If you are running a job in Stratford or anywhere near busy footfall you already know the truth about hoarding. It is not just “something to go around the site”. It is part of keeping the public safe and keeping the site under control.

The HSE puts it plainly. Where necessary you need to define site boundaries by suitable fencing and you need to plan what form the perimeter will take, provide it and maintain it.
That last word is the one that catches people out. Maintenance is not a nice to have. It is the bit that stops day one security turning into week three headaches.

This guide gives you a contractor friendly checklist you can use on small refurb jobs and full build sites. It is written to help you avoid the common traps that lead to breaches, complaints, delays and site incidents.

Quick note: hoarding vs fencing panels

• Hoarding usually means a solid barrier, often timber, used where you need stronger separation from the public, more privacy around works or better control of what can be thrown through or climbed.

• Temporary fencing panels are often used for lower risk boundaries or internal zone separation, but they still need proper planning and inspection.

If you want UK Fencing to supply and install the right setup for your job start with our site hoarding fencing page or speak to the team via the contact page.

The 12 point contractor checklist

Use this as your “before work starts” run sheet.

1) Make the boundary obvious from every approach

Under CDM, reasonable steps must be taken to prevent unauthorised access. The legal requirement is set out in the regulations and it is not optional.
In practice that means the perimeter needs to be clearly identifiable and continuous where the risk demands it.

2) Choose the perimeter type based on risk and surroundings

HSE guidance on protecting the public focuses on the nature of the site and its surroundings.
Ask yourself:

• Are there schools, parks, bus stops or heavy pedestrian routes nearby

• Are there open excavations, plant movement or falling object risks

• Is the job attracting attention because it is high profile or in a town centre

The higher the public exposure, the more likely solid hoarding is the sensible call.

3) Lock down the access points first

Most perimeter problems begin at the gate, not the fence line. If your gate is awkward to use it will get left open. If it is easy to force someone will try.

Plan your entry points then match gate strength to the barrier. If you need a robust solution see our commercial security gates options and build the boundary around that.

4) Keep pedestrians and vehicles separated where you can

HSE guidance on public protection talks about managing site access and keeping things controlled.
Even on smaller sites, separating pedestrian access from vehicle movements reduces near misses and reduces the chances of the public wandering into the wrong place.

5) Check if you need a highway licence before you install

If hoarding or scaffolding will sit on a public footway or road you often need council permission. In Newham, the council is explicit that you need a licence to put up hoarding on the street and you must not do it without permission.
If your Stratford job impacts the public highway this step can save you from enforcement action and delays.

6) Plan the walkway and visibility around the hoarding

Highway hoarding applications commonly require safe pedestrian provision. Newham’s hoarding application form flags that failing to provide a 1.5m pedestrian walkway may require additional traffic orders.
Even if you are not in Newham, the principle stands. Keep the route safe, well lit and free of pinch points.

7) Think about climb risk, tampering and “easy wins”

A barrier is only as strong as what sits next to it. If you stack materials near the boundary you build a ladder for free.

Also, temporary panel systems can be vulnerable to tampering unless you specify and fit anti tamper couplers and secure connections. The Home Builders Federation site security guidance mentions securing temporary panels and using anti tamper couplers as part of good practice.

8) Install with the ground and wind in mind

Soft ground, slopes and exposed corners are where movement starts. Once posts shift, gaps appear and panels rattle then you are into weekly repairs.

If you want to cross reference this point, link to the earlier blog you already published on why foundations matter: Fence posts that last: timber vs concrete vs steel. It reinforces why ground level stability is the real make or break.

9) Put signage where it helps, not just where it fits

Good signage supports control and reduces casual entry attempts. HSE’s HSG151 guidance on protecting the public covers clear marking of entrances and using signs so people know where and how to enter.
A practical approach:

• Clear “Site entrance” signs at the correct access point

• “No unauthorised access” where you get footfall pressure

• Emergency contact details where needed for out of hours issues

10) Set an inspection routine and record it

HSE makes the plan, provide and maintain expectation clear.
The Home Builders Federation guidance also stresses that perimeter inspections should be recorded and panels should be checked for security.

A simple routine that works:

• Check gates and corners daily

• Do a full perimeter walk weekly

• Inspect after high winds, deliveries and any reported tampering

If you want to link to homeowner content for wind context you can reference your earlier post: Fence panels blowing down: wind proof fixes that hold. The principles are the same. Wind finds weak points.

11) Keep the perimeter tidy because disorder invites trouble

If the site looks unmanaged the boundary gets tested more. Loose panels, leaning hoarding and gaps at the base are basically an invitation.

HSG151 talks about controlling access and directing visitors to the right reporting point.
A tidy perimeter supports that control.

12) Know who owns the perimeter at all times

Under CDM, principal contractors have duties that include taking steps to prevent unauthorised access and site security is a key theme in HSE and CITB summaries.
On real projects the boundary fails when responsibility is vague. Assign it. Write it down. Make it part of the daily routine.

Hoarding “good practice” details that make sites run smoother

If you want a deeper practical reference, the Temporary Works Forum good practice guide on hoardings discusses why solid hoarding is often preferred over open mesh and links it back to CDM perimeter duties.
You do not need to copy a textbook. Just apply the basics:

• design for wind loads and site exposure

• avoid creating gaps at the base

• keep gates aligned so they close cleanly

• plan for public facing presentation where relevant

Where UK Fencing fits in

UK Fencing can supply and install perimeter solutions that suit the site and the surrounding public risk. If you are weighing up options, these pages are the fastest route:

• Business fencing for a perimeter plan

• Site hoarding fencing for public facing boundaries

• Weld mesh security fencing for visibility led security

• Commercial security gates when access control is the priority

FAQ

When do I need site hoarding vs temporary fencing panels?

Use hoarding where the public are close to the works, where you need stronger separation or where privacy and containment matter. HSE guidance focuses on choosing fencing that reflects the nature of the site and surroundings.

Who is responsible for keeping the site boundary secure under CDM?

CDM duties include taking reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised access and principal contractor duty summaries highlight securing the site as a key responsibility.

Do I need a council licence for hoarding on a footpath?

Often yes. For example, Newham requires permission and a licence for hoarding on the street and warns against placing it without permission.

How often should site hoarding be inspected?

Set a routine and record it. HSE expects the perimeter to be maintained and HBF guidance highlights recording perimeter inspections and paying attention to panel security.

What should be on the hoarding signage?

Clear entry points, warnings and contact details where needed. HSG151 emphasises clear signage so visitors know where and how to enter and to report their presence.