Ever had a run-in with a bouncer? Or felt uneasy at how “enthusiastic” security guards were being on a construction site?

Well, starting in March 2006, security has to be licensed in England and Wales. A watchdog group will carry out spot checks, and if you employ unlicensed guards on your sites they’ll be fined, and you could face trouble, too.

The Private Security Industry Act 2001 came in response to fears of criminality and thuggery in the growing - but completely unregulated -world of hired muscle.

Each guard will have to undergo 30 hours of training, sit an exam and pay £190 for a three-year licence. It will be the responsibility of the individual and his or her employer to ensure that an operative is licensed, but the person receiving the services also needs to check that guards hold the valid licences.

each security guard will now undergo 30 hours of training, sit an exam and pay £190 for a three-year licence

Penalties for the unlicensed guard could be six months’ imprisonment or a £5000 fine. If main contractors do not take reasonable steps to ensure licensed guards are hired, they may face prosecution too.

Source

Construction Manager

Postscript

For more information visit: www.the-sia.org.uk