How do we protect our Construction Sites? We approached Fidelity Security Services with a Q&A to gain some insights on what is required to ensure the safety of the premises and materials during construction:
At which stage should a developer approach a Security company to arrange for Guarding at a Construction Site?
Security should be part of the construction from the start. There a few factors that need to be considered why security should be on site from the start
- Protecting the equipment of the contractor
- Enforcement of HSE
- Limit authorised access
- Guide the contractor on the Security Risks for the site
What are usually the biggest risks for the developer – what tends to be the items targeted by thieves/criminals?
The biggest risk is the theft of steel, diesel and building material and hand tools i.e. drills, grinders etc. Easy items that can be stolen and be sold for money
What are the most important factors considered in quoting for the cost of Guarding?
- The size of the site
- The area where the site is located. Like if it is in a high-risk area that has a lot of crime
- What type of valuables will be kept on site
- How many access points to the site.
Would the location and the nature of the construction also have an impact on the guarding required?
Yes. If it is in a high-risk area it should be considered to have patrol vehicles or even armed officers as well as cameras on the perimeter fence to pro-actively detect criminal activity.
The nature of the construction site does make an impact on security. It must clearly stipulate the scope of work so that correct grading of security officers are deployed within the construction site
Does the security company only provide for the physical personnel to guard the premise or are their other physical fixtures and technology also required?
When the risk assessment is done, the security company should advise the contractor on what type of measure should be implemented on the site. There should be a mixture of security officers, cameras and patrolling vehicles. You should rely on technology as well.
Do the construction company or the security company provide guards with protective equipment [PPE] such as hard hats when required?
The Security company must supply their employees with the relevant PPE and training as required for a construction site. There are certain regulations that need to be complied with when working on a construction site.
Do guards only have to deal with threats from the outside or are they also required to intervene in internal dispute/fighting among workers?
The contractor must stipulate the rules for the site and how they would like the security company involved in certain disputes. Security officers will at all times adhere to the law and per instruction from the contractor. Security is on-site to ensure no criminal activity and the enforcement of the law. Security Officers are trained on how to deal with disputes and can intervene if the contractor allows it.
What do you regard as the most important elements in the training of security personnel guarding premises while under construction?
- What type of equipment will be on site
- Access control, on who will be allowed into the premises.
- Training on the permits that allow people access to the construction site
- Areas where high-risk items are kept and the frequency of patrols and monitoring
- Who will be allowed into restricted areas with the relevant permits
- HSE requirements for the site
Would the quote for the guarding of the premise already deal with guarding at the completed site or would that be negotiated at a later stage?
No, the quote would be related to the construction site only. Only near completion will the discussion take place on the security requirements for the completed site.
Any other important aspects not covered which those in construction need to be aware of?
If in a case whereby Security officers are used to patrolling on high rise areas, it is important to note that these Security officers need have medicals and working on height permits.
A word of Appreciation to Charnel Hattingh, Head: Group Marketing & Communications, Fidelity Services Group
