Fences and Gates
If fertiliser must be stored outside then it should be stored out of sight of areas to which the public have access. Stacks of fertiliser should be sheeted with tarpaulins or similar so that it is not immediately obvious what is underneath and to make tampering more evident.
Fertiliser can be stored more securely outside by building a compound from security fencing, correctly installed and fitted with appropriate locking gates.
Types of fences
Recommended types of anti-intruder fences are
Fences should conform to British Standard 1722 or equivalent. The addition of a hostile topping such as barbed tape or razor wire serves as an additional deterrent to a climbing attack. Consideration should be given to the Occupier's Liability Act 1984 in relation to the height of the fence and the requirement for signage.
Generally, higher fences offer greater protection against climbing intruders but remember that any fence above 2m (including any hostile topping) is likely to need planning permission.
Fences can be made more secure by extending the fence below ground level and encasing the fence in a concrete sill.
Palisade
Palisade fencing is formed from vertical 'pales', often with pointed or splayed tops. It can be galvanised or finished with a polymer coat and is available in various thicknesses and profiles.
The fixing system will affect how secure such fencing is and the visibility (at an angle) through palisade fencing is poor. Damage can easily be repaired by replacing pales and the fence height can easily be increased by adding extension pales. Palisade is very popular but offers no greater physical security than either weldmesh or expanded metal fences of the same height.
Expanded Metal
Expanded metal fences are very rigid (if correctly installed) and can be galvanised or polyester coated for longevity. They are difficult to cut through but repairs are likely to require whole panel replacement. Consideration should be given to potential livestock movements since the mesh tends to have sharp edges which could cause injury.
Welded Mesh
Welded mesh fencing can also be galvanised or coated. It offers much better visibility than either palisade or expanded metal fences and is arguably more aesthetically pleasing than both. It is difficult to cut and may be suitable for the addition of a fence alarm system.
Gates
Gates are often the weak link in an otherwise secure area. Gates should be of the same security standard as the fence that they are attached to and be fitted with anti-lift hinges.
Consideration should be given to minimising gaps between posts and in particular the clearance beneath the bottom edge of the gate(s) to prevent unauthorised access. Uneven ground beneath gates can allow a 'crawling' attack.
Gates should be secured using a quality, close-shackle padlock or fitted with a shroud to prevent leverage to a standard padlock.
For more information on security fencing visit www.securedbydesign.com.
