Are There Site Hoarding Regulations and How Do I Comply?
Yes, there are site hoarding regulations that you’ll need to think about for your construction site. They cover everything from the height and materials used to the signs and adverts on them. Their aim is to keep all workers, visitors and pedestrians safe at all times. Here’s how to make sure your construction site hoarding is safe and secure.
Complying with Site Hoarding Regulations
It’s your responsibility to make sure your construction site is a safe place to be. This doesn’t just cover workers on site, but also passing pedestrians and neighbours. Site hoardings have to adhere to specific regulations to be approved as outlined in the Health and Safety Act 1974, covered in the HSE’s Protecting the Public guide.
Height
Sites are recommended to have a high fence or barrier that’s 2.4 metres in size. For high-security fences or site hoarding, that recommendation increases to 3 metres. Although these guidelines are in place, not every site is the same and some may require larger fences, especially if they’re in a city centre.
Make sure your hoarding isn’t smaller than the recommended height as it will be easy to scale for thieves.
Materials
Hoardings can be temporary or long-term installations and are either freestanding or built into sites. They can be made of steel or timber and there are sometimes extras like barbed wire. The hoarding needs to be able to withstand impact and heavy loads. The material is sometimes painted or covered in the company’s logo or with advertisements.
Access
Regulation 13 (6) concerns access to the site. You’ll need to make sure you’ve taken reasonable steps to deny access to those who shouldn’t have it. The site needs to have more than just the hoarding in place, usually a secure gate, turnstiles and a security guard.
Preventing unauthorised access is pretty straightforward during the day, but you’ll need to consider how easy it is to get onto your site when everyone’s gone home. Are there nearby buildings that can be used to gain access? Were any ladders left out by mistake?
You’re liable for anyone who might sustain an injury on your site so taking the necessary steps is crucial.
Safety
You’ll need to make sure the hoarding is safe and secure as outlined in Regulation 27 (2). It needs to be able to withstand all weather conditions, including heavy winds. If your hoarding isn’t secure, it could fall and cause serious damage.
Think about how much weight you’re placing on the hoarding. You might be tempted to add security lights, signs, debris netting or CCTV cameras but the heavier the hoarding, the more dangerous it is.
The hoarding will be broken up by access points, usually in the form of security gates. These gates need to be the same size as the hoarding and securable. They shouldn’t be able to blow open because of a strong gust of wind. They should be closed to prevent unwanted access to the site, but not locked in case of emergencies.
Hoarding needs to be regularly checked, inspected and repaired, just as you would with any other important equipment on site.
Appearance
To display outdoor signs or advertisements, there’s a full permission process you’ll have to go through as outlined in the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) 2007.
The authority in charge of consent is usually the District or County Council, although there are some exceptions. Fortunately, adverts around temporary construction sites already have consent, although this only lasts for three years.
If the Planning Committee of the local council decides that your hoarding adverts aren’t safe, clean or appropriate, they may be subject to removal.
Meeting CCS Requirements
The Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) aims to improve the public image of the construction industry. If your site is part of the CCS, you’ll be expected to meet high standards.
A key aspect of the CCS is respecting the local community. Your work should have a minimal impact on neighbours and it’s your responsibility to maintain a positive relationship with them.
If your site hoarding is right up against another person’s property or features signage that isn’t in keeping with the community’s values, you won’t be meeting CCS requirements. Make sure your hoarding is inoffensive and always communicate with local people well in advance if their property is close to the site.
To meet CCS standards, your construction site should be kept tidy. An organised and clean site is less likely to cause problems with locals. An easy way to do this is to ensure all equipment is stored at night and waste is dealt with quickly.
Need More Info on Site Hoarding Signage?
Construction site hoarding can be used to display company logos, messages and adverts. They can promote the site that’s being constructed or act as an extra revenue stream and be used for adverts.
Use them creatively and start a conversation online or with the local community. Innovative designs have been used around the world to turn construction site hoardings into landmarks themselves.
If you’re planning to use hoarding in this way, then make sure to download our free guide that’s packed with everything you need to know before you get started. Click the link below to download our Guide to Outdoor Signage and Planning.
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