Prepare the ground or surface for the installation of fencing

This standard describes how to prepare the ground or surface for the installation of fencing. The standard covers preparing and modifying ground levels to accommodate lines and gradients, using machinery where required. It also includes forming foundations ready for the installation of in-theground fixed fencing or preparing surfaces for the installation of surface fixed fencing. If you are using equipment or machinery you should be trained, and hold current certification where required, in line with relevant legislation. This standard is suitable for fence installers. It can be applied to support any fence installation operation.

1. carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental

   and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements

   and company policies and procedures

   2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)

   3. carry out your work in accordance with instructions and

   specifications

   4. select and prepare the required tools, machinery, equipment and

   materials

   5. check to confirm that a safe working environment has been

   established

   6. use industry recommended working practices to prepare the

   ground or surface for the installation of fencing to meet the

   required instructions and specifications

   7. identify and report any uncharted services, substructures, shafts

   or other obstructions, damage or defects in accordance with

   instructions and specifications

   8. establish clear warning signs and barriers to protect and indicate

   the presence of exposed services or substructures

   9. use, maintain and store tools, machinery and equipment safely

   and in a clean and serviceable condition

   10. dispose of waste and excess materials safely to minimise

   environmental risk, in accordance with relevant legal

   requirements

   11. carry out your work in a manner that causes minimal impact to the

   surrounding area, other users of the site and anyone else who

   may be affected

1. the relevant environmental and health and safety requirements

   associated with preparing the ground or surface for the installation

   of fencing

   2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)

   suitable for the task to be carried out

   3. the relevant requirements and procedures for gaining access to

   the site

   4. the specific requirements for permit-to-work schemes

   5. the types of signs and protective barriers used in the fencing

   industry

   6. the reasons for traffic management when working adjacent to

   highways and other transport systems

   7. where to obtain the instructions and specifications required to

   carry out the work

   8. the types of tools, machinery, equipment and materials used for

   preparing the ground or surface for the installation of fencing and

   how to prepare, use and maintain these safely and correctly

   9. the relevant legal requirements for the use of powered tools,

   machinery and equipment

   10. the techniques used to contour ground levels to conform to the

   instructions and specifications

   11. the characteristics of different ground types and what difference

   these make to the process of modifying the ground

   12. the methods used to reinstate ground

   13. how to form a foundation in soft or unstable ground

   14. how and when temporary supports should be used

   15. the methods, grades and ratios used for mixing, placing,

   compacting, finishing and curing concrete

   16. the methods used for forming pockets or casting-in fixing items

   17. how to drill, fix and test foundation sockets in accordance with the

   instructions and specifications

   18. the procedures to follow if uncharted services, substructures,

   shafts or other obstructions, damage or defects are identified

   19. the importance of maintaining boundary lines

   20. the limits of your responsibility when dealing with difficulties

   experienced during the work

   21. the relevant legal requirements controlling the disposal of waste

   and excess materials

   22. the storage requirements for tools, machinery and equipment

   23. how to minimise the impact of your work on the surrounding area,

   other users of the site and anyone else who may be affected

Prepare the ground or surface ready for the installation of fencing by

carrying out at least one of the following:

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modifying ground levels

excavating post holes

digging strip trenches

casting concrete

fixing foundation sockets

Instructions and specifications could include:

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plans/drawings

schedules

method statements

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

manufacturer's guidelines

customer requirements

quality standards e.g. BSI, CE

verbal instructions