What is plant in construction?

When it comes to the term plant, the meaning in construction is much different to the greenery you’d usually associate this word with!

So, what does plant mean in construction? We’ll tell you everything about construction plant, and its significance in the construction industry.

Understanding plant in construction

When professionals in the construction industry mention ‘plant,’ they’re not referring to nature. So what is ‘plant’ in construction?

Construction ‘plant’ is a set of essential machinery, equipment, and vehicles used in construction processes.

Plant in construction incorporates a wide range of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic tools. All of which are vital for different construction tasks.

Smaller construction plant

Remember, plant refers to all of the tools and equipment needed (and used) to carry out construction work.

That means that plant equipment can include smaller tools like:

• Hammers
• Drills
• Saws
• Nail guns

These smaller tools are important for all sorts of building and fixing jobs.

You’d just pick the right tool based on what the job requires, and what it is you’d be working on.

Other types of construction plant

Using plant in construction can also relate to larger machinery.

This includes the following:

• Excavators
• Cranes
• Concrete mixers

The meaning of plant can also refer to support system construction. But what is this plant meaning in construction?

Well, it can relate to support system construction.

This includes lighting equipment and power distribution units. And both are necessary for construction jobs.

So what does plant mean in construction?

Much like a construction phase plan, a construction plant is important for carrying out different tasks efficiently. But it’s also needed for improving safety, precision, and productivity.

These are the different factors considered when using plant:

Diversity

Plant covers a big family of machines and tools. This includes everything from large equipment, like bulldozers and graders, to concrete cutters and welders.

When starting a construction company, pick the equipment you need based on what your construction job requires.

Mobility

Many machines and tools are mobile, meaning they can be transported to different job sites. This is great because it means construction companies don’t have to keep buying new equipment for different projects.

Instead, plant machinery can be reused, reducing costs and saving time.

Cost considerations

Buying, taking care of, and using construction plant can be costly for a business. But remember, these business expenses are needed to make sure your projects run smoothly.

So, plant costs should be considered at all times. And it’s essential to carefully plan and manage the use and upkeep of your assets.

Doing this keeps your projects within budget and avoids high costs that could’ve been easily avoided.

Safety

Most tradespeople will deal with different types of construction plant every day.

So, training is essential to operate machinery properly and safely. This helps to reduce the risk of accidents.

Training should be given to anyone working on a construction project. Whether that’s an employee or a trainee construction apprentice.

The importance of getting the right insurance

Construction plant is vital to a construction company’s ability to work effectively.

And that’s why it’s important to take out construction insurance.

Think of it this way, people insure their car as soon as it’s legally theirs. So why wouldn’t they insure their tools or machinery?

After all, plant helps a business carry out jobs properly.

Therefore, a company will have to list construction plant machinery when they take out insurance. This will ensure this important equipment is covered for damage or theft.

Public liability insurance is also crucial

Public liability insurance will also need to be taken out by a construction business if they deal with members of the public.

This is to cover legal fees if the company’s plant was to malfunction and cause injury, or a dangerous hazard.

How to protect your business assets on-site

A lot of money is put into supplying construction plant, no matter how big or small the equipment is.

So, construction site security should always be considered, and implemented, by construction companies.

Different security measures for construction plant

Security measures used to protect tools and machinery will differ. This is based on the size, location, and nature of a company’s construction project. So, those working in this industry will have to constantly adapt their security strategy to consider evolving risks.

For example, if a construction project is based in a high-risk theft area, extra security measures will be needed. This is to protect construction plant when workers have left the project, especially when no one’s around.

Because keeping an eye on this important equipment can avoid theft and the problems that come with this.