Site Management · Mandatory · Construction

Visitor Induction Form

The Visitor Induction Form provides a shortened safety briefing for non-construction visitors such as clients, consultants, and inspectors attending site. It covers essential information including PPE requirements, emergency assembly points, site hazards, and escort requirements. Visitors must sign the form before entering the working area and be accompanied by an inducted person at all times.

Last reviewed: 29 March 2026 — This guide reflects UK law as of this date. CDM 2015 / MHSWR remains current with no amendments enacted as of 29 March 2026. Next scheduled review: 29 March 2027.

1. Visitor Safety — The Duty to Protect Non-Workers

Every person on a construction site is protected by HSWA 1974 Section 3. The PC must ensure the site is managed in a way that does not endanger anyone, including visitors. The visitor induction is a condensed version of the worker induction — covering emergency procedure and muster point, PPE requirements, access areas, escort requirements, and how to raise the alarm.

Keep a visitor PPE kit at the site office entrance — do not send visitors away for non-compliance

Visitors frequently arrive without safety boots or hi-vis. Maintain stock of spare hi-vis vests, spare hard hats, and disposable boot covers for formal footwear. This costs very little and removes the most common visitor PPE barrier.

2. Visitor Induction Form — Content

Field	Content
Visitor details	Full name, company, purpose of visit.
Host/escort	Named site person escorting. Contact number.
Date and time	Arrival time. Departure time confirmed on exit.
Areas to be visited	Specific areas confirmed — outside these areas not permitted without escort.
PPE issued	PPE provided (hat, vest, boot covers). Visitor's own PPE confirmed.
Emergency procedure	Muster point location. Fire alarm signal. Evacuation route.
Key hazards	Specific hazards in areas to be visited.
Visitor signature	Confirms receipt of briefing and agrees to comply.
Exit confirmation	Time and confirmation of departure.

3. Common Mistakes

Allowing clients or senior stakeholders to bypass the induction

There is no hierarchy of visitors for safety purposes. The client, the PC director, and the HSE inspector all receive the same induction and PPE requirements.

No record of visitor departure

The departure time must be recorded for emergency roll-call. Without it, there is uncertainty whether a 3pm visitor is still on site at the 4pm alarm.

No escort for visitors in active construction areas

The induction is not a licence for self-guided tours. A named escort must accompany visitors throughout active areas.

Not maintaining visitor PPE in adequate condition

Cracked hard hat shells and faded dirty vests must be inspected and replaced. Hard hats typically have a 5-year shelf life from manufacture.

Visitor forms not available for emergency roll-call

Visitor forms must be in the same accessible location as the induction register and attendance register. If a visitor arrives at 2pm and the fire alarm sounds at 2:30pm, the site must be able to confirm the visitor at the muster point.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Does an HSE inspector need to complete a visitor induction?▾

An HSE inspector has a statutory right of entry under HSWA 1974 s.20 and cannot be required to complete the form. However, the PC can request a brief wait for an escort, provide essential safety information, and offer PPE. Requesting the form from an HSE inspector is unlikely to be well-received, but a brief safety briefing is appropriate.

What PPE must a visitor wear?▾

Minimum: hard hat (EN 397), hi-vis (minimum Class 2 EN ISO 20471), safety footwear (EN ISO 20345 S1 minimum). Additional PPE may be required in specific areas. Visitors unable to wear safety footwear should be restricted to areas segregated from active work, or provided with slip-over boot covers.

Can a health and safety professional skip the induction?▾

No. They do not know this site's specific procedures, muster point, hazard locations, or PTW requirements. The induction is site-specific, not a test of general health and safety knowledge. A professional will likely want to receive it as part of their assessment.

How long should visitor records be kept?▾

Minimum 3 years after the construction phase. If the visitor was present during an incident, retain indefinitely. If exposed to long-latency hazards (for example an asbestos survey visit), retain for 40 years.

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