Controlled access zones for construction sites
The ability to separate construction sites into individual zones, each with controlled access, assists with the management, safety and monitoring of operatives on site. It can improve security and boost site efficiency, prevent bottlenecks in critical areas and enhance competency control. Biosite’s workforce management software adds value for site operators by enabling construction sites to be split into zones.
There are many benefits to construction site zoning - splitting a site into separate areas - each with its own access control and workforce permissions. It can improve safety, security and even efficiency, by knowing and managing who is in each site zone.
With Biosite’s biometric access control and workforce management system, users have complete flexibility over how to set up controlled access zones on construction sites. The most common approach is to have access control at the main entrance, at site office/welfare areas, and for each individual working zone as required. This could incorporate separate buildings, different levels on a high-rise structure, or areas of specialist expertise such as tunnelling or crane areas.
Why implement controlled access zones on your site?
There are several reasons why sites might want to introduce controlled access zones. Here are some examples of zone set up:
1. Holding pens
The introduction of ‘holding pens’ allows operatives to get to site and complete routine tasks before entering the main site. These tasks could include daily briefings, getting PPE on or checking PPE, meeting with supervisors or completing final induction or registration, all in a safe and secure environment. Here, site admin can work through any potential access issues, such as expired CSCS cards or site inductions, without causing delays to others accessing site and impacting productivity.
2. Restricting access based on competency
Controlled access zones also assist in managing those on site, because our technology allows users to restrict access into specific areas. While all workers will be able to access the main site, welfare area or site office, linking access to competency management profiles means only certain groups of workers can enter restricted areas.
Zone access permissions can be categorised by:
- Trade - for example, preventing first fix trades from accessing completed buildings to reduce unnecessary footfall and help prevent accidental damage and theft.
- Induction or training competencies - including specific requirements for working at height in confined spaces or contaminated areas.
3. Enhanced workforce reporting and traceability
Controlled access zones also enable enhanced reporting and traceability. By linking accurate, biometric data to individual operative profiles, managers can:
- Quickly and effectively establish where people (including subcontractors) are situated on site.
- Associate physical working time against the project plan.
- Gain a better understanding of plan vs actual resource allocation.
This can help understand any project challenges, particularly if work hasn’t been completed to plan.
4. Allocation of key personnel
Traceability also extends to accurate allocation of key personnel such as fire marshals, first aiders and supervisors. Users can easily identify how many workers across key groups are in each access zone. Media screens can be used to display these figures for quick spot checks, while Biosite’s access control systems integrate with fire alarm systems to enable quicker site evacuations and fire roll call checks per zone.
An enhanced solution from Biosite
Built on years of experience working with controlled access zones on construction sites, the Biosite system maintains fast biometric matching, flexibility of site set-up and data accuracy to deliver an enhanced solution.
Biosite's access control matching takes place on the local server, usually located next to a turnstile, or inside an enclosed turnstile POD at each zone entrance. We have the unique ability to offer multiple servers on each site (for example main site and head office), with minimal restrictions on placement of access control hardware because the system is wireless. It is also easy to move access control hardware around the site because enclosed turnstile PODs have local servers built into the unit.
More than that, the servers synchronise profile data with the site's portal over the internet. If the connection is lost, access control matching (via hardware or mobile) can continue on the local PC and synchronisation simply takes place when connection is regained.
A reminder – the benefits of controlled access zones for construction sites
Why is construction site zoning important? Using access control and workforce management technology, construction sites can:
- Improve safety by preventing bottlenecks at site entrance and exit points, without compromising site safety, by using holding pens.
- Improve security by restricting access to specific areas on site, including zone access based on competency.
- Improve productivity and visibility by enabling enhanced reporting of worker productivity by tracing location via zone, e.g. welfare, main site.
- Improve efficiency by identifying the location of key workers by zone to ensure appropriate resource allocation of fire marshals, first aiders, etc.
Benefits of competency management for construction
