Temporary fencing
February 1st 2007

A new BSI document has been released: DD 1722-18, specification for steel mesh site perimeter temporary fencing systems. Although BS 1722 already covers many fence types, it does not address the area of temporary fencing, specifically the open mesh panels and blocks that can be seen around construction sites.

The new document is currently a discussion document, with the BSI aiming to make it an official BS as soon as possible, once it has received feedback from industry.

Jeff Gardom, MD of Heras Readyfence in the UK, says "We feel that the interest of the BSI in regulating the products supplied in our industry can only be to the benefit of those who want to see health and safety aspects improved.

"It is our hope that the construction industry will come to take as much care with its selection and installation of temporary fencing as it does, for example, with scaffolding.

Heras Readyfence will be setting up an advice centre to help inform industry about the changes and to let contractors know what they need to do to ensure current and future compliance with relevant BSI Standards.

Copies of DD 1722-18 are available from the BSI customer services department.