Welfare facilities on construction sites Whats required?

When the CDM2015 regulations came into force a year ago, they placed a stronger emphasis on the provision of welfare facilities on construction sites. UK Construction Online take a look at what this means for those responsible for construction projects.

Clients and contractors share the legal responsibility to provide these facilities on all sites, regardless of their size, and must provide enough facilities to cover the number of employees on site and suitable for the type of work being undertaken.

Before any construction begins on a project, the pre-construction information organised by the client should contain the arrangements for the provision of welfare facilities. On notifiable projects (those that are longer than 30 days and involve more then 20 workers on site at any one time or more than 500 person days) the client must make sure construction doesn’t begin until they are satisfied that adequate welfare facilities will be provided.

Although the size of facilities will depend on the size of the project, facilities include toilets, washing facilities, changing areas and lockers, facilities for rest, plus drinking water.

The contractors must maintain the facilities throughout the project lifecycle.

Drinking water must be provided at easily accessible spots and have cups available unless the supply is from a drinking jet.

Toilets provided must be suitable for use, ventilated, lit and kept clean and tidy. Washing facilities must be available to use immediately after using the toilet, even if they are located elsewhere.

Ideally, separate male and female facilities should be provided. If this is not possible, then lockable toilets should be provided.

Similarly, facilities for washing must be fit for purpose and maintained to the required standard. Clean hot and cold running, soap and a suitable means of drying must be provided and sinks need to be large enough for people to wash their face, hands and forearms.

Showers should be provided if the work is particularly dirty or if decontamination is needed. As with the toilet provisions, separate male and female should provided if possible.

If workers are required to wear protective clothing due to the nature of their employment, changing rooms should be provided with seating and facilities to keep clothing and personal property secure.

Rest areas need to be supplied with enough tables and seating where workers can eat and rest. There should also be boiling water available and arrangements for the preparation of meals. Heating should also be available in the event of cold weather.

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