Construction Hoardings, Barricades and Fences

"Barricades and fencing on construction projects keep the public out, and prevent the construction project extending outside the site boundary."

The quality, level and type of fencing and security on a construction project are dictated by numerous factors, including the client’s requirements, the location of the construction project, existing security and fencing around the project and the level of security risk, as well as the likelihood of a member of the public having unrestricted access to the project. In addition, local councils often have bylaws which stipulate the type of fencing or hoardings. These barriers may be simple fences, through to solid barriers of timber, tin, steel or even concrete.

Why barricades and fencing are important on construction projects

Many construction projects are constructed in operational facilities, close to neighboring properties or in busy public places. It’s necessary to erect barriers which may be needed to:

1. Keep the public from entering the work area.
2. Provide security to the existing properties (especially when dividing walls or fences are removed).
3. Provide security to the contractor’s equipment and the partly finished structure so that people can’t vandalise or steal equipment.
4. Reduce the amount of dust coming from the construction site.
5. Reduce the noise emanating from the construction work.
6. Create a more visually pleasing aspect than looking at a half-finished building.
7. Separate the construction workers from the public, who may feel intimidated walking past the workers.
8. Create a physical barrier to prevent the public from being injured by falling or flying objects, or by equipment running into them. Why should we take construction safety seriously?
9. Prevent workers and their equipment spilling into the public space, causing obstructions.​

"Good barricades are essential on most construction projects."

Basic rules for construction barricades and fencing

​When erecting hoardings and barricades it’s important to ensure that:

1. They are stable and can’t easily be knocked over by people, construction equipment, or when construction materials are leaned against them.
2. Where they are for security, that they cannot easily be broken through or dismantled. Fraud and theft in construction
3. Where it’s to prevent objects falling onto people, that it can withstand the impact force of such objects.
4. They don’t intrude into public spaces causing trip hazards or providing splinters or sharp protrusions which may injure people.
5. They won’t fall over in severe weather conditions.
6. They can be easily taken down when no longer required.
7. They don’t damage the existing finishes so these require extensive repairs.
8. Their aesthetics are suitable on the side exposed to the public, thus displaying a professional image of the project. Why construction companies should be concerned about their reputation
9. Where necessary, they keep dust and noise out.
10. That they are sufficiently robust so that they aren’t easily damaged by the weather or construction work, and that they will require minimal maintenance for the duration they’re required to be in place. Sometimes hoardings and barriers are used that quickly deteriorate and start looking worn, even no longer fulfilling the role they are supposed to fulfill.
11. They don’t impede water drainage, which could result in flooding during storms.
12. That they are positioned where they will have the least impact on both the construction activities as well as activities of those using the spaces outside the work areas. Often there is a trade-off to keep all parties happy.
13. That they are positioned within the property boundaries, or are located in areas where permission has been granted for them to be placed.
14. That where necessary, they are sufficiently visible at night.

Sometimes it’s necessary for hoardings, or temporary roof structures, to be built over public walkways and other areas. Again these must be properly designed, and in particular so that they can withstand any falling objects and the loads of workmen and materials that may be required to work from these structures. Special care should be taken so that they are not overloaded and so that they can cope with severe weather events, such as; winds, heavy rain and snow.

"Proper protections must be installed to protect the public from the construction works."

In some cases hoardings may be used for advertising, either for the project, the facility, or it certain cases the space could be sold for commercial advertising which could raise extra funds. These advertisements should all be done professionally, so that they are tasteful and do not detract from the project, the contractor, or from the existing facility.

Hoardings and barricades should be regularly checked to ensure that they are still secure, haven’t been damaged, they are of a good standard and that construction materials haven’t been stacked against them which could cause them to become unstable and fall over. Particularly after storms the hoardings should be checked to ensure they are safe and undamaged. 

"Poor fencing around construction projects creates a bad image (like the contractor does not care) and it means that the public (especially children) could enter the project and get hurt."

Good fencing and barricades are important on construction projects

​Hoardings and barricades play an important part in keeping people out of the construction working areas and to protect structures and the public. Tatty, poorly constructed barricades are not only unsafe, but they convey a poor image of both the project and the contractor. Unfortunately sometimes contractors spend little time, energy and money on what is an important aspect of every construction project.
Before starting your next construction project ask these questions

​​This article was first published on the ClockShark website. 
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