available thinking this will increase safety. But… Will it?
This isn’t, however, the best practice. The choice and type of fencing should be tailored to the specific needs of the job site. For example, certain types of fencing material may be better If you need to move the fence during the project, or if you need many access points, then certain structures would have a negative impact on security and the overall workflow.
When choosing the appropriate type of fencing, consider the job site and surrounding’ characteristics along with any risk assessment you’ve prepared.
- Identify Entrance and Exit Points
Access to the job site should be controlled. Only authorized people and vehicles should be allowed, and only through dedicated points.
Securing entrance and exit points should include the use of gates, make sure the perimeter is always secure.
An advanced security measure when it comes to access points is the use of checkpoints. In these checkpoints, one member or more of the personnel should be in charge of allowing access exclusively to authorized people and vehicles.
With these measures, the risk of unauthorized access is reduced to the minimum. However, access points aren’t only important to regulate access on the job site, but also for emergency procedures.
Appropriate access points and emergency protocols should always be in place to facilitate evacuation or allow immediate access to emergency responders.
- Temporary Fencing Maintenance
Make sure to have a plan to regularly inspect the temporary fencing and all its components. Inspections should be done on a regular basils.
Temporary fencing is a key element in construction site safety and security. When contractors stick to the best practices, they can reduce risk and make sure everyone working on the site is safer. It’s all about knowing how to use fencing to protect crew and site.