Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) on a construction site must ensure that members of the public, including children, are not exposed to risks arising from the work. Unauthorised entry to construction sites may expose people to hazards that can cause fatalities or serious injuries.
The person with management and control of a construction site must, so far as is reasonably practicable, secure the site to prevent unauthorised access.
Different sites and locations have different risks, so the most appropriate controls should be chosen for the site. For example, a site near a place used by children, such as a school, park or store, requires additional security controls. In assessing the risk, the person with management and control of the construction site must consider:
the risks to the health and safety of an unauthorised person
how likely unauthorised access is
how hazards at the workplace will be isolated in case unauthorised access is not prevented.
Security fencing can discourage unauthorised visitors who may not be deterred by warning signs. This fencing must be adequate to prevent unauthorised access, and:
be high enough to deter entry
be difficult to climb or crawl under
be able to withstand anticipated loads such as wind forces and people attempting to scale
be no weaker at the joints or gate.
Existing boundary fences are acceptable if they prevent access to the construction site.
Where it is not practicable to secure the construction site, the person with management and control of the construction site must isolate hazards within the workplace. For example, by securing or isolating any open excavation if there is a risk of anyone falling into it, securing access into a house under construction or removing all access onto an erected scaffold or hoist.
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