Fencing and hoarding are legal requirements for most construction sites.
The main legislation that governs the health and safety of construction sites in Great Britain is the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. This Act requires all workers whether they are employed or self-employed to take reasonable practical steps to ensure the health and safety of the public. This implies the need for fencing or hoarding around the perimeter of construction sites, even if it is not explicitly stated.
The specific regulation that details the obligations for fencing and hoarding are the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. These regulations place specific duties on clients, designers, and contractors to plan their approach to health and safety throughout the entire lifecycle of a project. One of the aspects the CDM 2015 covers is the prevention of unauthorised access to construction sites, which can pose a risk to workers, visitors, and the public. Depending on the size and nature of the site, a suitable barrier or a solid wood or metal hoarding is needed to secure the site perimeter. Fencing and hoarding can also help to protect the site from vandalism, theft, and environmental damage. Therefore, fencing and hoarding are important elements of site security and safety.