Keeping construction sites safe is a big deal in the construction world, especially to protect your equipment and keep everyone safe.
When opportunistic thieves have unauthorised access to these sites, it can result in theft, the destruction of properties, and throw the project off track.
To stop these problems before they start, putting strong security procedures in place like hoardings and locks helps eliminate the potential risks of security breaches, whilst protecting your peace of mind.
This blog will explain how hoardings and locks can be best utilised, whilst detailing the best options for you.
In recent times, with more construction work underway, there’s been a major spike in theft on sites. Studies show that in 2023, there was a two-third increase in construction site thefts, with experts putting it down to surging costs and the high value of materials like copper and steel.
Before exploring the measures that can be taken to prevent these unwelcome trespassers, it’s useful to assess their behaviour and techniques.
Criminals are beginning to use more technology, with drones and GPS trackers being used to scout specific areas for entry points and identify valuable assets, making these potential intruders far more strategic.
Whilst heavy machinery remains a target, there’s a growing focus on materials like copper, tools, and fuel thanks to their resale value.
While hoardings are often associated with advertisements or signage, they’re also vital for construction site security – and mandatory under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015.
Large temporary hoardings, fences surround the site perimeter and can be a strong deterrent in a few ways.
The first way in which they aid sites is by deterring vandals – valuable equipment, materials, and unfinished structures become a far less easy target with hoardings in place, acting as your site’s security guard, in place to reduce unwelcome intrusion.
They’re also an effective way to increase public safety, with construction sites full of hazards like falling debris, heavy machinery, and uneven surfaces – regulations require them to be a minimum height, to deter passers-by from entering.
At Plas-Shop our hoardings have been used across the UK, and our services have been endorsed by some of the nation’s largest brands, including the BBC, BT, Dyson, Canary Wharf, John Lewis, and Five Guys.
We offer exceptional hoardings made from uPVC. We use uPVC Hoardings for a few reasons – the first is that it’s an incredibly durable material, requiring no ground penetration because it’s an interlocking system. uPVC is also lighter, cleaner, and it’s reusable. Since our boards can be recycled it adds to sustainability initiatives and protects the environment rather than using single use timber and steel hoarding that makes its way straight to landfill.
If you’re unsure just how much hoarding you’ll need for a project, our team of specialists will be able to advise you by getting in touch here. We offer both internal (LocIn) and external hoardings (LocEx), with the dimensions of our standard panels coming in at 300mm (width) x 2400mm (height), with each panel weighing just 5.25kg.
Our delivery is efficient, with our aim to deliver to our customers in 2-3 working days.
We offer base plates with our hoarding solutions, giving you a rock-solid foundation that serves as the cornerstone of your hoarding setup.
As well as hoardings, locks play a vital role in building site security.
Locks should be used on vital access points like gates, storage containers, trailers, and individual toolboxes – deterring casual theft and making it much harder for criminals to steal valuable items.
For keeping construction sites safe, companies often go for strong padlocks, electronic systems that control who gets in and out, and locks – whether it be with an access code or a key.
At Plas-shop, we offer a variety of locks suitable for the construction industry, but also for homeowners, business owners, or property managers.
The Smith & Locke Medium Duty Push-Button Lock is activated with a 4-6 digit code, eliminating the need for keys and ensuring your site is accessible for
trusted staff at all times.
We recognise that conditions on-site are often unpredictable, which is why this lock is built to withstand both internal and external conditions, offering the same exceptional security regardless of your location.
One of its main features is the extended operating knob, which ensures comfortable and easy operation.
This solid aluminium padlock is incredibly durable and perfect for securing equipment from potential thieves.
It features a four-pin cylinder for strong pick resistance and includes its own mounting hardware for easy installation. Two keys are supplied with the lock.
At Plas-shop we have other recommendations to help keep your premises secure.
Make sure to install alarms. Both audible and monitored alarm systems work to deter break-ins and alert security personnel of potential breaches, allowing you to take the appropriate action to protect your belongings and keep staff safe.
CCTV is crucial for any construction site. CCTV cameras should be installed in high-risk areas to deter crime and provide video evidence should the worst-case scenario happen. CCTV systems with remote monitoring provide a site manager with consistent awareness and accessibility of the site, great for peace of mind.
Signage is also useful to defer unwelcome intruders – apply your graphics/messages onto your Plas-Shop hoardings.
At Plas-Shop, we are a national leader in the manufacture and supply of temporary hoarding solutions and have worked with leading retailers such as Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser, Dyson, IKEA, Holland & Barrett, Hugo Boss, and several more.
Despite working with household names like these, we are eager to extend our reach and become accessible to smaller contractors that also require temporary hoarding systems – with the need to create a safe workplace in growing demand for businesses trying to create their own.
As well as exceptional hoarding and locks, we also manufacture and install a wide range of doors, tools, and other components that you can view here.
If you have any queries, you can get in touch with our friendly customer service team on 01626 241124, or by getting in touch here.
Shop direct with Plas-Shop, we serve the entirety of the UK and have done for 15 years; collaborating with major brands such as John Lewis, Mercedes Benz and NatWest.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01626 241124 or contact our sister company Plasloc located at our head office in Newton Abbot or our stores in Welwyn Garden City and Bradford.
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