Controlled access zones for construction sites
Biosite’s workforce management solution adds value for site operators. The ability to separate construction sites into individual zones, each with controlled access, assists with the management, safety and monitoring of operatives. It can boost site efficiency, prevent bottlenecks in critical areas and enhance competency control.
With Biosite’s biometric access control and workforce management system users have complete flexibility over how to set up controlled access zones. 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.
Our in-depth knowledge of managing access into working zones is borne from vast experience of working with construction site across a variety of sites.
Why implement controlled access zones on your site?
There are several reasons why sites might want to introduce controlled access zones.
1. Holding pens
Firstly, the introduction of ‘holding pens’ allows operatives to get to site and complete routine tasks before entering the main site. This could include daily briefings, getting PPE on, meeting with supervisors or completing final induction or registration tasks, 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 to competent personnel
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 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. Workforce reporting
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 sub-contractors) 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. Personnel allocation
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, our 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 a 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 no 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 PODs have their 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
- Prevent bottlenecks at site entrance without compromising site safety by using holding pens
- Restrict access to specific areas, including access based on competency
- Enable enhanced reporting of worker productivity by tracing location via zone e.g. welfare, main site
- Identify location of key workers by zone to ensure appropriate resource allocation of fire marshalls, first aiders.
