When it comes to welded mesh fencing, BSI Standard BS1722 Part 14 is increasingly important. In this blog, we explain why, focusing on its relevance, key requirements, and its impact on elevating the standards of welded mesh fencing.
The British Standards Institution (BSI) is the UK’s independent standards body. It is incorporated by Royal Charter and as well as being responsible for the production of British Standards, also has obligations relating to international and European standards.
BSI standards are instrumental in ensuring safety, quality, and performance across various industries, including the built environment. Their neutrality, deep subject matter expertise and ability to connect the right people ensure they are well positioned to drive change and improvements in the way UK sectors operate.
The BSI published the latest edition of BS1722 Part 14: ‘Fences specification for open mesh steel panel, in 2017. This Standard sets out guidelines in relation to the manufacturing and installation of this specific type of fence panel, as well as the gates and gate posts used with them, in order to claim compliance with the standard.
This standard offers a guarantee of quality, performance and reliability from a steel mesh fencing structure which is particularly important for security and perimeter fences where a high level of protection is needed.
BS1722 Part 14 sets out minimum performance requirements for four categories of open mesh steel panel fences:
This applies across various applications, from agriculture and industrial settings to high-risk buildings and educational institutions. It is typically most relevant where protection is needed to keep something within a boundary or protect from trespassers and vandalism.
There are several essential technical requirements set out by this standard to achieve overall compliance, including:
Materials: including the type of steel, coatings, and finishes, the materials used should be suitable for the intended application and should have the necessary durability and corrosion resistance.
Panel Dimensions: including height, width, and mesh size, these dimensions are important to ensure consistency and compatibility between different parts of the fence.
Mesh Design: crucial for the fence’s security and visibility properties, this includes minimum and maximum mesh opening sizes, as well as the arrangement of wires and panels.
Wire Diameter: as this is a critical factor in determining the fence’s strength and rigidity, it gives guidance on wire diameters based on the intended use of the fence.
Posts and Fixings: including dimensions, material, and spacing as well as guidance on the type of fixings to be used to secure the panels to the posts.
Installation: outlining the correct installation process, including post spacing, panel attachment, and foundation requirements.
Durability and Corrosion Resistance: including requirements for corrosion resistance and durability., which may include specific coatings or treatments to protect the steel from rust and degradation.
Testing and Performance: tests for strength, impact resistance, and other relevant factors.
Gates and Access Points: guidelines for their design, dimensions, and security features if the fence includes gates or access points.
By adhering to the requirements of BS1722 Part 14, fence panels offer an exceptional level of security. The materials and construction of each panel means there is inherent structural integrity and strength whilst the design often provides the right balance between security and visibility. Combined with guidance in installation, the standard is highly effective in managing access control and intruder prevention, deterring any attempts of unauthorised access and contributing to the structure’s overall security capabilities.
Containing clear guidelines for both manufacturers and installation professionals, the Standard ensures that the required integrity of the steel mesh panels is not compromised during any part of the process. This guarantee of quality promotes not just the credibility and reliability of companies who provide these panels, but also their overall reputation.
Future of the Standard
All British Standards are regularly reviewed with updates and revisions driven by advancements in technology, changes in industry practices and evolving safety and security needs. As things like new materials and coatings are developed which could improve the longevity and security effectiveness of steel mesh panels, or as the market demands additional security features or more focused performance testing, it’s likely the Standard will be updated.
BS1722 Part 14 has had a huge impact on shaping the welded mesh fencing industry, driving up standards and quality across all applications. When considering the type of fencing structure to install, it’s important to consider what this standard has to offer and whether compromising on compliance is worth the inherent risk of performance and safety.
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