09-11-2022

Site Security Tips for Building & Construction

Construction site security measures are essential to prevent theft and damage to your site and equipment.

From opportunists and planned theft to general anti-social behaviour, your materials and equipment have a high financial resale benefit to thieves and can be prime targets for damage. Some tools can also be used to cause further harm to other businesses and projects.

But there are ways in which you can reduce these security risks. Construction site security can be adapted to suit what you need to keep safe and how large or open your site is.

This is why it is essential to conduct risk analysis and have a security plan in place before the work begins. Ask yourself:

 

  1. What is the value of the equipment we have on site?
  2. What are all of the potential threats? (Theft, vandalism, damage)
  3. How easy would it be for intruders to enter the site?
  4. Who needs access to certain high-risk areas?
  5. What is the plan if theft or damage occurs?

 

The first stage of prevention is warning people not to trespass with signs and fencing. Then, you need to make it difficult for anyone to take or damage goods. Finally, should the worst happen, you need to make the tools impossible to sell, or at least traceable.

Below are some essential steps you should take to keep any intruders away, and all of your tools, machinery, and equipment safe from the wrong hands.

 

How To Improve Construction & Building Site Security

1. Secure the perimeter

Did you know it is actually a legal requirement to define boundaries of a temporary construction site, using suitable fencing? The type of fencing used depends on the nature of the site, but you should see fencing as the first barrier against break-ins too.

Secure the perimeter of your construction project. Anti-climb fencing can make it tricky for anyone to gain access. Securing gates with locks will mean climbing is the only way in.

You can hire heavy-duty, galvanised steel fencing from Speedy Services. You should also:

  • Limit the number of access points so it is easier to control who is on-site
  • Secure all gates with locks. When the last person leaves the site, these can be locked
  • Use hoarding panels around any particularly sensitive areas

 

2. Ensure the site is well-lit

Darkness can be a thief’s best friend. It allows them to come and go unnoticed and can even make it more difficult for CCTV or security guards to spot them.

Lighting up your site can act as a deterrent, but also means it is more likely intruders will be seen. If a thief sees you have this precaution in place, they may see you as a high-risk site to break into.

It is a good idea to have primary lighting as well as backup lighting, and you may want some of this to be sensor-controlled so it can act as a surprise to any intruders.

 

3. Have a security system in place

CCTV cameras and alarms are just the beginning of building a digital security system. You may also want to connect it to motion-activated lighting as above, but you should also consider both key and electric locks.

Silent alarms are available, for sites with particularly expensive or large equipment. This alarm will alert security companies and/or the site manager, so they can quickly deal with the issue and potentially catch the culprits in action.

Remote monitoring gives you footage of any criminal activity or attempts, which can help you bolster security if needed.

 

4. Secure individual products

You need to secure your site as a whole to limit the risk of break-ins. But security also needs to be in place at every level. Use locks on outbuildings and storage boxes, and mark tools with identifiable logos and numbers.

If you require really big, expensive tools and machinery, but will be using these temporarily or intermittently, hiring them can make sense. This way, you don’t need to keep them secure when not in use. It can also be more financially practical.

Speedy Services has a range of power tools, building works and plant equipment available for hire, with guaranteed 4-hour delivery and a UK-wide delivery and collection network.

 

5. Hire physical security

You have your technology-based security system in place. But for particularly large sites, or ones at significant risk of break-ins (such as inner city or remote), hiring physical security services could be beneficial, especially overnight.

From destruction to CCTV systems, to disguises, you should always have a backup. Security can be on-site, acting as a prevention and also being quick to act against security breaches.

 

6. Increase communication

Everyone needs to know what they have to do. From where to store tools to checking perimeter fences are always secured before everyone heads home, security has to be a team effort.

You can use communication devices such as radios if your site is large, and you will need to alert people of suspicious activity during working hours. Ensure all areas and teams are involved, with site managers being made aware of issues immediately.

 

7. Utilise signage

Signs warning of danger are vital for workers, but also for potential trespassers. This can deter them out of fear. You should also have signs up alerting people that CCTV is in operation, you have security, and no cash or goods are kept on the site overnight.

 

 

IS THERE SITE SECURITY HIRE NEAR ME?

Yes. Speedy, the UK's leading tool hire company, have a range of site security and equipment for hire nationwide. Speedy has more than 200 service centres across the nation, hire counters in selected B&Qs and nationwide 4-hour delivery.

Trust us to deliver when it comes to safety & security. Hire fencing, signage, and temporary site lighting from Speedy today.

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