Position and fix fencing components

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

The standard covers positioning and fixing components to posts, in accordance with 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 components of the specified type, material, quality and grade
7. use industry recommended working practices to prepare and assemble fencing components to meet instructions and specifications
8. use relevant working practices to position and fix fencing components securely at specified lines and levels
9. maintain the integrity of protective finishes during fixing
10. use, maintain and store tools and equipment safely and in a clean and serviceable condition
11. dispose of waste and excess materials safely to minimise environmental risk, in accordance with the relevant legal requirements
12. 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, positioning and fixing fencing components
2. the additional hazards and risks involved in the installation of fences over two metres in height
3. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the task to be carried out
4. the relevant requirements and procedures for gaining access to the site
5. the specific requirements for permit-to-work schemes
6. the types of signs and protective barriers used within the fencing industry
7. the reasons for traffic management when working adjacent to highways and other transport systems
8. where to obtain the instructions and specifications required to carry out the work
9. the types of tools and equipment used for positioning and fixing fencing components and how to prepare, use and maintain these safely and correctly
10. the relevant legal requirements for the use of powered tools and equipment
11. the components required for the type of fencing you are installing and their purpose
12. the methods used for assembling fencing and fencing components
13. the methods used for fixing fencing components to posts
14. the different types of protective finishes, why they are used and the methods of maintaining their integrity during fixing
15. the reasons for tensioning components when fitting strained/tensioned systems and the precautions to take to avoid distortion during the tensioning process
16. the limits of your responsibility when dealing with problems that arise during the work
17. the relevant legal requirements that control the disposal of waste and excess materials
18. the storage requirements for tools and equipment
19. how to minimise the impact of your work on the surrounding area, other users of the site and anyone else who may be affected

Fencing components could include:

• boards
• rails
• panels
• strained wire
• mesh
• pails
• beams
• VRS
• transitions
• terminals

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