Temporary Fencing

AS/NZS 4687:2007 — Temporary fencing and hoardings. This standard specifies minimum requirements for the design, construction, installation and maintenance of temporary fencing used on construction sites and at public events. Panels supplied by Steel Source Australia are manufactured to meet the dimensional and structural requirements of this standard.

Panel frame: 32mm OD × 2.0mm WT ERW tube to AS 1163 Grade C350L0. Infill mesh: 60mm × 150mm aperture, 3.0mm wire diameter, welded at intersections. Frame and mesh hot-dip galvanised together after fabrication to AS/NZS 4680 — minimum average coating 45µm, minimum local coating 35µm.

Stability: AS/NZS 4687:2007 Clause 5.3 requires temporary fencing to resist a horizontal load of 0.29 kN/m applied at the top rail. Rubber-filled feet (≥7.5 kg ballast) satisfy this requirement for standard panel runs. Diagonal bracing is mandatory at every corner, gate, end and at maximum 10-panel intervals per Clause 5.4.

Water-filled barriers: Comply with AS 1742.3 Traffic Control Devices for Works on Roads where used in traffic management applications. Barriers must be filled to manufacturer's specified capacity (not overfilled) and positioned per the relevant traffic management plan.

Panel spacing: Standard panels are 2400mm wide. One rubber-filled foot per panel, positioned centrally under the bottom rail. For runs exceeding 10 panels without a corner or gate, install a diagonal brace at the 10th panel interval.

Clamp torque: Tighten swivel and fixed clamps to 20–25 Nm. Over-tightening deforms the tube wall and reduces clamp grip. Under-tightening allows panels to separate under wind load. Use a torque wrench or calibrated impact driver for consistent installation.

Shade cloth attachment: Attach shade cloth to panels using UV-stabilised cable ties at every eyelet (300mm centres). Do not use standard cable ties — UV degradation causes premature failure. Shade cloth increases wind load on panels; additional bracing at every 5th panel is recommended when 90% shade cloth is fitted in exposed locations.

Corrosion maintenance: Hot-dip galvanised panels in coastal or industrial environments should be inspected annually. White rust (zinc hydroxide) on new panels is cosmetic and does not indicate coating failure. Red rust indicates zinc depletion — panels should be removed from service and re-galvanised or replaced.