Welfare Facilities Standards

Welfare facilities are a legal requirement on every construction site, no matter how small or temporary.
The CDM Regulations 2015 Schedule 2 sets minimum standards for toilets, washing, rest areas, and drinking water.
Adequate toilet provision means at least one toilet per seven workers, kept clean and maintained daily.
Hot and cold running water with soap and towels must be provided for hand washing at all times.
A heated rest area with seating, tables, and facilities to warm food must be available for all workers.
Clean drinking water must be available, clearly labelled, and separate from water not suitable for drinking.
Drying rooms or facilities for wet clothing should be provided, especially during autumn and winter months.
Welfare facilities must be accessible, well-lit, and located within a reasonable distance of the work areas.
The site manager is responsible for ensuring welfare is maintained, cleaned, and stocked throughout the project.
Workers must treat welfare facilities with respect — damage and poor hygiene affect everyone on site.

Your basic rights	Clean toilets, hot water, rest areas, and drinking water are legal requirements — not optional extras.
Health protection	Proper hand washing prevents the spread of illness; eating in clean areas reduces ingestion of harmful substances.
Legal compliance	CDM 2015 Schedule 2 is specific about welfare standards; sites without proper facilities face enforcement action.

Do

Don't

Use the welfare facilities provided — wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Report any broken, unclean, or poorly stocked facilities to the site manager promptly.
Use the designated rest area for breaks — do not eat in the work area.
Drink only from labelled drinking water supplies provided on site.
Change out of contaminated clothing before using the rest area or canteen.
Keep toilets and washing areas clean and tidy for the next person.
Use the drying room to dry wet clothing rather than wearing damp PPE all day.
Ensure welfare facilities are locked and secure at the end of each shift.
Report any issues with heating, lighting, or ventilation in welfare units.
Respect the facilities — they are shared by everyone on site.

DON'T eat, drink, or smoke in the work area where dust or chemicals may be present.
DON'T ignore dirty or damaged welfare facilities — report them immediately.
DON'T use work areas or vehicles as rest areas during breaks.
DON'T drink from unmarked water sources — they may not be suitable for drinking.
DON'T enter the rest area in heavily contaminated clothing or muddy boots.
DON'T leave toilets or washing areas in an unclean state for others.
DON'T wear wet or damp clothing all day — use the drying facilities provided.
DON'T damage, vandalise, or abuse the welfare facilities on site.
DON'T block fire exits or access routes around welfare accommodation units.
DON'T accept substandard welfare — you have a legal right to proper facilities.

See also: Toilet & Washing Provision | Drinking Water & Rest Areas

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