Construction sites contain valuable equipment. However, they are also incredibly vulnerable places. Everything is in the open; often, there are no lockable doors on the site’s perimeter, and there are many hours in a day when no one is onsite. In the last few years, we’ve seen increased threats against construction sites.
When working on their MEP systems, how do you protect your client’s buildings, assets, and valuables?
Why Is Security Important?
Security is vital whether you’re working from scratch on an empty construction site or maintaining a current structure’s systems. Everything from your client’s assets to your machinery and materials are at risk on a construction site. Even when workers are present, everything should be accounted for.
Equally, security is crucial for protecting people from potentially hazardous equipment or materials. Here are the potential risks to consider:
- Robbery
- Vandalism
- Illegal dumping
- Loitering
- Arson
- Illegal parking
- Misuse of dangerous equipment
As a result, you should implement a 24/7 comprehensive security plan to manage potential threats before they arise.
Establish a Security Plan
Firstly, you need to develop a security plan early. Map out your site to determine vulnerable points and valuable assets. If creating a plan to mitigate risks isn’t your strong suit, you might want to hire a professional security company to make suggestions. Also, consider how technology investments might enhance your security.
Secondly, you should develop a plan for emergencies. Therefore, if the worst-case scenario should happen, everyone in your team knows how to respond.
Secure the Perimeter
Once you have a plan under development, you should create a perimeter around your site. Whether working within a building or on a construction site, make a clear outline of your space. Consider putting up fences and gates to keep trespassers out if you're outside. If you’re inside, think about using signs to warn passers-by away.
Securing your perimeter will also give you a good starting point to install additional security features.
Install Security Features
To ensure your site is fool-proof, you should think about installing security features, such as access control or alarms. Accordingly, you’ll be able to leave your site confident that everything is secure while you’re away. See our tips for security features below.
Access Control
A cloud-based access control system ensures that only qualified employees can access specific areas. For example, if you have high-value materials or hazardous machinery, you can ensure that only the correct people access the site and that it doesn’t have to disrupt the workday. With remote, mobile access control systems like Openpath, the days of searching for lost keys are gone. Workers just need their mobile phone to use as a credential to gain access to the construction site.
Moreover, installing a video surveillance system will deter unauthorized people from attempting access.
Zoning
Construction sites are busy places. It's hard to keep track of everyone with employees, contractors, and clients wandering around—the more crowded the site, the higher risk. Therefore, divide your site into zones. Ensure that everyone knows where they are allowed to go—using access control if necessary.
Additionally, restricting access to certain areas prevents congestion and internal security breaches.
Lighting
A well-lit site is essential. Not only does it reduce the risk of accidents, but it’s also an excellent deterrent to trespassers. Even if no one is onsite, lighting surrounding the perimeter will immediately suggest to outsiders that the site is not empty.
Plus, with comprehensive lighting, you will better see any trespassers that attempt access.
Cloud Security
Integrating all your security into one cloud-based system will help you manage them from one platform. Rather than wasting time checking different systems and only accessing security features onsite, you can log into one platform to check up on your site wherever you are. With cloud-based software, tailor your security needs to each project.
Alarms
One of the best security features you can implement is an alarm system. It immediately alerts everyone in the vicinity to the threat. Putting up signs warning trespassers of alarms will go a long way to protect your site.
Create a plan of the optimum places to install your fire and security alarms. You should also make sure that everyone knows the evacuation strategy.
Your alarms can connect to your cloud platform so you can access data remotely.
The Benefits Of Security
Ensuring you implement the top security considerations in your site is essential. The benefits include:
- Employers, clients, and contractors feel safe without disrupting productivity
- Manage internal access to reduce the risk of security breaches
- Resolve threats or incidents immediately
- Manage all your security systems, alarms, and camera feed remotely
Summary
Improving your site security will enable you to carry out the job more productively, reduce insurance and liability costs, and protect your employers. However, it goes beyond planning and installing comprehensive security. You must continually maintain and update your systems. Cloud-based technology is crucial for long-term security solutions.
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