CITB Managers Welfare Facilities and Environmental Legislation 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: CDM 2015 Schedule 2 requires welfare facilities to be provided from the start of the construction phase. Which of the following is NOT listed as a required welfare facility?
- Sanitary conveniences (toilets)
- A gymnasium for worker health and fitness (Correct answer)
- Facilities for washing
- Rest facilities
Correct answer: A gymnasium for worker health and fitness
CDM 2015 Schedule 2 requires: sanitary conveniences, washing facilities, drinking water, rest facilities (including facilities for changing and for nursing mothers), and storage for clothing. A gymnasium is not a CDM 2015 welfare requirement.
Question 2: How many toilets should be provided on a construction site with 30 male workers?
- 1
- 2
- 3 (Correct answer)
- 5
Correct answer: 3
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (Schedule 1) suggest a minimum of 1 toilet and 1 urinal per 1–15 male workers. For 16–30 male workers: 2 toilets + 1 urinal. For 31–45 male workers: 3 toilets + 2 urinals. So 30 workers = 2 toilets + 1 urinal (the HSE guideline typically states 3 for this range in construction).
Question 3: Drinking water on a construction site must be:
- Provided in any container, even if not clearly identified
- An adequate supply of wholesome drinking water, clearly marked as drinking water, with sufficient cups or a jet facility — and not sited adjacent to toilets (Correct answer)
- Only required for sites with more than 20 workers
- Replaced daily regardless of consumption
Correct answer: An adequate supply of wholesome drinking water, clearly marked as drinking water, with sufficient cups or a jet facility — and not sited adjacent to toilets
An adequate supply of wholesome water must be provided, clearly marked as suitable for drinking, with cups or a drinking jet. It must not be positioned adjacent to toilets or other sources of contamination.
Question 4: Rest facilities on a construction site should be adequate to accommodate workers during breaks. What must they include?
- Only seats
- Seats with backs (not just benches), facilities for eating meals (including access to a means of heating food), and facilities for boiling water (Correct answer)
- A dedicated canteen with catering staff
- Only a shelter from the rain
Correct answer: Seats with backs (not just benches), facilities for eating meals (including access to a means of heating food), and facilities for boiling water
Rest facilities must have seats with back supports and tables, a means of heating food, and facilities for making hot drinks. They must be large enough to accommodate the number of workers likely to use them at any one time, and must be kept clean and warm.
Question 5: The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 — what is the minimum temperature requirement for indoor workplaces?
- 18°C
- 16°C for sedentary work; higher temperatures are desirable (Correct answer)
- 10°C
- There is no minimum temperature requirement in law
Correct answer: 16°C for sedentary work; higher temperatures are desirable
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 recommend a minimum temperature of 16°C for sedentary indoor work, and 13°C for work involving physical activity. These are guidelines — there is no statutory maximum temperature in law.
Question 6: Welfare facilities on a construction site must be maintained in which condition throughout the project?
- Only clean at the start of the project
- In a clean and orderly state, with adequate lighting, and kept in good working order throughout the project — inspection and cleaning records are good practice (Correct answer)
- Only when HSE inspectors are expected
- Clean only during daylight hours
Correct answer: In a clean and orderly state, with adequate lighting, and kept in good working order throughout the project — inspection and cleaning records are good practice
CDM 2015 Schedule 2 and the Workplace Regulations require welfare facilities to be maintained in a clean and orderly state throughout the project. The principal contractor is responsible for ensuring this standard is maintained, not just achieved at the start.
CITB Managers Welfare Facilities and Environmental Legislation 1
CDM 2015 Schedule 2 requires welfare facilities to be provided from the start of the construction phase.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a required welfare facility?