How to arrange project-specific site welfare facilities

Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM), you have a legal duty to ensure that basic welfare facilities are available to every worker on your site from the moment work begins until the project is completed. Failing to provide these is not just a matter of poor morale; it is a breach of health and safety law that can lead to site closures or fines from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The Four Pillars of Site Welfare

To remain compliant, you must provide the following four categories of facilities on every project, regardless of size:

• Sanitary Conveniences: Toilets must be adequate for the number of people on site. They should be ventilated, lit, and kept in a clean condition. While flushing toilets connected to mains drainage are preferred, chemical toilets (portaloos) are acceptable where mains access is impossible.
• Washing Facilities: These must be located next to toilets and changing rooms. They must include basins large enough to wash hands and forearms, soap (or other cleaning agents), towels (or dryers), and—crucially—both hot and cold (or warm) running water.
• Drinking Water: You must provide an wholesome supply of drinking water that is readily accessible and marked with a sign if necessary. You must also provide cups unless the water is from a drinking fountain.
• Rest Facilities: Workers need a sheltered area to sit, eat, and drink. This area should include tables, seating with backs, and a way to heat food or water (like a kettle and microwave). In winter, this space must be heated.

Sourcing Your Facilities

Depending on the scale of your project, you have three main options for sourcing these facilities:

Option	Best For...	Key Consideration
Portable Hire	Short-term projects or sites with no services.	Requires a regular cleaning/emptying contract.
Mobile Welfare Units	Medium-to-large projects.	Includes a generator, toilet, and canteen in one towable unit.
Client Facilities	Small domestic renovations.	Requires a written agreement and must be kept clean.

Using Client Facilities in Domestic Homes

If you are working on a domestic property (like a kitchen extension), it is common to use the homeowner’s toilet and water. However, you cannot simply assume this is okay. You must have a formal agreement in place—this can be a simple clause in your contract or a signed letter.

If the client’s facilities are not up to standard (e.g., they have no hot water) or if the client refuses access, you must hire in a portable unit. You should also ensure there is a clear plan for keeping the client's bathroom clean to maintain professional standards.

Top Tip: Always factor the cost of welfare hire into your initial project quote. It is a non-negotiable business expense, not an optional extra.

Maintenance and Hygiene

Setting up the facilities is only half the task; you must also ensure they are maintained. Assign a specific person to check the "consumables" (toilet roll, soap, milk, water) and ensure a cleaning schedule is in place. A dirty site cabin is a major cause of friction between contractors and subcontractors, so keep it tidy to keep the project running smoothly.