Essential Site Equipment

Construction Site Requirements

A construction site requires several key pieces of equipment prior to commencement of any building works.

Prior to any equipment being moved onto the site a risk assessment should be undertaken to identify any possible hazards.

One standard problem is the construction site being open for unauthorised entrants, causing both a health and safety risk as well as a security problem.

If the construction site needs to be isolated one method to achieve this is by way of installing temporary site fencing. The installation of such a temporary perimeter site fence can ensure that building work on the site no longer presents a safety risk to unauthorised entrants. A temporary site fence will also have more effect at preventing access from an unauthorised person than just a warning notice.

Detering Unauthorised People:

A warning sign alone may not deter children and other people from entering a construction site. It is common knowledge that unauthorised visitors normally have no knowledge at all with regards to the hazards and dangers which they may be exposed to.

Risks on a building site include injury from serious falls, drowning in areas which are open and have been excavated, receiving an electric shock from any live electrical cables or wiring, being crushed or suffocated by falling materials and objects, suffering exposure to dangerous chemicals and power tools.  

The installation of a temporary site fence is an effective way of restricting access to a housing or commercial building site.

Consideration As To The Best Type Of Fencing:

A decision should be made as to the best type of portable fence available to be used on each particular construction site. In the Uk the most versatile type of perimeter fence available is the heras site fence panel. Manufactured from medium guage steel this site fencing can be hired from most specialist tool hire suppliers complete with the neccessary supporting blocks (feet) and metal retaining clips.

This type of temporary panel deters unauthorised visitors to the building site being difficult to climb, difficult to gain access underneath, and is of a stable and strong metal construction. This type of panel simply attaches to other panels by way of a easy to use butterfly type clamp. The clamp is fastened together by way of a nut and bolt, again detering easy access by unauthorised people.  

Site Amenities:

It is neccessary to provide facilities on the construction site which meet the needs of the workforce.

One item which is a must for every construction site is the basic facility of an on site toilet. Although this might sound straightforward the majority of construction sites do not have running water and drainage.

To get around this problem the best and most affordable way is to provide this amenity by way of the hire of a portable toilet.

A portable toilet can be self contained and operable with no mains water or drainage.  Available in different configurations portable site toilets are available to suit the size and needs of any workforce.

In addition to portable toilets the addition of a site cabin allows staff and workers an area where to rest, eat (and sleep if needed) and relax in between work.  As with portable toilet units site cabins are available in different sizes, shapes, and configurations to suit the size of the workforce.

Site cabins normally are best when wired up to mains electric supply as well as oother utility supplies such as gas or water. This allows on site heating, cooking, lighting, and also washing facilities to be used.  

Portable site cabins can be transported from one location to another and are available in wooden, plastic, as well as steel contructed units. Various types of cabins can be also stacked to form additional units but within the same footprint area on the building site.

Heavy duty vandal resistant site cabins can also be rented where the location poses a risk to on site security from unauthorised visitors.

Site cabins can also be described as welfare units; being kitted out with different equipment to suit the individual contractors needs. Canteen units, washing cabins, drying rooms, hospitality or first aid stations are typical examples of some of the applications a site cabin can be accomodated to.