Douglas Harbour

The scope of works included:

• Installation of 175m of anti-intruder weld mesh fencing
• Installation of nine new gates along the harbour boundary
• Installation of two end fans over sea walls

Due to works potentially directly affecting ferry movements and passengers, a plan was set out in which works would be carried out during agreed upon stand-down times to prevent any members of the public being disrupted.

A site compound was set up for materials storage and welfare requirements alongside temporary site fencing to maintain exclusion zones along the working limits during each section. This helped to further segregate from the public and other contractors and helped maintain better plant people interface with dedicated walking routes.

The programme of works was scheduled to offer the client the least amount of disruption during a busy period for the harbour. All materials were prearranged to be delivered to the site QTS worked directly with the fencing manufacturer, ensuring the bespoke fencing products were correctly produced through rigorous quality control prior to delivery to site. Prior to the work, Local supplier connections were made with fencing and plant suppliers to support local trade and lower the overall embodied carbon for the project.

Due to restrictions on disturbing the ground near the harbour edge, the decision was made to use resin bolted base plates onto concrete footings to ensure stability of the fence.

At times, QTS operatives were required to work in the vicinity of the harbours edge. An end weld mesh fan was installed to prevent attempted trespass around the edge of the fence.

The coast guard was aware of the works, and a rescue plan was in place. Engineering controls such as fall restraint systems and PPE consisting of highly buoyant life vests were used as safety measures to mitigate the risk of working near the water.