When a massive fire at a £200m construction site was discovered to have been intentionally lit, it only added to the numerous challenges and problems caused by such a devastating incident. Construction companies must seek professional solutions to threats like these to prevent becoming the next victims, says industry security expert SafeSite Facilities.
To curb the threat of arson, businesses should adopt a range of best practices. Maintaining a clean and organised site can help reduce the availability of materials that could be used as fuel for fires. This maintenance includes regularly disposing of waste and debris, storing flammable materials securely, and ensuring that temporary structures are constructed using fire-resistant materials.
Areas fenced off for development should have effective access control measures to prevent unauthorised entry. These measures may involve installing secure perimeter fencing, hiring security personnel, and using access control systems such as electronic key cards or biometric scanners.
Construction companies should also promote a strong security culture among their employees, encouraging them to report suspicious activity or breaches.
Essential too in reducing arson risk is proper lighting for developments. Adequate lighting can deter potential intruders and make it easier for security personnel or surveillance cameras to spot suspicious activity. Responsible managers should ensure that all areas are well-lit, particularly during non-working hours.
Education and training for employees and contractors is also crucial. Building companies should conduct regular training sessions on fire prevention and safety, ensuring that everyone on the team knows potential fire hazards and how to respond in an emergency. This includes understanding the proper use of extinguishers and the importance of following evacuation procedures.
SafeSite Facilities can help protect construction firms from the risk of arson by offering a range of advanced products and services. For instance, their state-of-the-art tilt and pan CCTV cameras can monitor locations around the clock, providing a cost-effective alternative to hiring security guards.
These cameras can be integrated with infrared movement sensors for enhanced security, allowing for detecting and identifying potential intruders.
SafeSite Facilities also offers customisable alarm systems that can be tailored to the specific needs of each development. These systems can include wireless battery-powered sirens programmed to sound for a customisable duration and intensity, ensuring that nearby residential areas are not unduly disturbed.
The advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology used in these alarm systems helps to avoid false alarms by accurately identifying real threats, such as humans or vehicles.
Rapid deployment mobile CCTV towers provided by SafeSite Facilities are another effective solution for security, particularly in remote locations or places without a mains power supply. These self-sustaining towers feature four high-definition cameras for 360-degree coverage and an audio PA system that can deliver a warning deterrent to potential intruders.
With options for mains, generators, or solar power, these CCTV towers can continue operating even without a traditional power source.
To protect building areas from unauthorised entry via scaffolding, SafeSite Facilities offers high-quality scaffold alarms. These alarms provide coverage of 12m, 90° wide, and upon activation, a siren will sound, and a strobe light will flash.
Wirelessly linked to a 24/7 monitoring station, these alarms ensure that intrusion attempts are quickly detected and reported, allowing for a rapid response.
SafeSite Facilities also provides comprehensive assessments to help companies identify potential vulnerabilities and implement appropriate measures. Their team of experts will thoroughly examine the location, evaluating factors such as the layout, perimeter fencing, lighting, and access control systems.
Based on their findings, they will recommend the most effective solutions to protect the site from arson and other potential threats.
One of the critical aspects of maintaining a secure site is regular maintenance and monitoring of security equipment. SafeSite Facilities ensures that all their systems are installed and maintained according to industry standards, providing building firms with peace of mind that their sites are well-protected.
SafeSite Facilities also offers remote monitoring services, allowing supervisors to access the system anytime and anywhere.
Investing in a combination of these products and services can significantly reduce the chances of a fire being started deliberately on a building site. However, it is essential for organisations to continually evaluate and update measures as work progresses and evolves. This can help ensure the area remains protected against arson and other potential threats throughout the process.
Construction site blazes caused by arson are a significant concern for industry, leading to substantial financial losses, delays in project completion, and potential injuries or fatalities. To protect their investments and ensure the safety of their employees and contractors, managers must adopt a proactive approach to site protection.
Managing Director at SafeSite Facilities, Michael Knibbs: “By partnering with SafeSite Facilities, you can buy a range of advanced products and services, including CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and mobile CCTV towers.
“These solutions can be combined with practices such as maintaining a clean and organised site and implementing effective access control measures.
“Employee training on fire prevention and the use of professional solutions will reduce the risk of arson and protect your people and property from the devastating effects of deliberate fires.”
Contact SafeSite Facilities’ specialists here for more information on how to reduce the chances of an arson attack on your premises.