Prepare the ground or surface for the installation of fencing

This standard describes how to prepare the ground or surface for the installation of fencing. 

The standard covers preparing and modifying ground levels to accommodate lines and gradients, using machinery where required. It also includes forming foundations ready for the installation of in-theground fixed fencing or preparing surfaces for the installation of surface fixed fencing. 

If you are using equipment or machinery you should be trained, and hold current certification where required, in line with relevant legislation. 

This standard is suitable for fence installers. It can be applied to support any fence installation operation.

1. carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements and company policies and procedures
2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
3. carry out your work in accordance with instructions and specifications
4. select and prepare the required tools, machinery, equipment and materials
5. check to confirm that a safe working environment has been established
6. use industry recommended working practices to prepare the ground or surface for the installation of fencing to meet the required instructions and specifications
7. identify and report any uncharted services, substructures, shafts or other obstructions, damage or defects in accordance with instructions and specifications
8. establish clear warning signs and barriers to protect and indicate the presence of exposed services or substructures
9. use, maintain and store tools, machinery and equipment safely and in a clean and serviceable condition
10. dispose of waste and excess materials safely to minimise environmental risk, in accordance with relevant legal requirements
11. carry out your work in a manner that causes minimal impact to the surrounding area, other users of the site and anyone else who may be affected

1. the relevant environmental and health and safety requirements associated with preparing the ground or surface for the installation of fencing
2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the task to be carried out
3. the relevant requirements and procedures for gaining access to the site
4. the specific requirements for permit-to-work schemes
5. the types of signs and protective barriers used in the fencing industry
6. the reasons for traffic management when working adjacent to highways and other transport systems
7. where to obtain the instructions and specifications required to carry out the work
8. the types of tools, machinery, equipment and materials used for preparing the ground or surface for the installation of fencing and how to prepare, use and maintain these safely and correctly
9. the relevant legal requirements for the use of powered tools, machinery and equipment
10. the techniques used to contour ground levels to conform to the instructions and specifications
11. the characteristics of different ground types and what difference these make to the process of modifying the ground
12. the methods used to reinstate ground
13. how to form a foundation in soft or unstable ground
14. how and when temporary supports should be used
15. the methods, grades and ratios used for mixing, placing, compacting, finishing and curing concrete
16. the methods used for forming pockets or casting-in fixing items
17. how to drill, fix and test foundation sockets in accordance with the instructions and specifications
18. the procedures to follow if uncharted services, substructures, shafts or other obstructions, damage or defects are identified
19. the importance of maintaining boundary lines
20. the limits of your responsibility when dealing with difficulties experienced during the work
21. the relevant legal requirements controlling the disposal of waste and excess materials
22. the storage requirements for tools, machinery and equipment
23. how to minimise the impact of your work on the surrounding area, other users of the site and anyone else who may be affected

Prepare the ground or surface ready for the installation of fencing by carrying out at least one of the following:

• modifying ground levels
• excavating post holes
• digging strip trenches
• casting concrete
• fixing foundation sockets

Instructions and specifications could include:

• plans/drawings
• schedules
• method statements
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• manufacturer's guidelines
• customer requirements
• quality standards e.g. BSI, CE
• verbal instructions