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#1 Posted : 06 October 2003 13:33:00(UTC)
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Posted By Peter MacDonald I have a demolition site surrounded by Heras fencing. Where the fencing comes up against existing walls there is a gap wide enough to let people squeeze through. I have been asked by the client to close this gap with barbed wire. I'm worried this may be illegal as it may cause harm to tresspassers be they vandals or curious kids. Client is set on barbed wire! Any ideas.
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#2 Posted : 06 October 2003 13:48:00(UTC)
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Posted By Dave Wilson As far as I am aware you can use whatever you like, however it cannot be placed in such a way so that it delibaretly is set out to injure rather than deter. For instance you could put barbed / razor wire on top of a fence to deter tresspassers from climbing over but cannot put at the bottom on the otherside so as to injure if someone climbed over and landed on it. Thats why you never see broken glass set in mortor on top of walls any more. Would have thought that security around a demolition site is of paramount importance as the dangers are vast once inside, so conversly the security / access measures should be just as stringent. Obvious? Why does the fence leave a gap, can you not fill that in? Hope that makes sense mate.
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#3 Posted : 06 October 2003 13:59:00(UTC)
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Posted By Kevin West Have you considered the use of anti-vandal/ anti-climb paint? The paint never dries and anyone trying to gain entry will be coverd in it (its usually black!). Obviously signs warning of this will need to be posted accordingly, but the fact is its safer than barbed wire. Kev
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#4 Posted : 06 October 2003 14:08:00(UTC)
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Posted By Peter MacDonald Dave Site is clear as the demolition is complete so there are no major risks from the site. Kids are accessing the site and throwing stones at the neighbouring houses. Heras fencing is not the most sturdy of systems and I would prefer a more permananet system to exclude them. Howebver the client has instructed I use barbed wire and I was looking for some leverage to disuade him. Legal arguments usually work best!
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#5 Posted : 06 October 2003 15:18:00(UTC)
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Posted By Allan St.John Holt In the event of injury to a third party, a court might take the view that barbed wire use was not taking reasonable care (Occupiers Liability Act) or doing what was reasonably practicable to prevent injury (HASWAct). I wouldn't advise barbed wire here personally, attractive as it is in these circumstances. You would need a risk assessment to justify it and defend yourself, of course. As to antivandal paint, a large chunk of wall on my property is painted with it and I can personally attest to the fact that it dries out very quickly and is not a good deterent beyond about Week 3. Allan
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#6 Posted : 06 October 2003 15:30:00(UTC)
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Posted By Dave Wilson Dont really agree with the legal argument issue mate, you should be doing what is best for your client within the bounds of both Criminal & Civil law. If thats barbed wire then so be it! personally I prefer land mines and machine gun posts but BAA won't agree I suppose!. Afternoon Allan, thought you may be out helping catching up with the deliveries mate!
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#7 Posted : 06 October 2003 17:33:00(UTC)
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Posted By Nick Higginson Peter There is some guidance on this issue in HSE Guidance "Protecting the Public - Your Next Move". Let me know if you can't get hold of a copy. Kind regards Nick
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#8 Posted : 06 October 2003 18:38:00(UTC)
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Posted By Peter J Harvey Peter, I currently have barbed wire up on a site where it has been for a number of years, we have changed it on a few occasions, just to make sure it is clear unobstructed and clearly visible. There are warning signs, and you have to be attempting a clear act of "unlawful entry" to come into contact. I would agree with the earlier comments, that the wire would be better at the top of the Herras, however think about the contractor who has to remove it, it is not easy. Nick mentions protecting the Public HSG 151, this states: "the use and location of extra "security only measures" such as barbed or razor wire, needs careful consideration. Accidental contact needs to be prevented. Therefore, the use of security wire should usually be restricted to around internal compound fences at a height in excess of 2 metres.
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