Welfare Requirements

Welfare Requirements

1. Drinking Water

   • Wholesome, potable (safe to drink)
   • Adequate supply
   • Preferably running water from public water supply
   • Easily accessible to all
   • Free from contamination
   • Means for drinking e.g. clean, washable cups

2. Sanitary conveniences & washing facilities

   • Adequate numbers
   • Where possible, separate for men and women, or rooms with lockable doors
   • Clean facilities (tiled floor and walls for ease of cleaning)
   • Supply of toilet paper
   • Well lit and ventilated
   • Hot and cold running water
   • Soap or other washing agents
   • Basins large enough to wash hands and forearms
   • Means for drying (paper towels, hot air dryer)
   • Showers for dirty work
   • Should not introduce other hazards (legionella, dermatitis from soap)
   • Flushing toilets where possible

3. Clothing & changing facilities

   • Provide changing rooms if work requires employee to change into specialist clothing (uniforms, overalls)
   • Must be big enough for number of employees using them
   • Be readily accessible
   • Contain, or lead directly to, clothing storage and washing facilities
   • Ensure privacy of users
   • Separate facilities for men and women, or used at different times
   • Separate storage for clean and contaminated clothing
     • Allows wet clothing to be hung to dry
     • Well ventilated

4. Resting & eating facilities

   • Suitable and sufficient, readily available resting facilities
   • Provided with seats
     • Enough seats with backrests and tables for no. people
   • In a place where PPE is not required
   • Work areas can be rest/eating areas if clean (office desk)
   • Facilities to eat meals should be provided
   • Facilities for preparing or obtaining a hot drink
   • Where hot food cannot be obtained, microwave may be necessary (also fridge for food storage)
   • Facilities for pregnant and nursing mothers

5. May wish to consider first aid provision

   • adequate no (1:25)
   • dependant on hazards
   • distance from emergency services
   • suitably trained first aiders

6. Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992