Fencing & Barricading in Residential Construction Areas

 

 

In recent years municipalities like Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie, Chestermere and Okotoks have begun enforcing Part 8 of the Alberta Building Code: Barricades and Fencing in residential construction. These steps have been taken to address the concerns of both the public and workforce regarding access to job sites and associated hazards in an active construction areas.  Enforcement of this part of the code essentially involves providing a means of securing the site from unwanted or unauthorized entry.

 

Some of the primary reasons for implementing the use of these barriers include:

• Preventing unsafe access to excavations, mobile equipment and associated lateral and overhead site hazards.
• Preventing material and/or debris blocking public access to sidewalks and roadways
• Limiting the theft of materials from construction sites and damage to private property Read more…

 

Outlined below are some of the mandatory rules and recommended best management practices for implementing a system for Barricades and Fencing in Residential Construction sites and active areas:

 

• The Prime Contractor must fully understand their role, “the code rules” and the expectations of all stakeholders with regards to fencing on site.
• Fencing should be installed prior to excavation activities Fencing may only be removed after lockup when openings up to 3m above grade are secured from entry, shingling is complete and all climbable structures have been removed or lowered to the ground and secured.
• Fencing may be required to remain in place to protect adjacent or municipally owned property.
• If access to neighboring property is required to ensure safe access, or removal of fencing, permission must be sought from the property owner or designated representative prior to commencing
• Fencing should be installed in such a manner that it is adequately braced to maintain stability and resist wind
• Workers should be instructed on the safe handling of fencing panels (components).
• Fencing cannot restrict public access to amenities, sidewalks and
• Signage displaying site supervisor contact information should be clearly visible from the street
• Barricades or Fencing cannot restrict access for emergency personnel
• Fencing may remain open while workers are physically on site, but must be installed and secured any time the site is left unattended.
• If fencing is removed or altered during site activity it must be replaced and contact with the site supervisor should be documented.