Difference Between a Safety Fence and a Perimeter Fence
We were recently asked what is the difference between a “safety fence” and a “perimeter fence”, and when is a safety fence required?
This question arose after a business purchased a new conveyor system to load trucks, but when it was pointed out that it had exposed rollers and other potentially harmful parts the site manager asked if the perimeter fence around the whole site would satisfy the safety regulations?
Clearly, some people are confused about the role of machinery safeguarding and perimeter fences, and their respective standards.
Perimeter fence with electric gate
Typical barbed wire topped “chain-link” perimeter fence
Perimeter Fences Protect Property
Whilst most perimeter fences are secure, they are primarily designed for property protection eg to keep intruders out and prevent damage and theft.
Perimeter fences vary significantly because in most cases they are not standardised by regulation requirements.
Indeed, some businesses do not have a perimeter fence or leave their gates open all the time, and this is OK as long as there are no exposed hazards when the site is left unattended.
However, temporary fences for construction sites are covered by AS 4687: Temporary Fencing and Hoardings. For more details on construction safety fences call for a copy of our Fact Sheet.
Safety Fences Protect People
Safety fences around hazardous areas or equipment are designed to keep people safe eg keep workers, contractors, and site visitors safe, even when they are inquisitive or attempt to gain access to machinery or touch moving or hot parts.
When is additional guarding or a safety fence required?
Any person can approach and touch harmful parts.
Hazardous parts within reach eg hazards lower than 2.7m from floor level.
Hazard within 100mm if gap big enough for finger access eg 10mm gap.
Hazard within 850mm if gap big enough for arm access eg 120mm gap.
Key requirements for safety fences include:
Fence height at least 1.6m eg can’t reach any hazard.
Gap under fence not to exceed 180mm.
No holes or frame to help climb fence eg apertures to be less than 75mm.
No storage closer than 1m to climb on.
Gate interlocked for frequent access, or locked with LOTO system.
Our Safety Helpline service answers hundreds of questions like this every year for many of Australia’s leading and progressive businesses. Call us on 03 8544 4300 or email for a quote.
