UK Temporary Fencing Regulations: An Essential Guide for Construction Professionals

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) The CDM 2015 is the primary legislation governing health and safety management at construction sites in the UK. Temporary fencing is an essential aspect of site security and safety, as it helps protect workers, visitors, and the public from potential hazards. The CDM 2015 requires duty holders, including clients, designers, contractors, and workers, to cooperate and coordinate their efforts to ensure a safe working environment.

Key requirements under the CDM 2015 for temporary fencing include:

• • Site safety management: CDM 2015 requires duty holders, including clients, designers, contractors, and workers, to cooperate and coordinate efforts to ensure a safe working environment, which includes the use of temporary fencing.
  • Risk assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards and determine the appropriate type and placement of temporary fencing.
  • Stable installation: Ensure that temporary fence panels are securely installed and stable, minimizing the risk of collapse or injury.
  • Maintenance and inspection: Regularly inspect and maintain temporary fencing to ensure ongoing safety and stability throughout the project.
  • Site access control: Securely control access to the construction site, providing entry and exit points and using lockable gates or barriers where necessary.
  • Communication and cooperation: Duty holders must work together and communicate effectively to ensure the implementation of safe and compliant temporary fencing solutions.
  • Compliance: Ensure that temporary fencing complies with relevant health and safety legislation, including CDM 2015 and other applicable regulations.

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) The HSWA places a duty on employers to ensure the health and safety of their employees and others affected by their work activities. Employers are required to provide a safe working environment, which may involve using temporary fencing to secure construction sites and protect workers.

Key takeaways from the HSWA;

• • Duty of care: Employers have a duty to ensure the health and safety of their employees and others affected by their work activities.
  • Safe working environment: Employers must provide a safe working environment, which may involve using temporary fencing to secure construction sites and protect workers and the public.
  • Risk assessment: Employers should conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards and determine appropriate safety measures, including temporary fencing.
  • Cooperation and communication: Employers, employees, and other duty holders should cooperate and communicate to maintain a safe working environment.
  • Compliance: Employers must comply with the HSWA and any relevant regulations, such as the CDM 2015, when implementing temporary fencing at construction sites.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 These regulations cover the provision of a safe working environment, including the use of temporary fencing to secure construction sites and protect workers. Employers must take necessary measures to maintain a safe and healthy workplace, such as ensuring site access is controlled and fencing is adequately maintained.

Key requirements from The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 in relation to temporary fencing at construction sites:

• • Safe working environment: Employers must provide and maintain a safe and healthy working environment, which includes the use of temporary fencing to secure construction sites and protect workers.
  • Site access: Employers should ensure that access to the construction site is controlled, with temporary fencing used to prevent unauthorized entry.
  • Maintenance: Temporary fencing should be maintained in a safe condition, including regular inspections and repairs as necessary.
  • Risk assessment: Employers must assess the risks associated with their workplace, including potential hazards that may require the use of temporary fencing.
  • Compliance: Employers should comply with The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and any other relevant legislation when implementing temporary fencing at construction sites.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 Falls from height are a significant risk at construction sites. The Work at Height Regulations require employers to take appropriate measures to prevent falls, which may include the use of temporary fencing to restrict access to areas where falls could occur.

Key takeaways from The Work at Height Regulations 2005 in relation to temporary fencing at construction sites:

• • Fall prevention: Employers must take appropriate measures to prevent falls from height, which may include using temporary fencing to restrict access to areas where falls could occur.
  • Risk assessment: Employers should conduct risk assessments to identify potential fall hazards and determine suitable safety measures, such as temporary fencing.
  • Hierarchy of control: Employers must follow a hierarchy of control measures for work at height, considering elimination, prevention, and minimization of risks, which may involve using temporary fencing.
  • Equipment safety: Temporary fencing used to prevent falls from height should be properly maintained, inspected, and fit for purpose.
  • Emergency planning: Employers must have plans in place for emergencies and rescue in case of falls from height, taking into account the presence of temporary fencing.
  • Compliance: Employers should comply with The Work at Height Regulations 2005 and any other relevant legislation when implementing temporary fencing at construction sites.