Construction National

We know that security and safety is important at all times, but at Christmas, that month when the entire country seems to go mad, it is even more imperative to ensure your site doesn't fall victim to crime. With the recession biting hard, opportunistic crime is on the increase and, during the 'silly season' even more so. Remember, it needn't cost the earth to effectively secure your site and ensure that your project doesn't come to a grinding halt due to theft!
CCSec's 6-step guide helps you plan ahead.

Step 1. Start early – It's never too early to start thinking about security and how to protect the assets of the construction site. The layout is important, i.e. do not store valuable materials close to main gates or the perimeter of the site where they can be easily got at by a hiab lorry! Identify the weak areas of the perimeter and strengthen those vulnerable areas. Always include a nominal amount in your prelims for security systems; a few hundred pounds per week would not be too far off!

Step 2. Survey the site – CCSec will complete a full site survey, looking at the layout and how the development is phased and identify where the areas of vulnerability are. There is no advantage to a scatter-gun approach; a security solution should be tailored to the requirements of the construction firm and the vulnerabilities of the individual site.

Step 3. Control site access – turnstiles are the best form of controlling pedestrian access but certainly not applicable for every site. Other more basic systems are simple door entry kits for pedestrian doors. The general choice is proximity card or finger biometric systems. Certain very clever access control systems are web based, can incorporate both types, card or finger and utilize the CSCS Smart card and or the IPAF card which significantly reduces the administration costs as well as centralizing the information gathered by all sites! This in turn gives excellent reporting for use by the construction management team. Most systems will offer an 'Evacuation Report' and provide hours for the payroll.

Step 4. Site monitoring – once CCSec has conducted its survey, it's a simple process to ensure a cost effective, but efficient system is put into place, with cameras and sensors fitted to the areas of vulnerability. Outside hours, to secure against break-ins, arson or theft, such a system links to a 24-hour alarm monitoring station where live CCTV footage can be remotely viewed and the necessary action taken.

Step 5. Site equipment/plant gear - this can be further secured by fitting a vehicle loop alarm, available exclusively from CCSec! The alarmed cable is wrapped around the plant machinery and then plugged together. If the cable is cut or pulled apart, this then activates the wireless transmitter to trigger the alarm and thus the monitoring station. This type of alarm dramatically reduces site equipment theft – particularly important over the Christmas period!

Step 6. Fire systems – Wire free evacuation systems further enhance site safety. CCSec's fire system, utilising wire free heat/smoke detectors, will also detect a fire and sound the alarm, which is monitored after hours. If the system is triggered the monitoring station may use the CCTV system to verify the fire alarm and alert the Fire Brigade. This type of system is essential on timber frame projects.