Part 3: Site safety requirements

These requirements are with respect to the health, safety and welfare of persons at work carrying out 'construction work' (as defined) and of others who may be affected by that work.

The majority of duties are of an absolute nature and form part of the relevant statutory provisions to be considered when undertaking a risk assessment.

The regulations lay down the following:

> A general duty to ensure a safe place of work and safe means of access to and egress from that place of work.

Protection against falls

> Prevention of falls from heights by physical precautions or the use of fall arrest equipment;

> Provision of precautions to prevent falls through fragile materials;

> Safe erection and use of scaffolds, access equipment, harnesses and nets under the supervision of a competent person;

> Specific criteria for using ladders.

Falling objects

> Taking steps to prevent materials or objects from falling;

> Taking precautions to protect people from being struck;

> Prohibition of throwing any materials from a height; > Storing materials and equipment safely. Work on structures

> Prevention of accidental collapse;

> Dismantling or demolition under the supervision of a competent person; > Safe use of explosives.

Excavations, cofferdams and caissons

> Prevention of collapse of ground;

> Prevention of risk from underground cables and services;

> Proper design, maintenance and construction of cofferdams and caissons.

Prevention or avoidance of drowning

> Steps to prevent people falling into water;

> Provision of personal protective and rescue equipment;

> Transport by water under control of a competent person.

Traffic routes, vehicles, doors and gates

> Ensuring safe circulation of pedestrians and vehicles;

> Provision of suitable and sufficient routes;

> Preventing unintended movement of any vehicle;

> Ensuring safe operation of vehicles;

> Ensuring safe doors and gates.

Prevention and control of emergencies

> Prevention of risk from fire, explosion, flooding and asphyxiation;

> Provision of emergency routes and exits;

> Provision of arrangements for emergencies, including site evacuation;

> Provision of fire safety equipment.

Welfare facilities

> Provision of washing and sanitary facilities, together with an adequate supply of drinking water;

> Provision of rest facilities, and facilities to change and store clothing.

Site-wide issues

> Provision of adequate ventilation at every workplace;

> Provision of a reasonable temperature at indoor workplaces;

> Provision for protection against adverse weather conditions;

> Provision of suitable and sufficient emergency lighting and routine lighting;

> Maintaining the site in good order and a reasonable state of cleanliness;

> Marking of the site perimeter;

> Ensuring all plant and equipment is safe.

Training, inspection and reports

> Ensuring construction activities where training, technical knowledge or experience is necessary are only carried out by people who meet these requirements, or are appropriately supervised;

> Before work at a height, on excavations, cofferdams or caissons begins, ensuring the workplace is inspected by a competent person;

> Following inspection, written reports are prepared by the competent