Asset Security

Palisade Fencing Upgrade at Petrol Station

Client: Steve Williams Construction West Midlands Ltd

Location: West Midlands

Project: Palisade Fencing

Background & Context

• Project Scope: Steve Williams Construction West Midlands LTD (SWCWM) was contracted by Harvest Energy Limited to supply and install a palisade fence to replace a damaged brick wall surrounding an LPG tank on a petrol station forecourt.
• The Industry: Harvest Energy Ltd owns and operates over 150 sites across the UK, providing motorists with petrol, diesel, and LPG. LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) occupies 270 times less space when stored as a liquid rather than a gas, necessitating large storage tanks at forecourts.
• Initial Challenges:

• Noise: As this was an active petrol forecourt, it was essential to ensure the safety of all members of the public, minimising their exposure to noise from breakers and saws.

• Dust: Cutting into the existing ground for post excavation required careful control of dust levels, achieved through effective water suppression techniques.

• Efficient Scheduling: Needed to be completed within one working day to minimise disruption to the public.

• Key Stakeholders: The project was carried out directly for Harvest Energy Ltd, which faced considerable downtime as the LPG tank was unusable by the public due to an unsafe perimeter enclosure.

Objectives

• Project Benchmarks: SWCWM had one day to receive delivery, excavate, and install a replacement perimeter fence around the LPG tank. The primary benchmark was to complete and sign off on the installation by 6pm on the day of installation.
• Time Frame: With only one available day for installation, the two-man team needed to work efficiently on and off-site. Immediate next-day delivery of palisade materials was essential, as this was a reactive remedial project responding to damage caused by a vehicle collision with the existing wall.
• Limitations: SWCWM are accredited by The Safety Pass Alliance (SPA) and the UK Petroleum Industry Association (UKPIA) to ensure safe working practices on petrol forecourts. This accreditation includes comprehensive knowledge of hazardous substances, health and safety protocols, vapour recovery, safety documentation, and the handling of specific hazards within the fuel station environment.

Solution

• What We Supplied: First Fence supplied their 2.0m high galvanised palisade fencing system for this project. The customer chose a dig-in system, as the ground was free of obstacles for excavation. The system also included an additional end post. The existing compound gates were deemed acceptable and did not require replacement.
• Expectations: The existing compound gates needed to be fully compatible with the new fencing system. This involved ensuring that the gates functioned seamlessly with the 2.0m high galvanised palisade fencing, maintaining both security and ease of access. The gates were assessed and found to be in satisfactory condition, allowing them to be retained and integrated with the new installation without the need for replacement.
• Lessons Learnt: SWCWM are experts in petrol forecourt contracting, specialising in rapid deployment remedial works. They have expressed strong appreciation for the speed and accuracy of First Fence's ability to deliver palisade fencing the following day. As a result, SWCWM has recognised First Fence as their supplier of choice for any future remedial projects

Testimonial

“We recently had the pleasure of ordering through First Fence Ltd, and I have to say, it was one of the best ordering experiences we've had.”