Site Security and Access Control

Site security controls who enters and leaves the construction site, protecting workers, the public, and materials from harm and theft.
CDM 2015 requires sites to be secured to prevent unauthorised access, particularly by children and vulnerable persons.
Perimeter fencing or hoarding at least 2 metres high must surround the entire site boundary to deter unauthorised entry.
A single controlled access point with a gate, security presence, or sign-in system manages all entry to the site.
All persons entering site must sign in — the register provides the evacuation roll call list in an emergency.
Children are attracted to construction sites by plant, excavations, and materials — security must prevent their access at all times.
Material and plant theft costs the UK construction industry billions annually — security reduces losses and prevents associated dangers.
CCTV and lighting at the site perimeter deter intruders during non-working hours when the site is unattended.
Security guards during night shifts and weekends protect against arson, theft, and vandalism that endanger future workers.
Keys and access credentials must be managed — lost keys and shared gate codes compromise the entire security system.

Child protection	Children enter unsecured sites and are killed by falls into excavations, drowning in standing water, and crushing by unsecured materials.
Emergency evacuation	Without an accurate sign-in register, the roll call during evacuation cannot confirm whether everyone is accounted for.
Arson prevention	Unsecured sites are targets for arson — fires destroy partially completed structures and endanger neighbouring properties.

Do

Don't

Install perimeter fencing or hoarding at least 2 metres high around the site.
Control access through a single point with a gate and sign-in system.
Require every person entering the site to sign the register before proceeding.
Secure the site at the end of each working day to prevent unauthorised entry.
Install CCTV and perimeter lighting to deter intruders during unattended hours.
Lock all plant, equipment, and fuel storage at the end of every shift.
Manage keys and access codes — report and replace lost credentials immediately.
Check the perimeter fencing daily for damage, gaps, and attempted break-ins.
Arrange security guards for nights and weekends on high-risk or high-value sites.
Brief all workers on the sign-in requirement and the importance of site security.

DON'T leave any section of the site perimeter without fencing or hoarding.
DON'T allow access through uncontrolled entry points around the site boundary.
DON'T let anyone bypass the sign-in register — it is the emergency roll call list.
DON'T leave the site open and accessible during non-working hours.
DON'T leave perimeters unlit — darkness invites intruders and conceals break-ins.
DON'T leave plant running or fuel unlocked at the end of the shift.
DON'T share gate codes or keys with unauthorised persons — manage access strictly.
DON'T ignore damage to perimeter fencing — repair it immediately before intruders enter.
DON'T leave high-value or high-risk sites unguarded during weekends and holidays.
DON'T assume security is someone else's job — report breaches and concerns promptly.

See also: Welfare Facilities Standards | Site Induction Requirements

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