Welfare Facilities

All construction, maintenance and engineering works are subject to the requirements of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. Contained within this legislation is the duty upon the client (UCL) to ensure that the contractors have arrangements to provide adequate welfare facilities for the workforce throughout the whole project. UCL are not required to provide the welfare themselves but verify that the contractor has done so before any works commence.

Guidance

Toilets

• Flushing toilets connected to mains water and drainage systems, where reasonably practicable.
• Adequately ventilated, lit and maintained in a clean condition. Cleaning regime in place
• Adequate number of toilets provided. Usually one toilet per seven persons on site.
• Separate male/female facilities is preferred
• Adequate supplies of toilet paper etc. to be provided

Washing facilities

• Located next to toilets and changing areas. Next to rest area if far from toilets/changing room. Must include:-
• Supply of clean hot and cold, or warm running water, where reasonably practicable.
• Soap or other suitable means of cleaning
• Towels or other suitable means of drying
• Sufficient ventilation and lighting
• Sinks large enough to wash face, hands and submerge forearms in water.
• Men and women may share sinks for washing face, hands and arms
• Unisex showers can be provided within a separate, lockable room for one person
• Showers to be provided for particularly dirty work or exposure to hazardous substances on site.

Drinking water

• Supply of drinking water to be provided, preferably direct from the mains.
• Provision of cups or vessels unless provided by a drinking foundation.

Changing rooms/drying rooms

• Secure storage for personal clothing not worn on site and for any protective clothing required for work
• Separate changing areas for men and women
• Where protective clothing may contaminate everyday clothing, separate storage is required
• Provision for drying clothes must be provided where wet working conditions are anticipated
• Drying rooms to be ventilated and electrical high temperature safety cut off switch on electrical heaters

Rest areas

• Should provide shelter form wind and rain
• Adequate number of tables, seating with backs, means to heat water for drinks and warming food
• Must be adequately heated
• Must not be used as storage areas for plant, materials, or equipment.
• Smoking is not permitted anywhere on construction sites by law.