Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1252422
28.05.2020 8 COMMERCIAL HOARDING refers to the temporary structures enclosing construction sites while works are carried out, in order to restrict access and protect the public. Hoardings must always be in place for any buildings as high as 8 floors, or 28 metres. These must be made of suitable rigid material, which is to be free-standing and independ- ent of the building itself. For buildings up to 2 floors, a 3-me- tre structure is needed. Buildings that are higher than this must erect hoard- ing up to the height of the building. Alternatively, buildings that are higher than eight floors do not require hoarding to the full height, but up un- til the eighth floor. From the ninth floor upwards, all windows and bal- cony door openings are to be boarded up to prevent the egress of dust. For sites that are recessed from the road, semi-detached or detached, such hoarding is to enclose the whole site and be at least one metre above the top of the building. When demolition activity is carried out, hoarding must be erected upfront to the full height of the building, ensuring public safety and the least possible inconvenience to neighbours. Moreover, the hoarding structures are to be constructed in either tim- ber or metal frame and shall be cov- ered with suitable mesh, or material that precludes any visual impact of the internal on-goings within the site. These screens shall form a barrier that protects the surrounding environ- ment against the egress of dust and debris from the construction site. The hoarding structures must also be de- signed to withstand gale force winds, force 8 and above, with any necessary anchorage to prevent overturning and ensure stability. Furthermore, the structures should also have an adequate amount of in- terlocking waste chutes to deliver waste material from any level within the construction site to the closest possible destination where these can be discarded. It is paramount that these do not cause any inconvenience or hazard to any person or third-party property. A chute shall be closed if it is inclined more than 45 degrees and should always be kept closed or cov- ered at its entrance when not in use. In addition, hoardings and bar- ricades adjoining excavation sites must always be in good condition and should be designed to withstand any external impacts. In the case that the structure is taken from one con- struction site to another, one must ensure that it remains in such good condition. Finally, advertisements on hoardings are allowed, subject to ad- vertising laws and regulations. For more information you may visit www.bca.com.mt. Hoarding, scaffolding and netting during construction