PLANT MACHINERY & SITE SAFETY STAY SITE SAFE


Here, Jamie Allam CEO of Amthal Fire & Security, looks at what can be done to ensure site safety and security during the coronavirus lockdown.


Although construction operations can continue according to latest government advice, an increasingly large proportion of sites in the UK are now mothballed or operating with a diminished workforce. In response, opportunist criminals have turned their attentions to the construction sector.


Online, social media has become abuzz with anecdotal accounts of plant and fuel theft, a shameful practice sadly already rife in the construction industry.


Understandably, many business minds are prioritising diminishing cash piles and uncertain completion dates. But it’s important not to forget about the logistics of securing existing assets.


If the decision has been made to temporarily suspend work, then, as a starting point, the Construction Leadership Council has issued essential guidance to ensure a “controlled shutdown of sites and facilities where work must be suspended because of the current coronavirus threat.”


The downloadable document is intended to ensure that any shutdown is safe and has a dedicated section, including general housekeeping, securing scaffolding and temporary works, stability of part-built structures, excavations, cranes and power.


It continues with the advice to carry out a fire risk assessment, “particularly where the site has significant use of timber frames, and where fuel is stored on site.”


In terms of security, it recommends starting from the outside in, carrying out a full perimeter check to make sure that it is not possible to access the site, and that any hoardings are in good order and weather resistant.


Site accommodation and storage is essential to secure over any closedown period.


The critical component of security is plant, equipment and materials, or the ‘easy’ targets for opportunist criminals. All should be removed from site if possible, or stored in secure containers or buildings. Back to basics ensure all windows and doors are locked securely and keys intelligently managed.


The guidance is very clear on controlling access to the site, whether it is staffed or remote. This notes that that inspections will be required for scaffolding, execution and other activities.


Also, extending the list of nominated employees with access to the site so that you are covered if someone is self-isolating.


The same goes for any security staff and accredited fire and security specialists such as Amthal, now cited by government as critical workers, to enable key maintenance and repair services across dedicated sites, along with critical installation and upgrade work, where it is essential to maintaining law and order.


Combining the essentials of safety and security, is a specialist designed system that understands no two sites are ever the same. It can incorporate safety advice as set out by the Construction Leadership Council alongside key safety measures, such as locking anti-climb hatches on tower cranes, and ensuring that excavated areas are back-filled or covered over where possible.


From a security perspective, any integrated solution can incorporate systems that can maintain and monitor sites, in terms of perimeter protection, access control, but also CCTV and through visual verification. Thermal imaging cameras can also help to capture movements during the night, with the capability to distinguish between an animal and a human.


These combined solutions ensure a technologically advanced system, which can save on annual salaries for security guards; deter thieves and trespassing and provide audit control for health and safety purposes. Further, they can all be maintained remotely via mobile technology. This way site owners, who have responsibility for the safety of anyone on their site, can do so whilst staying at home, in line with government advice to stay safe.


In summary, locking down a construction site is a tough ask. But with increased concerns regarding opportunist criminal activity targeting the sector, it’s essential measures such as the CLC has suggested at the very least are actions to minimise further upheaval caused by the theft of equipment.


www.amthal.co.uk 22 www.tomorrowshs.com


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