Securing a construction site may not seem important to many, but the number of risks involved cannot be ignored. In fact, securing a construction site is more complicated than securing a society or an office. For this reason, a construction site has several vulnerabilities.
Think of the ways thieves and vandals can enter a construction site. There are no gates or walls to guard against such intrusions. And most likely they can harm your construction business in more than one way.
So, when you’re planning to secure your construction site, what is it that you must consider? Or rather, what should you expect from your construction site security agency? Of course, you seek answers to these questions, and that’s why you’re here.
Don’t worry, we have it sorted for you. Read on to know the details.
Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke
Lighting Up The Site For Better Visibility
It is a no brainer- the construction sites have no grid supplies. Or even if they do, chances are you might not wish to be spending on light fixtures so early. But, this can significantly leave your site vulnerable to intrusions and losses.
Dark hours are the opportunities that thieves and miscreants look forward to, for they cannot be seen at night. So, rather than trying to avoid these expenses, you must have floodlights installed all across the site.
Your security agency will suggest the same. They can even suggest where to install the lights for better results. For example, installing a floodlight on higher floors might not be necessary. But, installing them near the fences might be. So, consult with your security agency to discuss how you can brighten up your construction site.
Fencing The Boundaries To Mitigate Intrusions
While installing floodlights can help improve the visibility, installing fences can avoid attempts to enter the site, altogether. Think of it this way, fencing around the site with barb wires would mean that intruders will hurt themselves if they try to enter.
You can also improve the effectiveness of the fence. There are several examples of sites where live wires are used for fencing. Of course, the voltage is not too high to be lethal, but it is still enough to shock away intruders.
Notably, installing live wires should only be sought as a solution if there are higher risks involved. For example, you have highly expensive equipment or there are high possibilities of vandalism. Your security agency would also suggest that you choose a smart fence over the usual live wires. Smart fences turn on and off during preset hours and duration. And they can even manage the voltage and current as per the grid supply. So, you don’t even have to worry about excessive utility bills.
A Simple Signage Can Also Deliver Your Message
Despite all the security arrangements that you make, you are legally required to announce that the site must not have trespassed. A simple signboard explaining the consequences is sometimes more than enough.
For example, if you install the live fence you’ll need to put up a signboard, as per the law. It will protect you if somebody happens to be injured because of it.
Even if that might not be the case, sometimes, people do not know whether entering a site is allowed or not. Putting up a signboard will help convey the message. And if somebody still happens to enter the site anyhow, he/she can be prosecuted as per the local laws. Or whichever jurisdiction applies to the case.
Installing Surveillance Cameras Is The Next Step
For when you’re upgrading your security, it is best to go for hi-tech security surveillance. gone are the days, when keeping an eye on each and every corner at all times was nearly impossible. Today, with the help of CCTV surveillance you can monitor each and every activity on your construction site.
The benefits of installing security surveillance are not only limited to protection against thefts and vandalism. When there are eyes everywhere, all the time, the chances of accidents can also be mitigated.
For example, the surveillance team can help avoid slip and fall accidents, as they can foretell if a piece of equipment is not put back to its rightful place. Undoubtedly, there are immense benefits of having video surveillance on your construction site.
Hiring Security Guards Can Also Assist
If you believe that having all the smart security systems in place is enough, think again. Your smart systems cannot prevent any fights or disputes at the site. Neither can these smart systems respond to any accidents if they may occur! You need man guards at your construction site. Though the fleet of guards need not be too large, they still need to be present on the site.
To put this into perspective, consider an example. There has been an accident on the site. A concrete block fell because the steel cable on the crane snapped. You cannot expect your surveillance cameras or the barb wires to control the situation.
Of course, some panic is expected at the site after the accident. And notably, only a human being can assure another human that the situation is under control. There are many other similar instances where you cannot expect to miss out on security guards. After all, they are trained professionals to deal with such situations.
Keep Fire Retarding Equipment In Every Nook
Another key feature that you must expect to be a part of your construction site security plan is managing fire hazards. Construction sites are full of combustible fuels which can lead to explosions if there happens to be a fire accident.
The only way you can expect to fight against any such tragedy is by installing fire retardants. In fact, you should install fire retardants like sand buckets and fire extinguishers at every possible location. Security experts suggest installing fire extinguishers at every 20 yards for easy accessibility.
It is noteworthy that there are different types of fire extinguishers. And you must choose carefully the type of extinguishers that suits your needs. For example, foam type extinguishers are not suitable where there are explosive chemicals.
All in all, your construction site security plan should comply with the overall safety of your workers and staff. In addition to this, your pan must also comply with local jurisdictions and regulations.
