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bigpub  
#1 Posted : 29 January 2014 09:37:58(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
bigpub

What is considered to be a 'reasonable' distance to get to welfare i.e toilets on construction projects? I have looked at BS 6465 but this isn't very helpful from what i can see. Before you answer, can you back this up with hard evidence or give policies on what different companies state. Much apprecaited in some opinions also. For example I reckon 400m is ok
Joebaxil  
#2 Posted : 29 January 2014 10:29:07(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Joebaxil

bigpub

opinion only and previous experience sorry but here goes

400 meters , 3 or 400 men on site will without doubt promote urinating and worse on site. I had several non UK subbies on site and when challenged with discipline even their senior managers could not understand why the "taboo" over here ?

It is a fact that some cultures do not find urinating on site an issue coupled with this the reasonable amount of times that they should be allowed comfort breaks and then all hell breaks loose when the lost time is calculated ?

PC should always consider this , but hey if they don't want to carry out a simple cost benefit analysis then that's fine live with the downtime / program time issue. We looked at the urinating type solutions they use at festivals and events as such. Not ideal but promotes using them against the use of any dark corners ? This gets me very irate , if we keep treating the workers like animals what do or should we expect in return ?

I would not be happy if I knew that the workers in this situation had to travel that distance to relieve themselves and quite simply could do without the discipline element by simply putting in place a more simple control measure early doors.

a simple cost v time and if happy with the lose of time then fine. However I do not think the sub-contractor senior management would see it this way , result time & effort wasted by everyone.

Joe
firesafety101  
#3 Posted : 29 January 2014 12:41:36(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101

IMO there is no reason for not putting in temporary toilets/canteen anywhere on site, they are very portable and as long as the toilets can be serviced regularly any PC not providing suitable welfare facilities should be ashamed of themselves and reported to HSE who are very keen on this issue.

bob youel  
#4 Posted : 30 January 2014 07:41:36(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bob youel



Please do not be offended but I genuinely believe that if a person thinks that 400m is OK for welfare facilities then they are in the wrong profession



Joebaxil  
#5 Posted : 30 January 2014 08:01:50(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Joebaxil


Sorry guys

May have sounded like we were looking at other options because there was no welfare , the frustrating thing was in our example the PC did lay on welfare which to be fair were top notch really good.

But just short of 200 meters and still caused the issues. my grieve is the lack of thought at site set stage.

Joe
RayRapp  
#6 Posted : 30 January 2014 08:11:17(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp

Before we get too high and mighty about this, I think it very much depends on the nature of the work and the environment which the work is being undertaken. The CDM Regs ACoP, which is the only authoritative guidance I am aware of states that 'suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences shall be provided at readily accessible places.' That is open to interpretation.

Transient personnel have a particular problem as do other trades. Even in my own industry (railways) you cannot just plonk down some welfare facilities wherever you choose. So like most things in life it requires a some planning and empathy for those out in the field.
sutty  
#7 Posted : 30 January 2014 11:24:17(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
sutty

If I had to walk 400m to go to the loo i would be non to happy and would make sure the journey and pee-time took quite a while. 15mins maybe? 4 of those a day and you have lost an hour.

I think the key element of the original post was "toilets on construction projects".

This intimates that the works are not going to be short duration and as such welfare should be close to hand. Portaloos and welfare vans are such an easy option this shouldn't even be debated.
SP900308  
#8 Posted : 30 January 2014 11:36:17(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
SP900308

Bigpub, you wouldn't think 400m reasonable after a previous night's tindaloo!

If the workforce feel like they 'are as important as the end product', they may be more willing to 'put in their best'.

Simon
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