Drive past any new home being built and you’ll see temporary fencing protecting the premises. Secure fencing is vital for keeping new homes safe from the start of the build to the official handover – not only do they protect the premises, but you as a builder or a home owner.
In this article we explore:
- Why is Security Fencing Used for Home Builds?
- What are the Australian Standards for Temporary Security Fencing?
- How to Install Security Fencing Around a Home Build
- TTFS’ Range of Temporary Fencing Products for Your Next Security Fence
Why is Security Fencing Used for Home Builds?
In Australia, secure fencing is required to be erected from the start of the build until completion under occupational health and safety laws. This is because security fencing around builds:
- Keeps builders, workers, contractors and anyone in the surrounding vicinity safe
- Stops passers-by from accessing the site
- Discourages intruders, vandals and thieves from breaking into the property
- Stops debris from encroaching on neighbouring properties
- Makes it clear that construction work is being carried out at the site and the public should stay clear
Security fencing is vital because if anyone is injured on your building site, you will be held liable – whether they were permitted to enter or not.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 requires that builders must ensure as far as reasonably practicable that the workplace is safe and without risks to health. This includes outside of working hours, and as mentioned above, extends to members of the public as well.
What are the Australian Standards for Temporary Security Fencing?
Temporary fencing for new home builds must adhere to the Australian Standards that are part of building and occupational health and safety legislation. These are set out by Standards Australia, the peak non-government independent organisation that is responsible for setting standards across industries and communities in Australia.
In regards to temporary fencing, these standards set out how the fencing should be designed and constructed, the required strength and height of the secure fencing panels, and where it needs to be erected.
When security fencing is used to prohibit unauthorised entry onto a construction site, it should be:
- At least 1.8m high
- Well-constructed, with securely connected joints and no weak points for entry
- Stable and able to withstand loads or forces, such as strong winds – Security fencing with shade cloth coverings may require additional support
- Difficult to climb, and prevent access for underneath
You can find out more information about construction site security fencing at the relevant occupational health and safety body for your state or territory.
How to Install Security Fencing Around a Home Build
When installing the security fencing, you will need to ensure:
- The fencing covers the full border of the construction site – any area where the public may access the site will need to be fenced
- The fencing has gates or entrances that only swing inwards
- There is no part of the fencing that is a hazard to nearby pedestrians or traffic
- The fencing does not interfere with line of sight for drivers and pedestrians that are in the vicinity of the site
- The relevant safety and hazard signage is set up
- There is a 1.5m gap between the fencing and the road for pedestrians to use
- There is enough space for vehicles to access the site, and to load and unload contents inside the property boundary.
If your security fencing requires the use, partial or otherwise, of council land (such as footpaths or roads), you will likely need to seek permission from the local council. They may require special provisions such as temporary barriers, signage, diversions or traffic management.
Remember, if you’ve engaged a builder to construct a new home, it‘s important to ensure they are across the laws and legislation for security fencing at building sites. It will likely be part of your contract, but it is worth checking for peace of mind! If this article has sparked any questions, please contact our friendly team who will be more than happy to assist.
TTFS’ Range of Temporary Fencing Products for Your Next Security Fence
TTFS is the leading supplier of temporary fencing products to several industries across Australia. We have built a solid reputation for always providing a high-quality product, backed up by competitive pricing, fantastic customer service and product guarantees.
With depots in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, we can deliver Australia-wide within 24 hours direct from our factory. For any enquiries, contact the TTFS team by sending an enquiry, emailing [email protected] or calling 1300 876 614.
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