Your winter checklist!
29th November 2019Towards the end of December many sites shut down for Christmas and New Year, however before you start enjoying that well-earned break, a few things need to be done to make sure your site is left safe and secure. Not tying up the loose ends before Christmas could leave your project in jeopardy come January, so here are a few things you can do to start getting ready for shutdown.
Check your fencing. Plenty of youths (and thieves) often try to enter empty sites, so making sure the perimeter is secure is crucial. By far the easiest way to stop trespassers hurting themselves, is to stop them entering altogether, so stable fences and working locks are key. Obscuring the site from view is also a good idea.
Check your signage. You are legally obliged to ensure that safety/ hazard signs are clearly displayed around the perimeter of the site. You must take any actions that are reasonably practicable to deter people from entering site and injuring themselves. An emergency contact number should be clearly displayed.
Secure your tools and equipment. Ensure that tools and machinery are properly secured to prevent trespassers from tampering with them or stealing them.
Prepare your security staff. For sites requiring security over the shutdown period, basic health and safety training is essential. Skeleton staff would also benefit from being trained on the operation of equipment such as temporary heaters. Keeping buildings tidy and dry over the winter break will help to avoid unnecessary slips, trips and falls.
Plan ahead. Ensure that you have pre-booked any hire machinery that you may require upon your return to site in January. Heaters are likely to be essential at this time of year, especially if you have a building that needs drying out. Book early, as heater season gets very busy! To view RVT's full range of electric heaters, oil-fired heaters and green fuel options, click here.
To make sure your site is prepared for the Christmas break, click here to download a copy of our 'Construction Christmas Shutdown Checklist'.
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