Temporary fencing is used throughout Australia in a range of industries. It is a tool that keeps workers, civilians and event-goers safe against hazards, including un-secure worksites and machinery. It also keeps out trespassers and assists in directing crowds.
For a temporary fence to correctly function, it must meet a level of quality and be installed correctly. In Australia, companies that produce or use temporary fencing should follow the Australian Standards.
What Are Australian Standards?
In Australia, standards are documents that create a framework of the best practices and product specifications to ensure products, services, and systems are safe and reliable.
Accredited organisations can develop standards with national best practices based on their high-level industry knowledge. These standards are accredited through Standards Australia.
Who are Standards Australia?
Standards Australia is Australia’s representative non-government, not-for-profit standards organisation that facilitates the creation and development of Australian standards. They are responsible for the finalisation of standards and the standards management system certification.
The nation’s economics, international competitiveness, community safety and environmental sustainability is enhanced through the integrity of Standards Australia’s work.
What Are the Two Types of Australian Standards?
Standards Australia sets out procedures, specifications and guidelines to ensure products and services perform safely and reliably.
In Australia, there are two types of standards, voluntary and mandatory:
Mandatory Standards
Mandatory standards are designed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). These standards are law and carry significant penalties for those who supply products or services that do not comply.
There are two types of mandatory standards:
- Safety standards: These standards require goods and services to align with a high level of performance to ensure safety for those who interact with the goods and services.
- Information standards: These standards require companies to disclose all information about a product through labelling, giving clear instructions and warnings.
Voluntary Standards
Voluntary standards are documents that aren’t legally recognised. However, they encourage companies to be aware of their sector’s best practices and assist in training and maintaining workplace health and safety.
What Are the Benefits of Standards?
Both mandatory and voluntary standards offer benefits to organisations that follow them.
These benefits include:
- Boost confidence: When an organisation follows Standards Australia’s outlines, consumers and workers feel more confident in the safety, longevity and quality of the products and services.
- Stimulate innovation: Once Australian Standards creates an outline, it can evolve depending on the latest technologies, case studies, international standards, innovations and community needs.
- Increase your competitiveness: If you are operating in a competitive industry, complying with Australian Standards could give you a competitive advantage.
- Promotes international trade: When a business adheres to the Australian Standards, it opens up doors for Australian companies to trade globally.
- Adhere to laws and regulations: Standards Australia creates all standards in line with Australian laws and regulations.
- Helps businesses thrive: Standards are constantly under re-evaluation to ensure they offer the best and latest advice.
More information can be found on Standards Australia standards development.
What Australian Standards Apply to Temporary Fencing?
In Australia, temporary fencing standards are designed by Standards Australia and outlined in the Temporary Fencing and Hoarding AS 4687-2007 document.
These set out specifications are voluntary and depict the minimum requirements for constructing and installing temporary mesh fencing, hoardings, banner mesh, and shade cloth. They aim to protect both the public and those working on the site.
It’s not required by law to follow these standards, however, following these standards assists in helping you comply with the National Construction Code. The provided standards warrant that the temporary fencing is designed for longevity, safety, and reliability.
How Is Temporary Fencing Tested to Meet the Australian Standards?
There is a series of testing that temporary fencing must endure before it is approved as meeting the Australian standards and national construction code.
These tests include:
- Climbing test: this simulated climbing test ensures the fence is secure and will protect against trespassing and unlawful entry. The fence must withstand a 65kg load hanging off it for 3 minutes to pass this test. Furthermore, to avoid vandals climbing the fence, the mesh must not exceed 75mm in width to limit vandals from getting a foothold on the fence.
- Impact testing: The temp fencing is subject to an impact test involving a wind test to ensure the fence can’t be overturned when faced with high winds. The fence must withstand an impact of 37kg in weight, using 150 joules of impact energy to pass this test.
At TTFS, we ensure our temporary fencing meets the Australian standard through testing conducted by Bureau Veritas. This organisation is a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification to ensure quality and create a more responsible, sustainable culture.
Temporary Fencing Standards Revision
TTFS is a member of the not-for-profit organisation Temporary Fencing Association. TFA promotes the high and safe standards of manufacturing, supplying, and installing temporary fencing products.
Through TTFS’s membership with the TFA, we are actively involved in the latest version of the standard, which is currently under revision and expected to come into effect in approximately six months’ time. Keep an eye out on the TTFS website for updates on when these new standards will be approved and implemented.
Contact TTFS
At TTFS, all our temporary fences, printed solutions and accessories meet the temporary fencing Australian standards.
If you are in the construction, events or security industries and require temporary fencing, crowd control barriers or printed solutions, you can count on us at TTFS with our 24-hour delivery services and outstanding industry reputation.
Contact our experienced team today on 1300 841 782 or fill in an enquiry form.