Whether you’re running an event or you are working on a construction site, there are laws in place when it comes to site welfare. With clear legislation set out by the Government, it’s important that sites comply with it in order to avoid a possible fine. In its simplest form, it states that contractors need to provide site welfare facilities and clients need to ensure it happens.

It starts in the planning phase where the client is required to include arrangements for welfare provision. Any project which is scheduled to take longer than 30 days or have more than 500 people on site, is not permitted to begin until arrangements for welfare facilities are firmly in place. It’s also required that contractors maintain the welfare facilities throughout the entire lifespan of the project. So, whilst the scope and details of the project may differ, one thing that doesn’t is the need for site welfare facilities.

The facilities include everything from toilets and washing facilities, to ensuring there are enough facilities for rest as well as changing rooms and lockers. Contractors may also be expected to arrange for drinking water to be provided before the project gets underway.

The Details

Everyone who is working on the site, or in the case of an event is attending the site, must be provided with access to toilet and washing facilities, as well as being given plenty of space for preparing and consuming any refreshments they may have. On construction projects, it’s also important that workers are given somewhere to store clothing and protective equipment. In some cases, such as road repair and cable laying, the work may be carried out by mobile teams. In these instances, the facilities can be provided to the workers at a central location that’s accessible within a reasonable amount of time.

Toilets and Washing Facilities

Toilets are required to be both sufficient and suitable. They must also be ventilated and well lit. It’s also important to ensure they are kept in a clean condition. Toilets must also be located close to a washing facility, so that workers can immediately wash after using the toilet.

As far as the washing facilities go, they will need to provide visitors or workers with running water that’s both clean as well as hot and cold. Washing facilities must also include soap and a suitable means of drying. If the work is regarded to be particularly dirty, or workers need to decontaminate at the end of the working day, then showers must also be provided.

Drinking Water

Suitable places must be sourced to provide readily available drinking water, and unless the supply is in a jet form that can be drank from easily, cups are also required.

Changing Rooms

Within the construction industry, plenty of sites will need changing rooms. This is because there are instances where workers will need to wear special clothing in order to carry out their tasks. Workers cannot be expected to simply change on the site, so it’s important that provisions are made for adequate changing facilities. In most cases, the changing facilities will also need to come with lockers. These enable workers to keep all of their personal effects secure whilst they’re on site. All changing rooms must also have seating and a means of drying.

Rest Facilities

Finally, a key component of site welfare is rest facilities. These rooms or areas need to have tables and backed seating, which is sufficient for the number of people who are likely to be using them at any given time. There should also be adequate space for meals to be prepared and a way for those using the facilities to boil water. If the project is taking place during a time of year where temperatures are expected to be low, heating will need to be provided.

At SRP Hire Solutions, we have a wide range of site welfare units that will cater for your needs irrespective of the job you’re working on. Contact us today to discuss your requirements, we’ll be more than happy to help.