Working with the Construction Coronavirus Taskforce, the Construction Leadership Council has developed guidance to ensure the safe closure of construction sites
The guidance, ‘Advice on temporary suspension of sites’, has been developed to ensure that any construction site closures can be achieved as safely as possible, avoiding potential issues while the site is not active.
Current UK Government guidance does not require all construction sites to close.
However, it is recognised that, whether through choice or because it will not be possible to comply with the Site Operating Procedures, many sites are closing or will close temporarily.
The guidance is intended to ensure that any shutdown is safe and allows the site to recommence operations promptly after the suspension is lifted.
Each site operator should carry out their own risk assessment that considers all local factors:
- Commercial & legal issues.
- Suspension planning – Closedown plan.
- Site safety – General housekeeping, scaffolding and temporary works, stability of part-built structures, excavations, cranes, power, fire risk and services.
- Site security – Perimeter check, securing plant, equipment and materials, site security, access to site, third party access, insurance and supply chain.
- Contacts.
- Special consideration for environmental issues – river, coast and reservoir issues, water-related risks (including over-pumping and dewatering activities), waste management related risks and ecology-related risks.
- Guidance on hired plant and equipment.
You can access the full ‘Advice on temporary suspension of sites’ guidance here.
Coronavirus cases
According to the latest figures from public health authorities, there have been 19,522 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and 1,228 deaths.
The actual number of people with the respiratory infection in the country is estimated to be much higher.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who recently tested positive for COVID-19, has written to all UK households saying the crisis will get worse before it gets better.
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries warned it could be up to six months before life returns to “normal”.
