Fencing and Gate Installation

Fencing and gate installation involves digging post holes, setting posts in concrete, and fixing panels, rails, and gates.
Buried services including gas, electricity, water, and telecoms run beneath fence lines — scanning is required before digging.
Manual handling of heavy fence posts, concrete, gate frames, and panels causes back and shoulder injuries.
Post hole boring with machine augers creates entanglement and trapping hazards around the rotating auger bit.
Concrete mixing for fence post bedding generates cement dust and creates alkali burn risk from skin contact.
Fencing near highways requires traffic management when the work encroaches on the carriageway or footpath.
Overhead power lines must be identified before using tall equipment, post drivers, or machinery near fence lines.
Working with preservative-treated timber requires gloves and dust control measures when cutting treated posts.
Temporary fencing panels are vulnerable to wind — they must be weighted or secured to prevent them blowing over.
Sharp wire, barbed wire, and razor wire require specific handling techniques and PPE to prevent laceration injuries.

Buried services	Fence post holes are typically dug along boundaries where multiple buried services run — scanning prevents fatal cable and gas strikes.
Auger entanglement	Machine post hole borers rotate with considerable torque — loose clothing or gloves caught by the auger cause severe injury.
Manual handling	Fence posts, concrete bags, and gate frames are heavy and awkward — mechanical aids prevent the back injuries common in this work.

Do

Don't

Scan for buried services using a CAT and Genny before digging any post holes.
Use mechanical lifting for heavy fence posts, gate frames, and concrete bags.
Keep hands and clothing clear of rotating auger bits during machine boring.
Wear waterproof gloves when mixing and handling concrete for post bedding.
Install traffic management when fence work encroaches on highways or footpaths.
Check for overhead power lines before using tall plant or post drivers.
Wear gloves and a dust mask when cutting preservative-treated timber posts.
Secure temporary fencing panels against wind to prevent them blowing over.
Wear cut-resistant gloves and eye protection when handling barbed or razor wire.
Plan the installation sequence to minimise repetitive heavy manual handling.

DON'T dig post holes without scanning for buried services along the fence line.
DON'T lift heavy posts or concrete bags manually when mechanical aids are available.
DON'T wear loose clothing or gloves near rotating auger equipment.
DON'T mix or handle concrete without waterproof gloves to prevent cement burns.
DON'T work near highways without traffic management protecting the work area.
DON'T raise tall equipment near fence lines without checking for overhead power lines.
DON'T cut treated timber without dust control — preservative chemicals are harmful.
DON'T leave temporary fencing unsecured where wind could blow panels over.
DON'T handle barbed or razor wire without cut-resistant gloves and eye protection.
DON'T perform repetitive post installation without rotating tasks to reduce strain.

See also: Landscaping Safety Awareness | CAT & Genny Safe Use

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