Temporary Fence: Construction Site Safety And Liability
Posted by Dawn Lowndes on Wed, Nov 03, 2010 @ 08:24 AM
Most construction sites are enclosed with temporary construction fence. These sites can create dangerous circumstances that cause liability concerns and materials that need to be temporarily secured. A barrier between the people working on a construction site and the people who are not is a necessary implement. Many municipalities, insurance companies and general contractors require jobsites to be sufficiently secured.
There are a few different options for temporarily enclosing a construction site. Welded fence panels with extended legs that slide into a concrete block or onto a stand are commonly referred to as ‘panels & blocks’. This is a common application. These panels are ideal for installation on surfaces that you do not want to permanently or otherwise disturb. It is relatively easy to relocate this type of fence, as compared to others. Panels and blocks are also a cost effective way to secure a jobsite. One drawback to using this type of fence is that it is not conducive to add any type of visual screening. Screened panels can be subject to blowing over in windy conditions due to the added screen weight. If screening is desirable for a site, it is generally installed with chain link fabric attached to driven chain link posts. The posts are driven into the ground by or hand or with a compressor. Screening is installed using zip ties that attach the screen to the fence. This fence can also be easily removed but can disturb surrounding surfaces. Screening is used for the privacy of the site or as additional advertisement. The materials used for this application come from fences that have been previously installed. This allows for cost effectiveness and environmental concerns. When fence materials become damaged, they are typically recycled. If a more private fence or a long-term project is being built; plywood construction fence can be useful. The fence will become an actual wall between the site and the public. This type of fence is hard to climb and virtually impossible to see through. The fence is installed with 4” x 4” wood posts with the plywood attached with screws or nails.
Due to regulations, fences are a necessary item for almost all construction sites. Temporary fence can be rented or purchased depending on the specific application. When deciding on what type of fence a jobsite requires, there are a few questions that always come up. How much fence is needed? For, how long? What kind of surface the fence will be installed through or on? And what kind of fence material is considered necessary?
Though regulations require this implementation the usual goal for temporary fence on constructions sites is safety. This material is often used as a device for provisional crowd control for special events. It is especially useful for delineating and securing event parking areas.
Article contributed by fence professional John (J.P.) Patterson