Standards Development

Scope

This new British Standard specifies requirements for the design, installation and maintenance of agricultural electrical fences. It is applicable to installations where the agricultural electrical fence is to provide a physical barrier and measures the quality of installations. The standard includes requirements for protective treatments and guidance on installation. It does not outline the specific method to be used in construction. Construction specifies are covered in the appointed approved manufacturer’s installation courses and material available only to accredited installation dealers and marketing partners.  This part of the BS 1722 series of standards complements and expands on the guidance given by the Health & Safety Executive in its guidance document HS G 151, Protecting the public, your next move. This document is intended to assist the construction industry and ensure the safety of members of the public in the UK

Purpose

There have been a number of requests from industry, for a standard to be added to the BS 1722 suite of standards, as a new part to cover the use of electric fencing in agriculture. BS 1722 part 17 covers Electric Security Fencing, but is not appropriate for agricultural use specifically. As well as a general requirement to cover this widely used application, there are DEFRA grants available for this type of fencing and there is, currently, no standard against which to measure the quality of installations for which the grants are being paid.

Different types of electric fencing will be covered, such as permanent electric, off conventional and temporary electric. The various sectors and livestock types will require different considerations, including heights of fences, eg fencing for sheep and cattle will be too low for horses. Equipment, construction, design, maintenance and safety will also be covered.