Planning a commercial event, festival or temporary work site? Heras fencing hire offers a fast, flexible, and compliant way to create secure perimeters, guide foot traffic, and manage vehicle access. Whether you’re organising a large-scale outdoor event or securing backstage infrastructure, Heras fencing remains the gold standard in temporary perimeter control across the UK.
In this blog, we’ll explain Heras fencing, where it works best, when to consider alternatives, and how to ensure your setup meets safety and compliance standards.
🔹 What Is Heras Fencing?
“Heras” is the commonly used term for temporary steel mesh fencing panels. These panels are typically around 3.5 m wide by 2.0 m high, made from galvanised steel, and designed with an anti-climb mesh pattern. They’re connected with couplers and secured into concrete or rubber feet to form a stable barrier line.
At FESS Hire, we supply BS 1722-18:2020-compliant Heras fencing, ensuring your installation meets the current British Standard for temporary fencing systems.
🔹 Where Heras Fencing Is Most Effective
Heras fencing is incredibly versatile. It’s the go-to solution for many temporary needs across industries:
- Site Perimeters – Define the boundary of your event or site quickly and visibly.
- Back-of-House Segregation – Secure production areas, generator units, welfare cabins and storage zones.
- Vehicle Compounds – Control access with optional swing or sliding pedestrian and vehicle gates.
- Queuing Lanes – Ideal for light crowd control and managing foot traffic flow.
🔹 Where Heras Fencing Should Not Be Used
Despite its flexibility, Heras fencing isn’t suited to every situation:
- High-pressure crowd areas like front-of-stage zones – Use engineered stage barriers or mojo systems instead.
- Wind-exposed sections with solid scrim/branding – Unless the setup is properly engineered, the wind drag can topple the panels.
- Public zones without tamper-proof fittings or stabilisers – Always use anti-tamper couplers and backstays for safety.
🔹 Key Components of a Safe Heras Fence Setup
A standard Heras fencing system includes:
- Panels: Anti-climb mesh panels (~14–16 kg).
- Feet: Rubber or concrete (preferably hi-vis for public areas).
- Couplers: Anti-tamper for added security.
- Stabilisers & Backstays: Essential for corners, turns, and long runs.
- Gates: Pedestrian and vehicle gates for managed access.
- Optional Add-ons: Water-filled SlotBlock bases for increased wind resistance.
🔹 Best Practice Deployment Tips
To ensure your Heras fencing is compliant, safe, and fit for purpose:
- Plan your line – Avoid long, unbroken stretches; add returns every 20–25 metres.
- Brace corners and gates – Double up feet and stabilisers.
- Highlight trip hazards – Use high-vis feet in pedestrian zones.
- Maintain sight lines – Avoid blocking steward views at junctions.
- Include rapid-release sections – For emergency egress, especially at large public events.
- Account for wind loading – Remove scrim in storms or add ballast/backstays.
🔹 Alternatives to Heras Fencing
When Heras isn’t enough, consider:
- SlotBlock bases – Water-filled, wind-tested support for public zones.
- Rapid-deployment security mesh systems – More rigid and secure than standard panels.
- Solid hoarding – Only with temporary-works engineering due to high wind resistance.
- Stage barriers – For crowd pressure points.
Typical Heras Fencing Hire Costs (UK, 2025)
- Panels: From £5–£6 per panel/week (ex. VAT), usually includes feet and couplers.
- Add-ons: Gates, backstays, and SlotBlocks vary by site and supplier.
- Minimum hire periods may apply, especially for large orders.
✅ Why Choose FESS Hire for Heras Fencing?
At FESS Hire, we offer a professional, nationwide Heras fencing hire service tailored to the events and industrial sectors. Here’s what sets us apart:
- ✔️ BSI-compliant equipment
- ✔️ Expert planning and advice
- ✔️ 24/7 availability for urgent hires
- ✔️ Prompt, nationwide delivery
- ✔️ Flexible hire periods and transparent pricing
Let us help you get it right the first time, with hassle-free fencing solutions that meet your project’s needs.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What height is standard Heras fencing?
Most panels are around 2.0 metres high, in line with BS 1722-18 standards.
Can Heras fencing be used for crowd control?
It’s suitable for light crowd segregation, but not for front-of-stage or areas with crowd pressure.
Is scrim or branding safe to attach to Heras fencing?
Only if the fencing is properly engineered for wind resistance. Otherwise, it’s a significant safety hazard.
What’s the difference between Heras and hoarding?
Heras fencing is mesh-based and allows air to pass through. Hoarding is solid, requires engineering for wind load, and is more suitable for longer-term use.
Do I need stabilisers or ballast?
Yes, especially at corners, gates, and exposed sections. Slotblock bases are recommended for windy areas or where scrim is used.
🔗 Useful Resource
For best practice in event safety and fencing standards, see the HSE Guide on Using Barriers at Events (opens in a new tab).
📞 Ready to Secure Your Event Site? Call us now
Whether you’re planning a festival, construction site, or temporary venue, FESS Hire is your trusted partner for reliable Heras fencing hire. Contact us today to discuss your requirements or request a free quote.