Guide to Construction Site Hoarding
Table of Contents
What is Site Hoarding?
Site hoarding refers to a temporary structure erected around a construction or work site and the construction site hoarding design is undertaken by temporary works designers. Its primary functions include:
Safety: Hoardings protect the public from potential hazards associated with construction sites, such as falling debris, machinery operation, and other construction activities. They act as a physical barrier that prevents accidental entry into areas where there is a risk of injury.
Security: Construction sites often contain valuable materials, tools, and equipment that are attractive targets for theft. Hoarding helps to secure the site by restricting access to authorized personnel only, thereby deterring unauthorized entry and reducing the risk of theft and vandalism.
Privacy: Hoardings provide privacy for the work being carried out. This can be important in competitive commercial environments and also helps to shield unsightly construction activities from the public eye, maintaining a better aesthetic in public spaces.
Regulatory Compliance: Many local governments and regulatory bodies require the installation of hoardings around construction sites to ensure public safety and order. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, legal action, and delays in project timelines.
Noise and Dust Containment: Hoardings can help to contain noise and dust within the site, minimizing environmental pollution and disturbances to nearby residents and businesses. This is particularly important in dense urban areas where other buildings and the public are in close proximity.
Information and Promotion: Hoardings often serve as a platform for project information and promotional materials. They can be used to display information about the development, future projects, safety notices, or even artwork, which can help integrate the construction site into the community more harmoniously.
Environmental Protection: By limiting the spread of debris and other materials, hoardings help protect the surrounding environment and support efforts to manage waste and pollution associated with construction activities.
Overall, site hoarding is a fundamental aspect of managing a construction site responsibly and effectively, ensuring that the project adheres to safety standards and legal requirements while minimizing its impact on the surrounding area
What is the Construction Site Hoarding Design Procedure
The design procedure for site hoarding in the UK involves several key steps to ensure that the hoarding is safe, durable, and fit for purpose. Here is a detailed overview of the design procedure:
- Design Brief and Responsibility
The principal contractor is usually responsible for the site hoardings, and they may either design the hoarding themselves or subcontract the task.
A detailed design brief should be prepared, which includes the site location, expected lifespan, dimensions, ground conditions, and any specific requirements such as lighting, signage, or access ways.
The design brief should also consider the proximity of traffic, services, and potential loadings from wind and/or crowds.
- Compliance with Standards and Regulations
The design must comply with recognized codes and fundamental design principles.
British Standard BS 5975 is the primary source for procedures for the management and control of temporary works, including hoardings.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 require steps to be taken to prevent unauthorized access to construction sites, which implies the use of hoardings.
- Design Considerations
The designer must have a level of competence commensurate with the complexity of the hoarding design.
All hoarding designs should be independently checked by someone other than the designer.
The design should account for the anticipated design life of the hoarding, which affects the loadings used in the design and the choice of materials.
Durability is a key consideration, and if not specified otherwise, the standard acceptable lifespan of a site hoarding is 10 years.
- Identifying Hazards
Relevant hazards to the hoarding’s location and use must be identified, including wind load, crowd loading, vehicle impact loading, and proximity to railways.
The design should consider the category of design check required, wind factors, and any restrictions related to inspection and maintenance.
- Material Selection
Materials such as timber, steel, or plastic panels are commonly used for hoardings.
The quality of the materials, especially timber, should be suitable to ensure the installation can last and remain stable without damage.
- Design Approval
Once the design plans are drawn up, a design check certificate must be obtained from a qualified individual other than the designer.
The person responsible for granting the design check certificate must ensure that the plans conform to the relevant standards and regulations.
- Installation and Maintenance
The hoarding must be installed before any construction work starts and following a detailed risk assessment.
Regular inspections and maintenance are required to ensure the continued integrity of the hoarding.
The hoarding may need to be modified during the course of construction works as site requirements change.
- Additional Considerations
Hoardings can also be used for marketing and branding purposes, and the design may include elements such as built-up letters, lighting, and digital screens.
Safety requirements dictate that the hoarding must be high enough to prevent scaling, secure against being knocked down, and visually obscure the site.
This procedure ensures that the hoarding serves its purpose of protecting the public and the construction site while also complying with legal and safety requirements.
What are the fundamental design principles for site hoarding?
The fundamental design principles for site hoarding in the UK encompass a comprehensive approach to ensure safety, compliance with regulations, and effectiveness in fulfilling their intended purpose. These principles are guided by various standards, regulations, and best practices, including the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, British Standards, and guidance from industry bodies. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these principles:
Safety and Security
Prevent Unauthorized Access: Hoardings must be designed to prevent unauthorized access to construction sites, protecting both the public and site workers from potential hazards.
Stability and Strength: They should be structurally sound to withstand environmental loads such as wind, and not easily knocked down or penetrated.
Height Requirements: While specific height limits may not be set, hoardings should be tall enough to deter scaling and ensure site security.
Compliance with Regulations and Standards
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015: Hoardings must comply with these regulations, which require measures to prevent unauthorized site access.
British Standards: Compliance with BS 5975, which covers the management and control of temporary works, is recommended for ensuring the safety and integrity of hoardings.
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: Hoardings should align with the general duty to ensure the safety of the public and workers.
Design and Material Considerations
Material Quality: The materials used (commonly timber, steel, or PVC-U) should be of appropriate quality to ensure durability and stability.
Visibility and Impact: Design should consider the visibility and impact of the hoarding, incorporating elements like branding and information signage where applicable.
Environmental Factors: The design should account for environmental factors such as wind load, and the hoarding should be equipped to withstand various weather conditions.
Planning and Implementation
Risk Assessment: A thorough risk assessment should be conducted to identify potential hazards and determine the appropriate type and layout of hoarding.
Design Approval: Plans for the hoarding must be approved and checked by a qualified individual other than the designer, ensuring compliance with all relevant standards and regulations.
Maintenance and Inspection: Regular inspections and maintenance are required to ensure the hoarding remains in good condition and continues to meet safety standards throughout the construction project.
Additional Considerations
Aesthetics and Marketing: While the primary function of hoardings is safety and security, they also offer opportunities for branding and marketing. Designs can include company logos, project information, and artistic elements to enhance visual appeal and engage the public.
Accessibility: Hoardings should include secure access points for authorized personnel, with considerations for emergency exits and the overall flow of site traffic.
These principles ensure that site hoardings not only fulfill their primary role in safeguarding construction sites and the public but also comply with legal requirements and contribute to the visual and practical aspects of construction projects.
What are the common materials used for site hoarding in the UK?
Timber: Timber is a popular choice for hoardings due to its versatility and the option for it to be sustainably sourced and reused. It is strong and can be securely fixed into place, making it a reliable material for creating hoardings.
Plywood: Plywood, often used in conjunction with timber frames, is another common material for hoardings. It provides a solid and smooth surface that can be easily customized with branding or messaging.
Steel: Steel hoardings are noted for their durability and long-lasting nature, making them suitable for projects where construction will be underway for an extended period. They are also reusable and can be designed to withstand strong wind conditions.
Concrete: Concrete hoardings are chosen for their robustness and ease of installation and dismantling. They are durable and preferred by many business owners for surrounding construction sites.
These materials are selected based on the specific requirements of the project, including the expected duration of the construction, the need for security, and environmental considerations. Timber and plywood are often favoured for their flexibility and ease of customization, while steel and concrete provide enhanced durability and strength for more demanding conditions.