Toolbox Talk

Welfare Facilities, including Personal Hygiene

Purpose / objectives
This talk covers the factors that will determine whether site welfare facilities are adequate
and the importance of practicing good personal hygiene

Hazards / risks
Adequate welfare facilities are a legal requirement under various pieces of legislation and
should be provided on all work sites

Adequate toilets, washbasins, drying rooms and rest areas are essential for the wellbeing
of everyone on site

General welfare
1. Toilets, washbasins, drying spaces and rest areas must be adequate in relation to
the number of people on site. Showers may also have to be provided on some
projects.

2. Toilets and washbasins must be properly maintained and kept clean.

3. Hot (or warm) and cold running water must be provided.

4. Soap and a way of drying your hands must be provided.

5. If you need to change out of “street” clothes, a changing area must be provided
with storage for your “street” clothes

6. Suitable areas should be provided for drying wet clothes

7. Seats with back support should be provided in rest areas

8. Plant, equipment, tools or materials should not be stored in designated welfare

areas

Welfare facilities should not be vandalized, covered in graffiti or dirty – leave them as
you like to find them.

Employees’
You should only consume food in authorised areas.
responsibility
Tell your supervisor if you are aware that welfare facilities are being deliberately
damaged or otherwise misused.

Acorn Health & Safety Ltd

Version: 01/2017
TBT13
 Larger sites may provide hot or cold food as part of their welfare arrangements.

Anyone preparing food for others must be trained and observe good standards of
personal hygiene.

Food All food must be stored, handled and prepared in hygienic conditions.
safety
Where a cooker or microwave oven is provided for you to prepare your own food,
ensure the food is thoroughly cooked – undercooked food can result in food poisoning.

Dispose of food waste properly in designated areas to help discourage rats or other
vermin.

Personal hygiene helps to maintain health and prevent ill health.

Washing frequently ensures bacteria and other infectious matter is removed which
helps to prevent infection or spreading of material which may cause illness.

Washing yourself and your clothing frequently also helps to prevent prolonged exposure
to, or the spreading of, substances which may be health hazards such as chemicals,
pesticides, or lead.
Personal
hygiene You should always wash your hands:

 After using the toilet

 Before making or eating food
 After handling dogs or other animals
 If you have been around someone who is coughing or has a cold.

Minor scrapes and scratches should be cleaned and kept covered at work to prevent
infection through broken skin, or open wounds.

Questions?
 What changing areas are available on this site?

 What are your responsibilities with respect to welfare facilities?

 What should you do if you see a toilet block being vandalised?

 How can rats be a danger to your health?

 Why should you only consume food in designated areas?

Acorn Health & Safety Ltd

Version: 01/2017 TBT13