Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, repeatable process for inspecting and maintaining installed fences so they remain structurally sound, secure and compliant with Australian WHS requirements. It helps businesses manage the safety risks associated with deteriorated, damaged or poorly maintained fencing around workplaces, construction sites and restricted areas.

Installed fences are a critical control for site security, public protection and segregation of hazards, yet they are often treated as a “set and forget” item until something goes wrong. This SOP provides a structured, defensible system for inspecting and maintaining perimeter, temporary and internal fences so they continue to perform as intended throughout their life. It guides organisations through how often to inspect, what to look for, how to document defects, and how to prioritise and complete corrective actions in line with Australian WHS duties and relevant standards.

The procedure addresses common failure points such as loose posts, compromised footings, missing panels, damaged gates, sharp edges, unauthorised openings and non-compliant temporary fencing setups. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence in controlling unauthorised access to construction zones, plant and equipment, hazardous substances and fall hazards. It also supports consistent maintenance practices across multiple sites, reduces liability from injuries to workers, contractors or members of the public, and helps protect adjoining properties and community assets from accidental damage or trespass.

Designed for Australian workplaces, this SOP aligns with WHS legislation and typical council and principal contractor requirements for secure work zones. It is suitable for a wide range of industries including construction, civil infrastructure, utilities, manufacturing, warehousing, education and local government, and can be readily adapted to both permanent and temporary fencing systems used on or around workplaces.

Key Benefits

• Ensure fences remain structurally sound and effective as a primary safety and security control.
• Reduce the risk of injuries, falls, trespass and vehicle incursions caused by damaged or inadequate fencing.
• Demonstrate WHS due diligence and compliance with site security and public protection obligations.
• Standardise inspection and maintenance practices across multiple sites and contractors.
• Streamline defect reporting, prioritisation and close-out to minimise downtime and exposure to risk.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Facilities Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Asset Managers
• Civil Works Supervisors
• Operations Managers
• Security Managers
• Local Government Works Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Unauthorised access by the public or children to construction sites or hazardous areas
• Falls from height due to inadequate edge protection or barrier integrity
• Worker and public injury from sharp edges, protruding wires, failed posts or collapsed fencing
• Vehicle or plant intrusion into pedestrian-only or exclusion zones
• Security breaches leading to theft, vandalism or interference with critical infrastructure
• Trip hazards from loose panels, displaced bases, sandbags or stabilisers
• Injury from wind-blown or storm-damaged fencing components
• Contact with restricted areas containing hazardous substances, live services or moving plant

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Fence Types (Permanent, Temporary, Security, Edge Protection)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Site Requirements
• 5.0 Risk Assessment and Planning for Fence Inspection Activities
• 6.0 Pre-Inspection Safety Checks and Required PPE
• 7.0 Fence Inspection Schedule and Frequencies (Routine, Post-Weather Event, Pre-Handover)
• 8.0 Detailed Inspection Criteria (Posts, Footings, Panels, Gates, Locks, Signage, Stability)
• 9.0 Temporary Fencing Requirements and Compliance Checks
• 10.0 Defect Identification, Risk Rating and Prioritisation
• 11.0 Corrective Actions, Repairs and Replacement Procedures
• 12.0 Isolation, Barricading and Interim Controls for Unsafe Fences
• 13.0 Documentation, Checklists and Record-Keeping Requirements
• 14.0 Contractor Management and Verification of Third-Party Installations
• 15.0 Environmental and Community Considerations (Noise, Access, Adjoining Properties)
• 16.0 Emergency Response for Fence Failure or Security Breach
• 17.0 Training, Induction and Communication Requirements
• 18.0 Monitoring, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the Procedure

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory equivalents)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory equivalents)
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Construction Work
• AS 4687: Temporary fencing and hoardings
• AS/NZS 1170.2: Structural design actions – Wind actions (for structural adequacy of fencing in exposed locations)
• AS 1725 series: Chain-link fabric security fences and gates (where applicable to security fencing)
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines