References:  R Record keeping requirement | E An engineering/certification requirement | P A permit to work requirement | S A safe work method statement (SWMS) / written plan

Note: This section is to be read in conjunction with:

• Section Barricading and Signage
• Section Scaffolding

Definitions

Class A Hoarding - a structural frame of timber or steel, clad with water-resistant structural plywood sheets which separates the project from the public.

Figure 2: Example cross-section of a Class A hoarding incorporating a ground fixing 

Figure 3: Example cross-section of a Class A hoarding incorporating a post fixed into a concrete footing

Class B hoarding / gantry – modular, impermeable, free-standing hoarding system that incorporates an overhead platform that is used to provide protection from falling objects.

Temporary fence – a moveable mesh or chain link fencing which separates the project from the public.

Figure 4: Example elevation and cross-section of a Temporary Fence 

Photograph 3 -- Example of a Temporary Fence

Potential Hazards

Potential hazards associated with hoardings include, but are not limited to:

• Falls
• Falling objects
• Security of the workplace
• Obstruction of public areas
• Fire and impeding access to emergency service equipment. 
• Structural collapse
• Insufficient design loads for potential impacts
• Inground services

Design and Planning

Considerations must be given to the following:

Gates

• Location and specifications
• Type (hinged, sliding)
• Method of securing the gate to reduce the risk of the gate falling off tracks or hinges.
• Suitability/condition were inheriting pre-existing gates.
• Risk of traffic collision, vehicular footpath crossing

Class A hoardings, Class B hoardings / gantries and temporary fences

• Proprietary fittings/systems/hardware and other materials
• Height
• Foundation requirements and ground conditions and/or ground level changes
• Location and proximity to excavations
• Types of anchors and structural bracing requirements
• Access requirements and pre-existing obstacles (signs, trees, etc.)
• Services (overhead or underground)
• Adjacent structures
• Location and set out of concrete pump lines.
• Flammability of the hoarding and signage
• Storage of materials or hazardous substances
• Access to emergency equipment in the building or adjoining buildings (e.g., Hydrant Booster Valves, Fire control panels, etc.)
• Suitability/condition were inheriting pre-existing hoardings / gantries or fencing.
• Planned proximity of stored materials, which could increase the likelihood of intruders gaining entry to site
• Emergency services access
• Lighting (lux) levels for pedestrian walkways (Class B/gantry only)
• Locations of counterweights
• Wind loading.

E Class A hoardings must be:

• Designed by a Qualified Person (Engineer)
• Designed in accordance with local council requirements.
• Detailed on up-to-date drawings/plans.
• Reviewed for suitability/ condition where they are pre-existing.
• QLD – Designed in accordance with clause 315F of the WHS regulation.

E Class ‘B’ hoardings / gantries must be:

• Designed by a Qualified Person (Engineer)
• Designed in accordance with local council requirements.
• Detailed on up to date drawings/plans.
• Reviewed for suitability/ condition where they are pre-existing.
• QLD – Designed in accordance with clause 315K of the WHS regulation.

E Changes to the design or installed class B hoarding / gantries must be authorised and signed-off by a Qualified Person (Engineer).

• E Be designed to withstand wind loads to AS 1170.2 with counterweights as necessary to prevent overturning
• E VIC - Be designed to withstand a lateral line load of 075 kN/m applied at a height of 1m from the base and suitably guarded by barriers to prevent vehicular impact for hoarding adjoining excavations
• E Together with its supports, be designed with a uniformly distributed live load of not less than
• WA 7 kPa
• NSW, QLD, VIC 10 kPa

E Temporary fencing must be:

• Installed with mesh infill panels that are a minimum 1800mm high.
• Designed with counterweights to prevent overturning as specified in AS/NZS 1170.2 for wind loading.
• Installed with bracing in accordance with manufacture or Qualified Person’s (engineers) instructions

E Vehicular gates (hinged / sliding) for Class A / B hoardings must be:

• Designed by a Qualified Person (Engineer)
• Detailed on up-to-date drawings/plans.
• Where pre-existing, reviewed for suitability/ condition.

Operational

R Local council requirements must be reviewed and verified prior to erecting gantries, hoardings (class A, B) or perimeter fencing. 

R Class A hoardings and Class B hoardings / gantries in vehicular gates must be:

• Installed as per the design (Class A, Class B)
• Inspected in accordance with Plant and Equipment Inspection Schedule.

R Temporary fencing must:

• Be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements. 
• Be inspected as per Plant and Equipment Inspection Schedule
• Be securely clamped or fixed together and braced or counterweighted to withstand expected/prevailing wind loads.
• Where base plates / counterweights /supports extend into pedestrian accessways, they shall be clearly marked/identified with visual warnings.

Legal and Other Requirements

• AS4687.1 Temporary fencing and hoardings, Part 1: General requirements
• AS4687.2 Temporary fencing and hoardings, Part 2: Temporary fencing and temporary pedestrian barriers
• AS4687.3 Temporary fencing and hoardings, Part 3: Temporary hoardings
• AS1170.0 Structural design actions Part 0: General principals
• AS1170.1 Structural design actions Part 1: Permanent, imposed and other actions
• AS1170.2 Structural design actions Part 2: Wind actions
• AS 2423 Coated steel wire fencing products for terrestrial, aquatic and general use.
• AS 1163 Cold-formed structural steel hollow sections
• Local council requirements

Document Control

• Version 1 August 2019 – New Standard
• Version 2 November 2023 – New requirements have been incorporated into the design, planning, installation, and inspection requirements for vehicular gates (hinged / sliding) as a response to an incident in NSW, class A hoardings, class B hoardings/gantries, and temporary fences.