Position and fix fence posts

This standard describes how to position and fix fence posts. It covers the full range of fencing types and fencing systems used in the industry. 

The standard covers positioning and fixing posts in accordance with instructions and specifications. 

If you are using equipment or machinery you need to 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 and equipment
5. check to confirm that a safe working environment has been established
6. obtain fencing materials of the specified type, material, quality and grade
7. use industry recommended working practices to position and fix fence posts at specified lines, levels and angles, in accordance with the instructions and specifications
8. use, maintain and store tools, equipment and materials safely and in a clean and serviceable condition
9. dispose of waste and excess materials safely to minimise environmental risk, in accordance with the relevant legal requirements
10. carry out 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 the placing and fixing of posts
2. he 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 and equipment used for positioning and fixing fence posts and how to prepare, use and maintain them safely and correctly
9. the relevant legal requirements for the use of powered tools and equipment
10. the methods used for handling and positioning posts and struts
11. the factors that affect the positioning and method of fixing posts
12. the methods used for providing temporary supports when setting posts
13. the methods used for aligning and levelling posts
14. the reasons for, and methods of, setting posts to allow for tensioning
15. the types of backfill and methods of consolidation
16. the additional hazards and risks involved in installing posts over two metres in height
17. the importance of maintaining boundary lines
18. the limits of your responsibility when dealing with difficulties experienced during the work
19. the relevant legal requirements controlling the disposal of waste and excess materials
20. the storage requirements for tools and equipment
21. how to minimise the impact of your work on the surrounding area, other users of the site and anyone else who may be affected

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

Method of fixing posts could include:

• driven
• set in concrete foundations
• bolt down
• socketed
• back filled and consolidated
• surface mounted
• clamped

Posts and struts include:

• fence
• VRS
• parapet
• gate