In the construction industry, temporary fencing is a crucial element of site set-up that provides security, safety, and demarcation.
For decades, the go-to solution has been what’s commonly known as ‘Heras fencing’ – but recent guidance from the Temporary Works Forum has raised serious concerns about its suitability for external demarcation.
This shift has significant implications for construction site managers across the UK, and many are now looking for alternative temporary fencing systems that fit the bill.
At Panthera Group, we have decades of experience in providing essential construction site set-up services. In this blog, we’ll explore why this familiar solution is now falling short of compliance requirements, and what alternatives are available, such as our certified Net Zero system, EnviroFence®.
What is ‘Heras style’ fencing?
Much like ‘Hoover’ became the generic term for vacuum cleaners, ‘Heras’ has evolved into a catch-all term for any open mesh temporary fencing system. Originally designed by the Heras company, these lightweight, portable fencing panels have become common on construction sites throughout the UK.
These temporary fencing panels are usually supported by plastic feet and connected with couplers. Their popularity stems from their relatively low cost, ease of installation, and lightweight nature. However, this simplicity is increasingly becoming their downfall in terms of compliance and safety.
Limitations of Open Mesh Temporary Fencing
The Temporary Works Forum (TWf) has highlighted several limitations of standard open mesh systems in their recent guidance (TWf2024:01).
While these systems are typically only suitable for short-term demarcation, crowd control and safety of pedestrians from temporary sites, Heras fencing and open mesh fencing often ends up being used as a long-term site security solution. However, the lightweight nature of this fencing style makes it inadequate for use in this way.
Open mesh fencing lacks sufficient resistance to personnel, pedestrian, and crowd loading, creating potential safety hazards around busy public areas. Additionally, when covered with debris netting or signage (as is common practice), wind loads increase dramatically, but the structural capacity remains insufficient to handle these forces.
Finally, the mesh design provides convenient footholds for climbing, creating significant security risks that can compromise the entire site. When used for external demarcation, this fencing style can leave construction sites vulnerable to intruders, trespassers and opportunistic thieves.
Safety risks and incidents
While Heras style temporary fencing is low-cost, there are significant limitations to this style of fencing that can cause significant safety and security risks.
- Collapse due to wind – Temporary fence panels covered with debris netting effectively become sails in high winds, leading to panels toppling over – potentially injuring members of the general public or pedestrians passing nearby.
- Inadequate security – These fences can easily be breached by trespassers, compromising site security and leading to trespassing, theft, and vandalism.
- Damage to site: When incorrectly installed or insufficiently weighted, these fence panels can become dangerous falling objects, leading to damage of equipment and risks to personnel working on the construction site.
Is Heras fencing suitable for use on construction sites?
While traditionally popular, Heras-style mesh fencing no longer meets compliance requirements for construction site boundaries. The Temporary Works Forum now classifies it as suitable only for short-term internal demarcation, not for perimeter security or areas requiring pedestrian loading resistance. Sites must now use engineered alternatives that meet the latest industry safety standards.
EnviroFence™: Panthera’s temporary fencing system
At Panthera Group, we’ve recognised the need for a robust, compliant alternative and have developed our EnviroFence™ – the first temporary fencing system in the UK certified as Net Zero Carbon that also meets the new compliance requirements.
Our EnviroFence™ is specifically engineered to achieve permanent fence standards (BS 1722-14:2019) while maintaining the flexibility required for temporary applications. Our system offers significant advantages over conventional solutions like Heras fencing.
We’ve designed our system to resist wind and personnel loading up to 0.74kN/m while achieving a Factor of Safety (FoS) of 1.5 against sliding and overturning, providing much greater stability in all weather conditions.
We offer multiple height options (2.4m, 3.0m, and 3.6m) to suit various security requirements and site-specific needs, giving greater flexibility.
Our fencing can be secured using our low carbon 350kg EnviroBloK™ or Spirafix™ ground screws, providing far superior stability compared to traditional fence feet.
All our EnviroFence™ installations are fully TWf2024:01 compliant, ensuring your site meets the latest industry standards and regulations.
Why Choose EnviroFence™?
Beyond compliance, EnviroFence™ offers significant advantages over traditional temporary fencing:
- Robust security – Engineered to achieve Category 2 (Boundary Fence), Category 3 (Security fence) and even Category 4 (Higher security fence) resistances.
- Adaptability – Available with numerous enhancements including lighting, cable management, anti-climb rollers, and pedestrian/vehicle access gates.
- Environmental responsibility – As a certified Net Zero Carbon solution, EnviroFence™ helps meet your project’s sustainability targets.
- Cost-effectiveness – Despite the higher initial investment compared to basic Heras fencing, the durability, reusability and reduced risk of failure/liability make EnviroFence™ more economical over the project lifecycle. Additionally, our system can be either purchased or hired for flexibility.
Time to upgrade your site demarcation
With the new TWf guidance making it clear that traditional Heras style fence panels are no longer suitable for most external demarcation on construction sites, now is the time to review your temporary fencing for your construction site.
Our EnviroFence™ system offers a compliant, sustainable solution that provides superior security, safety, and operational benefits. Don’t wait for an incident or compliance issue to force your hand –upgrade to a system designed for today’s construction site requirements.
Temporary fencing solutions: contact Panthera Group today
Get in touch with Panthera Group today for a free, no-obligation quote on our EnviroFence™ system. Complete our online contact form, call 0345 165 1234 or email enquiries@pantheragroup.com to discuss how we can help secure your construction site with fully compliant, sustainable temporary fencing.
