Think safety around housing construction areas

  • Published
  • By Rhonda Siciliano
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  With construction of new homes set to begin this summer as part of Hanscom's housing privatization initiative, the sight of interesting equipment and construction vehicles in the housing area can peak the interest of children wanting to get a closer look. As construction activities begin it's important to think safety.

"We will make every effort to confine our work within the construction barriers [fencing], but in some instances that will not always be possible," said Tim Stengel, Hunt construction manager. "Barriers in certain instances may have to be removed to allow the completion of work,"

Hunt Pinnacle is asking for everyone's cooperation in respecting the barriers identifying the construction area. Fencing will be placed at the project limits and signage posted to clearly identify the area. The area should not be accessed without permission or unsupervised, he said.

It's natural for some young kids to want to watch construction activities, particularly those near the street or where they might live," Mr. Stengel said. "It is very important for children to watch from a safe distance. Parents should stress to the younger kids that they should watch and play at a safe distance and listen to construction superintendents when they are told to back away from an area."

Mr. Stengel said there is a tendency for some older kids to cut through the construction site to get from one neighborhood to another, or "explore" the site when no one else is around. "We will strive to maintain a separation between occupancy and construction. The community must be aware that construction work areas will be fenced off and locked at the end of construction hours. Exploring construction sites is dangerous as hazards exist that are not readily apparent," he said.

The construction landscape will be evolving daily with work progressing outside of fenced areas. Residents are asked to proceed with care through those areas.

"It is very important for residents when driving, to watch for temporary construction signs," he said. "Generally speaking the normal construction hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the potential for extended hours and work on Saturday in the future."