Construction National

With an eventful summer now behind us, it appears that the construction sector is going through a phase of site security project assessments and contract renewals. Permanex CCS Group has never been busier, drafting site security proposals and signing up new projects.

"We've found that when the current economic downturn hit construction companies, a number either simply did nothing about site security or looked to deploy simple CCTV solutions in a bid to cut costs," explained David Fox, senior consultant with Permanex CCS Group. "They are now coming to realise that an effective solution can be extremely cost effective but that it has to be appropriately designed, correctly installed and constantly monitored if it is to have the desired impact; and are turning to us as a major supplier of site and scaffolding monitoring solutions to instigate a cost effective package."

One large construction company for example, with a development in East London has been unable to reduce or prevent theft from the site. It was therefore looking to augment its existing two man onsite site access and security team with the introduction of a stand alone, fully automated CCTV solution. This would cover the site when it wasn't manned and provide greater protection, particularly in the more 'vulnerable' access locations and even capture evidence that could be used as evidence if required.

"While access to the site is controlled, even with the security guys best efforts, they cannot be everywhere at the same time as one of their key tasks is to monitor arrivals and departures from the site. It is also expensive employing people to perform the security function particularly out of hours so were looking to technology to fill the gaps," explained a spokesperson for the East London development.

Pilfering and theft from sites appears to be an increasing problem and whilst the odd item going missing, whilst not welcome, is normally not a major issue, it is the damage that often also occurs and the resulting knock on delays that are the real problem. The theft of items worth as little as tens of pounds on the market can result in additional construction costs of many thousands being incurred if not more.

In one instance thieves broke onto an unprotected site and stole electrical cable for its scrap value by cutting off the metre or so long tails that the electricians had left when they had initially pulled the cables through and before the first fix. This meant that there was now insufficient cable to wire the up the sockets or fixtures, so the rest of the cable run had to be replaced as cable joints are no longer acceptable. The overall 'domino effect' was that significantly more work was needed as floorboards had to be lifted and replacement cables chased back into the walls that had already been plastered.

In another, a couple of window frames were stolen, again from an unprotected site. Specially ordered and fabricated to meet the project requirements, replacements would take a minimum of twelve weeks to reach site – so delaying so many other aspects of the project. A simple loss can incur so much additional effort, hassle and cost.

"And it is not just about preventing theft from a site that is important for many of the construction companies," concluded David Fox. "One area of the construction sector that appears to be riding the current economic storm is timber framed housing. Here it is not just protecting the site from potential losses as the result of theft but fire is also seen as a real threat. Unmanned, stand alone systems with an integrated fire alarm are proving really popular because if a fire should start day or night, but usually at night when the site is unattended, the emergency services can be contacted and the problem dealt with before it escalates into a major issue with significant damage and resulting delays."

For more information on implementing a cost effective, technology based site security solution to deliver effective 24/7 cover that's appropriately designed, correctly installed and constantly monitored call the UK's leading Construction Site Security company on 0870 900 1473 or email enquiries@permanexccs.co.uk