Regardless of whether you are a construction business working on erecting a new building downtown or an individual that is re-roofing their house, you are required to use proper equipment. A temporary fence is a necessity when it comes to construction sites, so here is a guide on how you can make the most of it. Take a look.

Standards and regulations

Every country has its own regulations when it comes to building codes. You should get acquainted with the rules of your country in order to avoid any complaints, incidents, and injuries.

For instance, according to AS4687-2007 Temporary Fencing and Hoarding, in Australia, your temporary fencing must be at least 150 cm in height and remain erect and stable at all times. Additionally, it must be installed or moved by a professional installer and in accordance with the installation manual. It also must be able to withstand the different weather conditions. Moreover, the UK has also precisely regulated the requirements for temporary fencing systems in their British Standard 1722-18:2011. On the other hand, New Zealand has no specific standard for temporary fences, but the Building Code from 2014 provides some general requirements, such as being clearly marked and difficult to climb.

Don’t think that just because this is a temporary fence, there are no rules and consequences. If your fencing does not meet the standards of your country, you could be liable for all issues that arise. While it might be tempting to get some cheap or second-hand fencing online, it would be best to hire professionals that can give you advice about which fence to use and install it for you. That way, you will ensure that everyone is safe and legally protect yourself.

Types of fences

Temporary fencing comes in many different shapes. You should carefully consider your needs and get the appropriate fencing type.

A-frame barriers can provide you with excellent stability while also protecting the pedestrians around the site. These barriers are quite tough, which means they can last you several projects, and they are also very easy to assemble on-site.

Plastic pedestrian barriers are great for creating zones around maintenance areas, work zones, and roadworks. They are very lightweight which allows for easy transportation.

Mesh panels are best used for excavation areas, edges, no-go areas, voids, and hazards. They also work as crowd control.

You can also use anti-gawking screens which can be fitted on both concrete and water-filled barriers. This reduces the visibility of the work site to the public. They also protect pedestrians from loose debris.

Rent or buy?

The dilemma of whether to buy or rent equipment is always present. However, you should have in mind the hidden costs of hiring. You will pay for cleaning, relocation, and insurance, not to mention the price of replacement of any stolen or damaged goods. When you decide to buy your own equipment, you will have an asset that can be used for multiple projects; you just have to hire laborers to assemble and reassemble it properly. It’s always good to calculate the cost of renting and compare it to the barriers systems price to see which one benefits you the most.

Benefits of construction sites

One of the biggest benefits of temporary fencing is public safety. It is often dangerous around construction sites, and that is why clearly marking the danger zone is vital. Passers-by should know when to cross the street and stay safe.

In addition, high-quality fencing can prevent theft and vandalism on the building site. It is essential in protecting your expensive equipment as well as the progress you’ve made. Imagine if you turned up at the site one morning and discovered that half of your machines are missing and all the work was destroyed. That would deal a huge blow to your business’s budget.

Temporary fences are both simple to use and versatile. They are sturdy enough to withstand the weather conditions but can be moved and stored when required, thanks to their flexibility.

This is also quite cost-effective. While opting for permanent fencing can be very expensive, temporary fences are cheaper, seeing as how they can be easily used again when needed. Depending on the needs, more panels can be added, and the unnecessary ones can be removed.

Other Uses

In addition to construction, temporary fencing can be used for many other purposes.

While using concrete road barriers is widely used for regulating traffic and creating secluded areas, water-filled barriers are gaining in popularity as of late. They are also used to section off parts of the road, but create a highly-visible edge to the active traffic lanes and reduce the risk of death in case there is an accidental impact. Additionally, they can easily be connected and thus prevent access through any gaps or spaces.

You can also use the temporary fence as a marketing technique. The printed fence wrap lets you utilize the fence as a means of advertising your business. Having your name and logo around the construction site can help you gain more clients as they can see the quality work you’re doing, and they can contact you right away.

Temporary fencing can be found at many music festivals, sports events, street fairs and public demonstrations, used as a means of crowd control. Crowd crushes or riots can result in many injuries and fatalities, so it is important to effectively manage the people. It is also used for dividing venues and limiting access.

There are many, many other uses of temporary fencing. It can be used to create outside sitting areas for restaurants and cafes, too. People install it around pools to make sure kids and pets can’t go in, or around any other area that is off-limits.

Seeing as how fencing is necessary for all construction and maintenance work, you should familiarize yourself with your country’s standards and requirements when it comes to temporary fences. Additionally, decide on the right type of fence for you and see whether it’s better to buy or rent.

Author Bio:

Liam Smith is a young and aspiring blogger with a passion for everything related to home improvement, design and style. He has a B.Sc. in Interior design and is an avid reader.

https://twitter.com/LiamSmith2034