Site Management · Mandatory · Construction
Welfare Facilities Inspection Record
The Welfare Facilities Inspection Record documents regular checks of toilets, washing facilities, drinking water, rest areas, drying rooms, and changing facilities as required by Schedule 2 of CDM 2015. It ensures welfare provisions remain clean, functional, and adequate for the number of workers on site. Inspections should be carried out daily with deficiencies reported and rectified promptly.
Last reviewed: 29 March 2026 — This guide reflects UK law as of this date. CDM 2015 Sch 2 remains current with no amendments enacted as of 29 March 2026. Next scheduled review: 29 March 2027.
1. Welfare Facilities — A Legal Duty Throughout the Project
CDM 2015 Schedule 2 welfare requirements are not satisfied once at the start of a project and then forgotten. The duty is to maintain adequate facilities throughout. A site where facilities were installed and then allowed to deteriorate to an unsanitary or non-functional state is in ongoing breach of the regulations.
Inadequate welfare facilities are among the most common HSE enforcement actions in UK construction
HSE inspectors regularly find: no hot water, blocked or overflowing chemical toilets, no soap or paper towels, dirty unusable rest areas, and unlabelled drinking water. Each of these is a Schedule 2 breach and a basis for enforcement action.
2. What to Check
| Area | What to Check |
|---|---|
| WC provision | Adequate number. Functional flush. Clean pan and seat. Toilet roll stocked. Hand soap and towels/dryer. No unpleasant odour. |
| Washing facilities | Hot and cold water running. Soap dispensed. Hand drying available. Basin clean. Mirror functional. |
| Drinking water | Available and accessible. Clearly labelled if non-mains. Cups/bottles available. Fresh water confirmed. |
| Rest/canteen | Seating adequate for workforce. Table clean. Microwave/kettle functional. Heating adequate. Clean, hygienic. |
| Changing room | Adequate space. Clean condition. Coat hooks/lockers functional. |
| Heating (winter) | Adequate warmth in welfare unit — not a cold container. |
| Maintenance | Reported defects investigated and resolved or scheduled. |
| Defects found | Specific deficiency, action required, person responsible, deadline. |
3. Common Mistakes
Provided but not cleaned or maintained
A chemical toilet never emptied throughout a 10-week project is a health hazard. The inspection must confirm regular cleaning is taking place. Chemical toilets should be serviced weekly or more frequently on high-usage sites.
No hot water
Schedule 2 requires hot and cold running water. Cold water only does not meet the standard. Regular checks must confirm the heater (LPG or electric) is functional. Simply recording "washing facilities — present" without confirming hot water is an incomplete inspection.
Inadequate for actual workforce size
A single chemical toilet for 30 workers does not meet the standard (need 2 WCs with urinals, or 5 without). As the workforce grows, welfare provision must grow proportionately.
Locked or inaccessible during working hours
Locking the welfare unit or locating it beyond a locked gate does not satisfy Schedule 2. Workers must have reasonable access to welfare facilities throughout the working day.
Rest area unsuitable for eating
Schedule 2 requires rest facilities with a table and seating, protected from weather, and maintained in a hygienic condition. Eating in a delivery van or at the gate in rain does not meet the standard.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
How often should welfare facilities be inspected?▾
CDM does not specify a fixed frequency. HSE guidance states facilities must be maintained in good condition throughout the project. Weekly inspection is a minimum — more frequent checks are needed for high-usage sites. The frequency should be proportionate to usage and the risk of deterioration.
Can nearby public facilities be used instead of on-site provision?▾
Facilities must be provided on site. Using a pub or cafe is not acceptable as the primary arrangement — they are not under the PC's control and may not be accessible. For very small short-duration works, an agreement with a nearby building owner may be acceptable if documented, but this is the exception, not the standard.
Are there additional requirements for pregnant workers?▾
Yes. Schedule 2 specifically requires suitable rest facilities for pregnant workers and nursing mothers — a private, comfortable, temperature-controlled area. A standard welfare unit shared with multiple workers may not be adequate.
Is the PC or subcontractors responsible for welfare?▾
The primary duty falls on the PC. The PC must ensure adequate welfare for every person doing construction work regardless of employer. Subcontractors may provide additional facilities but this cannot discharge the PC's duty. The PC remains responsible throughout the project.
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Get started freeThis guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, regulations change and individual project circumstances vary. Construction Suite is a trading name of Xzist Digital Ltd, registered in England and Wales.