Building sites today have to be planned with precision. Minimising risk, abiding by health and safety guidelines, and above all, have a clear focus on keeping everyone safe and secure.
For a sustainable building site that focuses on organisation and safety, certain areas must be considered and implemented, and we’ll take a look at some of these top priorities below.
WHAT DOES SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION INVOLVE?
A CONSIDERATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Sustainability in building projects primarily focuses on environmental impact; hence why planning and knowing your perimeters/boundaries is vital.
To help support your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), many construction firms now look into their environmental policies and environmental accreditations. Accreditations that help to provide organisations with a framework to support environmental management.
The construction industry is renowned for being a big user of natural resources. However, with more and more emphasis on our environmental impact, construction firms are now looking at new and more effective ways to reduce their impact.
Ultimately for sustainable construction, site managers must consider environmental impact by carrying out a thorough assessment of the entire project including the resources and equipment used.
PLANNING FOR CHANGE
Sustainable construction is a complex area and takes many forms. For example, it can focus on using more recycled resources, ways to reduce waste and energy consumption, plans to create healthier and safer work environments, and more sustainable ways to protect our natural environment.
To achieve all of this and more, planning, and we mean thorough planning in these areas and the areas we go on to talk about below, is therefore not a nice to have, but a must-have.
MANAGING SITE TRAFFIC
Vehicle and plant movement around construction sites must be managed extremely well – people’s lives are at risk if this is done poorly.
Areas that site managers must pay particular attention to include entrances and exits (which should be marked (ideally using plastic fencing to support) and identifiable if you have separate entrance ways, for example, for vehicles and pedestrians.)
Walkways also fall into the category of site traffic and, as such, must be kept clear at all times. Walkways can be clearly outlined using temporary fencing.
Specific zones can also be created using barrier systems to help identify loading bays, parking spots, equipment storage areas, and more. Note: For equipment storage areas housed in zones, security fencing is the most appropriate fencing you could use in these situations.
To help support safe vehicular movement around construction sites, it’s advisable to separate parking areas from the main site. To control access points as is feasible, to use reflective materials on fencing and barriers, ensure workers wear appropriate PPE and high vis clothing when on-site, areas for deliveries and unloading are close to access points, etc.
PROTECTING YOUR SITE AND THE PUBLIC
Construction sites and construction managers have a duty of care to protect the general public from the building site’s risks and hazards.
The main solution to mitigate the majority of these risks is to devise a secure perimeter around the site using temporary mesh fencing, helping to keep people away from unknown dangers inside.
Security fencing of this nature must meet the requirements of the site, protect the public from onsite hazards, take into account any external factors, and be flexible and versatile enough that it supports everyone in the management of people around the site.
Temporary secure fencing must also make it difficult for unauthorised personnel to access the site out of hours – keeping equipment and belongings safe at all times. (To help work hand in hand with security fencing, CCTV is also used and security guards to man the site out of hours).
ROBUST MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
For a complete sustainable site, you also need storage and waste management solutions, suitable welfare units for all staff members and visitors on-site, full and up-to-date risk assessments, robust planning, complete training plans, and clear and comprehensive reporting procedures, and more!
BENEFITS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
- Reduces your organisations impact on the environment
- Reduces and mitigates risks and hazards
- Adds an extra layer and feeling of safety and security to sites
- Can help with costs, i.e., reducing waste fees charged by waste management companies, for example
- Boosts your company’s reputation as you demonstrate your CSR
- Allows you to stand out and increase your green credentials
- Shows your support to the local community.
Every building site and construction project is different. However, the need for suitable, robust, durable, and sustainable temporary fencing solutions remains.
For a sustainable fencing company you can rely on, call Site Fencing today on 01274 833 396.
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