WELFARE FACILITIES

CDM Regulations contains specific requirements for the provision of welfare facilities on all construction sites.

Generally, everyone who works on a construction site must have access to: 

  • Sanitary accommodation
  • Washing facilities
  • Warming facilities
  • Somewhere to eat their food
  • Somewhere to store their clothes
  • Drinking water

If you are a client (but not a domestic client, i.e. you or your family live in the building under construction) then you must ensure that your contractors have arrangements to provide adequate welfare facilities for construction workers. This does not mean that you have to provide the facilities yourself. If the work is notifiable (that is lasts more than 30 days or will involve more than 500 person days of work) then you must ensure that construction work (including demolition) does not start until suitable welfare facilities are in place.

Welfare Facilities – The Options

Type of Installation Additional Notes
1a

1b

 Fixed installation: connected to mains drainage and water.

Portable water flushing units with water bowser supplies and waste storage tanks.

 Order of preference:

  • On site;
  • At a base location;
  • At a satellite compound.

NB This may include the pre-arranged use of private facilities. Permission, preferably in writing, should be obtained from the proprietor in advance of the work starting. The use of public toilets is acceptable only where it is impractical to provide or make available other facilities.
2 Portable installation on site. Consisting of chemical toilet(s), washing facilities and sufficient tables and seating.
3 Suitably designed vehicle. Consisting of chemical toilet(s), washing facilities and sufficient tables and seating.
4 Facilities, which are conveniently accessible to the worksite (includes public toilets). Use of public toilets is acceptable only where it is impractical to provide or make available other facilities.
5 Portable installation near site Incorporating a chemical toilet, washing facilities and sufficient tables and seating.