Warning Signs

Property occupiers have a duty of care to ensure that visitors to their premises remain safe from hazards. The Occupier’s Liability Act 1984 states that property owners have a responsibility to everone who visits their property, whether they have a right to be there or not. Occupiers have a duty of care to both welcome and unwelcome visitors or intruders onto the property. If a person is injured as a result of the anti climb and perimeter protection measures that have been put in place then the occupier may be sued. The display of appropriate warning signs is a statutory requirement for many types of security products. 

Aggressive anti climb barriers such as metal wall spikes, rotating spikes and fence spikes can potentially cause serious injury to intruders so it`s important that prominent warning signage is displayed. Similarly, anti climb paint can potentially cause injury if someone slips and falls. It can also mark and damage clothing, prompting a claim for compensation. Advising people that anti-climb paint is in use helps to avoid such issues.

Even if you are using a non-aggressive anti climb barrier such as Roller Barrier, it is adviseable to present a suitable warning sign. These signs not only help protect you from claims for damages, they also act as a very effective deterrent, discouraging would-be intruders.

CCTV recording systems fall under the jurisdiction of the Data Protection Act, which requires that appropriate Warning Signs must be displayed where such systems are in operation.

Where to Display Warning Signs

Signs which warn people of the presence of anti climb paint should generally be mounted below the height from which anti-climb paint has been applied. This is typically at a height of around 2m. Signs which warn people that anti climb spikes or an anti climb barrier is in place need to be displayed at no more than 3m intervals along the length of the wall or fence that has been protected.