Site Office and Welfare for a Self-Build — What You Need by Law (SHWW 2013)
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Site welfare is mandatory under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 (SI 291/2013). The minimum requirements: a toilet, washing facilities, drinking water, a place to dry clothes, and a sheltered area for breaks. For a self-build, the cheapest compliant setup is a chemical toilet hire plus a small welfare cabin, €150–€300/month. The PSCS (Project Supervisor Construction Stage) is responsible for welfare on site. If you're acting as PSCS yourself (common on direct-labour builds), it's your duty. If a main contractor is PSCS, it's theirs. Inspectors from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) can visit any site and issue improvement notices or closure orders for non-compliance.
TL;DR
Site welfare is mandatory under the SHWW (Construction) Regulations 2013. Toilet, washing facilities, drinking water, a place to dry clothes, and a sheltered area for breaks.
For a self-build, a chemical toilet hire + a small welfare cabin is the cheapest compliant setup. €150–€300/month.
PSCS (Project Supervisor Construction Stage) is responsible for welfare on site. If you're acting as PSCS yourself, it's your duty.
When this matters most
You're at the pre-construction phase and need to plan site setup.
When this doesn't apply
Your build is finished.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a site office for a self-build?
Not strictly, but you do need welfare facilities (toilet, washing, drinking water, dry room, sheltered area). A welfare cabin provides all of these for €150–€300/month.
What is a PSCS?
Project Supervisor Construction Stage. Required by the SHWW (Construction) Regulations 2013. Responsible for safety and welfare on site during the build. Must be appointed before construction starts.
Can I be my own PSCS?
Yes, on a self-build. You take on the duty. Most main contractors will require you to appoint a professional PSCS if you are direct-labour building.
Sources
Health and Safety Authority, Construction Regulations 2013 and PSCS / PSDP duties. https://www.hsa.ie/
Irish Statute Book, Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 (SI 291/2013). https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a site office for a self-build?
Not strictly, but you do need welfare facilities (toilet, washing, drinking water, dry room, sheltered area). A welfare cabin provides all of these for €150–€300/month.
What is a PSCS?
Project Supervisor Construction Stage. Required by the SHWW (Construction) Regulations 2013. Responsible for safety and welfare on site during the build. Must be appointed before construction starts.
Can I be my own PSCS?
Yes, on a self-build. You take on the duty. Most main contractors will require you to appoint a professional PSCS if you are direct-labour building.