HIGHLIGHTING THE ISSUE OF LAPSED FENCING STANDARDS

We’ve been contacted anonymously by a prominent figure in the fencing industry with over four decades of experience, to highlight the issue of out-of-date standards.

The British Standards for all types of fencing come under 1722 and the relevant standard is normally used by local and national agencies as the basis for any fencing contract. This is also the basis for quotations to supply and fix on most housing contracts, but not all.

If you look at BS 1722-5 7 close board and post and rail both of these standards were last published in September 2018. BSI was asked when the updated versions and they responded that there is no date of any update shown.

If you needed to purchase a copy of the standard Part 5 would cost £225.00 and Part 7 would be £192.22 according to what is seen on the BSI book shop site.

Some other standards are up–to–date but the following list gives an idea of the state of the fencing industry standards that form an integral part of many contracts. Non–compliance could prove costly.

• 1722–18 Chain Link (reviewed 2020)
• 6 Wooden Palisade (1986 – cost to buy £138.00)
• 12 Steel Palisade (2016 – £337.00)
• 14 Steel Mesh (2017 – £337.00)
• 16 Powder Coating (2009 – £138.00)
• 3 Strained Wire (2020 – £138.00)
• 17 Electrical Security (2017 – £138.00)

This is not a comprehensive list of all standards.

The other concern is contractors and suppliers who are engaged on highway works at both national and county level must use the document ‘Specification For Highway Works’ and the section series 300 dealing with all types of fencing. You will see that the latest edition including amendments is 2008.

The industry, with a value of millions of pounds, is not well placed with standards that protect both the client and contractor with a platform in order to avoid disputes or interpretation of standards that prevent a level playing field. BSI and Highways England needs to provide proper support to the industry for the benefit of both sides.