Temporary fencing is everywhere on construction sites throughout Australia. It restricts unauthorised personnel, helps to secure and contain equipment and building materials, and can help to prevent construction activities from impacting the surrounding area. It helps to prevent rubbish, debris, and lightweight material like plastic from escaping the work site and causing pollution. Because they are a temporary, self-supporting structure, it’s all the more important to make sure they are manufactured, installed, and maintained in accordance with Australian standards to ensure safety all around.
What are the Australian standards for temporary fencing?
The standard for Australian temporary fencing is AS4687-2007 Temporary fencing and hoardings. This guideline describes the minimum requirements for the construction and installation of temporary fencing and temporary hoarding, with the aim of providing protection to the public, as well as workers on site. It covers temporary mesh fencing, wire fencing, how adding banner mesh or shade cloth can alter the fence’s structural integrity, as well as other details about temporary hoardings.
Does your fence meet Australian Standards 4687-2007?
If your temporary fence meets the following standards then you are good as gold:
- Achieves a minimum height of 1,500 millimetres
- Remains erect and stable at all times
- Has been installed, moved, or altered by a competent and trained installer
- Has been installed in accordance with the specific hirer’s instruction/installation manual
- The fence design has taken into account wind loading, impact tests and stability
- All fencing components are in good condition and maintained regularly
These Australian temporary fencing standards apply to all sites, including flat, sloping and uneven sites, and if temporary fencing is erected on a site that is not deemed private property, then approvals and/or permits may also be required. If your temporary fencing does not meet these standards, then you may have a problem on your hands and could be liable for any incident or injury that comes about due to non-compliant fencing.
Why is temporary fencing necessary on construction sites?
There are times when you just need temporary fencing for your construction projects, and the following is a list of reasons why you may need temporary fencing.1. Temporary fencing keeps construction sites secured
The most important benefit of installing temporary fencing is you can keep intruders away. Temporary fencing will act as an obstacle on construction sites, thus keeping trespassers away from the site and any equipment and machinery present.2. Temporary fencing protects the site from vandalism
For a lot of site supervisors, warding off graffiti artists and taggers is a struggle. The best way to keep these artists off your walls is to install temporary fencing. Make the fence high enough so that jumping or crossing it will be difficult, and the artists will be afraid of getting caught.3. Temporary fencing helps crowd control
Impatient crowds can pose a threat to the success and safety of an event. Large crowds are inevitable when holding large events such as concerts and fairs in outdoor settings. Temporary fencing will help you with crowd control. This type of fencing can be set up and arranged in ways to guide and control the flow of the audience, which also enables everybody to enjoy the event.4. Temporary fencing keeps onlookers away
Temporary fencing will give you a little privacy or exclusivity if you are having an event in a public place. In the case of an accident or natural disaster, temporary fencing will help section off an area and prevent unauthorised access for unauthorised people. Temporary fencing is also used by restaurants with outdoor settings, especially in setting up an outdoor dining area.5. Temporary fencing helps protect children
Temporary fencing is not just for construction sites and events. Homeowners can also enjoy the benefits of temporary fences. Installing temporary fencing in areas where you don’t want your kids to wander or in areas with potential hazards can be very helpful. For example, if you have kids who love to run around the house and the pool area, temporary fencing can keep them safe when you are completing landscaping, and renovation work, or guarding swimming pools, decks, and patios.