SSSTS Welfare Facilities Management 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under CDM 2015 Schedule 2, which welfare facilities must be provided on every construction site?
- Sanitary conveniences, washing facilities with hot and cold water, drinking water, rest facilities with means to heat food, and changing and clothing storage facilities (Correct answer)
- Only portable toilets
- Only a cold water standpipe
- Only a rest cabin with seating
Correct answer: Sanitary conveniences, washing facilities with hot and cold water, drinking water, rest facilities with means to heat food, and changing and clothing storage facilities
CDM 2015 Schedule 2 requires: adequate toilets; washing facilities with running hot and cold water, soap and drying means; an adequate supply of drinking water; rest facilities where workers can eat and where food can be heated; and changing and clothing storage facilities.
Question 2: What is the minimum number of toilets required based on the number of workers on a construction site according to HSE guidance?
- 1 toilet for up to 5 workers, increasing proportionally; for example, 2 toilets for up to 25 workers, 3 for up to 45 workers (Correct answer)
- 1 toilet for any number of workers
- 1 toilet per 50 workers
- No specific ratio — this is left to the contractor's judgement
Correct answer: 1 toilet for up to 5 workers, increasing proportionally; for example, 2 toilets for up to 25 workers, 3 for up to 45 workers
HSE guidance specifies minimum numbers: 1 toilet and 1 washbasin for 1-5 workers; 2 of each for up to 25; 3 for up to 45; 4 for up to 65; and so on. Adequate provision depends on the number of workers and the layout of the site.
Question 3: How often should welfare facilities on a construction site be cleaned?
- Regularly — at minimum once per day, and more frequently on sites with large workforces (Correct answer)
- Once per week
- Only when complaints are received
- Only at the start and end of the project
Correct answer: Regularly — at minimum once per day, and more frequently on sites with large workforces
Welfare facilities must be kept clean and in good working order. Daily cleaning is the minimum standard, with more frequent cleaning required on larger sites. The Principal Contractor (through supervisors) is responsible for ensuring this standard is maintained.
Question 4: What is the supervisor's role in managing welfare facilities on a construction site?
- To monitor the condition of facilities, ensure they are clean, adequately stocked and in good repair, and report deficiencies for prompt remedy (Correct answer)
- To personally clean the welfare facilities each morning
- To report welfare facility issues only to the client
- Welfare facilities are the worker's responsibility to maintain
Correct answer: To monitor the condition of facilities, ensure they are clean, adequately stocked and in good repair, and report deficiencies for prompt remedy
Supervisors must regularly check welfare facilities are clean, properly stocked (soap, paper towels, toilet paper, drinking cups), in good working order and accessible. Deficiencies must be reported and remedied promptly. Adequate welfare provision is a legal requirement.
Question 5: What specific welfare provision is required for female workers on a construction site?
- Separate sanitary facilities for male and female workers where the workforce is mixed, with provision for sanitary disposal (Correct answer)
- Female workers can share all facilities with male workers without any distinction
- Separate facilities are only required if more than 10 female workers are on site
- Separate facilities are only required on permanent construction sites, not temporary ones
Correct answer: Separate sanitary facilities for male and female workers where the workforce is mixed, with provision for sanitary disposal
CDM 2015 requires separate facilities for male and female workers, or facilities that can be secured from inside, where both sexes are working on site. Suitable provision for the disposal of sanitary products must also be made for female workers.
Question 6: What is the minimum required temperature for washing water provided at welfare facilities on a construction site?
- Hot and cold running water must be provided — hot water must be available from the supply (Correct answer)
- Cold water only is acceptable
- Water must be at exactly 37°C
- Water temperature is not specified in CDM 2015
Correct answer: Hot and cold running water must be provided — hot water must be available from the supply
CDM 2015 Schedule 2 requires washing facilities to have running hot and cold water. Workers must be able to wash their hands, face and forearms in warm water, which is particularly important where workers are exposed to hazardous substances such as cement or solvents.
SSSTS Welfare Facilities Management 1
Under CDM 2015 Schedule 2, which welfare facilities must be provided on every construction site?