Construction Hoardings, Barricades and Fences

The quality, level and type of fencing and security on a project are dictated by numerous factors, including the client’s requirements, the location of the 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.
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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.
9. Prevent workers and their equipment spilling into the public space, causing obstructions.

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.
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.
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. ....Carry on Reading.....

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​This article was first published on the ClockShark website. To visit this website and continue reading the article click on the link above.
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